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The Federal Trade Commission recently sent letters to 31 adoption intermediaries warning them against misleading both prospective adoptive parents and expectant parents and engaging in unfair or deceptive practices. But, what is an adoption intermediary? It is a person or entity who acts as a middleman between hopeful adoptive parents and expectant parents in a private adoption for a very expensive fee. They may be called adoption advertisers, consultants, matchmakers, facilitators or brokers. The FTC noted in their letter that it was considered deceptive for an adoption intermediary to pay for ads on Google calling themselves an “adoption agency” and giving consumers the false impression that they are a licensed, child-placing agency.
So, how do you know if you are dealing with an adoption intermediary or a licensed adoption agency? Whether you are hoping to adopt or you are considering placing your baby for adoption, you deserve to know who you are working with. A licensed, child-placing agency has been licensed by their state and can provide credentials upon request. You can also check with AdoptMatch, a non-profit organization open only to licensed ethical adoption providers, to see if the agency is a member. Look for someone local to you that is in your own state so that you can meet with them in person. Using search terms such as “adoption info” or “placing baby for adoption” may result in ads from adoption intermediaries on the other side of the country. Narrow your search to include terms such as “adoption agency near me” and then look to see where they are actually located and do your research. A licensed adoption agency such as Adoption Options, Inc., will always be happy to answer your questions and be transparent as to how they operate.