Questions to Ask an Atlanta Adoption Agency — One of These Is an Absolute Must!

Starting the adoption process can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You’re preparing to grow your family, but you’re also facing one of the most personal and emotional journeys you’ll ever take. The right adoption agency in Georgia will guide you through every step with compassion, experience, and transparency, but finding that agency starts with asking the right questions.

At Adoption Advocates of Georgia, we’ve spent over 35 years walking beside families across Atlanta and beyond. Choosing an agency isn’t just about paperwork and process; it’s about trust. Whether you’re just beginning your research or preparing for your first meeting, these questions will help you understand what to look for, what to expect, and which agency will truly stand by you.

1. How Long Have You Been Licensed in Georgia?

Adoption laws and procedures vary from state to state, and Georgia’s regulations require agencies to be licensed by the Department of Human Services. When you ask how long an agency has been licensed and how many families they’ve served, you’re really asking how experienced they are at guiding parents through Georgia’s specific adoption process.

At Adoption Advocates of Georgia, we’re proud to have served thousands of families since our founding. Longevity means we’ve seen nearly every scenario, and it allows us to handle both routine and complex cases with confidence and care.

2. What Types of Adoption Do You Handle?

Some agencies focus exclusively on domestic adoption, while others may also work with international placements or stepparent adoptions. Asking this question early clarifies whether an agency’s experience aligns with your family’s goals.

Adoption Advocates of Georgia assists with domestic home studies, international adoption evaluations, post-placement visits, and ICPC (Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children) assessments. We tailor services to fit each family’s needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.

3. What Support Do You Offer Birth Parents?

This is one of the most important questions you can ask, because an ethical, compassionate agency supports both sides of the adoption journey. Birth parents should never feel pressured or alone in their decision.

Ask the agency how they provide counseling, how they protect birth parents’ rights, and how they maintain ongoing communication throughout the process. At Adoption Advocates of Georgia, our birth parent program focuses on emotional support, privacy, and informed decision-making. We believe adoption should be built on respect, not persuasion.

4. What Does the Home Study Process Involve?

For adoptive families, the adoption home study application is one of the first and most important steps. It evaluates your readiness, emotionally, financially, and environmentally, to welcome a child.

When speaking with an Atlanta adoption agency, ask how they conduct home studies:

• How long does it take?
  
  
• What documents are needed?
  
  
• Who completes the interviews and home visits?
  
  
• What happens after approval?
  
  

At Adoption Advocates of Georgia, we know this process can feel intimidating. Our team walks families through each stage with guidance and reassurance. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s preparation.

5. How Do You Handle Post-Placement Support?

Adoption doesn’t end when the papers are signed. It’s a lifelong relationship that deserves ongoing support. Agencies should offer post-placement visits, check-ins, and counseling to help families adjust and thrive.

A good question to ask is, “What happens after we bring our child home?” The answer should go beyond legal requirements; it should include emotional and practical resources. Our staff remains available long after placement, because we know that building a family doesn’t stop once the paperwork is complete.

6. What Are Your Fees and Payment Structure?

While money should never be the heart of adoption, understanding the financial side up front avoids stress later. Ask for an itemized list of fees, including what’s refundable and what’s tied to specific services. Transparency in costs reflects transparency in values.

Adoption Advocates of Georgia is committed to adoption services. We’re upfront about every cost before you begin so that you can plan confidently, knowing there won’t be unexpected surprises down the road.

7. How Do You Communicate During the Process?

Good communication builds trust. Ask how often you can expect updates and who your main point of contact will be. A responsive agency helps reduce anxiety and keeps you informed from start to finish.

We pride ourselves on accessibility. Our staff is easy to reach, whether you prefer phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings. Families should never feel left in the dark about something as meaningful as adoption.

8. Can I Speak with Other Families Who Have Worked with You?

Hearing from past clients offers a valuable perspective. Testimonials, references, or even short stories from other adoptive parents can reveal what the experience is really like.

Adoption Advocates of Georgia has grown primarily through word of mouth, families referring other families because of their positive experiences. That’s the kind of trust we aim to build with every client we serve.

9. The Absolute Must: How Will You Support Us Emotionally, Not Just Legally?

This is the question that truly sets one agency apart from another. Adoption isn’t just a legal process; it’s an emotional journey that touches every corner of your life.

Ask potential agencies how they help you navigate the emotional side: anxiety, waiting, uncertainty, and joy. The right agency doesn’t just process paperwork; they walk with you, offering reassurance and perspective when the path feels unclear.

At Adoption Advocates of Georgia, our role extends far beyond forms and signatures. We build relationships rooted in care, empathy, and trust, because adoption isn’t about transactions. It’s about transformation.