trying to find the right agency

Hi Lisa- Don't get discouraged! The initial research can be overwhelming. Hang in there. We live in WA but have adopted twice in FL, and have our paperwork in again for baby #3 :) What specific questions are you struggling with? Some questions don't have a "neat" answer and "depend" on a number of factors. On the other hand, some agencies aren't very forthcoming and need to be avoided for their nonsence! I can try to help you if I can or at least share experiences or venting time :) PM me if you want to know where we've adopted. Take care!

I have been reading for hours a day online for the past week, and I know JUST how you feel. Ultimately, we decided to go with Little Angels Adoption Agency out of Sebring for a domestic adoption. They are a small operation, take only 10 families at any given time so the service is more personalized. She currently has only a month or two wait. I am waiting on her package with fees, but she comes highly recommended on the board. The average wait is 10 months, up to 18 months (that was a family who had turned down 2 kids before, very precise wants in looks, hair color, gender, etc.) I called a bunch of places, and this just "felt right" when I spoke with Shannon. I think you will agree. For more information give Little Angels Adoption Agency a call at 378-8225. Ask for Shannon. Natalie - Orlando

I live in Florida, too. I am in the same position you are. I have been trying to educate myself for the last couple of months. I want a domestic, open adoption. I have called Bethany Christian Services and we are going to a meeting there and I am looking into a few others. I would love to hear how your search goes. My meeting is in less than 2 weeks.

I am in the same boat. I live in Jacksonville and we're having our homestudy Thurs by Jewish Fam Services/First Coast Adoption Agency and using Atty Michael Shorstein. He requires $1000 in order to share your profiles with b-mothers. My question is....how many agencies should one sign up with? they do tend to get expensive. Anyone used or know of someone that used Shorstein?:confused:

Thank you to everyone who has replied. Your info has been helpful. I will definenlty look into some of the info that I received. In reguards to one of your replys I also called Shannon at Little Angels. The one thing that scared me is the fact that she does not guarantee you a baby. If she does not find you a child in 18 months then bye, bye $10,000. She says that this has never happened to her but I would be afraid that it would happen to me. I have looked into Sheppard's care in Hollywood, Fl it is in the area where I live they also have an office in Altamonte Springs. I have a friend that her daughther adopted from them and had no problem. She did her home study signed up and within a couple of months she recieved a call and picked up an adorable baby boy. She was so surprised and caught off guard. She taught she would have to wait months not weeks. She was going crazy trying to get all her things together for the new arrival. But you know this is not ths norm she was just lucky. But the agency seems really nice and their fees are not that crazy. I'm really thinking about going with them being that I know someone that had a good experience. Also they don't make you give lots of money up front. Many of the agenies require you to give thousands up front. They have a consultaion fee of $125 and the homestudy you don't pay anything else to you are matched with a birth mother. Well if anyone has any more info please write. Good luck to everyone and I'll keep you informed:)

I went to college with the director of Shepard's Care in Hollywood Fl. They are wonderful people and will help you with any question or problem.

[Edited To Remove Agency/Facilitator/fee based services Recommendations or comments] Please remember that comments about agencies or other fee based services made after 2/10/2004 MUST be made via Private Message.