Edward S. Hume, M.D., J.D.: Chinadopt
Issues in
Choosing an Adoption Agency
(updated 2000/07/15)
First of all, check look up the agencies.
From:
owner-a-parents-china@shore.net on behalf of Stephen Jeu
Sent: Monday, March 25, 1996 5:43 PM
To: a-parents-china
Subject: worried abt agency
Reply to Kathy:
Hi Kathy:
We adopt from China last June and we have been providing support to a number of families in the Houston area who are either considering adoption or are 'in process.'
Both ourselves and a lot of the families to whom we have spoken had problems with their agency - some minor, some not. The most common problems stem from poor communication between agency and client, disorganization, and inexperience with China or a lack of understanding of what adoptive parents go through. The good thing is that in virtually all of the cases, the end result was a successful adoption with perhaps a little more grief, confusion, and worry than was necessary.
We often wonder when will it be that some of these agencies will realize what they provide a SERVICE for which clients are free to choose. They do not bestow gifts upon the few. It is the better agencies that strive to keep their clients informed and prepared. I'm sure from the agency's point of view, they see a lot of over-emotional, self-obsessed prospective parents, but then again that's our priviledge.
From your brief comment, it sounds that you have legitimate reasons to rethink your choice of agency. The good news is that it is not too late. You haven't shelled out the big bucks and your INS approval and homestudy are never tied to any particular agency. I would suggest that you look hard at some other agencies and to call your agency and ask them some really hard questions before going forward. Ask for references and call them to find out how they were treated.
More and more agencies are adding China programs. Unfortunately some agencies, even some that are very established, have only recently added the and the people assigned to the program may have very little experience with China. So take your time to choose an agency that meets your both your logistical and psychological needs.
Here are some questions you should consider asking the prospective agencies.
1. How long have you had a China program? How many families have you taken to China?
2. From what areas of China have the referrals come?
3. Is the agency tied to any particular area of China or orphanage?
4. How well did the referrals match the age, needs, health requested in the petition?
5. What has been the average time for the most recent cases:
a) from the time the dossier is submitted to China to
referral?
b) from the referral to the date of travel?
6. What is the agencie's expectations for timing on a new application?
7. How many families have submitted their dossiers and are currently waiting for referral?
8. How many families have received their referrals and are currently waiting for travel dates?
9. How many families travel usually together?
10. Does the agency handle any of the travel or in-country acommodations?
11. What are all of the expected fees and costs related to the adoption? What specifically is included/excluded in the agency's fees.
12. Has the agency had any problems with clients? If so how was it resolved?
13. If you were to have a problem with the agency, how will it be resolved?
Find out who will you be dealing with on a regular basis, answering questions, etc. Find out their qualifications and experience with the China program. Talk to him/her. Ask yourself, "Can I establish a decent rapport with this person?"
Ask for names of families who have gone to China with the agency. Call them.
1. Was the agency supportive throughout the process - paperwork, referral, preparing to travel?
2. Was the agency available to answer your questions? Did they have the right answers?
3. Was the agency organized? Did they return calls timely?
4. Did the families have any problems? Were they resolved? How were they resolved?
5. Did the agency properly prepare them for what transpired in China?
6. Were the timing and costs in line with estimates provided by the agency?
7. Would they use the agency again?
Keep some perspective. Remember that your interaction with your agency is really pretty brief, but they will be very anxious and critical moments. The agency's track record will tell you how successful their program is and how experienced they should be. The families will tell you if they are concerned about their clients. Your gut feel for the person that you will be dealing with at the agency will tell you if you can trust this person to be there when you need them.
I wish you all the best in your search.
Stephen.
Ed here ---
I agree with the above. I would like to emphasize that the different agencies do more or less of the work in getting your documents ready, and that is usually reflected in the fees. Also, look into the travel costs. Some agencies may have higher fees and lower airfares, and vice versa.
Also consider the agencies' orientations. Some are in it to place children, some are in it to help parents get children no matter what, and some take a balanced approach. Caveat emptor!
One place to start looking at agencies is in the Report on Intercountry Adoption, which is updated monthly.
From: Richard Smith
[SMTP:greyhave@ix.netcom.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 1996 9:34 PM
To: a-parents-china@shore.net
Subject: Fwd/BOUNCE: Getting Documents Fast
Anyone in a hurry to get documents:
Try Vitalcheck -- at 1-800-255-2414.They can get almost any personal document from almost any state or municipality REALLY fast. The prices vary, but are extremely reasonable, and in general not more than you'd pay to do it yourself (though you also pay UPS charges).
I do not work for them, but I have used them a couple of times and been amazed at the service. I don't know why they don't publicize it more.
Good luck -
Ashley Harvie