Agency adoption vs. independent adoption

As our home study is being finalized this week, we are planning the next steps in this process.  I mentioned before we have decided to move forward with independent adoption (while also sitting on the waiting list of one of the few agencies we truly like).  But some have asked us what that means.  What is independent adoption?  How does it vary from agency adoption?
When you work with an agency, you pay them (big bucks) to locate birthmothers, arrange meetings, walk you through the process, etc.  Costs can include administrative fees, therapy for the birthmother, expenses for the birthmother (medical, sometimes rent, utitlities, clothing during pregnancy), therapy for the adoptive family, legal fees, etc.  But there seems to be no uniformity to how agencies charge.  Some include everything, some just include networking and administrative fees, etc etc.

The other things that we did not like about agencies included the number of other families that they are helping at the same time (how do they give each couple the best possible chance?), the reviews we have read about many agencies being money-first (terrible reviews of people not receiving good service once all the money is collected or birthmothers being harrassed to give their baby and then not receiving therapy afterward), and the general lack of control.

Note- we believe there are MANY honest, ethical, amazing agencies out there.  But it is so difficult to compare agencies apples to apples that we can't determine which ones they are. 

Why we chose independent adoption:
-More control- I know all of the 'advertising' going on because I am doing it myself.  I can account for every penny that we spend and track it.
-100% priority- Matt and I are at the top of the list, because it is just us on the list!
-Amazing support network- We know we have the support of family and friends
-Cost concerns- We have done research and realized that the cost of independent adoption can be overblown by the industry, specifically because the agencies WANT you to sign with them. Their businesses are dependent on more and more couples signing up.  So of course they want you to think that independent adoption is more expensive.
-Independent adoptions make up at least 2/3 of all adoptions nationwide
-Lower risk of a birthmother changing her mind.  In agency adoptions, 50-80% of pregnant women do not wind up releasing the baby for adoption, while about 75-90% of pregnant women using private channels do.  Holy cow!!
-The pregnant woman can feel a lot more in control of who she gives her baby to in independent adoption.

I would say that the main concern with independent adoption is that there is less privacy.  But we don't plan to give out our home address or work locations.  Everything will be legally handled through an adoption attorney (we have already spoken to one here in town that is highly recommended by the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys).  And most agencies at this point require or strongly suggest open adoptions anyway, for the sake of the child.

We hope that that clears up some of the questions/concerns that family and friends may have.

need to finda fun shirt like this!