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After deciding whether to adopt, the next biggest decision you'll make is which agency to use. By answering a few questions early on, you improve your chances of finding the right agency, which can help shorten the process and make it smoother. Here are some of the main things to consider when choosing an agency.

What kind of adoption are you doing?

If you're interested in adopting a child who is currently in foster care, you will work with a public or a private agency. Public agencies are governmental programs that supervise kids in foster care. They may contract with private agencies that use public funds to find care and get...

After deciding whether to adopt, the next biggest decision you'll make is which agency to use. By answering a few questions early on, you improve your chances of finding the right agency, which can help shorten the process and make it smoother. Here are some of the main things to consider when choosing an agency.

What kind of adoption are you doing?

If you're interested in adopting a child who is currently in foster care, you will work with a public or a private agency. Public agencies are governmental programs that supervise kids in foster care. They may contract with private agencies that use public funds to find care and get services.

If you are hoping to adopt a newborn, you will need to find an agency or attorney who facilitates placements between expectant parents and hopeful adoptive parents.

Some agencies solely focus on international adoptions and some do both international and domestic adoptions. Most agencies that facilitate international adoptions will focus on specific countries. If you already know which country interests you, you will need to look for an agency that works there. Learn more about international adoptions.

Who does the agency work with?

Every agency will have its own qualifications beyond those set forward by the state (and the country, if they do international adoptions). For example, some will work only with prospective parents who are members of certain religious communities. Other may not work with single parents.

What is the cost?

Foster-to-adopt programs through the state usually have no fees. Other programs do cost money and the fee can vary widely. Not all agencies charge the same amount for the same kind of adoption so check around and see whose services best fit in your budget.

What do other people say?

"Most adoption agencies are ethical," says Micky Duxbury, author of Making Room in Our Hearts. "But there are some that put the business of adoption above the welfare of the child."

Before you sign on the dotted line try to connect with other families who have adopted through the agency or are waiting to adopt.

Look for folks on online message boards or email lists for truly candid feedback. Ask them for the good and the bad rundown -- you don't want to be hit with any surprises.

While you're researching don't forget to check with the Better Business Bureau.

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