Either before or after you have contacted Catholic Charities for an international adoption home study, you also have to select a placing agency. This can feel overwhelming as there are many agencies throughout the U.S. to choose from. So how do you do this?
First stop, relax and know that your Catholic Charities social worker will help you. If you have already applied to a placement agency, your social worker will contact them so as to establish a working relationship.
If you have not selected a placing agency, Catholic Charities staff has a few suggestions:
- Visit our partner agency’s website at www.childrenshomeadopt.org for an overview of their international adoption programs.
- Shop around by visiting other websites such as www.mapsadopt.org and begin comparing agencies and programs. If you have decided on a country, research how many placements each agency has made from that country during the past several years.
- Think about your own personal needs, circumstances and the type of child you are able to parent.
- Ask agencies as many questions as you can think of. There is no such thing as a "dumb" question when you are embarking on your adoption journey.
- Contact families who have adopted from the agencies you are investigating and ask about their adoption experiences. Beware of an agency who is not able or willing to provide you with names and contact information.
- Real and begin to educate yourself about international adoption but avoid "adoption overload". There is a wealth of information available and you will learn to pick and choose what resonates with you.
- Last, but not least, is to like and trust the agency you select.
