The decision to adopt is a big one, and for those new to the process, it can definitely be more than a little overwhelming. There are so many different types of adoption, various costs associated with it, and research to be done. But first, it’s important to make a decision about which path to take: Should you adopt through an agency or use a private attorney?
Both methods of adoption are very different, and there are pros and cons that come with each. Before you make your final choice, here’s everything you need to know about the difference between these two types of adoption so you can find which one might be right for you.
What to know before you adopt a child through an adoption agency
How to find the right adoption agency or attorney
Agency adoption
When looking for the right adoption agency, it’s good to start with a list like the National Foster Care & Adoption Directory Search, which is a database that can help you find licensed agencies that work in your area. When considering an agency, adoption coach Amy Twombly told Maven Clinic that it’s important to ask questions about how many placements they do in a year and how many waiting families they take at a time, because that can help indicate how long the adoption process might be.
“If they’re only doing 10 placements a year and they have 50 waiting families, odds are you’re going to be waiting for a long time, and it certainly doesn’t have to be that way,” Twombly said.
Adoption attorneys
Finding an adoption attorney is similar: There are national directories that can help you find the representation you’re looking for in your state. Here, it’s important to do your research and ask the right questions first before committing to an attorney; AdoptiveFamilies.com recommends finding one who does at least 10 adoptions per year and who dedicates at least 50% of their time to adoption cases.
The journey to adoption can definitely be overwhelming, but the destination is surely worth it. Figuring out which method works for you is half the battle, whether you decide it’s best to go private or to use an agency to help you along the way.
