Private adoption agencies may have a religious sponsorship. Some agencies specialize in finding families for infants while others see their mission as placing children with special needs. Many agencies place children with and without special needs. Adoption agencies screen adoptive parents and provide counseling to them. Some agencies assist families with questions or issues which arise after the adoption is legally finalized.
Agencies also help pregnant women or others who are considering placing their children for adoption.
Agencies even counsel the children themselves, if they are old enough at the time of the adoption or later on, when the children or adopted adults may have questions. Although the majority of adoption agencies, attorneys or others involved in the adoption process are honest and helpful, there are a few which have questionable practices. Agencies or attorneys may charge high fees or retainers in full when the person applies, without provisions for refunds of any kind. Be sure to review the standard procedures of any agency you plan to use. Find out from your local state social services office the phone number of the state office, or contact several of the resource organizations listed at the end of this guide.