How to File a Grievance Against an Adoption Agency

The process of adoption starts out with the best of intentions on both sides. The adoption agency wants to find a good, loving home for a child in need while adoptive parents want to provide that home. As the best interests and future welfare of a child are at stake in such procedures, all the involved parties typically endeavor to support each other throughout the adoption process. However, even with the best of intentions, conflicts can occur. If you feel you've been wronged by an adoption agency, it's time to learn how to file a grievance against it.

Instructions

1. Read the grievance procedures outlined in the contract you signed with the adoption agency. Most agencies will have such procedures in place. In the absence of a contract, look for grievance procedures in any literature or list of guidelines the agency has given you.

2. Talk to your individual caseworker first. He may be able to resolve the situation before it gets out of hand.

3. Discuss the situation with your caseworker's supervisor or the head of the agency if your caseworker is unable or unwilling to help.

4. Submit your written grievance to the head of the adoption agency. Be as specific and detailed as you can in describing the way in which you feel you were treated unfairly.

5. Wait the appropriate amount of time for a response. Depending on your adoption agency's internal policies, you can expect to wait anywhere from 2 days to 1 week to hear anything after you file your grievance. The agency needs time to investigate your complaint.

6. Appeal the adoption agency's decision on the grievance to the agency's governing board. If you don't like the decision the agency made, you have no choice but to take your complaint to a higher authority.

7. Expect another wait. The adoption agency's governing board will typically take up to 30 days to come to a decision about your appeal.

8. Consult with a family-law attorney if you get no satisfaction from your appeal. Once you've exhausted all available avenues with the adoption agency, legal help is your only option.

Tips & Warnings

• File your grievance via certified mail. It's unlikely you'll have the opportunity to give it to the appropriate person otherwise. Certified mail means you'll know the grievance arrived, and you'll know who signed for it. This way, the adoption agency can never claim the grievance didn't arrive at its office.

• While most adoption agencies have strict policies that restrict their employees from retaliating against clients for the filing of grievances, retaliatory actions may still take place. If you feel you've been the victim of retaliation by an adoption agency employee, you should contact a family-law attorney to assist you in resolving the situation.