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When most people come into adoption, they know that they can adopt through an agency or use an attorney. When they start to look into those two options, they find even more. Facilitators, referral services, adoption consultants, home study agencies – there are many options. What’s the difference? I’m going to try and explain.
Adoption Consultant: The term “adoption consultant” has many different meanings. Some adoption consultants are facilitators. Some are referral services. There are adoption consultants who provide training for prospective adoptive parents. There are adoption consultants who are somewhat like wedding planners – they help you through each stage of the adoption, but don’t actually match you with a child. Before hiring an adoption consultant, be clear about what the consultant actually does and how much it costs. If the consultant charges a fee for matching adoptive parents with expectant parents, then the consultant acts as a facilitator, which is not legal in all states. See “Facilitator” below for more information.
Adoption Service Professional: An adoption service professional is an individual who is certified to assist adoptive parents and expectant parents in an independent adoption.
Agencies: Most people are familiar with the concept of the adoption agency. An agency is a licensed organization that finds families for children by screening adoptive parents and supervising the placement of children in their homes. Some agencies are licensed only in the state in which they’re located. Other agencies are licensed nationwide, or in certain states. Some agencies specialize in specific types of adoption, while others offer many adoption services.
Attorneys: Adoption attorneys are attorneys who specialize in adoption. Their services can range from helping you find expectant parents to representing you in court. Some attorneys do it all, from start to finish. Others work with agencies to help adoptive parents with the paperwork and legal aspects of the adoption.
Facilitators: Facilitators are individuals or companies that aren’t licensed adoption agencies, but match adoptive parents with expectant parents. Because facilitators are unlicensed, use caution before signing with one. Many states don’t allow the use of facilitators who are paid for their services. In general, facilitators are only involved in the matching process. After the match, you and the expectant parents are on your own, with the help of attorneys. There are some well-known and reputable adoption facilitators, but you should be cautious.
Home Study Agency: An agency that performs home studies, but doesn’t match adoptive parents with expectant parents.
Referral Services: Adoption referral services network with agencies, attorneys, facilitators, and other adoption professionals to find adoptive parents for specific situations. Referral services are generally unlicensed, though some are affiliated with licensed adoption agencies. (How’s that for confusing?) Exercise caution when considering referral services, as you would when considering a facilitator.
With all adoption professionals, make sure you ask the right questions and get a break down of services offered and the fees for those service.
Adoption.com offers a thorough Adoption Glossary, which I used to help write this post. I hope this clears some of the terminology up!
