About adoption agencies??

Possum

Some church affiliated agencies have horrible track records.
Google 'ethical adoptions' and perhaps you'll find some links.
No matter what - you need to get a feel for what they're doing - and see ultimately if they have the child's absolute best interests at heart.
If they sway more to what the adoptive parents want - then steer clear.
It's supposed to be about the child first and foremost.
Also - any adoption agency that is wanting big bucks - is in it for the money and not for the child.
Steer clear.
Here's a link to 'Ethica' - which promote ethical adoptions - perhaps you can find more info there -
http://www.ethicanet.org/itemlist.php?pagestyle=itemlist

MamaKate

Dear Jackie,

As MonkeyKitty said, "Anyone can claim religious principles, but that doesn't mean everyone acts on them." In my experience and opinion, it is generally the agencies that are the most "religious" that tend to be the least ethical towards considering expectant parents. Some of the most well known (LDS Services, Catholic Charities, etc.) have also had the large numbers of complaints and lawsuits brought against them. I would run at least a Google search on any agency you might consider. (I do hope that an available child in foster care finds you though! :) Good luck.)

Corn is not dog food! No wheat!

No, some of the religious agencies actually seem worse. They use God's love/fear of God's wrath/shame of sin to manipulate girls into giving up their babies.

As in: God doesn't love un-wed mothers. God will love you if you give your baby to deserving parents. God will forgive the sin of fornication if you give your baby away.

Sick, twisted, and true.

Persnickety Snack

Using religion to make a business seem reputable is one of the oldest tricks in the book (and I am NOT anti-religion...it's a business tactic, not something used by truly spiritual people). People will put ads on christian radio stations and in christian magazines just to get people to think they're honest. Churches abuse their power on a regular basis. Were you on here yesterday? Did you see that question about the magdalene laundries? Did you watch that movie? Man, talk about a day spent in tears. I'm not insulting truly spiritual people, but when money and pwoer are involved, as they often are when you combine churches and adoption (or churches and just about anything), it's a recipe for disaster.

monkeykitty83

Unfortunately, no. That's no guarantee. Anyone can claim religious principles, but that doesn't mean everyone acts on them.

Indian-vision

I am going to agree with Corn is not dog food since i feel religous bodies often are overzealous and overrighteous and way too judgemental and i can expect them to be coercive towards unwedmothers.

Bouvier

More ethical than not religious affiliation? I think that depends on the agency. My agency had no religious connection, and has had a great standing in the adoption community for over 65 years. I think the main point here is to do your research. Anyone considering adoption must do the necessary homework prior to beginning this life changing experience for all involved.

Good luck to you

Jennifer L

Not necessarily.

An organization can call themselves anything they want. Doesn't mean that they adhere to the principles of their stated religion at all.

When we were still in the agency-choosing stage, we checked into one agency that was supposedly Christian based. Our return email said essentially to send them $5K and pray about it.

Well, we decided to go with a different agency.

Make SURE you check up on the licensing requirements, look for complaints against the agency, see what accreditations they have, see what organizations they belong to (ie: Joint Council) and get references!

Brandy R

there are online adoption groups. that is a great place to find out lots of information. you may learn that the small agency ran out of someone's home is tops and the religious agency is a mess. Don't let their great website, wonderful brochure, or glowing recommendations sway you. They are only going to give you names of the very happy people and you have no idea how many unhappy people there are.
Just like everything else, do your homework.

icehockeymom7

I do not think the Christian agencies are any more ethical than others. All agencies should be part of the JCICS (if you are planning to adopt internationally) and there are specific yahoo groups for agency research which are loaded with info from AP's who have used the agencies and offer feedback. Good luck!

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