How To Select an Adoption Agency

An adoption agency plays a central role in the majority of adoptions. Whether you are looking to place a child for adoption or adopt a child into your family, the qualities that you must look for in a good agency are the same. For the process to go smoothly, it is vital that you choose the best agency for your situation. Here's how to select an adoption agency:

1. Do they handle the type of adoption you desire? Some adoption agencies specialize in open or closed adoptions, while others specifically handle international adoptions, sometimes even from a specific country. Confirm that the agency is licensed in your state. An adoption agency must have Hague Accreditation to provide international adoption services.
2. Has the adoption agency been recommended? If you are active on any adoption discussion forums or message boards, look for recommendations of adoption agencies that others have found easy to work with. Networking with other parents involved in adoptions is invaluable. On the other hand, also watch out for any complaints. Don't forget to check with the state licensing agency or Better Business Bureau before selecting an adoption agency.
3. Does the agency have any affiliations? Is the adoption agency a church affiliated group? If so, does this meet your needs? Look for an agency with ties to reputable adoption-related groups. An adoption agency that has been around for several years is also a good choice.
4. What kind of support does the agency offer? Look for an adoption agency offering, or even requiring support services such as counseling for both the birth mother and the adoptive parents. Make sure the agency goes over all your options, not just the ones that they offer.
5. What are the adoption matching policies? Ask about the screening process for potential adoptive families. Does the agency encourage matching between birth and adoptive families living nearby for easy visiting in the case of an open adoption? How much say does the birth mother have in selecting a family for their child? Most reputable adoption agencies will ask adoptive families about the desired race of the child only as one of the last questions asked, if at all.
6. Is the fee agreement clearly explained? Avoid an adoption agency with open-ended, unexplained fees. How are the mother's expenses covered? Will the agency pay these, or will you be responsible for them? The agency should be able to provide a good estimate of the total adoption costs before you agree to work with them. You don't want any last-minute surprises that will dramatically increase the cost of the adoption. Also ask about the refund policy in case the adoption does not work out.
7. Watch out for red flags. Avoid any adoption agency willing to badmouth other agencies, as well as any agency that says they can guarantee you a child or bend some rules for you.

Your comfort with the adoption process is often determined by the level of guidance and assistance offered by the adoption agency you select. The agency is critical in determining how smoothly the adoption process goes. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions when selecting an adoption agency. Ask what they will and will not do for you, and make sure that they can meet your specific needs. Investing the time and energy to choose the right adoption agency will improve the chances that the adoption will be successful.