When you’re considering adoption, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is which adoption agency to work with. An experienced and reputable adoption agency can provide invaluable support as you go through the process. But how do you choose? Here are some questions to ask before making your decision.
What are the agency’s fees?
Be sure to ask about all fees associated with working with the agency, including application fees, home study fees, and placement fees. The agency should be up-front about what these fees are and what they cover.
The fees during adoption are those expenses that are paid to the adoption professionals and include agency fees, attorney fees, court costs, and other associated expenses. For example, fees for international adoptions are higher than for domestic adoptions.
A good agency will also work with families to create a payment plan that meets their needs. A payment plan includes not only the fees that need to be paid upfront but also the monthly fees that will be charged throughout the adoption process. This payment plan will outline the expected total cost of the adoption.
Are you licensed?
All adoption agencies in the United States must be licensed by the state in which they operate. Ask the agency for their license number and confirm that it is valid with your state licensing authority. You can also check the agency’s accreditation status.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has a database of accredited businesses, which includes many adoption agencies. You can search for an adoption agency on BBB’s website. Also, you need to pay attention to whether an agency is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA). COA is a nonprofit, child-welfare accrediting organization that reviews agencies against 400 standards of excellence.
Moreover, adoptive parents have the right to ask for an agency's state license. They should provide the number and expiration date of the license.
What is your waiting time?
Each adoption agency has its own waiting list of families who are interested in adopting a child. Ask the agency how long their current wait time is for prospective adoptive parents. It’s important to be realistic about how long you may have to wait for a child.
Some agencies will tell you that they have a child for you “when you’re ready.” This may be true, but it is important to ask the agency how many families are on their waiting list and how many children they currently have in their care. A good adoption agency will tell future parents how many families are on their waitlist, how many children they have in their care, and what the average waiting time is.
During this waiting time, adoptive parents will complete the home study and all other necessary paperwork.
What kind of services does the agency offer?
Not all agencies provide the same services. Be sure to ask about the types of adoptions the agency facilitates, as well as any other services they offer, such as counseling or post-adoption support.
For example, reliable adoption agencies always offer counseling and post-adoption support services to both the adoptive parents and the child. The services at such adoption agency include pre-adoption counseling, post-placement counseling, and follow-up services. Additional services include home study services, search and reunion services, and international adoption services. A reputable agency may also offer such services as immigration and legal assistance, birthparent counseling, and even financial assistance.
You should know that when you meet a bad adoption agency they will offer only two services which are home study and post-placement services. Most of the time, these services are not good. So, it is important to ask about the services an agency offers before choosing them.
How involved will I be in the adoption process?
Ask the agency how much involvement you will have in the adoption process. Will you be able to choose the child you adopt? Will you be able to name your child? How much contact will you have with the birth parents?
The level of involvement an adoptive family has in the adoption process can vary greatly from agency to agency. Some agencies give adoptive families a lot of say in choosing a child, while others allow very little input. Some agencies have very strict rules about contact with birth parents, while others are more relaxed. It’s important to ask the agency how much control you will have over the adoption process.
Adoptive parents may also want to ask if the agency has any rules about openness in adoption, which is when adoptive families have some contact with the birth parents. If you meet a bad adoption agency, the staff will be unresponsive and unwilling to give out any information.
Does the agency have experience with my type of adoption?
Not all agencies have experience with every kind of adoption. Some specialize in international adoptions, while others focus on domestic adoptions. Still, others work with stepparents or relatives who want to adopt a child. It’s important to ask the agency if they have experience with your type of adoption.
If you are interested in adopting a child from another country, be sure to ask the agency if they have experience facilitating international adoptions. If you are interested in adopting a child who is already in the United States, be sure to ask if the agency has experience working with domestic adoptions.
Your type of adoption may be special because the child is older, has a disability, or is part of a sibling group. If this is the case, be sure to ask the agency if they have experience with adoptions that fall into this category.
