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.

Find an agency whose staff will be available to regardless of when you need their help.  Next, you want to make sure the agency meets your needs.

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.

Adoption Services is a fully licensed non-profit agency and can help a birth mother and birth father living in any one of the 50 U.S. states or even living abroad.  Please give us a toll free call at 1-800-943-0400 or contact us by email.