Adoption Roads can be bumping....or they can be downright treacherous. While I'm glad for some of you and envy your naivete' and smooth processes, I will just say that your experience was NOT the norm.
Ours was ridden by FTC'S lying, cheating and stealing.
If you would like to see some of our e-mails from Chip & Traci Orr that are condescending, patronizing, downright threatening, and highly unethical let me know. I'll gladly share them.
Including but not limited to:
1)Lies between Colleen and Traci about "disruptive parents" and numerous instances of them violating their own confidentiality responsibilities. (By the way, since you are reading this, Chip & Traci, surprise! you were taped!)
2)Threatening and lying to families in process about potential "lost birthmothers" and scaring in-process families with fears and threats of abandonment cases.
3)Lying in writing about hiring a "finder"
4)Lying to the foreign government of Guatemala
5)Encouraging fostering parents to lie to the authorities in Guatemala
6)Fradulent paperwork and custom-created documentation
7)Extreme Emotional & Mental Abuse
FINALLY, businesses with good sound ethical business practices don't operate under one name and file all of their accreditation paperwork under another.
I thought I hit the lottery when I signed on with this agency. I had heard nothing but glowing references. I researched A LOT. No one had a bad word to say about FTC. I soon found out why - if you dared to question or disagree they threatened to pull your referral or accused you of having anger issues and perhaps you weren't ready to adopt or go through the process. They treat their foster mothers horribly - the person in charge of the foster mothers in country is quite unkind and the foster moms fear her.
The good? They communicate better than many agencies. I got regular updates about my child and the political situation in Guatemala. I give them kudos for that. Many agencies neglect that. But the communication was falling off during my adoption because they grew too big too fast and couldn't juggle all of the clients, the new staff, or the other agencies they run under other names. Case managers were always pretty good about promptly returning calls - another thing other agencies aren't always good at. They also allow and encourage fostering and visits which is so important while in process.
But during my time in Guatemala, I learned that FTC was sometimes unethical. I was told of lies they told other clients and shabby treatment given to other clients. Overall my experience wasn't awful but I don't know if I could use them again.
They were awful and you can't sue them without paying the owner, Tracey's husband his attorneys fees. Its crazy. Stay away! I see now that the Guatemalan gravey train has dried up for them they are on to KAZ. Sad.
This site is amazing as I have spent almost 3 years thinking I was the exception instead of the norm in experiencing the dark side of FTC and Traci Orr. She was defensive, unsympathetic, and down right rude. She selectively answered e-mails and refused to send us info we requested.
I had a terrible emotionally traumatic experience with FTC and I thought I was alone.
I am just glad to read that I was not alone in my experiences and horribly offended to read that those snakes are still in business and hopping to a new country with the Kaz program.
What goes around comes around so if you live anywhere near Dallas, Texas - look out when the wrath comes back around on those heartless souls.
I cannot recommend that anyone work with For This Child (FTC). I found them to be unprofessional, unkind and disrespectful both to my family and to many other FTC families that I had contact with. We were lied to on numerous occasions and many families, including my own, constantly lived or live in fear of what FTC might do while in process, just for asking legitimate and absolutely reasonable questions.
They often seem to use this fear or guilt to keep families from asking for information, and if that doesn't work, they have used intimidation and threats of withholding your children to get what they want.
Please research FTC and do your homework and you will safe yourself time, energy, emotional distress, and money.
Whatever agency you eventually choose, do yourself a favor and document EVERYTHING they say. I recommend you request they put it in writing everything that was said verbally. If they won't, e-mail your notes on the conversation back to them for confirmation and documentation.
I feel like all these fantastic reviews are plants. How can this be the same agency we used? Awful, awful agency. The fostermom's are treated like prisoners, nothing is ever their fault and I believe they steal referrals from other agencies, to name a few of the problems we had with them. We love our son, but would never go through this hell with them again.
If they decide they don't want to work with you after you have submitted your fees, they can simply stop working with you and if you want to mediate the problem, you have to sign a waiver saying you agree to pay their attorney's fees, whether you win or lose. You are paying a great deal for their services, so BUYER BEWARE.
Poor overall performance, too big too fast, little care taken once fees were paid. They start out fabulous and lead you to believe that you are one of their "chosen ones". Its all very controlling and strange. I would not recommend this agency.
