Adoption Agency Selection Checklist
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Parenting.
Adoption Agency Selection Guide
Introduction
Back in March 1996, we introduced our Adoption Agency Selection Checklist. Since then, thousands have used this tool, and with valuable feedback, we've refined it for simplicity and effectiveness. The checklist now consists of 5 initial questions easily answered through online searches or advertisements, and 11 more in-depth questions best discussed over the phone. Whether you're placing a child for adoption or planning to adopt, selecting the right agency is crucial for your child's future.
Key Considerations
When evaluating agencies, consider how they treat both the adoptive parents and birth parents. This decision is pivotal for everyone involved. As you contact agencies, don't be concerned if they notice you're using this checklist. It’s vital to focus on the issues at hand. Acknowledge you’re using the "openadoption.org checklist" and address each topic thoroughly. Observing how agency staff respond will provide insight into their practices beyond written policies.
Printable Checklist
For your convenience, a PDF version of this checklist is available at www.openadoption.org/checklst.htm. It includes four columns to compare multiple agencies, allowing you to take detailed notes from agency research and conversations.
Checklist Questions
Initial Questions (Can be answered via websites or ads):
1. Does the agency clearly state that it conducts fully open, fully identified adoptions?
2. Is the agency easily accessible from your home?
3. Do you have a friend who highly recommends this agency based on personal experience?
4. Are there other agencies with larger ads in your local yellow pages under the adoption section?
5. Is the agency either church-affiliated or established for over 30 years?
In-depth Questions (Best answered through a conversation):
6. Does the agency support maternity clients in parenting and offer free guidance?
7. Can the staff accurately explain open adoption, emphasizing transparency and ongoing contact?
8. Does the agency prioritize fully open adoptions and rarely accommodate families requesting less openness?
9. Are several counseling sessions required before clients begin family selection?
10. Can maternity clients review every available waiting family, rather than a pre-selected few?
11. Does the agency facilitate matches between families living close enough for frequent visits?
12. Are adoptive family resumes, including names, addresses, and local phone numbers, readily available?
13. Is there a clear adopting parent fee agreement outlining refund policies and prohibiting donations during the process?
14. Are all birthmother expenses included in the original fee, with the agency covering any additional costs?
15. Is the agency a member of the Child Welfare League of America?
16. Is the child's race one of the last factors considered?
Evaluation
Add up the number of "Yes" answers to compare agencies. A higher count indicates a better match to the ideal standards provided in the checklist.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Adoption Agency Selection Checklist.
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