This agency was highly recommended by a few people and I was ready to make an appt. for an informational seminar (required if you want to adopt with them). Last week they sent me an email and the sign up sheet said it was $395. All of a sudden it's $695 on their website. Practically double! The seminar is just for informational purposes and it does not go towards any of the costs once you do sign up. I realize that this is going to be expensive but my H thinks it's ridiculous.
So I would like to know #1 what you think and #2 if you do think it's acceptable,how can I convince H?
Also, if you have any experiences with Adoptions from the Heart, Friends in Adoption or Children at Heart, I would love to hear. I have contacted some of the families that the adoption agency has as references but they are not exactly going to give me names of people who had anything but a stellar exerience.....
Thanks so much!
Re: What do you think about an agency that charges an exorbitant fee for an info. seminar?
I think that's beyond ridiculous. I wouldn't go. We went with an agency that has pretty hefty matching fees, but the info sessions were/are free.
I'm sending you a PM
I, personally, wouldn't do it. I know that several posters have signed with agencies that had up-front seminars and weekends, but I don't like any agency that requires a large lump-sum before entering into an agreement to work together. I want to know exactly what I'm getting for my money, and if it's just information about the process, I can get than far cheaper elsewhere. If it fulfills some kind of education requirement that's mandated before placement, that's understandable, but it can come after signing a contract with the agency and knowing that the money and time will be spent with the agency you are working with and that it will count towards your adoption. I get very suspicious of agencies that won't share information unless you've first committed to spending money on their information session. And for me, I don't care if it's $395 or $695, it's still too much. (I get the sneaking suspicion they say $695 on the website, so when they sign you up for $395 it feels like you got a great deal).
I don't know anything about the agencies you specifically mentioned, but I highly recommend researching any agency you are considering to make sure it abides by ethical standards. For domestic agencies, a great place to look them up is on the yahoo group called "AARD" (Adoption Agency Research ? Domestic). That group is dedicated to giving honest feedback on agencies. You can ask about the agencies you are interested in directly, and also search their archives and files.
ETA: Also, I'm not against paying high fees, if they are for services provided, and under a contract that outlines your rights and exactly what you get for your money. Any agency that operates under a shroud of secrecy and mystery sets all my red flags waving. Transparency is key in ensuring ethical practices.
That's a big red flag for me. Our agency had pretty high fees, but we knew where all the money was going, and it wasn't due until we received said service. Unless this info session is at an all-inclusive resort for a weekend or something like that, you're not getting what you pay for. I would keep looking. Good Luck!
I can see them wanting to collect a fee to get a commitment of individuals going- flake rate, but only if the fee you paid would then be applied to services rendered if you signed with that agency.
Like PP said, unless this is including a stay at an amazing all inclusive resort or you're having dinner with the President (of the US) to discuss ethical adoption practices this is awfully suspicious.