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Where Do I Start?

Adoption Information for Beginners

Part Two

By National Adoption Information Clearinghouse

• Using a Private Agency

  To obtain the names of local private agencies, look under "Adoption Agencies" or "Social Services" in the Yellow Pages. You can obtain a free copy of your state's agency listing from NAIC. You can visit the NAIC Web site at http://www.calib.com/naic to access the National Adoption Directory online. You should check with your State Adoption Specialist, the Better Business Bureau near the agency and the State Attorney General's office regarding any complaints that might have been lodged by other adoptive families. You may also wish to check with local adoptive parent support groups for their recommendations of reputable agencies.

  Private agencies handle both domestic and intercountry adoptions. You will need to decide which kind of child you want to join your family. Fees charged by private adoption agencies range from $5,000 to more than $30,000 for both domestic and intercountry adoptions.

  Make sure you ask any agency you might work with what its fees are and what the schedule is for paying them. You should also ask what services are and are not covered by the fees. Most will allow you to pay fees in installments due at particular points during the adoption process. If the fee policy is clear from the beginning, any misunderstandings about payment will be less likely.

• Using a Public Agency

  You can find an appropriate agency listed in your telephone book in the government section under a name such as "Department of Social Services" or "Department of Public Welfare." Each state organizes its agencies somewhat differently. They may be organized regionally or by county. To begin, call your county office and ask to speak to the adoption specialist. If the county office cannot help you, ask to be referred to the regional or state office.

  In general, public agencies will accept adoption applications from families wanting to adopt older children, sibling groups or children with special physical or psychological needs. Many of the children awaiting placement from public agencies are children of color.

  
  
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