Adoption Agencies - Ellicott City,MD

My husband and I adopted both of our sons as infants through the domestic program at Gladney Adoption Agency.
I will tell you that not all agencies are the same. You have to be careful and be picky about what you are willing to do and what you are not. Some require you to pay "living expenses" towards the birth mother while you are waiting for placement and that money will not be returned if the birth mother changes her mind. Also a certain amount is put up front. We chose Gladney because all monies that went toward a placement is not lost if the birth mother changes her mind, it just goes toward the next placement. No monies should be placed anywhere until legal papers and an agreement is made between both you and the agency. Also you should be able to check out a program with a free consult or seminar that they hold so you can see if they offer the services you would like. Some agencies only work with couples/families that are seeking an "open" adoption and can make you feel selfish for not wanting any other. Also always ask what kind of adoption they offer and what it means: Open, semi open and closed, that too can have some different meanings for different agencies. It's wise to really sit down and figure out what you are willing and not willing to do before looking for an agency. Would you be willing to take a special needs child? An older
child? Domestic? International? A child of different race? And then seek out those agencies that offer them.
It's sad but it appears that adoption agencies come and go pretty quickly in today's world so it's wise to take that extra time to really research the agencies you've pick. I remember during my search I found that more than half of the ones I found where no longer in business.
Your a great friend to help her out :)
I wish her the best and can say that adoption does happen! It happened twice for us and gave us a wonderful family.
Best Regards,
C.

Friends of ours have adopted two children through the Gladney Adoption Center, which is located in Fort Worth, TX. From what I know, they have an excellent reputation. Here's their website:
http://adoptionsbygladney.com/
Many blessings to your friend in her willingness to give a child a good home. Encourage her to be strong and patient throughout the process. I know it can be difficult at times!

When I was considering adoption, I talked to Bethany Christian Services. I really liked them at least from a birth mother standpoint, but I have know that several people use them for adoptive placements. They are national so you might be able to find one close by.

We have an adopted niece and nephew. One was adopted through an agency, the other through an attorney. The adoption through the attorney went much more smoothly, so I think that is the way to go. Pretty sure they used "the" adoption attorney in MD. I can get the name if you'd like. Shoot me a message. :)