How to Hire an Adoption Agency

Adopting a child is a long and emotional process that can take several years and costs upwards of $25,000. While you will encounter obstacles, disappointment and frustrating delays along the way, with the support of a good adoption agency, your heart and hands will soon be full.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Copies of the National Adoption Directory

1. Decide what type of agency is best suited to the child you're looking for. A public agency generally deals with special-needs and older children; private agencies handle a broader range of adoptions. To adopt a child from another country, you will need a licensed agency with experience in intercountry adoption.
2. Get a copy of the National Adoption Directory from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse (calib.com/naic).
3. Select a short list of agencies. Check that they are licensed, and ask for references. Get information about payment schedules. Follow up on the references you receive. Weed out any agencies involved in pending or past legal action. (Contact your state's attorney general office to find out if the agencies you are considering have faced legal action in the past.)
4. Meet with a few agencies. Ask how they approach the adoption process, if they offer post-adoption support services and what fees are involved. Look for a positive attitude and an experienced staff.
5. Move forward by completing an application and participating in the home study.

What to Look For:

• State licensing
• Strong referrals from adoptive parents
• A positive attitude
• No past or pending legal action
• Experienced staff

Tips & Warnings

• You can adopt without an agency, but you must comply with state laws. An attorney's assistance is essential.
• Find out more about adopting kids with special needs at DeBolts.com and AdoptASpecialKid.org.
• Join a support group of adoptive parents. Their word-of-mouth referrals will be invaluable (and you may need extra support during the arduous process of adoption).