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Always be sure to mention the country from which you are adopting. Some agencies have a great program in one country, but a mediocre one in another.
Be sure to contact the licensing authorities in the states where an agency is located, to see if it is in good standing and find out about complaints that may have been lodged against it. Do the same thing with the Better Business Bureau.
Also, contact the U.S. Embassy in the country from which you are adopting. It can often tell you if a particular agency's clients have had trouble getting visas for adopted children because of irregularities in procedures or because the kids didn't qualify as "eligible orphans". It may also be able to tell you about in-country facilitators.
Check to see if an agency is a member of reputable adoption organizations that advocate for high ethical standards and help to educate adoption professionals. For international adoption, the main one is the Joint Council on International Children's Services ([url]www.jcics.org)[/url], which has a membership list on its website. But you should also consider membership in the National Council for Adoption, Child Welfare League of America, North American Council on Adoptable Children, etc.
It is an especially good sign if an agency's personnel are on the Board of any of these organizations, or if they tend to be frequent speakers at reputable adoption conferences for professionals.
Always check references carefully. Any agency will give you the names of people who have used it. Call them, but remember that they are probably the agency's most satisfied clients. So also go to your local adoption support group or Internet sites like this one to find people who have used the agency.
Be sure to find people who have used the agency RECENTLY and for the SAME country you are considering. Agency programs can improve or deteriorate over time, especially if there is staff turnover.
When you talk to references, be very specific; don't just ask if an organization is honest. An agency can be ethical in every possible way, but still wrong for you.
As an example, if you have never traveled overseas before, and are terrified about this aspect of adoption, be sure to ask lots of specific questions about how the agency handles travel. Does it send a representative with you on the plane? Does it have someone meet you at the airport and stick with you throughout the trip? Where are you housed, and how was the experience? What happened if you had a question about the child's health? Were there requests for additional money? And so on.
Become an expert on adoption from your country of choice. That way, when you talk to an agency, you can determine if it is telling you the truth or giving you a line of B.S. Learn about the rules and procedures by talking to families on this and other bulletin boards, chats, and listservs, as well as to families in your community. Read the U.S. State Department website. And so on.
Finally, talk to the agencies and listen to the agencies. While you shouldn't go by "gut feel" exclusively, the way you relate to the agency's staff is important. Look for an agency that shares your values and truly seems to want to make your adoption happen. Look for an agency that is honest with you and upfront about risks. Look for an agency that will support you before, during, and AFTER the adoption.
Sharon
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