8 Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing an Adoption Agency

Choosing an adoption agency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your adoption journey. While some families will choose to pursue adoption through an attorney or consultant, most prospective adoptive parents will work directly through a licensed, child-placing agency. As you research, you’ll weigh licensing and accreditation, costs and financial transparency, and the services and support each agency offers. It can become overwhelming quickly. 

Knowing what to avoid can make the decision clearer. The following are eight adoption agency red flags to watch for along with what a trustworthy agency looks like and questions you can ask along the way.  

1. The Agency Isn’t Licensed to Place Children

An agency that is unable to show you a current state license to place children for adoption is a serious warning sign. Our friends at the National Council for Adoption (NCFA) recommend verifying an agency’s licensure with your state’s department of health and human services and reviewing any complaints on file. Be specific when you ask as some agencies are licensed only for foster care placements, not adoption. 

Licensure and nonprofit status also matter if you apply for a Show Hope Adoption Aid grant. To be eligible, you must be working with a licensed, child-placing agency that is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. A home study provider alone does not meet this requirement, and if you are working with an adoption consultant or waiting with multiple agencies, wait to apply until you’re matched through a placing agency. Our Adoption Aid FAQ covers the details. 

2. No Hague Accreditation for International Adoption

If you’re adopting internationally, your agency should be accredited under the standards set by the Hague Adoption Convention. Accreditation guarantees that the agency meets international and federal standards for ethical practice. An international program without it is a red flag. Domestic-only agencies do not need Hague accreditation, though some choose to pursue it. 

You can browse directories that allow you to filter by accreditation, such as the NCFA directory or the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) member directory.   

3. A Vague or Shifting Process 

Every adoption journey is different, but a reputable agency should be able to clearly explain each step of the process before you ever begin. Be cautious if answers are vague, change from one conversation to the next, or if staff members are hard to reach and slow to return emails and calls. This timeline from Christian Adoption Services is a great example of what a detailed, step-by-step process looks like.  

4. Unclear or Front-Loaded Costs

A trustworthy agency provides a complete, written breakdown of costs up front, including home study fees, agency fees, and in-country travel. Watch out for fees that are only explained verbally, costs that keep appearing after you sign, or an agency that asks for the bulk of your payment before services are provided. Payments should generally follow the progress of your adoption. An agency that is hesitant to share its financial statements deserves a closer look as well. 

5. Pressure Tactics or Promises That Sound Too Good to Be True

Be mindful of an agency that pushes you to decide today or tomorrow, offers to “hold” a child while you finish your paperwork, or guarantees a short wait or low cost that other agencies cannot match. (Remember this is a child, not a car.) Adoption timelines are dependent on many factors and vary greatly, and a reputable agency will be honest about that. 

6. Minimizing a Child’s Needs 

A credible agency shares all of the information it has about a child’s history and health and will encourage you to have that information reviewed by an independent medical professional. If an agency discourages that or brushes off concerns, consider that a red flag. Understanding your child’s needs ahead of time will help your family prepare well. 

7. Weak Education and Post-Adoption Support

Education is an integral part of adoption, especially before your child comes home. An agency that offers little to no pre-adoption educational opportunities—or ends its involvement after your child comes home—may leave your family without the support you need. Look for an agency that offers training and support for you, your child, and your child’s birth parents. 

Check out this learning experience from our friends at Lifeline Children’s Services for a great example as well as Nightlight Christian Adoptions’ Post Adoption Connection Center. 

8. Unsolicited Outreach

NCFA also warns parents about potential scams in adoption, including unsolicited calls, emails, or direct messages. Agencies are not typically the ones reaching out to hopeful adoptive parents. It usually works the other way around in most cases. If someone contacts you first, call the agency to confirm the individual works there before sharing any personal information. 

How to Choose an Adoption Agency You Can Trust

Now that we have outlined red flags to watch for, these steps can help you narrow down your search with confidence. For more information, be sure to check out our guide on how to choose an adoption agency. 

1. Verify licensure.

Confirm the agency’s licensure with your state, and check for complaints online. 

2. Confirm accreditation.

If you’re adopting internationally, make sure the agency is Hague-accredited. 

3. Request a written fee schedule.

Know every cost and when each payment is due before you sign. 

4. Attend an information session.

Schedule a free consultation, or join an informational meeting to ask about programs, timelines, and resources. 

5. Ask about education and support.

Find out what training is required before placement and what support is available after finalization. 

6. Talk with other adoptive parents.

Read online reviews, and ask for recommendations from trusted friends who have adopted. 

7. Check grant eligibility.

If you plan to apply for a Show Hope Adoption Aid grant, confirm your agency is a licensed, 501(c)(3) child-placing agency. Our post “Before You Apply for a Show Hope Adoption Aid Grant” explains what to gather.

Show Hope Is Here to Walk With You

Choosing an adoption agency is one of the first steps you’ll take on your family’s adoption journey—and Show Hope is here to walk with you every step of the way. Visit our free online resource HowToAdopt.org for all of your adoption questions, and learn more about Show Hope Adoption Aid grants.