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       LaCHIP Outreach
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Mental Health
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Housing
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Elderly Services
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       Mental Health Services
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Housing
       SROs
       Affordable Homeownership 
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       Renaissance Neigh. Dev. Corp.
Elderly Services
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       Mental Health Services
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Housing
       SROs
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       Lighthouse
Mental Health
       Mental Health Services
       Permanent Supportive Housing
Housing
       SROs
       Affordable Homeownership 
       Supportive Housing
       Renaissance Neigh. Dev. Corp.
Elderly Services
       Elderly Protective Services
       Repairs On Wheels
       Faith In Action 
       RSVP
Developmental Disability
       Supported Living Services
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Adoption Agencies vs. Private Adoption

There are frequent discussions in the adoption community about whether to choose a licensed adoption agency or a private adoption arranged through an attorney or physician. 

adoptive couple
Questions often include
  • Is private adoption good?
  • Should it be legal?
  • Is agency adoption better?
  • Should we collaborate?
Here are differences between the two types of adoption processes.

Agency
  • Licensed in the state in which it operates.
  • Licensing body regulates both professional and ethical  standards.
  • Reviewed annually by a licensing body.
  • Professionally trained staff with expertise in child and family dynamics including social workers and attorneys.
  • Counseling and supportive services to birthparents, and extended birth families well as those of the adoptive family. These services are designed to inform all involved parties of their rights, options and safeguards available on an ongoing basis.
  • Thorough information and referral services provided.
  • Long histories and stable resources for record retention.
  • Home study for adoptive couples required.
  • If underage, no parental consent needed.
Private
  • No extensive case summaries available for future searches or reunions.
  • No licensing requirements.
  • Arranged through an attorney or physician.
  • By law, only two sessions of counseling required.
  • Home study not required--can be waived by a court of law.
  • Limited information and referral services.
  • Parental consent for adoption is required for minors.
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Inspiration
You become a family not because you share the same genes, but because you share love for each other.


Joan McNamara, adoptive parent
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