We are currently in the research, research, research stage of adoption and I'm curious as to what exactly makes an agency a good one? We are most interested in adopting internationally from Guatemala, but may also be looking at domestic adoption as well. I feel so clueless here!

The biggest thing I can suggest is to ask for REFERENCES and make sure they give you phone numbers, not letters. Call any and all agencies and ask for a packet. You'll get tons of info.

Our agency was awful. They only give out letters now. A friend of mine once called their reference (yes just one) and they told her they wouldn't use them again! Also this agency has threatened to sue people for slander if they post how they were treated. I can't say much more (for fear of being sued, ha ha).

Others may have betters suggestions as I did it the stupid and emotional way (but hey look how it turned out? ;) ).

I think the right agency is key. My agency mailed me a long list of names , addys and phone numbers of everyone in my area from the past couple of years who had gone through the process. I called about 15 of the families on it, and only one gave a negative. They were denied. It turned out it was the country of the child's origin, not the agency, who 'denied' them. At any rate, I can't say enough good things about our agency, depite that sad story from that family. We were truly blessed.

We used DeColores Adoption in LA and Reaching Arms International in MN. We were pleased with both agencies and would use both again.

HTH,
Sandra

Thank you all! We've narrowed down our search to a handful (lol) and we're also looking at pursuing state adoption. The BEST news came today when we found out that we are eligible for a $5K reimbursement for adoption costs through my dh's employer. That is going to *really* help!

Thank you all! We've narrowed down our search to a handful (lol) and we're also looking at pursuing state adoption. The BEST news came today when we found out that we are eligible for a $5K reimbursement for adoption costs through my dh's employer. That is going to *really* help!

Oh that is AWESOME!

Thank you all! We've narrowed down our search to a handful (lol) and we're also looking at pursuing state adoption. The BEST news came today when we found out that we are eligible for a $5K reimbursement for adoption costs through my dh's employer. That is going to *really* help!

We found out the same thing thru dh's employer and it was something we found out accidentally when he was perusing his benefits info online.

I believe we are going to go thru Catholic Charities for fostering and then either CC or DCFS for adoption, depending on our money situation then