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Whether you choose an adoption agency or an attorney, the following is a list of questions that you may want to consider as you select the person or agency who will best meet the needs of you and your child.

Are they a licensed child-placing agency?

It is best to work with a licensed agency. As there are rules and regulations that help maintain ethical practices

How long have they been working in the adoption field?

It is always good to have someone with experience.

Do they have separate counselors or attorneys for you and the adoptive parents?

If they don’t, it is very hard to separate your best interests from the adoptive family.

What services do they provide before and after the adoption?

What expenses can be paid?

"Reasonable expenses" are allowed under Missouri law, such as transportation, rent assistance or utility assistance and prenatal care. This might be helpful during the pregnancy, but often times the assistance through an attorney or adoptive family ends after the child is born. An agency can continue to assist you with free counseling.

Some additional questions you may want to consider:

Do they place minority or biracial children? Do they have minority or interracial adoptive families? Do they provide both open and closed adoptions? What assistance do they offer if you change your mind?

Good agencies can provide a multitude of services whether you choose adoption or parenting.