You’ve decided on adoption, and you are ready to hold your baby in your arms.
The first step is to choose an agency that is right for you. Making this decision can feel overwhelming. Not all adoption agencies are created equal, so here are 5 helpful tips based on my recent video, “5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Adoption Agency.”
- Choose a reputable licensed agency
It may sound obvious, but you would be surprised how many agencies are not properly licensed in their state. Confirming that an agency is licensed is a great place to start! - Do your homework on the adoption agency
Reviews are a helpful place to get a feel for each adoption agency. Now keep in mind, no one has all perfect reviews. When you are researching, look for patterns. Are there a few issues that keep popping up? Pay attention to this. It’s always okay to ask for references, look them up on the Better Business Bureau or call the licensing department to see if there have been any complaints. - Make sure the agency requires adoption education and training
I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear. Not all of us like to take part in trainings, and though it can be tempting to avoid these courses, it is crucial that an agency prepares you for the adoption process. Most of us have not been through an adoption before, so it’s important to take the time to educate ourselves. A little bit of extra work in the process can make a huge difference in your overall experience. - Look for an agency that provides post-adoption support and education
I started Adoption & Beyond 23 years ago with the intention of helping families ‘beyond’ the adoption. It’s important to me that families know we’re here to help them every step of the way, even into the future. I’ve had several families reach out years after their adoption as situations come up or an issue presents itself. Families don’t always know quite how to deal with it, so they’ll call and get some advice from me. This is a huge support that an agency can provide. - Choose an agency that you trust and that meets your communication needs
It is so important that your communication needs are being met when you’re going through the adoption process. It’s really nerve wracking! In my experience, many families need a lot of hand holding- some more than others. And it’s okay, but not all agencies are going to match that. Don’t get discouraged; there are one’s out there that will. Continue to trust your gut instinct on who you should work with and make sure that they meet your communication needs.
There are so many resources available to help you make your decision. Tim Elder has a course (https://www.findmyadoptionagency.com/) on how to find an adoption agency that’s right for you. I would encourage you to check it out. Put your name on the waiting list for when the course opens back up again.
In the meantime, sign up for the Adoption & Beyond Newsletter to receive a PDF download of “5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Adoption Agency.”
What did you think of this week’s All About Adoption episode? Balancing multiple adoptions can be tricky, but with the right approach and perspective, you can make it work!
What are other adoption questions you may have? We’d love to hear them! Make sure you leave a comment below!
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