tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8215221452163344319.post-53290477198930996842008-04-15T15:06:00.001-04:002008-04-15T15:06:36.601-04:00How do you know which agency to choose? Should you work with a public or private agency? Should you ever leave your agency? These are all important questions that can greatly affect the timeliness and efficiency of your adoption training and placement. Be sure the mission statement of the agency you choose reflects your beliefs about adoption and foster care. It's best to get all the available information that the agency can offer. Before you commit to an agency, ask the following:<br /><br />What is the average time it will take for you to complete my Family Profile (Home Study)?<br />Once my Family Profile (Home Study) is complete, what is the average time it will take before a child will be placed in my home?<br />How long have you been working with families?<br />Are you familiar with the process of interstate adoption?<br />Do you offer adoptive parent support after placement?<br />Can I speak with families who have worked with this agency in the past?<br /><br />If you are not pleased with your current agency, ask to meet with your caseworker. Explain your concerns. Make sure your expectations are realistic and within the scope of the agency's services. If necessary, ask to talk with the supervisor. Documentation is key: be sure to keep record of all the calls with date and with whom you spoke. Make copies of all the paperwork that has been submitted! If you decide that you need to begin work with another agency, request a copy of your family profile (aka Home Study) - including documentation of adoptive parent training- so that you can provide it to the new agency as a point of reference. Expect that your agency will give you a copy of your Family Profile (Home Study) or at least allow you to read it in the office! You may be able to avoid completing the formalities twice!<br /><br />Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Not every agency will be able to meet your needs. Find one that does!<br /><br />Call 1-888-200-4005 or email <a href="mailto:info@adoptuskids.org">info@adoptuskids.org</a> or <a href="http://www.adoptuskids.org/RRT/FamilyIntakeRRT.aspx">request to be connected</a> to a Recruitment Response Team (RRT) in your state. The RRT will know about all of the agency options and help you pick the right one for you.Kate Kirkpatrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070339283074690076noreply@blogger.com