Qs to ask at info sessions, plus a couple other newbie Qs

may2806

We are starting to attend some agency info sessions this week for DA (although we're not 100% that we're going with DA, but that's where we're starting right now). These are the questions I have. What am I missing? (some basic info, like how long the agency has been in business, etc, is usually available on their website):

How many children do you successfully place a year? How many disruptions per year?

What is the average wait time? (if they say 'it varies greatly', should you press them on it? there has to be a mathematical average) 

What are the total fees? What is not included in the fees?

What happens if the BM decided to parent?  

Also, a couple more random questions about agencies: I've heard of signing with more than one agency; if you do this, does one of them become your 'main' agency and do your home study, etc? It seems like each agency expects that you will do you homestudy with them, but maybe they just want you to.

How important is it to have an agency in your state? I'm in northern NJ, and I've been surprised that there just don't seem to be that many agencies that are local to us. I haven't really checked out national agencies because they seem so...big, which I tend to equate with impersonal, but maybe this is not the case. I feel like it would easier to adopt in-state, but maybe that is limiting my options.

Thanks! 

 

 

silliestbunny

Just a quick reply...

"Avg wait time"--- you have to ask a more specific question. What's the avg wait time for couples that are seeking x, y, and z. 
If you are seeking a healthy Caucasian couple, you don't want the avg wait time for the agency since that will compare you with people that are open to drug and alcohol exposed children of all races.   Conversely if you are open to race and exposure, you'll want to know what that wait time is like.

silliestbunny

One more thought...

Ask what happens w/failed matches and money paid.  This is an area you could lose lots of money or no money at all.  Understanding how they work it will help you.

For numbers-  ask how many waiting families vs how many placements per year.

Ask if they get hospital calls.... how do they choose which families to call.  Some hospital calls just need SOMEONE to show up and parent. 

Dr.Loretta

What happens in a disruption/disappointment? As far as fees, where you would go on the waiting list, etc.

A better question than wait time IMO is ratio of placements to waiting families. The closer to 1:1, the better. Average wait time doesn't tell you much, esp if they have some people wait 2 weeks and others wait 2 years.

What is the fee schedule (what's paid when)?

What kind of couseling is provided for all members of the triad?

IMO it's not *that* important to work with an in-state agency, if you find one that you like.

njdcgirl

We live in NJ and are using a local agency.  They operate in NJ and PA.  I'm going to send you a PM with their information.  Good luck!

may2806

njdcgirl:

We live in NJ and are using a local agency.  They operate in NJ and PA.  I'm going to send you a PM with their information.  Good luck!

Thanks! I will check out the agency you're using. The second one you mentioned - we're actually signed up for an info session there although it is also quite far.

I was hoping for an agency closer to home in North Jersey - there do seem to be more in South Jersey for some reason, but the Cherry Hill/Philly area is about a 2 hour drive for us. I'm not sure how often you actually go to the agency though? So maybe it's not a huge concern?

jerseygirl-37

Hi May!   I sent you a PM.