Hi ladies, may I join you? My husband and I have made the decision to grow our family through adoption. We feel great about our decision, but are overwhelmed with beginning the process. I've been doing a lot of research and it seems like each time I lean in a certain direction, I read something else and my thoughts change. At this point we are leaning towards domestic infant adoption but we haven't ruled out other options. I was lurking on here and saw a yahoo group (AARD) to research agencies, but are there any other places that would provide honest feedback? We are also not sure if we want to go with an agency or attorney. I am anxious to get the process started but of course I want to make the right decision. Any advice on the best way to get started? Thank you!
Re: May I join you?
Welcome to the board!
I would take a look at the FAQ's to get started. There are different kinds of adoption (domestic, international and foster to adopt) and within the different types, there are different ways to do it also. What helped us make our decision was going to a bunch of agency information sessions in our area. We were able to get a pretty big chunk of information that way.
Otherwise, ask away!
Hi and welcome.
AARD is a good start. You can always check BBB for complaints, or google different agencies in your area (and beyond) or ask for references from specific agencies you're interested in.
I always took online reviews with a grain of salt, because you never know who's *really* posting and people have different agendas. Reviews for our agency were all over the map, in part because they have several offices (and experiences) in several states, and in part because they worked with both domestic and international adoption.
I agree with pp that informational sessions can give you a good idea of who you'll be working with and if they'll click with you.
GL and post often!
Yay!! Yay!!!
::: mwah! :::
I'm so glad you're here and that we get to share this journey together!
Thank you! I'm glad we are here together too. I hope you don't mind I copied your badge.
BFP 12/18/2009. HB 1/4/2010. NO HB 1/18/2010. D&C 1/19/2010
April 2011 IUI #1 BFN. High FSH and other issues.
May 2011 Chose to build our family through adoption
September 2011 Actively waiting for a match
11/26/11 Surprise BFP * DD born 7/23/12
Are you kidding?! Not even a little!
And I promise I'm working on a reply to your email.
I don't have anything else to add, but wanted to welcome you and wish you a quick and smooth journey on your road to a forever family
Jenn
IVF#1 BFN IVF#2 BFP, loss at 19 weeks FET#1 BFN IVF#3 BFP, m/c FET#2 BFN
Missing our twins Zachary and Madison, lost at 19 weeks on 11/13/09, edd 4/9/10
BFP 7/17/10, m/c 7/25/10, edd 3/25/11
Ectopic, lost left tube 4/20/11, edd 12/6/11
my blog