| Regardless of the type of professional you are hiring, | | | | keep during your search. Keep hard copies or |
| there are some essential questions to ask before | | | | electronic files. Your files should include all the |
| committing to anyone. Most of these questions apply | | | | information, literature and notes you have obtained |
| to both the hiring of attorneys, qualified adoption | | | | on the professional you are considering. Keep a list of |
| facilitators, social workers and private agencies. | | | | dates and the people you speak to. |
| The book Adoption, Your Step by Step Guide | | | | I recommend you also write down how the phone |
| provides a lot of information for families beginning | | | | conversation went, did they answer the phone with |
| their adoption journey. | | | | a live person or did you have to leave a message |
| Here is a list of questions from the book that you | | | | during regular hours? Was their website informative |
| need to ask an adoption professional as you start | | | | and helpful? What type of track record do they have |
| your search for a professional who will become your | | | | in international adoption, domestic adoption or in |
| partner in building your family through adoption: | | | | FosAdopt success? |
| 1. How did you first become involved with adoption? | | | | Working with an adoption professional in another |
| 2. How long have you been in the adoption | | | | state is very common and easy with the use of the |
| profession? | | | | Internet. Don't feel rushed and be sure to do your |
| 3. What services do you provide, both for adoptive | | | | homework. With planning, patience and the |
| parents and for birth parents? | | | | determination to follow through on your information, |
| 4. What services don't you provide? | | | | you should feel confident in the adoption professional |
| 5. What are your fees? | | | | you finally decide on. You will save time, money and |
| 6. Do you have a formal contract? | | | | frustration when you plan and use the questions |
| 7. Depending on the type of service that is offered, | | | | above. Print this out and keep it with you while |
| are you licensed, bonded, or certified? | | | | speaking to anyone you're considering to use. It will |
| 8. What is your success rate and in what time frame | | | | become invaluable to you and your success. |
| can the average family expect to wait to adopt? | | | | Be wise, take notes and ask questions. You too can |
| The best tools you will use while conducting your | | | | adopt successfully! |
| adoption research are the notes and files you will | | | | |