Adoption Agencies - How to Choose Yours

With such a large number of adoption agencies out there, how in the world can you decide which agency is right for you? Do you want a large or small agency? Should they be Christian? Should they specialize in Chinese adoption, or work in multiple countries??

The Most Important

Let's start with the most important thing. The agency you choose must be Hague Accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) in order to help you adopt through a Hague Country (which China is). I'll provide you with a list later on. Not sure what the big deal about Hague is? Click here

Things To Consider

It's also a good idea to contact the adoption agency and speak personally with the director about their adoption program. This will allow you to get a better feel for the organization.

There are very few truly *bad* agencies, it's just a matter of selecting one that fits your family the best! Also consider that your adoption agency does NOT have to be located in the state where you live! Don't make your choice based on location alone.

Get Feedback From Other Adoptive Families

Join China adoption forums and get to know other adoptive families. What agencies do they recommend? Perhaps more importantly, what agencies do they NOT recommend?

Join the Rate Your China Adoption Agency yahoo group to get feedback from hundreds of other adoptive families.

Big or Small?

Keep in mind that bigger doesn't always mean better!! While some folks like the security and 'professional' feel of large agencies, you may get lost in the shuffle of the many clients. You won't have as much of a personal relationship with your agency. Some families prefer smaller agencies, as you often get more personal attention and 'family' feel. Yet if the agency is too small, there is the possibility of the agency closing in the middle of your adoption because they can't make ends meet!

The Shared List

Most Important

Probably the most important factor is whether you like the agency! You'll have a better relationship and smoother communication if you feel good about your choice and the service they will be providing you. Don't go off of facts alone. Sometimes your gut instinct is the best indicator.

Some Questions To Ask A Potential Agency

• How long have you placed children from China?
• Can I be matched with a child before my paperwork is logged into the CCAA?
• What is the total cost of your program?
• How many children did you place from China last year?
• How do you handle travel arrangements?
• Can I get in touch with other families who have adopted through you?
• How long do you expect the entire process to take?
• Do you have a waiting list for a special needs referral?
• How long will I wait for a special needs referral?

Evaluating An Agency

• Get references and contact them. Get references who are at different stages in the adoption process and who have completed adoptions at different times. Talk to families who had both good and bad experiences with the agency. If it was a bad experience, why? What was the problem? How did the agency handle it?
• Join local and internet adoptive parent support groups. This is one of THE most important things you can do. There is nothing like personal experience when selecting an agency. Network as much as you possibly can. Listen, learn and ask as many questions as you can think of. List serves and the various Internet bulletin boards are invaluable. Use search engines like Google, Dogpile, and Yahoo to look for information about the adoption agency you are considering contracting with. Search for complaints. Search the names of agency principals, workers and facilitators, particularly if the agency is small, not well known, or new to the field of adoption. Don't skimp on this step. Choosing an adoption agency is probably the most important aspect of the process.
• Ask questions. Contact the agency president, head social worker, or whoever is in charge of the adoption program you are considering. Ask any question you can think of. There is no such thing as a dumb question! Find out about the cost of the program, who you'll be working with as you move through the adoption process, the agency's policy about the shared list, how they match families with children, etc..
• Take into account your own personality. Are you a person who likes doing everything yourself, or someone who prefers to sit back and let others take over? This can play a big part in what kind of agency you will be most comfortable with. Take travel for instance. There are some agencies that will take care of every little detail of your trip to China, while others let you book your own flights and get your own hotels. Find the agency's policy on travel. Also take into consideration the level of involvement the agency has in preparing the dossier. Do they offer to do the state certification and Chinese authentication for you? Will they charge for this service? Would you prefer to do it yourself? These are all things that play a big part in your decision.

Time To Choose!

Use the following links to learn more about the adoption agencies that work in China.

List of COA Accredited Non Profit International Adoption Agencies

My Personal Recommendations

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