What domestic programs do they offer?
If you are interested in adopting a child from the United States, be sure to ask the agency what domestic programs they offer. Domestic programs can vary greatly in terms of cost, paperwork, and waiting time. Some agencies work only with certain states, while others work with adoptions from all over the country.
It’s important to find an agency that has a program that will fit your needs. For example, if you are looking to adopt a child quickly, you may want to find an agency that has a shorter waiting time. If money is no object, you may want to find an agency that has no application fees.
Domestic programs for adoptive parents can also vary in terms of the amount of contact you have with the birth parents. Some agencies offer a “closed” adoption, which means that you have no contact with the birth parents. Other agencies offer an “open” adoption, which means that you have some contact with the birth parents.
What international programs do they offer?
If you are interested in adopting a child from another country, be sure to ask the agency what international programs they offer. Many agencies have relationships with countries all over the world and can facilitate adoptions from many different countries.
It’s important to find an agency that has a program that will fit your needs. For example, if you are looking to adopt a child quickly, you may want to find an agency that has a shorter waiting time. If you are looking for a specific country, you may want to find an agency that has a relationship with that country.
Some agencies also specialize in certain types of international adoptions, such as adoptions from Africa or Latin America. Be sure to ask the agency if they have experience with the type of adoption you are interested in.
How long has the agency been in business?
This question may tell a lot about an adoptive agency. If an agency has been in business for a long time, it may be because they are doing things the right way. On the other hand, if an agency has been in business for a long time, it may also be because they have been sued a lot.
It’s important to ask the agency how long they have been in business and to do your own research to find out if the agency has a good reputation. You can check online forums, adoption websites, and state licensing boards to see what other people have said about the agency.
A good adoptive agency will be open and honest about its past. If an agency refuses to answer this question or tries to hide something, it may be a sign that you should avoid them.
What if the adoption doesn't work out?
Sometimes adoptions don't work out. If this happens, you may need to go through the process of undoing the adoption. This can be a long and difficult process. It's important to ask the agency what their policy is on adoptions that don't work out. Some agencies will help you with the process of undoing the adoption, while others will not.
If the adoption doesn`t work out, will the agency help me find my child a new home? This is another question that you should ask the agency if you are concerned about the possibility of adoption not working out. Some agencies will help you find a new home for your child if the adoption doesn't work out, while others will not.
A good adoption agency will be upfront and honest about what its policies are in the event of an unsuccessful adoption. If an agency is unwilling to answer this question, it may be a sign that you should avoid them.
What else should you consider while choosing an adoption agency?
There are many things to consider while choosing an adoption agency. In addition to the questions listed above, you should also ask the agency about their fees, what kind of training they offer their adoptive parents, and how long it will take them to place a child with you.
For instance, you need to pay attention to the fees an agency charges. Some agencies charge a lot of money for their services, while others do not. You should also ask the agency what kind of training they offer their adoptive parents. Training can be very important, especially if you are adopting a child from a different country.
You should also ask the agency how long it will take them to place a child with you. Some agencies have a long waiting list, while others do not. It's important to weigh all of these factors when choosing an adoption agency. By asking the right questions, you can find an agency that is the right fit for you and your family.
How can you change the agency?
You can change the adoption agency you are working with at any time. If you are not happy with the agency you are working with, you can find a new one. It is important to keep in mind that changing agencies can be a difficult process. You may need to go through the courts to do so.
It is important to talk to the agency you are thinking of switching to and make sure they will be able to help you with the transition. Some agencies will not help you if you switch agencies, while others will. Switching agencies can be a big decision, so make sure you weigh all of your options before making a decision.
Final words
There are many questions that you should ask before choosing an adoption agency. By asking the right questions, you can find an agency that is the right fit for you and your family. Remember to consider the fees, training, and waiting list of the agency before making a decision. You can also change agencies at any time if you are not happy with the one you are working with.