Make Sure You Choose The Right Agency

Many friends in the adoption community have been posting about what is going on in our country regarding adoptions.

Last week we received an email that went out to all agencies who do adoptions in our particular African country.  Just like in other countries, there have been fraudulent and unethical adoptions.  It's not only extremely sad to me that people would take advantage of folks who are wanting to adopt a child in a country where adoption is so necessary, but it's also so sad that the small numbers of those who break the rules, make the process so much harder on the  many others who are following the rules.  The US Embassy in our country is having to do additional investigations toward the end of the adoption process to confirm that undoubtedly the children are true orphans and therefore can be rightfully adopted.  This additional investigation will be delaying adoptions by 3 months or more.  It goes into effect now for those families who have not received their final Embassy appointment.

As you can guess, we are waiting on our final Embassy appointment and so this email sent me in a panic.  Were we included in this delay with additional investigations or not?

After talking to my agency, I feel more at peace that we are most likely NOT included in this group of additional investigation.  I also have a great peace about our process.  Our agency was the first agency to conduct adoptions in this country.  They have laid the groundwork for all of those who have come after them.  They have hired personnel who were highly recommended by the US Embassy in the capital city.  They have brought home over 130 children from this country in the last 8 years and not once have they had a visa denied.  They have a good reputation there.

I rest in that.  As hard as it is to find a good adoption agency, it is crucial.  In the last year, I have heard some AWFUL stories about families who have not chosen reputable agencies and lived to regret it....some never seeing their children after paying full costs.  It's really, really sad and I can't imagine the pain and heartache of these families.

I am thankful for our agency and if you are considering adopting, I would love to recommend our agency to you.  The story behind how we found this small, yet reputable agency is totally a God thing.  God led us there and there is no other explanation for it.  They know what they are doing and they do it well and efficiently.  They may cost more than other agencies, but to me, it's worth the additional cost to know that everything is done with integrity and efficiency.  These children's lives are at stake.  Their future is reliant on agencies like mine.  It's THAT important.