One of the first steps in adopting is choosing an agency. This can be a confusing and time-consuming process. You must ultimately arrive at an agency where you feel comfortable— convinced that the agency you choose is best suited in helping you achieve your goal of parenting.

Obviously, there are many reasons why Sunny Ridge believes we can best serve your needs. However, we do recommend that you "shop around" and discover for yourself, your options for completing your adoption. Here are some criteria we believe is important for everyone to consider:

Look for a COA-accredited agency. There are many agencies and facilitators providing adoption services today. Agencies that are COA accredited have been carefully reviewed and have been found to meet established, national standards of quality and integrity. While many standards are not always readily observable to the prospective adoptive parent, they will prove invaluable to having a positive experience and outcome.

Look for Hague Accreditation This is important for families seeking to adopt internationally, as only adoption service providers who have been accredited will be able to provide adoption services for Hague adoption cases. Our agency has been given a five-year accreditation, the longest possible accreditation assigned to an agency. The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008.

Look for agency experience. How long has the agency been in business? Do they have experience in the country you are considering? Are they experienced in completing home studies for international adoption and your country of interest? How many international adoption home studies does the agency complete in a year and from what countries? Does the agency enjoy a good reputation? What do others say about them?

Look for an experienced staff. Ask about staff credentials and longevity. Does the staff appear well-informed and knowledgeable in international adoption? Are agency staff members readily accessible and willing to answer your questions? Are your calls returned promptly and courteously?

Look for an agency that serves children. Do their promotional materials, website, and orientations present a child-centered agency that serves children and not just the needs and wants of prospective adoptive parents?

Look for clear and simple information. Does the agency provide regular, free information meetings where you can learn more about adoption? Do they provide realistic information on adoption programs or is it a "flashy, baiting" approach? Can the agency provide a clear explanation regarding the process of how children are matched with families and the availability of medical history information related to the child? Are you made aware of their established contacts, contracts, and adoption arrangements with your country of interest?

Look for expertise in international policy and paperwork. The road to adoption is paved in paperwork. Is the agency well-versed in requirements for the parents' state of residence? Are they aware of immigration requirements regarding adoptive parents and home studies? Are they able to assist you in processing immigration documents?

Look for a clear breakdown of fees. Ask about fees! Are they in written form and easy to understand? If the fees are exceptionally low or high, ask what the fee covers. Low fees may indicate a "bare bones" study that may not meet requirements, and high fees may have many other services included that will be extra in a lower priced home study.

Look for educational and preparation components. Does the agency's home study process include an adoptive parent educational and preparation component? What does it entail? Does the agency address cultural issues, post adoption adjustment, and medical and behavioral issues? What post placement support does agency provide?

Trust your gut. What's your comfort level with agency? Can they provide references of families who have used the agency? All adoption agencies have a different philosophy and approach to working with clients. The adoption agency you choose will "feel right" and play an important role in building your family.