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Adoption
Intro and some questions!
Hi -
My husband and I have recently decided to adopt, and although we know it is a long unpredictable process ? we are ready and psyched! After a couple years of infertility treatments, I am very happy to put that all behind us. As soon as we made this decision, it felt completely right. We quickly decided on domestic adoption, but besides that we have not made many decisions. Our goals are to get a healthy infant in our home ? as soon as possible 
And then I started making calls? wow it is overwhelming! We have had consultations with four organizations ? one agency, one law center, one private attorney, and one ?full service? organization.
It is hard to decide who we should commit to for this process, it is hard to come up with criteria to compare them since it is all so new.
If anyone is willing to share I would love to hear how you made a decision to work with an agency ? large versus small, a law agency, a small non profit? so may options.
Thank you in advance!
And then I started making calls? wow it is overwhelming! We have had consultations with four organizations ? one agency, one law center, one private attorney, and one ?full service? organization.
It is hard to decide who we should commit to for this process, it is hard to come up with criteria to compare them since it is all so new.
If anyone is willing to share I would love to hear how you made a decision to work with an agency ? large versus small, a law agency, a small non profit? so may options.
Thank you in advance!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Intro and some questions!
I have no experience with DIA, but wanted to say good luck!
5/10 - Gideon 6/12 Warren
4/11 Started adoption process for 2 siblings through DCF. 10/12 Found out we are licensed! 12/14 Brought 3 week old identical twin girls home from the hospital. Could be at least until Summer 1015 til we know if they are forever ours
Welcome!
We went with a large, established agency. We wanted a place that was fairly local, so we contacted 3 agencies in our area. One never returned our calls, and I heard their wait times and placement criteria were ridiculous, so they were off our list. We did contact one law firm, but they rubbed me the wrong way. We talked extensively to 2 other agencies; one very small, and one rather large (the one we went with). We asked a LOT of questions and talked a lot about which one we wanted to go with. In our hearts we both wanted the same agency, but DH was hung up on the fees for a while (the fees at the larger agency were double the small one). What made the decision for him was that a co-worker used them for their IA homestudy.
I'd ask a lot of questions, from placement rates to any hot button issues you're passionate about (same-sex adoption, different tracks for Caucasian vs AA/biracial, etc.). Ask for references, and contact them. Attend informational sessions. See who you "click" with.
Hi!
Good luck! We are waiting for our second/third birthmother to give birth, depending on how you count. Due the end of this month! (All through DIA)
Everyone we know who went through adoption had a difficult road. Be it multiple miscarriages, or having birthmothers change their minds multiple times etc. But one thing all the stories have in common is they ended up having families and that it is worth the struggle! We have yet to start our family, so here's to good outcomes for the four of us!
My advice is do your homework including adoption scams. We totally got scammed by a woman who has scammed others many MANY times despite going through an agency. There's no way to protect yourself 100% but it's good to know what to look for so do a google search. I'd probably stick to a reputable larger and local agency. We used a smaller company and they made some mistakes just because they are newer to the adoption scene.
Good Luck!