Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
How long (or how many adoptions) has the agency been facilitating adoptions in the
Is this the same state in which the agency is licensed to perform adoptions and where
the agency is incorporated (or where they are registered as a non-profit organization)?
YES NO
If no, record information about their license and business incorporation or non-profit
status here:
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Has the owner or Executive Director ever owned or operated an adoption agency in
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Has the owner or Executive Director ever had their adoption agency license revoked
or requested to be surrendered?
YES NO
For domestic adoption: What support services (legal advice, counseling) is offered to
the natural mother and natural father before, during, and after placing their child for
adoption?
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For International Adoption: Does the agency have Hague Accreditation, and if so,
________ Accredited
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Does the agency charge a different fee based on race, ethnicity, or gender?
YES NO
Does the agency offer grants for adopting a child with special needs?
YES NO
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Does the agency assist adoptive parents facing a disruption of a child adopted
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Is the agency fiscally sound? You can check many non-profit organizations’
YES NO
If yes, note the date(s), nature of the complaint, whether it was investigated, and the
outcome: ________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Client References
I urge you to get a minimum of five client references from the adoption agency you are
investigating. Ask for references that are recent, as an agency that once enjoyed a positive
reputation can quickly become one with numerous complaints. Request references from
clients in the program you are interested in as well as others. You want assurances that
the agency, in its entirety, conducts itself in a transparent and ethical manor that is
respectful of all members of the adoption triad.
Reference #1
Reference #2
Reference #3
Reference #4
Reference #5
Does not provide concrete information, but rather speaks in generalizations often
Offering the referral of a child in a country that does not allow pre-identification of
Attempts to isolate you from the adoption community; urging you to stay off Yahoo
If you inquire about an issue or negative experience or report from another client
be leery if the agency speaks poorly about the client, sometimes going as far as
Operating their business in a state other than where they are licensed especially if
the only business address is a purchased “suite box” such as Mail Boxes Etc.
Consistently uses language that is emotionally charged often calling into question
Heated debates on the internet in Yahoo groups and other arenas both in support
of the agency and against the agency. There should not be an extreme polarity in
based on a specific child you see in a photolisting. If any agency tries to make you
feel “indebted” to them for “getting a child for you” they are being manipulative!
Smart Money Magazine Article: Ten Things Your Adoption Agency Won’t Tell You
http://www.smartmoney.com/tb/Jtyq.2FdE.3D