Weighing my agency options?

Question

So I have narrowed it down to two agencys, one is in NJ one is in Fl, both have good Adoption laws, The FL one is a larger agency that places around 116 babies a year, the NJ one places around 35-40. We live in PA so it would be easier to do the NJ one but I fear that it would be a longer wait time, the Fl agency has a few offices over the state and seems to have a good Reputation from what I get at least.

The NJ one wants a flat fee of 25K no matter what and 19K is up front, however, you don't lose any money or birthmom expense is the adoption fails, FL is around 20K plus birthmom expenses and travel expenses, so they are both about the same all in all, but FL you lose birthmom expenses and a 2K fee from the agency when I match fails.

What would you do???

Answer 1

The fees at the agency we went through in Missouri were $16,000 plus home study $1,250 and legal 2,500, however we did have a failed match before adopting our son and we did owe fees associated with that case-ouch!  So, you do take some risk with the FL agency.  I assume that the NJ 25K includes possible birth mother expenses, medical, and legal? You may also owe ICPC (interstate compact) since you live in a different state (check on that too).  If that 25K is a guaranteed fee I think it is reasonable.

Answer 2

Our agency was fee for service vs $25k flat rate, and I was more comfortable with that. It doesn't mean it was cheaper (although it was less than $25k) but I felt like I knew what I was paying for. Also the number of adoptions doesn't  tell the whole story, because if they have a ton of families waiting things might work out the same as at a smaller agency with fewer placements. Do they give you any average wait time (along with a range)?

We were in CA and only considered local agencies - but then we had several decent choices. Aren't there any good agencies in PA? Our birthmom was in GA,so we had to deal with GA and CA laws.  If you have an agency in a third state, does that complicate things?

Answer 3

Have you done research to see if any complaints have been registered, if any adoptions were overturned because the agency was at fault?  Have you checked references, talked to parents that adopted through those agencies as well as parents that have placed their child for adoption through those agencies?  Have you looked at their financial statements and profit reports? Have you verified that their license is valid?

Just things to check.  Maybe you've done all of this already, but these are good things to research when choosing an agency.

Answer 4

I wouldn't base my decision on $$ but instead make sure I choose an agency that didn't pressure expectant mothers to place and that had good all around ethics.

Answer 5

I'm assuming this is a domestic adoption.  Because if it is an international adoption those fees do not seem right....WAY too high.

Answer 6

Adopting from foster care is free, and gives homes to children who NEED them.  Just thought I'd throw that out there.