What do you think about an agency that charges an exorbitant fee for an info. seminar?

Ginger71

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!

Dr.Loretta

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

CaptainSerious

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.

SweetieBelle04

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!

 

Jenn is Silly

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.

Ginger71

I knew in my heart that it didn't sound right....I have spoken to 3 diff people in real life who have used them and they all loved their experience with this agency. I just can't justify a $695. "meeting". It is not at a resort but they provide lunch. LOL. For that price it better be surf and turf and lots of good wine.

HopefulHalley10

I know what agency you're talking about. We looked into them because there are only so many NY agencies but we saw it as a red flag.  They were well recommended but I think certain things are important to each couple. To us that was too much money to shell out just for an info session and it felt like a sign of things to come that they would either be secretive or have hidden fees. Perhaps to come couples spending that much is not a big deal to them. To us it was a no go.

Honeydew1894

I would call and ask why the price doubled so quickly.  I would imagine part of that money goes to the speakers who present as well as the food. In the end, you have to do what you feel comfortable with.

jenn985

I think that seems quite steep! Our agency hosts free monthly informational sessions. We paid for our adoption class, but the hours are required by our state as adoption education, so that seemed fair. Make sure you find out all the fees upfront, and be leary of any agency that won't disclose this info. Good luck in your journey!

dragossoul84

I would worry about doing business with people who couldn't even give you information for free. Our agency charges us a decent amount of fees but I know where the money is going when its due and 100% goes toward our adoption. The only thing they really charged up front was a 250 dollar application fee but that is taken off of our total amount after we are approved. Adoption can be expensive but to charge you 400-700 dollars for you to find out if your even interested in them as an agency is nuts