Looking for the right adoption agencies can be a very time consuming and stressful process when you are trying to adopt a child. Perhaps you may not know where to begin. Here are a few pointers to assist you when choosing an adoption agency.

1. Recommendations

The process of looking for a reliable and trustworthy adoption agency is now easier through recommendations from friends and/or family members and sites like AdoptionAgencyReviews.com. Join popular adoption forums like adoption.com and Yahoo adoption groups. Rather than simply going through the yellow pages, recommendations can provide you with experiences and information relating to that adoption agency that isn’t readily available like their experience with case workers who specialize in a certain type of adoption (i.e. international adoption versus domestic adoption).

2. Specialization

Adopting a child is very complex and it helps to have an agency that specializes in the type of adoption you are interested in or at least has a member of the team that has experience especially if you are considering international adoption. For example, some adoption agencies specialize in adoptions from specific countries. Others are very successful with open, domestic adoptions. Ensure the agency that has a respectable number of successful adoptions and adoption services. If your agency is pioneering a program in a country that has just opened its doors to U.S. adoptions, check for a strong reputation of international adoption agencies from other countries.

3. Visit your prospective adoption agency

Rather than just merely making a call, visiting your prospective agency is important. Make a list of questions prior your visit to ensure that all your concerns are addressed. There is more information you can get especially when you meet the agency staff in person. Ask your questions and get the pertinent details you need. Please consider how helpful they are when they answer and explain the process to you.

4. Fees.

Fees vary and are an important consideration. However, simply because their adoption services have cheaper rates compared to most doesn’t mean they are right for you. Do your homework and talk to others who have used that agency. You might end up switching halfway through the adoption and waste valuable time and money.

5. Do they provide post adoption services?

What is their adoption philosophy? Is it a life long journey or a mere-delivery? Your chosen adoption agency should supply quality programs and services for your adopted child when he or she reaches certain ages. They should have a follow through program.

These five basic pointers should help in your journey to adopt your latest addition to your family.