Choosing an Agency

I've been thinking about adoption agencies for years.  

I've sought input from friends.

Googled my eyeballs out.

And prayed for wisdom.

Here is a list of 5 things that Kain and I considered while choosing an agency to walk with us through the biggest adventure of our lives.  There are other factors.  So many others.  But here are just a few that were important to us. 

Full Service

Adoption is complex.  Home studies, court dates, education, counselling, escrow accounts.... Eek!! We recommend choosing an agency that can handle it all.  The last thing you will need during this already stressful time is trying to manage multiple agencies, contacts, fee schedules, etc.  

Open or Confidential Adoptions

Ok here's the thing.  There are a lot of misnomers about what open adoption means and what closed adoption means.  Before you announce what you want for your family, make sure you do some research.  And we would suggest selecting an agency that leaves that decision up to you.  We seriously considered using a different agency until we found out that they insisted on open adoptions.  Not only does that make us feel like we don't get a say in our future, but it also isolates birth mothers who may not want an open adoption.  

As for where we stand on this issue, the truth is - we're flexible.  We want to make that choice when we are matched with a birth mother and can discuss with her what will work out for both of our families. 

Agency Fees

We all know that adoption is expensive.  

{Please don't let that be a barrier for you -- here's a fabulous resource for overcoming the financial burden.}  Be diligent in understanding your agency's fees.  What all is included, what is not?  When are fees due?  Is your agency non-profit?  Overall fees being lower ($3000 lower than our second choice) was a big factor for us in making a final decision.  We definitely want to be responsible with our resources.  

Number of Placements/Number of Waiting Families

This one is so important.  It's not a guarantee of how long you will be waiting, but if your agency places 20 babies a year and has 75 waiting families -- well, you do the math.  Our agency does 50-60 placements a year, and has 50-60 waiting families.  They also accept new families only four times a year so that families are at different stages in the process all year long. 

Proximity to your home

This may or not be important to you., but to us it made sense to choose an agency only a few miles down the highway from our home.  We seriously considered another agency that is located 90 miles away.  Maybe that will be an issue and maybe it won't, but if (for example) your agency requires education hours to be spent at their office it's at least something to consider.

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So there you have it, our (non-exclusive) list of 5 important things to consider when selecting your agency.  

Think I've left something important off of the list?  Be sure to let me know!!