My husband and I recently returned from Armenia with our daughter by going through Hopscotch and I have to say they are wonderful! The updates are often, the communication with the director is amazing and the price is right (trust me....we shopped and interviewed). Not only on the waiting side did I get A+ service but while we were in country, we were treated as if we were family from the team. The accommodations were way above our expectations when staying in the country. I strongly recommend Hopscotch. Robin is so helpful and always responds so quickly with any questions you may have. Trust me, I always have a lot of questions. She was wonderful and so patient. We can't imagine going through any other agency. Feel free to email me questions...I would be honored to be one of Hopscotch's references.
I am curious to know what the wait time was from start to finish and the total cost of the adoption. We are in the very beginning stages of this process and was just curious. I've looked at many agencies and this one seems to have the most positive comments from parents that I've seen.
Your information is much appreciated!
Kristen Yilmaz
Limova
Requirements and prices through Hopscotch are extremely high. Fees exceed $35K and the income requirement is $100K (which is not a country requirement for Georgia or Armenia but a Robin requirement)
Ask why her contract at CAS was disolved? Too much money thrown around the countries.
She may get your child for you, but it is not the most ethical agency around. Why is Hopscotch licensed in other states but yet the owner/director works out of her home in Georgia?
Most of these posts are Robin herself.
Thank you once more for the opportunity to address your concerns and questions. Hopscotch, as a Hague Accredited agency, is required to disclose all agreements and fees to the US consulate in the sending country and as such, Hopscotch has complied. Prior to this requirement, Hopscotch voluntarily provided this information to each consulate.
While undergoing the Accreditation process, each applicant agency was required to submit to a formal on site evaluation, submission of client agreements, fees, refund policies, case and record review in detail, financial review, correspondence with our foreign providers and other authority officials, and an extensive self study that included a thorough examination of best practices and many other requests. The required standards for each agency seeking Accreditation can be found through the US State Department link: http://www.coanet.org/files/HagueFinalRule.pdf
As a result of undergoing the Accreditation process, the US State Department now has a copy of every Hague Accredited adoption agency’s contracts, fees and other required documentation.
Hopscotch provides excellent service through out the adoption experience, and this is considered priceless to families that come to us with expectations of a positive and successful adoption experience. Each adoption agency may determine their own fee structure and some provide more or less services which can affect the total fees paid through an agency or directly by the client. Hopscotch clients appreciate all expenses disclosed in advance of entering a formal relationship to allow the client to budget appropriately and most of all to avoid financial surprises during the process. Granted, Hopscotch is not a good fit for all families, as many families prefer fewer services and choose to manage their own adoption experience which sometimes works out well or not. Hopscotch client families enjoy full service and accessibility 24/7 with positive attention state side and while abroad.
Addressing your concern again about income requirements, the Armenian government or family codes have no such income requirement of any adoptive family, however it has been our professional experience (in a span of 6 years and over 60 children placed from Armenia to US citizens) that income is weighed in the Prime Minister’s consideration of approval being granted to a family. To date Hopscotch has not had a client family refused approval and we are comfortable in advising our client families of their greatest potential for success or not, based on our experience. Every agency assists their client family in the manner they determine can best serve their client’s goals, completing an adoption without unnecessary or avoidable problems.
Regarding your statements about previous contract employment with Carolina Adoption Services, I have addressed this many times and also within this registry. Please contact Thomas Jackson, of CAS, if you have any further questions regarding our previous relationship at: tom@carolinaadoptions.org My resignation was tendered January 2006 to pursue the development of Hopscotch. My full response can be found within this registry review of Hopscotch. Reference (Mon, 02/04/2008 - 1:46pm).
Regarding your repeated inquiry of Hopscotch’s NY agency license (authorization) in proximity to where I personally reside and work here in NC, this has been addressed within this registry review of Hopscotch. Reference (Mon, 02/04/2008 - 1:17pm).
Finally, I would also like to share again that Vanessa has never been an applicant or client family of Hopscotch or Carolina Adoption Services during my tenure. I hope this response will finally clarify the questions and concerns. Thanks - Robin
Robin E. Sizemore, Executive Director
Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc.
Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine www.hopscotchadoptions.org
Limova
Dear Ms. Sizemore;
Explain why you censor and are secretive about adoptions especially in Armenia. You have asked your parents to not have open blogs and some of them have questioned this? What are you afraid of?
In addition, you control and censor propaganda on your owned Yahoo group site.
This fear and intimidation through your passive/aggressive aproach puts an underlining concern to your waiting families that so hope you can purchase a referral of a "foundling" for them. They don't want to hear anything but postive information about you. At least until they receive their referral.
Talk about how you bypassed the government of Georgia and dealt direct with the birth mothers or in your words "I empowered these mothers to make choices"
COA or Council of Acrediation is a newly formed body. Formed because of all the murkey grey areas of adoption. It is run by agencies and membership much like a Union or the Joint Council. Just because an agency has this new acrediation means nothing.
There are many that are currently under investigation.
Colorado, Michigan and Texas have the most lenient adoption laws.
Colorado human services just announced the closure of three adoption agencies this month.
One is Commonwealth which appears on this website with many positive ratings by no doubt the agency and some of it's workers.
Keep up the great marketing, after all that is what your undergraduate degree is in Marketing. You spin your story very well. Maybe you should run for office. But then your background would be scrutinized.
I’m happy to continue to address all of your concerns as often as you need. I’ll start from the top and address your questions.
All agencies consider their programs as proprietary and each agency may do so legally. This is a normal and acceptable practice of all adoption agencies. Several Hopscotch clients have blogs and they are really beautiful journals of their journey to their child. Sometimes the concern is when persons that are unstable use other’s personal journals to harm others. This is unfortunately unavoidable and a part of the risk when sharing information publicly.
Hopscotch provides private and safe forums for our client families through Georgian Angels and Armenian Angels. Participants may join by invitation after formalizing the relationship with Hopscotch. Both forums are parent moderated. Christine Walters moderates the Georgian group and Pam Norp moderates the Armenian group. This is a very common service many agencies provide. Public lists can allow for abuse of other participants.
Hopscotch has a grievance policy and procedure that is provided to every prospective client family, as well as an anonymous venue to register a complaint with any state licensing authority, JCICS, Ethica: A Voice for Ethical Adoption or the US State Department through Children’s Services and Issues or directly to the US Consulate in the sending country. To date, Hopscotch has not had a complaint registered internally or with any entity.
Regarding Georgian birthmother adoptions; from 1999-2003 the Georgian government and family code permitted birth mothers to make choices for their children in need of permanent families. In September 2003 the law changed to a Central Authority responsibility and direct birth mother placement (by-passing horrible orphanage conditions at the time) was no longer possible. The mortality rate was very high in the Georgian orphanages during those years and birth mothers were truly left with no options when they required assistance in placement, unlike here in the US where birth mothers can choose a plan for their child. The bigger picture is the country’s move to Hague compliance and thereby a Central Authority is responsible for the welfare of the children and working on behalf of that child’s best interest in seeking a permanent family that is most suitable to the child’s needs. Now there are programs such as I.A.P. (Infant Abandonment Programs) that are doing beautiful and noble work to help families remain intact and healthy. Hopscotch has supported many initiatives and aid projects to continue Georgia’s on going advancement for children’s rights and family health.
Regarding the misunderstanding of the Council for Accreditation; COA was initiated in 1977. To learn more about this organization, appointed by the US Department of State, as one of two Accrediting Entities for the Hague Accreditation process you can visit them at: http://www.coanet.org/front3/page.cfm?sect=1&cont=4320
No Hague Accredited agency is undergoing investigation, but could be verified directly by contacting: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov
I am unsure why my education is a concern, however specifically. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Communication Media Arts with a concentration in Public Relations and minor in Marketing received in 1986.
Thank you again for the opportunity to continue to address your questions Vanessa.
Robin E. Sizemore
Robin E. Sizemore, Executive Director
Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc.
Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine www.hopscotchadoptions.org
"Hopscotch has a grievance policy and procedure that is provided to every prospective client family, as well as an anonymous venue to register a complaint with any state licensing authority, JCICS, Ethica: A Voice for Ethical Adoption or the US State Department through Children’s Services and Issues or directly to the US Consulate in the sending country. To date, Hopscotch has not had a complaint registered internally or with any entity."
