Advertisements
Hi,
I know I have seen this thread somewhere but I can't remember where. I'm going to an adoption orientation with a private agency that works with SWAN and has been around for over 100 yrs. I'm in the Delaware County area. I have talked to someone who already went through the process and says she wished she used a public agency. Can anyone give me advice to which is better?
Thanks
Mikesmom
Like
Share
We went through a private agency who also did SWAN so we could adopt either in or out of PA. It was made clear to us that out of state would cost $2500 for the homestudy. We are pursuing the adoption of an out of state child so are glad we went this route. Our agency is in Montg Co. One recommendation if you are even thinking about out of state is to see how many of these the agency has done! Ours claimed that they did them but now is telling us that they have never done one, which is extremely frustrating! Please PM me if you have any other questions!
Advertisements
We used a private agency as well. We also selected an agency based on what it offered, its length of time in the field, and the type of kids they usually have to refer. We are a fost to adopt family. We did some fostering but are now looking for straight adoption in or out of state. My agency has been fantastic (specifically the workers and their responsiveness). Im in Dauphin County (Harrisburg), but the agency we used has several offices and are using the one in Mechanicsburg. I had to deal with the county and county workers while fostering and they were definitely not as responsive or helpful. From my personal experience, I would recommend the private agency. I know my agency works with 4 or 5 counties vs working with just one county if I went with the county office. Good luck and feel free to PM me as well!
Hi Michele81..I tried to PM you but couldn't get through..most of the information I can get my hands on is pretty much all over the board. When should I ask about costs from the agency? I'm attending their adoption orientation next Wednesday night. At that time, they said after that if I am still considering adoption then I would fill out the application as the next step in the adoption process. I found 2 different boys (10 & 14) that I am interested in. When I frist filled out the questionaire, an intake worker called to to get some basic info then mailed me out a packet with a lot of information to get me started. She told me since I am interested in adopting within PA that the state would cover the cost. Should I wait until the orientation since it's next week to ask all of my questions? Thanks for everyone's patience! Have a safe holiday!
When you used your private agency what was the age range of children you accepted? Has anyone here tried to adopt a toddler from foster care? What have been the special challenges? We had a boisterious and strong-willed toddler right now and we are considering adopting a second child from foster care under three and some days I think I must be crazy!
Advertisements
I had little interaction with SWAN. SWAN only provides you a list of agencies to contact. Then I called each agency on the list, getting information on the kids they place. THen I went to several informational meetings and selected one agency to work with. The agency Ive worked with has been fantastic...absolutely fantastic. We had 2 separate foster placements and did a straight match for adoption. Haven't dealt with SWAN since my initial call, except they have done some follow up calls to see where I was at in the process. Where you located in PA? If I can be of any assistance, feel free to ask questions...
Im in Dauphin County. Our fostering and matching were for a child or sib group of 2, between ages 5 and 12, Caucasion, Hispanic or Biracial. There are definitely more boys than girls available for straight adoption... and most kids were older than 8 yrs old. Although several younger kids were available, we just weren't selected for. Good luck!!
Advertisements
I went for straight adoption. My age group is 9-15 male, Hispanic, Caucasian, Bi-Racial. I still am finding it a long process. I might be matched and have already went to visit him BUT he may not be as available as I was told because he recently found his mother. Even though she TPR'd he went to go visit her and apparently the judge has given permission for him to have visits with her as well as to call her. So now I'm a little frustrated because I feel I was not told everything upfront so I could have made a better decision. I'll have to wait and see what happens. Ultimately, he has to be the one to decide if he wants to be adopted by me or stay where he is. If he chooses the latter then he will be able to see his mother frequently.
hi
I amlooking at different agencies in Pa. I am in Lancaster.
I have 2 freinds that are with the same agency... but I am not sure if thats the right agency for me...
will it make it easier if I have the same agency as my friends do?
Both agencies have only one thing that is a deciding factor for me and I have to decided which is more important.
I am a single woman with no children, I will be working part to fulltime, so I am looking to have school age kids. I would appreciate any advice or words of wisdom.
rraiford has a point... with friends as approved resources at the same agency, you have a network of help... in terms of respite or "babysitters" in case you need an hour or nite away. But then again, if you are questioning if that agency is right for you, then maybe you should at least look into others. Contact SWAN and they will send you a list of agencies that are local to you. Call each agency, speak with the POC, and maybe go to an informational meeting/night. That may help you make a decision. Good luck! Im in Dauphin and use an agency in Cumberland county (that are also in York county). I'd be happy to share my experience if you want...just PM me.
Advertisements
We used a private agency for straight adoption (though technically the kids were foster for a few weeks then switched to pre-adoptive). We requested a sibling group, any race, ages 8 and under, either all boys, or up to two girls and one boy (because of bedroom sharing/availablity). Our three were; girl age 3, boy age 4, and girl age 6, at placement. So younger children, and girls, are available. We are in Lancaster County, but the children came from Montcomery County. We waited a year for a match, but they were only the second group we interviewed for, and it was because the county remembered us from the previous group we had tried for.