You may also come across “adoption facilitators” who are people not actually licensed as agencies whose business is to match birthparents with potential adoptive parents. In virtually all states, facilitators are not allowed to charge directly for their services and if you are thinking of using one, many of the same kind of questions can be asked of them. You don’t have to use one at all – it is your social worker’s responsibility to match you up with a potential child once you have been approved.
And after all the paperwork is done, every form signed, every last hurdle cleared and at last you have a child in your home? Many agencies consider that their job is far from over at this point – they may offer informal and professional advice, support groups and get togethers with fellow adoptive parents, as well as recommending specialist help should you need it. And if you are happy with their services, you can always be one of the enthusiastic new parents singing their praises at the next orientation session.