[parker john]

Yep Josee ... that's the same place!

I think they only do IL adoptions

[jf5505]

Yeah just talked to someone and they don't deal with anyone outside of Il..Oh well, any other good recommendations? Has anyone used Frank or CAI?

[MamaSoon]

A blog buddy mentioned this rating site the other day. Thought I'd pass on the link: Adoption Agency Ratings

[rebecca0130]

Kari, sorry about the delay in answering you.
thank you for your sticky vibes, I will post later when they call with my beta results. so hoping for

OK, so to answer your question:
I can't believe Lutheran in WI charges that much, it must include the advertising, etc. For us, we paid Angel $9400, Lutheran $2500, and our attorney fees, which I think were around $2000. Plus extra expenses that always come up and I can't remember right now.
I hope that helps.

let me know what you end up deciding.

jf5505, just in case you do get matched with a b-mom from IL, the waiting time for signing surrenders is 3 days and the laws are rock solid. important part about surrenders is having a legit agency with experience in being there and a social worker that is the b-parents advocates (not working with the adoptive parents directly).

Good luck to everyone, I am so excited for you. It is an amazing experience!

[jf5505]

Wow that is really helpful...anyone hear of Family to Family? they look really good..my AFTH looks awful, but they were all International, maybe domestic is better.

Josee how are you?

Originally Posted by MamaSoon

A blog buddy mentioned this rating site the other day. Thought I'd pass on the link: Adoption Agency Ratings

[sarah16]

Sorry I haven't heard of it.

[missywojo]

Hi Ladies, Just had my 4th failed IUI. I don't know if we are going to try IVF next or go to adoption next. I also think I might see another RE for a second opinion too. Just wanted to say hi and let you know I was lurking.

Any "newbie" advice? I haven't even started researching yet. I am still trying to wrap my head and heart around the possibility of adoption.

[rebecca0130]

missywojo - Hi there, you are on one of the other threads I post on.
Read through this adoption thread there is a lot of info for you to start out with.
Also, from personal experience, when you adopt your child, there will never be a day in your life that you will hug, kiss, play with or look at your baby and say, "you would be better, or I would love you more, if I had given birth to you." Never ever. We all become mothers in one way or the other, and it is a miracle, a flat out, amazing gift that will change your world!
Blessings to you on your journey.

[MamaSoon]

missywojo - Hi there. I haven't adopted but I've started researching. So far, contacted some people that I know who've adopted. I asked for recommendations on agencies. I've read a couple books. I've gone to two general information meetings at local agencies. That in itself takes a bit of time so going forward with an IVF cycle while you are researching isn't a bad idea. :-) But you also mentioned that you haven't tried IVF yet, loads of girls get pregnant that way. I am all for second opinions. After two failed cycles, I've gotten 3 second opinions. The top clinic in the nation (CCRM) does phone consults. Start by asking your clinic for a copy of your file for your records. Good luck to you. PM any time.

[J*e*n*_78]

missywojo- Hi! Sorry to hear about your 4th failed iui. Welcome to the adoption thread. I am still pretty new at researching adoption as well. I have googled adoption and agencies till i was blue in the face and still feel like i am no further!! It helps to ask questions here though. Good luck with your decisions!

Jen

[sarah16]

My suggestion is to read all the books you can get your hands on about adoption.

[jf5505]

Is there one book that you recommend?

[MamaSoon]

While I know that last question was meant for Sarah. A friend of mine who adopted sent me the following information I thought I'd share.

Books

• Yes, You Can Adopt! A Comprehensive Guide to Adoption, by Richard Mintzer
• The Family of Adoption, by Joyce Maguire Pavao
• Inside Transracial Adoption, by Gail Steinberg, Beth Hall
• Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution Is Transforming America, by Adam Pertman
• The Adoption Resource Book, 4th Edition, by Lois Gilman
• The Adoption Decision: 15 Things You Want to Know Before Adopting, by Laura Christianson
• Adoption Answer Book: Your Compete Guide to a Successful Adoption, by Brette McWhorter Sember
• Are Those Kids Yours? American Families with Children Adopted from Other Countries, by Cheri Register
• Adopting A Toddler: What Size Shoes Does She Wear? by Denise Harris Hoppenhauer
• Toddler Adoption: The Weaver's Craft by Mary Hopkins Best, Ed.D.
• Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge

Websites

• The Adoption Guide: The Adoption Guide
• Adoption News and Information from Adoptive Families by far one of the best resources out there. Great info on the website and in the magazine
• Tapestry Books

[jf5505]

Thanks Josee,

So I called a few more places, I was told that I should not go with any that charge alot up front, but they all seem too, at least the bigger ones.

I talked to Abby's one true Gift, seemed nice, and don't have up front costs at all. But I just don't know what is better, going with a Big agency or a small one, I want to have a quick process...oh I don't know, so many decisions, I wish someone could just tell me what to do.

[rebecca0130]

jf5505 - as far as I know they all charge up front and "guarantee", (as much as they can with something that is based on Mother Nature and personal preference), a placement within 2 years. Go with the agency that has the furthest reach, most experience and shorest placement times. You will be matched with a birthmom