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[quote=Anonymous]Some things we considered when looking for an adoption agency:

What programs do they have?  (Domestic vs. specific international countries?  Older child vs. only infants?  What special needs programs, if any?)
What authentic counseling do they offer to prospective birth parents?
What training do they offer/require of prospective adoptive parents?
What ongoing support do they offer to all members of the adoption triad and who pays for it?
Are they full service or just homestudy or just placement?
Are their timelines for adoption in line with most other agencies?  If not, why not?
Who do they partner with for their programs (ie, what agency in the other country for international, or what foster care system, or how do they contact birth parents?)

Those questions give you a good idea about the ability of the agency to meet your needs, and also how they view adoption in general.  Are they an ethical agency with a lifelong commitment to building healthy families, or are they just trying to place as many babies as they can each year?

We started with the list of approved agencies in MD, and emailed or searched their websites to answer those questions.  Those who had good answers to those questions got an email for an info package.  If they didn't respond, they were gone from our list (one strike and you're out!)  After that, we had 3 agencies left.  We went to the info session at two of them and they both had really different gut-feels.  i can't stress how useful the info sessions were.  Sure, they gave information, but more importantly you got to meet the actual humans with whom you'll be building your family, see their facilities, and get a good sense of their mission and values.  Both agencies seemed like good, reputable places.  But one just "clicked" with us more than the other.

Hope this helps.[/quote]

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