There are four options - public agency, a private licensed agency, an attorney or a private unlicensed/ facilitator. It is important to qualify the agency with the questions provided in the guides; also make sure you check the agency's reputation by checking with: state licensing, child welfare organizations (see chart below), and online communities such as parent support groups and simply by searching the web. Be sure to get recommendations from others who have gone through the process before you - speak to families who have adopted from the same agency/attorney you are looking to choose. Also,find out whether or not the agency or attorney you have chosen will refund your deposit.
| Organization | Web Site |
|---|---|
| Annie E. Casey | www.aecf.org |
| Casey Family Programs | www.casey.org |
| North American Council on Adoptable Children | www.nacac.org |
| Child Welfare League of America | www.cwla.org |
| National Council for Adoption | www.ncfa-usa.org |
| Children's Defense Fund | www.childrensdefense.org |
| Joint Council on International Children's Services | www.jcics.org |
| Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute | www.adoptioninstitute.org |
| National Foster Care Fund | www.nationalfostercarefund.org |
| National Adoption Day Coalition | www.nationaladoptionday.org |
| Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute | www.ccainstitute.org |
| Pew Commission on Children in Foster Care | www.pewfostercare.org |
| Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative | www.jimcaseyyouth.org |