There are so many things wrong with this statement. What kind of teeth do most of these entities have and would they reveal whether or not they received a complaint? Let's say someone sends a complaint to the US State Dept about this agency. The State Dept is not going to notify the agency about the complaint so how do they know no one has never registered a complaint? They also won't recommend agencies.
Below you will find a comprehensive list of resources to assist a client family to lodge a complaint against their adoption agency, if need be. When a client family lodges a complaint, there is an obligation of the receiving organization to inform the agency in question as to facilitate resolution, sanction, take corrective action or refer to litigation, if necessary. In addition, each party has an opportunity to make an appeal within the process to corroborate or refute claims. Prospective client families or interested parties can contact any of the entities below to determine if there are any problems with an agency. Hopscotch to date has no such complaints.
State Licensing Authority: www.childwelfare.gov search under ‘complaints’ Contact the State Licensing Specialist (http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?typeID=12&rate_chno=... )in the state where the agency is located. The State Licensing Specialist will be able to tell you if the agency is in good standing, if there have been any complaints lodged against the agency and how long the agency has held the license. The State Licensing Office maintains complaint files as a public service. The agency involved in the complaint is notified and sanctions can be issued by this organization or referred to litigation if appropriate.
JCICS: Contact Tom DiFilipo, President & CEO at info@jcics.org or (703) 535-8045. In addition, one can review the Joint Council Standards of Practice or the JCICS Complaint and Disciplinary procedure at http://www.jcics.org/Complaint_Policy.pdf The agency involved in the complaint is notified and sanctions can be issued by this organization or referred to litigation if appropriate.
Ethica: A Voice for Ethical Adoption: Can be reached by phone at (301) 637-7650 and by fax at (202) 204-6039 or ethica@ethicanet.org for any question, comment of concern.
US Consulate in the sending country: One can google “US embassy insert name of country” to locate the contact information for the consular section to make a report directly to the consular.
Attorney General Office for any state: You can Contact the State's Attorney General's Office (http://www.naag.org/ag/full_ag_table.php) to see if any legal action has been taken against the agency. The Attorney General's office is a government office in the state capitol. You may find their contact information in Government section of the telephone book. Ask whether there is pending litigation against the agency or whether the agency has an established complaint file. The agency involved in the complaint is notified and sanctions can be issued by this office or referred to litigation if appropriate.
Better Business Bureau: Contact the Better Business Bureau (http://welcome.bbb.org) closest to the agency. The Better Business Bureau also provides a helpful tip sheet on "Using an Adoption Agency" ( http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=276 ). Always ask the Better Business Bureau office staff person if that office covers the location of the agency and if their office takes complaints on adoption agencies. If they do not, then check with the State, City, or County Government Consumer Protection Office where the agency is located for complaints. The agency involved in the complaint is notified by this organization.
Finally, I would also like to share (again) that Vanessa has never been an applicant or client family of Hopscotch or Carolina Adoption Services during my tenure. I hope this response will again finally clarify the questions and concerns. Thanks - Robin
Robin E. Sizemore, Executive Director
Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc.
Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine www.hopscotchadoptions.org
I have no relationship to this agency at all. I am simply reading posts and commenting.
I am aware of the resources you've provided above. However, I know for certain that if I call Ethica, the US State Dept or a Consular office they will not reveal information about complaints on agencies that may have been made to them. Unless of course legal action has occurred, license revoked or an agency becoming banned from facilitating adoptions in a country.
The BBB often does not keep records of complaints made. It depends on the individual office and region. If a complaint cannot be settled through their internal process it is often deemed closed and not available to a prospective client.
The argument it appears you are trying to make is that if I decide to research "Hearts and Butterflies Agency" and call the above said resources and turn up nothing I can conclude that no complaints against this agency have been made. How can that be when some of the organizations/gov't offices can't/won't reveal this information to either the agency or prospective parents? I suppose the agency might be able to obtain the information with a FOIA request, but good luck!
