Many birth parents and prospective adoptive parents, with the aid of an attorney, complete an adoption without the assistance of an adoption agency. Why bring in a "middleman?" Most people give birth to babies without counseling. Why is it needed for those who are adopting? Might agencies become bureaucratic, judgmental and expensive? Here are some answers to these concerns and other questions:

Experienced Professionals

Adoption is so much more than a legal transaction, although the legal component is surely critical and must be carefully done. Adoption, however, is a lifelong, complex human experience.

An established, licensed, non-profit agency such as Barker allows you to work with caring professionals who are experienced in the dynamics of adoption. Birth parents receive unlimited objective counseling about their alternatives, which helps ensure solid decision-making. Prospective adoptive parents have an experienced professional assisting them with the many critical choices adoption entails. And adoptees find remarkable and caring professionals at Barker to support them in whatever issues may arise at any age.

A Wide Array of Choices

There is no one "right way" to do an adoption.

An agency such as Barker can provide a variety of approaches in planning both the placement and the years that follow. Some birth parents and adoptive parents we work with never meet; others have on-going contact before and after the birth of the child. Some babies are placed directly from the hospital into the adoptive home; others are temporarily cared for in private foster homes, allowing all the parties the time to resolve any personal, legal or medical issues. We can provide the range of possibilities necessary to fit your needs and desires.

A Lifelong Commitment

Adoption doesn't end with the placement.

An established agency such as Barker provides ongoing support, education and counseling to birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children, teenagers, and adults. We connect families with community services if needed. We are there, over the long haul, to answer a question, to look up a file, to provide assistance if issues of search and reunion arise.

Insight and Understanding

Research shows that, by and large, children who are adopted are well-adjusted, happy and successful individuals. Nevertheless, loss is an inevitable part of adoption; birth families, adoptive families and adopted persons have "extra" layers of issues to understand and integrate.

An agency deeply committed to understanding adoption, as Barker is, can conduct research and provide educational programs and conferences that give individuals and families the tools they need for healthy lives.

Affordable Fees

Non-profit agencies charge adopting families reasonable fees, which are disclosed at the outset.

At Barker, less than half our revenue is derived from fees for services; the remainder comes from contributions, fundraising and grants. Our sliding scale fees are based on family income, and payments are spread throughout the process. For those who come to Barker for pregnancy or birth parent services, those services are free.

And More

Comprehensive services under one roof . . . professionals who lead research in the field and reexamine agency practices as understanding about adoption increases . . . and finally, the philosophy that the focus of adoption must be in the best interests of the child, with the goal of adoption to find parents for children.