Recognize Red Flags When Looking For an Adoption Agency
Although most adoption agencies are honest and legitimate, some have a very poor track record, with allegations of fraud, dishonesty and charging an exorbitant fee for their services. Adoption agencies of this caliber often have smooth-talking staffers in their employ who do their best to sound professional in order to get your business. If you want to have a better chance of finding a credible adoption agency, there are some red flags you need to look out for.
Instructions
1. Research the adoption agency through the Better Business Bureau. Find out if the agency has its own accreditation, or if it works under the accreditation of another another agency. Choose an agency with its own accreditation and license.
2. Find out how the agency's staffers are paid. Iif their pay is determined by how many adoptions they complete, rather by a salary or hourly wage, they may be encouraged to push through illegal or illegitimate adoptions. Avoid agencies that subcontract out their adoption services or pay employees per adoption.
3. Research and evaluate the agency's professional affiliations, such as the Joint Council on International Adoptions or the Council of Accreditation. Consider a lack of such relationships to be a potential red flag regarding the legitimacy of the agency.
4. Ask the agency for a list of services they provide, along with the adoption fees and expenses you will be charged. For an international adoption, ask what other costs may be involved, like translation fees and the hiring of an interpreter and a driver. If an agency wants you to pay most or all of the fees upfront, it could be an indication that the agency is trying to defraud you. Go with an agency that only requires a small deposit upfront, with the other fees to be paid after each service is provided.
5. Ask for an itemized list showing where every penny of your adoption money will go. If the agency refuses to provide the list or tries to talk its way around giving you a tally, take this as a red flag, as some adoption agencies are guilty of corruption, baby-buying and profiteering.
6. Be wary of signing a fee agreement that does not include a provision allowing you to cancel the agreement if the agency increases its fees, if you end up not meeting their criteria for adopting a child, or if they cannot find a child you would be willing to adopt.
7. Red-flag any agencies if you learn they have had lawsuits filed against them, have had out-of-court settlements leveled against them, or have had complaint reports filed against them with the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s office. Aavoid any further contact with those agencies or their affiliates.
8. Avoid signing any contract with an adoption agency that includes a gag clause or order, or promises you a child to adopt before a family assessment has been completed. This may be a red flag that the agency is dishonest or involved in illegal practices.
9. Find out if the adoption agency complies with with foreign and domestic government rules and regulations. If not, look somewhere else to adopt a child.
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