Pact, An Adoption Alliance - Selecting An Agency

Selecting An Agency

In most states, you will work with an agency to complete your homestudy. In some states, you have the option of working with a state-licensed social worker. In addition to state requirements, your selection options may be determined or limited by your location. If you live in a small rural area, there may be in your jurisdiction only one agency licensed by your state to conduct homestudies. In some locations, there is no local private agency available and special arrangements must be made.

If you live in a community offering choices regarding which agency or individual to hire, you need to compare policies to determine which will serve you best. Please consider carefully any of the following questions that pertain to your situation.
What is the agency policy or attitude about contact between birth parents and adoptive parents?
Is it in accord with the style of contact you hope to pursue?
*Since Pact strongly advocates openness in adoption, agencies that handle only closed adoptions generally find it very difficult for agencies to cooperate with the Pact process.
What is the agency policy and experience with transracial adoption, racial issues and adoptions for children of color? (If you are considering a transracial placement, be sure to determine an agency's policy on transracial adoptions.)
What are the agency's attitudes or policies regarding your special concerns? These may include age, lifestyle, religion, working parents, single-parenting, and others.
How long does the agency expect the process to take?
Will they be willing to handle Interstate Compact Placement requirements for adoptions involving more than one state?
Do they have experience with interstate placements?
Will they be willing to do post-placement supervision?
Do they take birth parent relinquishments? Do they do birth parent terminations?
Will you be required to hire an attorney? If so, under what circumstances?
What are the agency's fees for the homestudy, Interstate Compact compliance, post-placement supervision, parental-rights terminations, and finalization?