Comparing Adoption Agencies

Learning about international adoption can be a complex undertaking.

We believe everyone benefits if parents become educated consumers of adoption services. Unfortunately new prospective adoptive parents may not know where to start and what questions to ask. The easy questions, “How long does it take?” and “How much does it cost?” don’t really tell the whole story.

Because choosing an agency is so critical, we have developed this checklist to assist you in asking critical questions. We urge you to use it in evaluating CWA or any other prospective international adoption agency.

When comparing expenses:

• What types of expenses are normally incurred for an international adoption?

• What is the general total cost?

• What are the fees for the following?

• Will there be any additional expenses I can expect to be billed for later in the process. If so, how much?

When comparing services and credentials:

• How long has the agency been licensed? In what state(s)?

• How much experience do the agency management and Case Managers have in international adoption?

• How many adoptions has the agency completed?

• If you are interested in a specific country, ask the number of completed adoptions for that specific country and the number of years experience there? How many recent adoptions has the agency completed in the country?

• Which professional organizations is the agency a member of?

• Is the agency accredited with the Council On Accreditation (COA) or currently seeking accreditation?

• Is the agency a member of the Joint Council on International Children’s Services or the National Council for Adoption?

• Can they provide a parent referral list that includes telephone numbers?

• Do the staff travel to the children’s birth countries to evaluate a program’s effectiveness and meet with adoption officials? How often?

• What standards does the agency adhere to in cooperating with in-country associates (attorneys, facilitators)? How long has the agency worked with the associates and how were they chosen?

• Does the agency have U.S. staff fluent in the languages of the countries in which you work?

• Does the agency assist the birth country with humanitarian aid?

• What type of parent education and support services does the agency provide?

• What type of support can I expect once my adoption is completed?

• What type of assistance is offered to clients when they travel to the birth country?

• Are transportation and translators made available?

• What is the overall philosophy of the agency?

We encourage you to become an educated consumer. If you have more questions, please call us at 1-888-97ADOPT. We will be glad to talk with you.