Adoption Agency Selection

Choosing the right adoption agency can make things easier for you and your baby.

There are several different kinds of adoption agencies.  They can be for-profit or not-for-profit, licensed or unlicensed, public or private, and can be full-service or just conduct Home Studies. The most important fact for you to remember is that agencies are licensed to make sure you and your baby have options and protections.  Make sure to work only with a licensed adoption agency.

You can, and should, ask any agency you call for their adoption licensing authority and a phone number so that you can call to check that they are in good standing. If they say they do not have one, then they are not a legitimate licensed adoption agency. Forget them and call someone else.

In selecting an adoption agency, you want to find an agency whose staff will be available to help you whenever you not help and not just during "regular business hours". Next, you want to make sure the agency meets your needs. Ask the agency the following questions:

1. Ask if they are licensed and confirm that they are a licensed adoption agency and not just a facilitator or referral service.

2. Do they assist with both open and closed adoptions?

3. Do they use direct placement or do they use foster care?

4. Can they help you regardless of the stage of your pregnancy or if your child has already been born?

5. How do they screen adoptive families. Find out how many visits they have with the family and what they review during these visits. Ask if they conduct state police, child abuse, and FBI clearances.

6. What are the qualifications of the person who will be helping you and the person who interviews the family and visits their home.

7. Ask the agency what role you can have in selecting the adopting family and in deciding about getting pictures and updates.

8. Check to see if their counselors are specially trained.

9. Make sure the agency goes over all your options and not just what they offer.

10. Finally, eliminate anyone who pressures you into working with them or into doing something quickly.

At Adoption Services we truly care about you and your baby and about other women in your situation.  We want to do everything possible to help you and your child.  There are many kinds assistance programs available to help you and other pregnant women, birth mothers and children free of charge.  These include financial, medical, nutritional and health assistance programs as well as a variety of support and information groups. If you need help you can click this link to find all kinds of assistance programs. And the following links will help you find pregnancy support groups as well as parenting and adoption support groups.  If you want our help you can call us anytime and from any place in the U.S. (toll free # 1-800-943-0400). You can get our help whether you are pregnant or have already delivered and are raising your child yourself or want to place your child for adoption. We are here to help you and there is never any cost or obligation on your part. 

If you are considering placing your child for adoption we are also here to help.  We would be happy to help find a safe and loving home with a family that has been very carefully and thoroughly screened. We can help you regardless of what state you are in.  Our services to you are free, your medical and legal expenses will be provided for and we will make sure that you receive whatever reimbursement for housing, lost wages and living expenses that state laws allow.  You may reach me, Dr Vince Berger, or my staff by calling our toll free number at 1-800-943-0400 or you can contact me by email.  If there is anything we can do to help you and your baby, please contact me.