While there seems to be an adoption agency (reputable and un-reputable) every time I turn a corner, there are not nearly as many who have a Korean Adoption program. So, you have to go out and search for them. Here are a couple of ways to find an agency:

1. Word of Mouth – Do you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone? Did an aunt, cousin, or neighbor adopt from Korea? What agency did they go through? We found our agency because (at that time) the director of the Korean program was my sister’s social worker. Because I trusted her, I trusted the agency. My second choice was the agency that my sister came through.

2. Internet – There are several sites that have good agency search options. On Adoption.com you can use their Adoption Directory to locate an agency in your area. You can also visit Adopting From Korea to see a large list of agencies with Korean programs.

Once you’ve found an agency that you are interested in, think of a list of questions that you have about the process. Give them a call and see how they answer. Different agencies will have different rules (depending on their size and base). You and your chosen agency are going to be seeing a lot of each other, so it is okay to interview your agency to make sure they are the right choice for you.

• Are you religious? If you aren’t are you comfortable using an agency that is faith based?
• Did the people you talked to answer all of your questions in detail?
• Do they allow you to make the choices that you think are important?
• Are they able to do the homestudy for you or do they have to contract with another agency?

If you are looking at more than one agency, make sure that you make notes. It is very easy to get your agencies mixed up after you’ve talked to a couple of people.

Lastly, ask around before you make your final decision. If you are on message boards or you know people at your church, garden club, book club, etc…, ask other people their opinions of the process. Ask them for ideas and things that you may not have thought about. Do remember that some people will say that they had a horrible experience, but you have to remember that some people would have had a horrible experience no matter who they go through.

Do take your time. I know you’re in a hurry, but you want to make sure you make a good choice and weigh all of your options.