We hear the horror stories every day of adoptions that cost more than they should or didn’t go as smoothly and problem free as the adoptive family expected. More often than not, those problems resulted from the use of unregulated and unlicensed adoption facilitators. We love seeing families grow through adoption, but we also know how important it is to use an adoption provider that ensures the family receives ethical and comprehensive services.

It’s tempting to go through a provider who offers an adoption at less expense, but we want you to be aware of both the pros and cons of the various adoption providers you may encounter as you make your decision to adopt.

•     An adoption facilitator is an unregulated and unlicensed company that matches prospective adoptive families to birthmothers. These companies work for profit.

○     Pros: Facilitators appear to be cheaper and faster, which appeals to many people.

○     Cons: Facilitators are not reviewed by an objective person, government or organization, which can be dangerous. Also, most facilitators lack counseling and social work background. Facilitators only match families and birthmothers. Families must use an adoption provider to complete the adoption. Usually, they provide less than ¼ of the services of an adoption, and adoptive families end up paying more than they might have paid with an adoption agency.

•     An adoption attorney usually specializes in adoption law. Like facilitators, attorneys work for profit.

○     Pros: By using an adoption attorney, the adoptive family will know that their adoption will be legally sound. Also, attorneys can be Hague Accredited as an individual.

○     Cons: Typically, adoption attorneys charge by the hour, making them very expensive. Like facilitators, their estimates are best scenario, and often end up costing more than the estimate. They do not always offer the counseling that many adoptive families and birthmothers desire and need.

•     An adoption agency is usually a non-profit licensed organization that provides all adoption services.

○     Pros: Adoption agencies are licensed and regulated by the state or a national organization, so adoptive families can take comfort in knowing that their procedures will be ethical and meet required standards. Also, agencies offer counseling and social services. A true relationship is often formed with an agency, by the birthmother as well as the adoptive family.

○     Cons: Often, adopting through an agency appears to be more expensive upfront. Also, fees can be higher due to the increased level and quality of services provided.

We hope these explanations will help you in choosing which option best suits your family’s needs. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at 662-842-6752.