How to Choose the Right Social Services Agency

You’ve been thinking and it is time to expand your family through adoption. There are adoption agencies and referral agencies to help you out. Knowing what to research and keeping accurate records will make the process less overwhelming.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Use a search engine as your first point of contact. Type in the words “adoption agency” and your locale and hit search.

2. Click on a link and start reading. You want to become familiar with the language of adoption.

3. Decide whether you want a public or private agency.

4. Visit the website of your state agency and become familiar with their paperwork process.

5. Research any complaints.

6. Record your first point of contact with all agencies. How quickly did they respond to questions?

7. Conduct at least three in-person visits to adoption agencies. Attend orientation sessions where you will gather basic operating information.