We had a problem with our initial application, my wife filled it out and did not know that I had misdeaminor arrest when I was very young, over twenty years ago, which was a false arrest. We got all the documentation together and we able to get approval from USCIS but still, FTC, used that as an excuse to stop working with us and keep our fees paid to them and to the homestudy agency they recommended over $5,000 and this was so early in-process, they did not do anything for us, literally nothing. All we did was fill-out the applications and mail them the first of their fees. Later after doing more research we found out that they charge nearly $8,000 more then other more reputable agencies. Also, they continue to say that their is no problem starting an adoption now, when with the Hague pending, it is ominous at best. It would be much wiser to choose an agency that has a back-up country to use in the event the Guatemalan adoptions become close. Good luck to all. Its our sincere wish to save others from losing so much money for nothing.
FTC and specifically Chip & Traci Orr threathen me, manipulated me, and intimidated me throughout the entire adoption.
They especially enjoyed utilizing their pathetic social worker, Tammy Hoepner, to spew additional emotional abuse. That woman is horrific. She lacks a soul.
I quit and walked away and could not endure the ABUSE.
And then I was freed from PGN and told to pick-up my angel and I was not the only one this same thing happened to.
In my opion, these people are going to hell. And I have no doubt that justice will be served. They have some jail time in their future. They have abandoned current families in process in Guatemala and jumped to the money making in Kaz.
PLEASE AVOID FTC, For This Child, Inc, Chip Orr, Traci Orr, and Tammy Hoepner. And save yourself and avoid using Tammy for your home study. Here is her link so you can avoid the ABUSE: http://www.adopthomestudies.com/
FTC DOESN'T DESERVE A STAR OF ANY KIND. I HAVE TO GIVE THEM ONE BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED ON THE SITE TO POST.
PLEASE DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT SIGNING A CONTRACT WITH FOR THIS CHILD FTC ADOPTION AGENCY!!!
YOU WILL BE SORRY IF YOU DO.
UNETHICAL, UNPROFESSIONAL, CORRUPT CRIMINALS.
Beware, they are cunning, master manipulators!
THEY KEPT OUR MONEY. ALL OF IT.
There are already UNHAPPY FAMILIES with the Kaz program and FTC is starting the cycle of lying and manipulating all over again. THERE ARE MULTIPLE FAMILIES STUCK IN PROCESS WITH UNFINISHED CASES IN GUATEMALA!
Needless to say, they really need to be put out of business. I make sure to spread the word whenever the topic of adoption comes up!
I tried to adopt a toddler girl through another horrific agency Main Street and while my girl was at her DNA apt., one of Traci's hitmen was outside trying to bribe the birthmom to switch over FTC!!!
I completed an adoption with this agency in 2008. I started in Nov 2007 full well knowing the status of Guat adoptions as this was my third time around. I did tons of research before choosing this agency as I had a previous agency that was horrible. During my research, I found only one negative review about FTC. When I contacted the reviewer, they told me they did not proceed with FTC for an adoption but made the decision while still doing paperwork. I had soooo many other positive reviews, I decided to go with FTC. I met Colleen in Guatemala before we signed with FTC and felt very comfortable with her. My process was amazing. It was quick (6 months during Hague issues). I was kept up-to-date on the current status of my adoption and adoptions in general. I received monthly medical reports and photos several times monthly. We had one problem with our paperwork on the US side and FTC worked with me closely to get it fixed. Having had issues like this before with my other agency, I can easily say they left me to take care of things myself. I felt comfortable with all the staff in the US and Guat. My foster mom was very nice and loving with my daughter. The staff in Guat was very timely with info and help. I did not have one negative experience with them. It's interesting to me that I did not see all the negative reviews that I have been reading lately while I was researching FTC. I wonder the reasons for that....maybe staff changes? Anyway, we are entitled to our experience and this was mine.
When I researched this agency, I heard there was wonderful communication, one on one care, incredible foster care. FTC has gotten too big too fast. They own 3, not 1 agency and they only have 2 lawyers for everyone. They take a whole month off for Christmas, leaving their clients high and dry.
Foster care is good. They treat their foster mothers horribly.
