You have done it - you have made the momentous decision to adopt a child. Whatever your reasons for doing so, it is one of the few biggest and far-reaching decisions you will make in your life – right up there along with marriage, divorce or switching careers. Having made the decision, probably after months of discussion and soul-searching, the next most important step will be to choose an adoption agency. The agency you choose will not only guide you through the lengthy, complicated and often costly process – but will hopefully offer you support and help long after you have your adopted children settled in your home.
First Steps...
The first step in choosing an adoption agency that is right for you is to approach the task from the point of view of a consumer. Some experts have suggested that you approach it with the same attitude as if you were buying a new car! Try to look beyond the human element and look at a potential adoption agency as merely a business, and from an objective point of view. After all, their goal is to make a profit as well as to help you meet your own personal goals. Try to spend several weeks – perhaps even months – investigating different agencies, what they specialize in and what they offer, and how long they have been in business. Most adoption agencies have informal orientation or informational sessions on a regular basis; if you attend the meetings, come prepared with a list of questions you would like to ask.
Talk to Other People
Of course, the best recommendation you can have is from someone else who has actually used the agency to successfully adopt. Ask the agency if they have a list of adoptive parents who would be prepared to talk to you; often these same adoptive parents will regularly attend the agency’s orientation session and give glowing reviews of the agency and its workers. You can also find many adoption forums and chat rooms on-line, where people in the same position as you can exchange information and opinions a little more candidly.
Often it’s the personality of the people in the agency, and your particular social worker that will influence your decision as much as anything – remember you will be working closely with these people for probably many months. You want to work with a social worker who is sympathetic to your needs, and is energetic and experienced enough to find you a child in this often competitive environment.
No adoption agency is going to advertise its failures, but how do you proceed if you come across people who have failed to adopt through a particular agency, or have had their application declined? Keep in mind the fault may be with the client, not the agency; not everybody is approved to adopt and not everybody finds the children they are looking for. One more thing you can do is to contact the Better Business Bureau in the state where the agency is licensed to see if any complaints have been filed against them. Ask the agency about any professional affiliations; such as the Child Welfare League of America.