You have the choice of using a private agency to do your home study, or using the state agency that is assigned by the program. Some state agencies contract with private agencies to do their home studies. Be sure you ask about this when you have your informational meeting.

There are definite pros and cons to each type of agency. One of the largest differences is money. Private agencies charge a fee for the home study. State agencies generally do not charge any fees, or the fees are covered under the non-recurring expenses section of adoption fees.

Private... more

The competing agency called me yesterday and I was explaining what type of children I’d like to take in.

I’ve gotten very specific I told her, I really only want a certain type of child, I’m burned out.

When I have talked about my burn out to agencies, they always understand, but still encourage me to stay... more

I'm headed to a foster agency open house in a couple of weeks. Hubby and I are still trying to decide if we will change agencies - and if so, which one we will go with....

Changing agencies means starting again with all the paperwork, training, inspections and homestudy. Whew! Not a decision to be made lightly.

However, our present agency is very small and doesn't offer many of the support services a larger agency would.

So, an open house at a competing agency should give me a bit of information and a chance to... more

What to look for when choosing an agency

1. Reputation – Can you get references from other people who’ve foster adopted with this agency from beginning to end. Did they support you? Answer all your questions?

2. Size of agency. I prefer a smaller agency, but others like to work with large agencies. With a larger agency you’ll get more services. Respite (see below) Classes, support will be more available. The downside of a larger agency is that you may not feel part of the agency ‘family’, unless you have a great caseworker on your side.

3. Training and Classes. What... more

I am trying to decide if I should change our foster - adopt placement agency. Where I live, there are many agencies that work with social services to place foster - adopt children. You interview the agencies, pick one, and then go through the home study process, training and licensing with that particular agency. The home study is not transferable, and stays with the agency. If we wanted to adopt an already waiting child, we could contract our own home study, but for the legal risk placements, we stay with only one agency.

We've been with the same agency for years now, but they've gone from... more