If you challenge them they threaten to take away your referral or tell you you have anger management problems.
My child did come home and he is fine, but I would not use this agency again.
We had a wonderful experience with FTC from start to finish. We never waited more than 24 hours for a reply from our case worker if we had a question. They walk you through the paperwork and are very detail oriented from the beginning which saves time after you get your referral. They have a staff in Guatemala that is AWESOME. Our Embassy day was seamless because of them. These people truly care about their work and go above and beyond for their clients. We still ask our case worker questions 6 months after bringing our son home and they still help us out. They are also extremely ethical. My family has adopted from Guatemala 3 times with 3 different agencies and this is the only agency we would not hesitate to use again. We highly recommend them to anyone considering a Guatemalan adoption.
We completed the adoption of our daughter from Guatemala in July 2007. This agency was a joy to work with and I highly recommend them. My case worker was very prompt in responding to all of my questions and everyone in the agency (including owners, administrative assistants, case workers, US and Guatemala staff) were extremely professional and helpful. They are also very honest, caring, and open. They have a wonderful support community available for their clients as well. I have several other friends who have used this agency, and also had excellent experiences. I have nothing but glowing praise for this agency, and if we ever get the opportunity to adopt again in the future, THIS is the agency that we will use again.
We used FTC and completed our adoption in 2007. We had a very positive experience with them. Our daughter was extremely healthy and had a wonderful foster mother. FTC's foster mother program is the best around. Sure there were some cases that took a little longer than usual but that is typical of any ethical agency around. I truly believe FTC is very ethical and cares about the children of Guatemala. We hope to adopt from Guatemala again and will likely use FTC.
I would highly recommend this agency. They are very honest and ethical. I felt we were kept very informed. They were always available to answer any questions. I feel that they have the best interests of the children at heart. In reference to any negative comments on this site regarding this agency, I hope that people consider there are 2 sides to every story.
We feel that this agency conducts alll business as ethically and honest as possible. We would recommend FTC to anyone who is considering adopting in Guatemala.
We are residents of Dallas and had good contact with the owner of FTC, even after our adoption. Our adoption was not perfectly smooth. But we are extremely happy with FTC. They are extremely ethical and very active in the welfare of Guatemala children and very active in the continuing and improvement of Guatemalan adoptions. We received 2+ updates per month as promised. Plus, FTC arranged a cardiologist consult for a heart murmur. The Guatemala City staff are very thorough, educated in the process and respected in the adoption community. FTC will only work with attys who agree to have the paperwork right the first time (as best as humanly possible) and to be ethical themselves. We are aware of FTC strongly suggesting an adoption be interrupted about 2.5 years ago. There are times when family and personal issues arise after the home study that suggest someone should not have a baby in the home. FTC is willing to make difficult decisions. We highly recomend FTC.
We are currently in the process of adopting with FTC and I am so happy that we are with them. I've heard so many horror stories about other agencies, but have never felt as if FTC were any thing less than the best agency possible in terms of Guatemalan adoptions. I completely trust them and will use them again if we ever pursue another adoption from Guatemala. They are simply the best!
Excellent, detail-oriented agency that really cares about the children, and families. Staff in Guatemala interview the birth mothers and ask them their preference with regard to contact with adoptive families. Excellent management of foster families, children get top-notch care and medical updates. Truthful updates about what is going on with the tricky Guatemalan adoption process. I highly recommend For This Child!
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Reviews
For This Child, Inc FTC
Adoption Roads can be bumping....or they can be downright treacherous. While I'm glad for some of you and envy your naivete' and smooth processes, I will just say that your experience was NOT the norm.
Ours was ridden by FTC'S lying, cheating and stealing.
If you would like to see some of our e-mails from Chip & Traci Orr that are condescending, patronizing, downright threatening, and highly unethical let me know. I'll gladly share them.
Including but not limited to:
1)Lies between Colleen and Traci about "disruptive parents" and numerous instances of them violating their own confidentiality responsibilities. (By the way, since you are reading this, Chip & Traci, surprise! you were taped!)
2)Threatening and lying to families in process about potential "lost birthmothers" and scaring in-process families with fears and threats of abandonment cases.
