new with questions

Hello. I began the adoption process about a month ago (my home study completed on 4-7-07). I have tons of info on agencies since I lived, slept and breathed the internet in the beginning. I have had four calls already but we are gender specific so it may take a little longer for us. First, families that want to adopt full AA or bi-racial infants are desparately needed right now. DO NOT put up any fees up front (except maybe app fess which should not be any more than 200 dollars). I have learned alot and there are many, many agencies out there----do not go with the first one you call. If you PM me, I can give you lots of info----freehasaan@aol.com.

Can you PM me your agency recommendations?

I want make the distinction between agencies that ask for all the fees up front, including placement fees, and agencies who ask for specific fees only before placement, such as the course fee, homestudy fee, and application fee. It is very common for agencies to ask for fees for specific services, but it is less kosher for agencies to ask for placement fees before you've even completed an application. I've not encountered an agency that didn't ask for fees for adoption study courses or homestudy. I'm sure they exist, but I didn't come across any in my search. Generally people want fees for their work. Good luck!

I'll second the 'don't pay high upfront fees'...and I've been writing this and saying this for years. Of course, as someone else pointed out, you'll have to pay some entity (usually an agency, but states vary in this).....to conduct a homestudy and---SOMETIMES...and I stress, SOMETIMES.....what should be----a small fee (usually under $300 or so) to apply. Though, I have to add, in all of the three adoptions we've done within the last five years......no agency charged us for an application. (We've adopted a total of eight times over 25yrs.) Yes, we had to pay for a homestudy...and for updates too....but once we had this done, we sent our homestudy to any agency/attorney we wished to apply to. Any placement fees, app fees, etc were combined once the baby was placed with us. And don't even get me started on 'match fees' which---IMO---is simply allowing an agency/attorney/facilitator to use your money, while you're oftentimes stuck with using that agency. I continue to say that there are agencies who will accept couples wanting to adopt AA babies.........without fees, UNTIL the baby is placed with the couple. You may have to beat the bushes to find these places, but they do exist! My best to all. Sincerely, Linny

My husband and I have decided that adoption is the route for us. It took 6 years and two months to make the final decision...but here we stand. We've done some research on African American adoption. The agency we found in our state--Michigan--is well known in adoption and comes highly recommended. My head says its the right move. But my heart just keeps telling me to keep looking. I don't know if its instinct or cold feet. I'm weary about adopting out of state. I just don't know how that would work but there aren't any agencies in Michigan who specialize in African American infant adoption. Any advice.

mommyonboard i pm'd you