How to Pick the Right Adoption Agency: Starting Out

If you’re looking into adoption agencies, the first line of advice we can give you is to do your research! Yes, we know, you really want to get started with the process. But, it’s important that you take the time to really think about the agency you want to work with. Find the right adoption agency that fits your identity, whether that’s a faith-based agency, nonprofit, for-profit, or adoption lawyers, and then assess their capability in being able to help you.

We work with a variety of agencies, and no two are the same, but we thought we would like to provide you with some basic information to consider before picking an agency to try and help align your priorities.

Faith-Based Agencies

A handful of adoption agencies we work with are founded on religious beliefs and principles. Faith-based agencies tend to be nonprofit but carry a more stringent set of qualifications when it comes to selecting the parents they work with. For example, in order to work with one of our agencies parents must have been married for at least two years, be active Christians, have a history of infertility, be between 21 and 40 years of age, have health insurance and adequate income to support a child, and pass medical and criminal background checks. Various faith-based agencies could have similar requirements or be much more relaxed it simply depends on the agency, nevertheless parents should be cognizant of this and find the appropriate agency for them.

Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Adoption Agencies

There may not be many differences in the operations of a nonprofit vs. a for-profit agency, with the exception of price. The average cost of a private adoption hovers around $35K, but agencies may use that money in different ways. It is crucial to measure each agency by its individual merits, in our experience, the best agencies are ones that emphasize birth mother marketing, so that expectant parents considering adoption can get the help they need, when they need it.

Adoption Lawyers

Adoption lawyers work in family law. It can be confusing to think of an adoption attorney as an adoption agency, but with the right licensing, they can do that too.

Agencies and law firms that are technologically apt and embrace advanced marketing techniques that have your best interests in mind. They understand the importance of using effective marketing strategies that are proven to shorten the waiting times. One benefit of working with an adoption attorney is that they typically have a smaller roster of waiting parents, so you likely won’t have to wait as long, but this also goes back to whether or not they are marketing their birth parent services. When talking to an agency or law firm, always find out if they are explicitly marketing to birth mothers to find a match that is right for you. The adoption process can be long and arduous if you do not have an agency that is constantly marketing your parent profile.

Other Factors to Consider When Trying to Pick the Right Adoption Agency

Always check your state’s adoption laws. Each state differs when it comes to agencies and who can let you adopt. It’s very possible that you have to use an adoption agency instead of an attorney. However, even if this is the case, it shouldn’t stop you from assessing their marketing strategy. A good indicator of how birth mother-centric an agency is if they provide overt outreach to birth mothers on their website.

You deserve the best when it comes to family marketing. We wish you all the best in your search for a reputable agency. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in contact with a member of our staff.

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