3)Lying in writing about hiring a "finder"
4)Lying to the foreign government of Guatemala
5)Encouraging fostering parents to lie to the authorities in Guatemala
6)Fradulent paperwork and custom-created documentation
7)Extreme Emotional & Mental Abuse
FINALLY, businesses with good sound ethical business practices don't operate under one name and file all of their accreditation paperwork under another.
There is some good...but much bad
I thought I hit the lottery when I signed on with this agency. I had heard nothing but glowing references. I researched A LOT. No one had a bad word to say about FTC. I soon found out why - if you dared to question or disagree they threatened to pull your referral or accused you of having anger issues and perhaps you weren't ready to adopt or go through the process. They treat their foster mothers horribly - the person in charge of the foster mothers in country is quite unkind and the foster moms fear her.
The good? They communicate better than many agencies. I got regular updates about my child and the political situation in Guatemala. I give them kudos for that. Many agencies neglect that. But the communication was falling off during my adoption because they grew too big too fast and couldn't juggle all of the clients, the new staff, or the other agencies they run under other names. Case managers were always pretty good about promptly returning calls - another thing other agencies aren't always good at. They also allow and encourage fostering and visits which is so important while in process.
But during my time in Guatemala, I learned that FTC was sometimes unethical. I was told of lies they told other clients and shabby treatment given to other clients. Overall my experience wasn't awful but I don't know if I could use them again.
For this Child, Inc
They were awful and you can't sue them without paying the owner, Tracey's husband his attorneys fees. Its crazy. Stay away! I see now that the Guatemalan gravey train has dried up for them they are on to KAZ. Sad.
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS
FTC or For This Child, Inc is the worst agency.
They lie without hesitation.
They mistreat the foster mothers.
Their communication was beyond pathetic.
I can't believe they are still in business.
The owners are deceptively nice in the beginning, don't believe it.
They are simply THE WORST so do yourself a favor and AVOID them.
HORRIBLE
This site is amazing as I have spent almost 3 years thinking I was the exception instead of the norm in experiencing the dark side of FTC and Traci Orr. She was defensive, unsympathetic, and down right rude. She selectively answered e-mails and refused to send us info we requested.
I had a terrible emotionally traumatic experience with FTC and I thought I was alone.
I am just glad to read that I was not alone in my experiences and horribly offended to read that those snakes are still in business and hopping to a new country with the Kaz program.
What goes around comes around so if you live anywhere near Dallas, Texas - look out when the wrath comes back around on those heartless souls.
POOR AGENCY - THUMBS DOWN
I cannot recommend that anyone work with For This Child (FTC). I found them to be unprofessional, unkind and disrespectful both to my family and to many other FTC families that I had contact with. We were lied to on numerous occasions and many families, including my own, constantly lived or live in fear of what FTC might do while in process, just for asking legitimate and absolutely reasonable questions.
They often seem to use this fear or guilt to keep families from asking for information, and if that doesn't work, they have used intimidation and threats of withholding your children to get what they want.
Please research FTC and do your homework and you will safe yourself time, energy, emotional distress, and money.
Whatever agency you eventually choose, do yourself a favor and document EVERYTHING they say. I recommend you request they put it in writing everything that was said verbally. If they won't, e-mail your notes on the conversation back to them for confirmation and documentation.
Good Luck.
POOR STAFF, POOR AGENCY
Knowing what we know now, we would have NEVER signed up with FTC.
For This Child effectively puts on a great first impression but they FAIL TO DELIVER on all fronts. And it is the orphaned children that SUFFER.
!!!! AVOID THE KAZ program, please !!!
Save yourself the money, the time, the emotional trauma and FIND A DIFFERENT AGENCY.
Horrible agency
I feel like all these fantastic reviews are plants. How can this be the same agency we used? Awful, awful agency. The fostermom's are treated like prisoners, nothing is ever their fault and I believe they steal referrals from other agencies, to name a few of the problems we had with them. We love our son, but would never go through this hell with them again.
If they decide they don't
If they decide they don't want to work with you after you have submitted your fees, they can simply stop working with you and if you want to mediate the problem, you have to sign a waiver saying you agree to pay their attorney's fees, whether you win or lose. You are paying a great deal for their services, so BUYER BEWARE.
Poor overall performance,
Poor overall performance, too big too fast, little care taken once fees were paid. They start out fabulous and lead you to believe that you are one of their "chosen ones". Its all very controlling and strange. I would not recommend this agency.
We had a problem with our
We had a problem with our initial application, my wife filled it out and did not know that I had misdeaminor arrest when I was very young, over twenty years ago, which was a false arrest. We got all the documentation together and we able to get approval from USCIS but still, FTC, used that as an excuse to stop working with us and keep our fees paid to them and to the homestudy agency they recommended over $5,000 and this was so early in-process, they did not do anything for us, literally nothing. All we did was fill-out the applications and mail them the first of their fees. Later after doing more research we found out that they charge nearly $8,000 more then other more reputable agencies. Also, they continue to say that their is no problem starting an adoption now, when with the Hague pending, it is ominous at best. It would be much wiser to choose an agency that has a back-up country to use in the event the Guatemalan adoptions become close. Good luck to all. Its our sincere wish to save others from losing so much money for nothing.
JUSTICE WILL COME
FTC and specifically Chip & Traci Orr threathen me, manipulated me, and intimidated me throughout the entire adoption.
They especially enjoyed utilizing their pathetic social worker, Tammy Hoepner, to spew additional emotional abuse. That woman is horrific. She lacks a soul.
I quit and walked away and could not endure the ABUSE.
And then I was freed from PGN and told to pick-up my angel and I was not the only one this same thing happened to.
In my opion, these people are going to hell. And I have no doubt that justice will be served. They have some jail time in their future. They have abandoned current families in process in Guatemala and jumped to the money making in Kaz.
PLEASE AVOID FTC, For This Child, Inc, Chip Orr, Traci Orr, and Tammy Hoepner. And save yourself and avoid using Tammy for your home study. Here is her link so you can avoid the ABUSE: http://www.adopthomestudies.com/
BEWARE! AVOID FTC!
FTC DOESN'T DESERVE A STAR OF ANY KIND. I HAVE TO GIVE THEM ONE BECAUSE IT IS REQUIRED ON THE SITE TO POST.
PLEASE DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT SIGNING A CONTRACT WITH FOR THIS CHILD FTC ADOPTION AGENCY!!!
YOU WILL BE SORRY IF YOU DO.
UNETHICAL, UNPROFESSIONAL, CORRUPT CRIMINALS.
Beware, they are cunning, master manipulators!
THEY KEPT OUR MONEY. ALL OF IT.
There are already UNHAPPY FAMILIES with the Kaz program and FTC is starting the cycle of lying and manipulating all over again. THERE ARE MULTIPLE FAMILIES STUCK IN PROCESS WITH UNFINISHED CASES IN GUATEMALA!
Needless to say, they really need to be put out of business. I make sure to spread the word whenever the topic of adoption comes up!
RUN FAR FAR AWAY
Lying
Stealing
Vicious
Cruel
Abusive
Hostile
Spiteful
Malicious
Please RUN FAR AWAY from the Kaz or Guatemalan programs with For This Child.
They have secured their place in HELL countless times over.
JUST SAY NO
JUST SAY NO TO FTC
It's that simple to save heartache, money, emotional trauma and time.
JUST SAY NO
I tried to adopt a toddler
I tried to adopt a toddler girl through another horrific agency Main Street and while my girl was at her DNA apt., one of Traci's hitmen was outside trying to bribe the birthmom to switch over FTC!!!
My experience
I completed an adoption with this agency in 2008. I started in Nov 2007 full well knowing the status of Guat adoptions as this was my third time around. I did tons of research before choosing this agency as I had a previous agency that was horrible. During my research, I found only one negative review about FTC. When I contacted the reviewer, they told me they did not proceed with FTC for an adoption but made the decision while still doing paperwork. I had soooo many other positive reviews, I decided to go with FTC. I met Colleen in Guatemala before we signed with FTC and felt very comfortable with her. My process was amazing. It was quick (6 months during Hague issues). I was kept up-to-date on the current status of my adoption and adoptions in general. I received monthly medical reports and photos several times monthly. We had one problem with our paperwork on the US side and FTC worked with me closely to get it fixed. Having had issues like this before with my other agency, I can easily say they left me to take care of things myself. I felt comfortable with all the staff in the US and Guat. My foster mom was very nice and loving with my daughter. The staff in Guat was very timely with info and help. I did not have one negative experience with them. It's interesting to me that I did not see all the negative reviews that I have been reading lately while I was researching FTC. I wonder the reasons for that....maybe staff changes? Anyway, we are entitled to our experience and this was mine.
