How to Choose an Adoption Agency: Key Considerations

How to choose an adoption agency is one of the most critical steps in your adoption journey. With so many options available, understanding the key factors that distinguish agencies can make the difference between a smooth, successful process and a challenging experience. This guide explores how to choose an adoption agency that aligns with your values, goals, and unique circumstances.

Why Choosing the Right Adoption Agency Matters

Your adoption agency acts as your partner and advocate throughout the process. They help you navigate the complex legal, financial, and emotional aspects of adoption. Choosing a reliable agency ensures that you:

• Feel confident about the child’s welfare and ethical practices.
• Receive personalized support throughout the process.
• Comply with international and domestic regulations.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Adoption Agency

Selecting the right agency requires careful research and a clear understanding of your priorities. Here are the essential considerations:

Accreditation and Licensing

• Ensure the agency is licensed in your state and accredited by organizations such as the National Council for Adoption or the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
• Verify the agency’s compliance with the Intercountry Adoption Act if you’re pursuing an international adoption.

Experience and Expertise

• Choose an agency with extensive experience in the type of adoption you’re pursuing (domestic, foster care, or international).
• Ask for case studies or success stories that demonstrate their expertise. For example, Hope’s Promise has helped countless families adopt children domestically, providing compassionate and comprehensive support.

Transparency in Costs

• Request a detailed breakdown of adoption costs, including agency fees, travel expenses, and post-adoption services.
• Be cautious of agencies that are vague or reluctant to disclose fees.

Support Services

• Look for agencies that provide pre-adoption counseling, training, and post-adoption support.
• Confirm the availability of bilingual staff or translators if you’re adopting internationally.

Checklist for Families: How to Choose an Adoption Agency

Here’s a quick checklist to guide your decision-making:

Accreditation: Is the agency licensed and accredited for the type of adoption you’re pursuing?

Reputation: What do reviews, testimonials, and references from other families say about the agency?

Transparency: Can the agency provide a clear adoption costs breakdown upfront?

Support: Does the agency offer pre- and post-adoption services?

Experience: How long has the agency been in operation, and what is its track record with international adoptions?

Ethical Practices: Does the agency follow ethical guidelines for child placement and birth family support?

Communication: Are the agency’s staff responsive, empathetic, and willing to answer all your questions?

FAQs About Choosing an Adoption Agency

How to choose an adoption agency for international adoption?

• Look for agencies accredited by the Hague Convention and experienced with your chosen country.
• Evaluate their knowledge of specific country regulations and ability to handle unique challenges, such as travel and visa processes.

What should I avoid when choosing an adoption agency?

• Avoid agencies with unclear fees, poor communication, or a lack of accreditation.
• Be wary of agencies that make unrealistic promises about timelines or costs.

Read tips on ethical adoptions at Adoption.com.

Conclusion

How to choose an adoption agency requires diligence, research, and thoughtful consideration. By focusing on factors such as accreditation, transparency, and support services, you can find an agency that aligns with your needs. Remember, a successful adoption journey starts with making an informed choice. 

Looking for more stories, updates, and resources about adoption, foster care, and orphan care? Visit our main blog page at Hope’s Promise Blog to discover more resources and join us in writing stories of hope together.

Hope’s Promise and Footprints Floors: A Partnership Making a Lasting Impact

Partnerships. Without them, Hope’s Promise could not function. We could not do what God has called us to do. At Hope’s Promise, we have Business Partners, Ministry Partners, Church Partners and individual partners. These organically cultivated partnerships are what help us do the life changing work of building strong families. Our partners sponsor events, volunteer, hold gift card drives for foster families, allow us to speak at their churches and so much more. Footprints Flooring is one such partner. We are so thankful for the continued support and passion for our mission.

Guest blog by Victoria Campisi, Staff Writer at 1851Franchsie.com

Footprints Floors, a leading flooring franchise with over 150 locations, is committed to more than just providing top-notch flooring services. Through their First Fruits Fund, the brand has taken a significant step in giving back to the community by partnering with faith-based organizations that offer holistic family care services. 

One such partnership is with Hope’s Promise, a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to adoption, orphan care and foster care services. Hope’s Promise began 34 years ago with a mission to create a better adoption experience for families. Founded by Paula Freeman in Castle Rock, Colorado, the organization has since expanded its focus to include domestic and international adoptions, as well as orphan care and foster care services.

“[Paula] just felt the Lord calling her to create an adoption agency that would work better for adoptive parents and what she had experienced, and so she started it at her kitchen table and earned her master’s while raising five kids,” said Colleen Briggs, director of orphan care at Hope’s Promise.

Initially focused on domestic adoptions, Hope’s Promise soon added international adoptions to their services. The early 2000s brought a new awareness within the organization. 

“The board and staff really became aware with international adoptions of how many kids were being left behind, and that those kids deserve families as well,” said Briggs. “And so our Orphan Care Program started at that time, and our focus with the Orphan Care Program has always been family-based care. Kids need and thrive in families.”

The Impact of the First Fruits Fund

The partnership between Hope’s Promise and Footprints Floors through the First Fruits Fund has been a remarkable blessing for both organizations. 

“Footprints reached out to us by email, wanting to know more about what we do. From our first meeting, it was clear that Footprints Floors shared our passion for helping children in need, both locally and internationally,” Briggs said. “[They’ve] been involved in all different capacities — sending volunteers to our events, inviting us to come to their events and supporting our programs.”

One of the most impactful aspects of this partnership is the support for Hope’s Promise’s Vietnam program through monthly donations. 

“There are 30 kids in Vietnam who are going to school because of First Fruits,” Briggs said. “Without Footprints Floors’ intervention, these children wouldn’t have access to stable families or education. It’s life-changing.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Partnership

The relationship between Hope’s Promise and Footprints Floors is built on more than just financial contributions — it’s about mutual support and shared values. 

“[It’s] a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Rachel Bates, director of foster care and adoptions at Hope’s Promise. “Footprints Floors isn’t just a donor; they’re a partner, and we’re so grateful for the friendship and support they’ve provided.”

Looking ahead, Hope’s Promise is excited about the future of this partnership.

“I hope to see even more relationships develop with Footprints Floors,” said Briggs. “I’d love for their team to visit Vietnam and meet the families they’re impacting firsthand.” 

As Footprints Floors continues to expand its philanthropic efforts through the First Fruits Fund, the partnership with Hope’s Promise serves as an inspiring model for how businesses can give back in a way that goes beyond writing a check. 

“There’s just great synergy in that, and great companionship and friendship,” said Briggs. “And I’m just so grateful. It feels like God just plopped them in our lap as a total gift.”