Birth Mother Matters Adoption 51: Why Using an Agency for Adoption is Important

Birth Mother Matters Adoption 51: Why Using an Agency for Adoption is Important

In an independent adoption, adoptive parents work directly with an adoption attorney to complete an adoption without the use of an agency.  An adoption agency is a  one-stop shop, while independent adoptions require adoptive parents to “outsource” the services they need from multiple adoption professionals. Some services may be more difficult to obtain in an independent adoption.

Families may attempt to do an “Independent Adoption” for the following reasons:

1. To attempt to save money
2. To maintain control
3. To establish more direct communication

The differences, downsides, associated risks, liabilities when you try to navigate domestic adoption on your own may include:

1. If an adoptive family needs to focate a pregnant woman considering adoption using their own resource.
2. Adoption agencies usually work closely with prospective birth mothers to evaluate their commitment level throughout the adoption process.  
3. The services offered by an agency may not be comparable to what you can offer as an Independent; group counseling, aftercare program, access to a specialized adoption counselor, continuity of care in future adoptions.
4. Costs vary widely depending on many independent factors and money is then a direct conversation between the birth mother and adoptive family. 
5. Adoption agencies assist the birth mother in creating her hospital plan. 
6. Navigating the hospital stay and organizing medical expenses and insurance may be challenging for adoptive parents in an independent adoption.