This is the most important part of your adoption process. The agency will be your guide throughout the adoption.

You must feel comfortable working with your adoption agency. They are the ones who will tell you what documents must be completed and when. The agency will communicate your priorities to the foreign coordinator and most importantly, they will keep you up to date on what's happening with your adoption.

Some agencies are better at providing these services than others. In addition, an agency may excel in one area and may be lacking in another. You need to determine what your priorities are and what areas you are willing to take on as your responsibility. Remember, the key here is to find the best possible "fit" between you and the adoption agency you choose.

For example, it is not uncommon for the nonprofit agency to be understaffed. This can translate into less "hand holding" which may mean limited help with your dossier, or fewer returned phone calls. On the other hand, it may mean fewer costs. If you have little time to complete paperwork, or have some terribly complicated paperwork, you may want an agency that offers extra paperwork assistance.

You will also need to become aware of the hidden costs in an adoption. An agency should be able to give you a breakdown of all the fees (including estimated fees) in writing. If they refuse, then you need to seriously consider finding a new agency. This may sound extreme, but it could save you a lot of heartache in the long run.

In addition, you should always ask the agency for references from families who have recently adopted from the country you have chosen. Ask for people who have had good experiences and bad experiences. Even if a family had problems during their adoption, you want to make sure that the agency was supportive and did everything they could to rectify the situation.

We would be glad to help you choose the right adoption agency for you. If you are asking yourself either of these questions: