FINDING AN AGENCY

Selecting an adoption agency is an important first step in exploring adoption.  Adoption agencies differ in practices, programs, services offered, fees, adoptive family educational opportunities, and philosophies.  You will want to work with an agency that you feel comfortable with, and that has a program that will fit your family needs.  LSS offers free education sessions to anyone interested in learning more about adoption.  For locations and times, click here.  Also, below are a few suggested questions you may want to ask as you inquire about different adoption agencies.

The following is a list of advantages to working with Lutheran Social Services:

• We are not-for-profit; we view adoption a lifelong journey.

• We have a reputation as an ethical organization and are nationally recognized as a leader in the adoption community.

• Our experienced, personal counselors guide you through the process.

• We provide counselors who serve as advocates for the birthparents so that they are fully aware of all their options.

• We provide adoptive parents with medical and social history information about their child.

• We provide full preparation for your pre-adoption experience as well as post-adoption assistance after your child is home.

• LSS is always willing to provide adoptive families with other LSS families that have adopted through our agency programs.  These mentor families have a wealth of information and knowledge that can be very useful to new families.
   

Important Questions to ask Adoption Agencies:

Q:  How many years have you been a licensed agency?
Look for an agency that has been well established for several years, is not for profit, and is a licensed child welfare agency.  In many states you may contact the Bureau of Regulation and Licensing to obtain some of this information

Q:  How many placements did you facilitate last year?
Of those placements ask for a breakout of the placement numbers for all of the agency programs in total.  The agency should be able to provide you with total number of placements for more than 1 previous year.

Q:  What is your fee?  At what point in the process is the fee paid and how is it broken down?  What does that fee NOT include?
You will want to know up front what fees you may have to pay (some will be nonrefundable).  Sometimes post placement visits, legal expenses, and seminars are extra, and you should know this when deciding what agency you can afford.

Q:  Does the agency have a website?
You can learn a lot about the agency from their website, including requirements, fees, and the different programs that are offered.  Looking at the website may spark questions you will want to ask an agency representative.

Q:  What is an average waiting time to have a home study completed?
Look for an agency that will thoroughly prepare you with educational classes and seminars as well as individual appointments with your counselor.  Also keep in mind that the type of child you're looking to adopt will affect the waiting time (the more flexible you are, the more opportunity you will have).  Typically a home study can take between 2-4 months to complete.  Once you have an approved home study you become an active family.

Q:  How do you get started?
Is there a free information class, or individual appointment offered?  Most agencies should provide you with some way of gathering information about their agency before you have to decide whether you want to work with them.

Q:  Does the agency have a Placing Program?
A Placing agency may have greater knowledge about international processing versus just a home study agency.