If you're looking to pursue adoption, finding an adoption agency is among the most crucial steps to setting up a successful adoption experience. However, with so many options, finding a strong adoption agency may appear daunting. Here's a guide to help you identify and choose a reputable adoption agency that's right for you.

1. BY DAVID GRISLIS
HOW TO IDENTIFY A
STRONG ADOPTION
AGENCY

2. If you’re pursuing adoption, finding a reputable agency is
among the most crucial steps in establishing the foundation for
a successful adoption experience. While choosing a strong
adoption agency may appear daunting with the number of
existing agencies around the world, here’s a guide to help you
choose a reputable adoption agency that’s right for you.

3. WHAT
MAKES A
STRONG
ADOPTION
AGENCY?
A licensed agency will have
met standard criteria for staff
education and training
requirements, as well as child
placement. While licensing
requirements may vary
depending on state, to
assess the reputation of
licensed adoption agencies,
you can contact the State
Licensing Specialist in the
state in which the agency is
located and the specialist will
be able to inform you about
the agency’s current
standing.
LICENSING

4. WHAT
MAKES A
STRONG
ADOPTION
AGENCY?
Reputable agencies
operating out of multiple
countries will be Hague-
Accredited, meaning
they have met the
standards of the
Intercountry Adoption
Act. Look for agencies
that have this
accreditation.
HAGUE-ACCREDITED

5. HOW TO ENSURE YOU'RE CHOOSING A
REPUTABLE AGENCY
In addition to checking licensing, when meeting with an
agency, request client references. Asking agencies for
references from families who have gone through adoption will
provide you a better idea of how the agency handles the
process. You will also have the opportunity to ask the family if
there were concerns or conflicts with the agency prior to,
during, or after the process.
ASK FOR REFERENCES

6. HOW TO ENSURE YOU'RE CHOOSING A
REPUTABLE AGENCY
It’s important to exercise your due diligence to ensure the ideal
outcome. Make sure the agencies you are looking at are
licensed, ethical, and professionally competent. Utilize
resources such as Council on Accreditation to gather
information on accredited adoption service provides, call State
Licensing Specialists, and reach out to families who have
already gone through the adoption process with the agencies
you’re considering.
DO YOUR RESEARCH

7. HOW TO ENSURE YOU'RE CHOOSING A
REPUTABLE AGENCY
How long has the agency been licensed? What is the
educational and professional background of agency staff?
What will the adoption process be like and what is the
agency’s role during it? How much will it cost?
ASK QUESTIONS

8. HOW TO ENSURE YOU'RE CHOOSING
A REPUTABLE AGENCY
Does an agency refuse to provide references? Does it skirt
around questions or provide inconsistent answers? Has the
agency made promises that appear too good to be true? Does
the agency lack transparency? Does it appear unprofessional?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you might
want to consider looking into other adoption agencies.
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR RED FLAGS

9. HOW TO ENSURE YOU'RE CHOOSING
A REPUTABLE AGENCY
Does an agency leave you feeling unsettled? If your gut is
telling you to be wary, it might be best to listen and steer
clear.
TRUST YOUR GUT

10. WHILE SEARCHING FOR THE RIGHT
ADOPTION AGENCY MAY BE DAUNTING,
WITH THE RIGHT RESOURCES AND
PREPARATION, YOU CAN BEGIN WORKING
TOWARD A SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION.
David Grislis at davidgrislis.org