1. Make the Perfect Match
Good agencies itemize and disclose their fees, detailing when each set of fees is due. Ask the agency for this itemized list of fees in advance. If they can't itemize their fees, then look elsewhere. Good agencies also present a clause in their contract, which details the circumstances under which they charge additional fees. Locate this clause and read it carefully. Finally, proceed with extreme caution if an agency requests more than half the total fees up front.
2. Success Breeds Success
Your biggest job may be to find agencies with solid reputations. Obviously, most agencies aren't going to advertise their failures. Instead you'll get an agency-approved list of clients, who can be contacted for references. While it's okay to contact these clients, remember that they're likely hand-picked because of their positive experiences. Truth be known, you want the horror stories, because an agency's ability to perform well during a crisis is a powerful testament to their skills. To get the real story about an agency, you'll need to network. The best place to do this is online. Do a search on Yahoo Groups to find various adoption discussion boards pertaining to the type of adoption you're considering. Join the groups and listen to the good, the bad and the ugly. If you notice a pattern of negative experiences from one agency, knock it off your list.
3. Check Out Who's Behind the Desk
A well-run and respected agency will employ top notch professionals, who have a genuine interest and passion for creating families through adoption. Employees should have good experience and credentials in social work or psychology. Agency staff should receive regular training. Also, try to find out how long staffers have been employed with the agency. Be wary of agencies with high-turnover rates.
4. Find the Hidden Fees
Good agencies itemize and disclose their fees, detailing when each set of fees is due. Ask the agency for this itemized list of fees in advance. If they can't itemize their fees, then look elsewhere. Good agencies also present a clause in their contract, which details the circumstances under which additional fees could be charged. Locate this clause and read it carefully. Finally, proceed with extreme caution if an agency requests more than half the total fees up front.
5. Recognize the Red Flags
While many adoption agencies do a good job of building families through adoption, there are a few token agencies that aren't on the up and up. Identify these agencies by looking for red flags which may be harbingers of things to come. First, be wary of an agency that promises you a child before you complete your home study. Avoid agencies that aren't licensed and don't have affiliations with professional adoption associations. Lastly, check with the Better Business Bureau for any reports filed against prospective agencies.
