Adoption Agency Guidleines from the consumer

I think it is time for the demand side of the adoption marketplace to create a set of guidlines Adoption Agencies have to follow in order for those of us who wish to adopt to give them our money and time.

In any market, there is a concept of efficiency. In essence, this idea means the market itself will correct based on the dynamics at play. One of the dynamics, is the price as well as the customer.

I believe we should start a dialog amongst active adotpion couples, agencies, and consultants and create a list, similar to here.

Here are some examples....

1. Any Adoption Agency participating in this must be a fully "not for profit" venture, whether they are in fact a 501c3 corporation or not.

2. Each agency participating must have at least an annual financial disclosure including a balance sheet, an income statement, and a profit and loss statement, publicly available for all prospective adoptive people.

3. Each Agency will disclose ALL salary, dividends, and payouts to all board members, owners, and employees.

4. Each Agency will maintain a maximum of xxxx% overhead and admin costs including marketing, office and support supplies, etc...

5. Each agency will have a clearly written and communicated policy about the actual costs for adoptions, including any method of pricing changes for "hard to place" children. This would mean explaining in actual terms and numbers, as well as policy, how the agency handles and disperses monies that might be more than actual costs for "easy to place" children for "hard to place" children. If indeed, the agency does not have a policy for this, they will be disqualified.

5. Each agency will have the director or officiating board member sign and post a copy of "Articles of Compliance and Intent" that we create, and renew it every year.


This is a start. I would love to hear input from all of you. I dont know how to arrange it and process it, as blogs arent the best way. I have a new website called adoptionrelief.com, and I can set up a message board there etc... soon.