When I researched this
When I researched this agency, I heard there was wonderful communication, one on one care, incredible foster care. FTC has gotten too big too fast. They own 3, not 1 agency and they only have 2 lawyers for everyone. They take a whole month off for Christmas, leaving their clients high and dry.
Foster care is good. They treat their foster mothers horribly.
If you challenge them they threaten to take away your referral or tell you you have anger management problems.
My child did come home and he is fine, but I would not use this agency again.
THE BEST AGENCY
We had a wonderful experience with FTC from start to finish. We never waited more than 24 hours for a reply from our case worker if we had a question. They walk you through the paperwork and are very detail oriented from the beginning which saves time after you get your referral. They have a staff in Guatemala that is AWESOME. Our Embassy day was seamless because of them. These people truly care about their work and go above and beyond for their clients. We still ask our case worker questions 6 months after bringing our son home and they still help us out. They are also extremely ethical. My family has adopted from Guatemala 3 times with 3 different agencies and this is the only agency we would not hesitate to use again. We highly recommend them to anyone considering a Guatemalan adoption.
Glowing Praises!
We completed the adoption of our daughter from Guatemala in July 2007. This agency was a joy to work with and I highly recommend them. My case worker was very prompt in responding to all of my questions and everyone in the agency (including owners, administrative assistants, case workers, US and Guatemala staff) were extremely professional and helpful. They are also very honest, caring, and open. They have a wonderful support community available for their clients as well. I have several other friends who have used this agency, and also had excellent experiences. I have nothing but glowing praise for this agency, and if we ever get the opportunity to adopt again in the future, THIS is the agency that we will use again.
We would use them again!
We used FTC and completed our adoption in 2007. We had a very positive experience with them. Our daughter was extremely healthy and had a wonderful foster mother. FTC's foster mother program is the best around. Sure there were some cases that took a little longer than usual but that is typical of any ethical agency around. I truly believe FTC is very ethical and cares about the children of Guatemala. We hope to adopt from Guatemala again and will likely use FTC.
I would highly recommend
I would highly recommend this agency. They are very honest and ethical. I felt we were kept very informed. They were always available to answer any questions. I feel that they have the best interests of the children at heart. In reference to any negative comments on this site regarding this agency, I hope that people consider there are 2 sides to every story.
We feel that this agency
We feel that this agency conducts alll business as ethically and honest as possible. We would recommend FTC to anyone who is considering adopting in Guatemala.
We are residents of Dallas
We are residents of Dallas and had good contact with the owner of FTC, even after our adoption. Our adoption was not perfectly smooth. But we are extremely happy with FTC. They are extremely ethical and very active in the welfare of Guatemala children and very active in the continuing and improvement of Guatemalan adoptions. We received 2+ updates per month as promised. Plus, FTC arranged a cardiologist consult for a heart murmur. The Guatemala City staff are very thorough, educated in the process and respected in the adoption community. FTC will only work with attys who agree to have the paperwork right the first time (as best as humanly possible) and to be ethical themselves. We are aware of FTC strongly suggesting an adoption be interrupted about 2.5 years ago. There are times when family and personal issues arise after the home study that suggest someone should not have a baby in the home. FTC is willing to make difficult decisions. We highly recomend FTC.
We are currently in the
We are currently in the process of adopting with FTC and I am so happy that we are with them. I've heard so many horror stories about other agencies, but have never felt as if FTC were any thing less than the best agency possible in terms of Guatemalan adoptions. I completely trust them and will use them again if we ever pursue another adoption from Guatemala. They are simply the best!
Excellent, detail-oriented
Excellent, detail-oriented agency that really cares about the children, and families. Staff in Guatemala interview the birth mothers and ask them their preference with regard to contact with adoptive families. Excellent management of foster families, children get top-notch care and medical updates. Truthful updates about what is going on with the tricky Guatemalan adoption process. I highly recommend For This Child!