Barker Foundation v. Catholic Relief Services

[Anonymous]

Hello! We are just beginning to explore the world of adoption and are wondering if anyone can share experiences with either of these organizations. We attended an introductory workshop at Barker Foundation, but we weren't completely sold and are trying to do more research about adoption agencies in the area.

[Anonymous]

About 7 years ago we had a terrible experience. Our home study worker was very unprofessional, not flexible with times, etc. They made us go through an infertility class which was not our issue (we were open to taking a class on adoption, but they got angry when they insisted we process our loss and grief of not having a biological child when we were not going through that). Their contract was loosely written (after we were home study approved) and when we asked questions, they dropped us. We were concerned with clauses that basically said they could keep our money, terminate us at any time and no guarantee for a child. Their international program is supposed to be "better."

[Anonymous]

We narrowed agencies down to Catholic Charities of Baltimore and Barker. (Not sure if you are talking about CC of DC or Baltimore). We attended the info sessions at both, and decided on Barker. We have two kids adopted from South Korea, and overall were very happy with them and the program. There were some bumps in the road, but nothing major (and NO adoption is bump-free. It's a tough road to travel.)

Have you gone to the info session at Catholic Charities? At least several years ago, the agencies were VERY different. The focus was different, the requirements for waiting parents were different, the social worker/presenters demeaner were different - just everything about the agencies were different.

I firmly believe they are both great organizations, so it really comes down to which one you are more comfortable with after meeting them in person.

[Anonymous]

I don't know if this matters to you, but it does to me: Barker is accepting and open to same sex families, and features many on its homepage.

Catholic Charities, on the other hand, at one point actually stopped providing adoption services rather than accept gay and lesbian families.

Even as someone in a heterosexual marriage, I know which group I'd be happier working with.