Selecting an Adoption Professional

Get referrals from former clients and other adoption professionals.
Ask for literature.
Compile a list of the adoption professionals who appear to meet your basic requirements (type of adoption, location, cost etc.).
What are the adoptive parent requirements of this professional concerning marital status, age, income, health, etc.?
How long on average do adoptive parents wait to adopt when using this adoption professional?
What pre-adoption and post-adoption services are provided to adoptive parents and birthparents?
Does the adoption professional offer a free consultation or orientation?
How long has the adoption professional been in business and how many adoptions have they completed? How many have failed?
What is the average wait time?
Get an itemized list of costs and fees, including all expenses and make sure you clearly understand exactly what is included and what is not. Which birthmother expenses are included?
Does the adoption professional involve the birthparent's parents? Adoption results are generally better if they are involved.
How does the adoption professional receive medical information on the children?
What is their policy in dealing with birthfathers?
How does the adoption professional work with open adoptions and what are the recommended guidelines?
If you are interested in international adoption, has someone in the adoption professional's office traveled to visit the orphanages where the children reside?
Ask to see the contract.
Has the adoption professional had any adoptions overturned, and if so, why?
Who does the counseling for the adoption professional and what are their qualifications?
Ask if there is anything else you haven't asked that the adoption professional feels would be important for you to know.