Adoption Facilitator ?

rach2100

I think I'm a little confused as to the difference between an adoption facilitator and an adoption agency.  Can anyone help me out?

Right now I'm looking at Lifetime Adoption Center LLC; it almost seems too good to be true....but maybe there's something I'm missing or not asking.

Thanks in advance!

Go_Dawgs

Adoption facilitators are not legal in Georgia, so we used an adoption consultant.  It seems that a consultant does basically the same thing, but also provides "education and advice" about adoption.  A consultant or facilitator networks throughout the entire country to match their families with babies.  This way you aren't limited to just one agency.  It can be more expensive than a typical agency adoption, but can also be much quicker.  We brought our baby home (well, to our hotel!) just eight weeks after signing up with our consultant.

HannaB

We are also using a consultant, and her advice, shoulder to cry on, experience has been invaluable.

(Go_Dawgs, I love your story, but am also always amazed at how quickly you got your HS done!)

rach2100

Thanks ladies!  And, wow, go-dawgs...8 weeks!!  That's is amazing...so happy for you guys!

*Willis*

I used what I refer to as a "facilitator," but since they are out of GA, they aren't technically a facilitator.  I think the difference is that facilitators advertise, whereas my "consultant" didn't.

Basically they network and have situations from agencies across the country in adoption friendly states.  They also refer you out to apply with agencies.  I think their average wait time is 6-12 months.  We brought Connor home 4 weeks after we signed up with them.

silliestbunny

Just to add...

My experience has thus been positive networking with facilitators.

The "downside" is that they charge for their services.  So, they might find a situation at an agency or law firm that is $25K.  You'll pay that 25K PLUS the service fee of the facilitator. 

I am working with one that charges $4800.  Another charges $1250. Some say $4800 is too high.... but for us, we've waited 19 months with an agency and we need to step it up.  Some argue the ethics of using an expensive facilitator.  IMO, the one that charges $4800 works to get lots of situations, she screens the prospective parents and their file, and she manages the exchange of info.  She lives in an expensive area and needs to be compensated for her time.  My point is that facilitators do add to the workload involved, and IMO they should be compensated for such work.