| When choosing to adopt a child, the first decision a | | | | around foster homes most of their life. Private |
| person has to make is the course to take. Should | | | | adoption agencies are run by private companies. |
| you pick an adoption agency or strive out on your | | | | These companies provide a wealth of services such |
| own? There are advantages to looking on your own, | | | | as counseling, matching prospective children and |
| but there are also downfalls to this as the search is | | | | more. However, this type of service doesn't come |
| more difficult this way. Using an agency makes this | | | | cheap. Adoptions through private adoption agencies |
| part of the process easier, but there are things | | | | can run from a few thousand to tens of thousands |
| prospective parents should know before stepping | | | | of dollars. |
| into the adoption agency's office. | | | | One has to be careful though about the cost of |
| 1. The first step is finding a good, reputable adoption | | | | adoption. When meeting with an agency ask about |
| agency. Finding an agency is difficult but there are | | | | costs on all aspects. There is usually a fee to get the |
| resources available to help. There are directories | | | | process started, but some companies charge extra |
| available on the Internet that will lead clients to local | | | | along the way. Get the pricing up front and know |
| and international adoption agencies. Search these first | | | | what you are getting into. This is why researching |
| and try to find testimonials about the agencies. Get | | | | companies is so important. |
| as many opinions about different adoption agencies | | | | There are some companies that offer assistance in |
| as possible. It is important to know what you are | | | | paying for the adoption such as staggered payments. |
| getting into. | | | | Ask about this as well and check with local |
| 2. The next step and arguably most important thing | | | | government agencies to see if there are any grants |
| to do is research the company you plan on dealing | | | | or financial assistance available. |
| with. This can't be stressed enough because you | | | | If there is a certain type of child you want, check |
| don't want to get any rude surprises during the | | | | with different adoption agencies. There are specialty |
| adoption process. Talk to former clients, call | | | | agencies out there that could suit your needs. |
| government agencies to see if there have been any | | | | Perhaps you want a Vietnamese baby and want to |
| reports and ask around. An adoption agency's | | | | give a home to a child with a disability, there are |
| reputation will say a lot about them. Finding a | | | | agencies out there that specialize in these types of |
| reputable company will make the process that much | | | | adoptions. They will have better insight in what needs |
| easier. | | | | to get done and are familiar with all the paperwork |
| 3. Once you have done the research, it doesn't get | | | | and issues that come with getting these types of |
| any easier. The next decision is whether to use a | | | | children. |
| public or private agency. Public agencies are funded | | | | Finding the right adoption agency is difficult. Be well |
| with tax money and usually focus on placing foster | | | | informed and take time before making a final decision |
| children (wards of the state) in permanent homes. | | | | on an adoption agency. It will be well worth the wait |
| These are usually older children who have bounced | | | | in the end. |