The only listed organizations that might contact the agency for whom the complaint has been made would be JCICS (if the agency is a member), a state licensing office or the BBB. It is important for anyone researching an agency to know that the latter two may not keep complaints on record. I have little knowledge of current JCICS practices with regard to member agencies.
Again, I have no relationship or knowledge of the agency in this thread-good or bad-I am simply questioning the information provided.
It is interesting Vanessa, that you are posting on other agencies' sites, such as Across the World Adoptions http://www.adoptionagencyratings.com/across-world-international-adoption... (using the name LimovaM). That agency also appears to have mostly positive reviews and then you come out and start bashing them as well. You claim you had a bad experience with ATWA...and I am guessing it has something to do with your not being eligible as an adoptive parent. Just because you are unsuitable to adopt, do not take it out on the agency. The agency's prime purpose is to help the children, and I believe they have done so by not allowing you to be a parent to one of their children.
A more positive approach, Vanessa, would be to get some professional help. I do feel sorry for you...you seem very angry, bitter, and vindictive. If I were in your shoes, I would try to refocus on something other than adoption.
Something to think about.... If someone went through all the trouble to file a valid complaints and some or all of the mentioned agencies in this thread, don't you think they would also post the information all over the net, especially on public forums like this one? I know if I was that upset and felt I had a valid complaint, I would try to help others to avoid such a situation. I have found no such information posted anywhere but any client, past or present. And just for reference, I was a client within the past year with a successful placement.
If you admittedly had NO relationship or knowledge of this agency why challenge the numerous recommendations from all the happy clients: those speak for themselves. I also see you have and continue to post anonymously as well. If you had real concerns why would you not email the agency direct to ask for clarification for whatever seems to be troubling you? Does it make any sense whatsoever for someone who has NOTHING to do with this ageny and was admittedly NEVER a client to voice an opinion on the agency? I am afraid I missed your credentials as well, or whatever would make you feel empowered to challenge an agency or personel of that agency with numerous credentials and many, many years of experienced in this field. I cannot help but wonder what agenda would make some one pick this agency (out of all the hundreds on the listserve), one you once again admittedly have NOTHING to do with and NO experience with and decide to voice your opinion, with no basis to your claims other than to try and stir up controversy where there is none. Why aren't you more concerned with your own agency (if you even have one) than one you have nothing to do with?
If you knew anything, you would know if an client has complaints there are many venues to express that on publicly, but that has not been done, except by someone not even using the agency. This is the perfect place for anonymous clients to vent an issue, yet all that is being heard are accolades and appreciation for this agency. Complaints against agencies are easily passed along by word of mouth though the community, FRUA, or
any other adoption venue. What are your motives here that you have so much time on your hands to try and stir up trouble?? By the way I AM a real client and completed my first adoption and will be using this agency for #2 soon. I hope you find better things to do with your time.
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Reviews
Hopscotch brought my family together!
My husband and I recently returned from Armenia with our daughter by going through Hopscotch and I have to say they are wonderful! The updates are often, the communication with the director is amazing and the price is right (trust me....we shopped and interviewed). Not only on the waiting side did I get A+ service but while we were in country, we were treated as if we were family from the team. The accommodations were way above our expectations when staying in the country. I strongly recommend Hopscotch. Robin is so helpful and always responds so quickly with any questions you may have. Trust me, I always have a lot of questions. She was wonderful and so patient. We can't imagine going through any other agency. Feel free to email me questions...I would be honored to be one of Hopscotch's references.
wait and cost
I am curious to know what the wait time was from start to finish and the total cost of the adoption. We are in the very beginning stages of this process and was just curious. I've looked at many agencies and this one seems to have the most positive comments from parents that I've seen.
Your information is much appreciated!
Kristen Yilmaz
Price is not right and ask owner/director about CAS
Limova
Requirements and prices through Hopscotch are extremely high. Fees exceed $35K and the income requirement is $100K (which is not a country requirement for Georgia or Armenia but a Robin requirement)
Ask why her contract at CAS was disolved? Too much money thrown around the countries.
She may get your child for you, but it is not the most ethical agency around. Why is Hopscotch licensed in other states but yet the owner/director works out of her home in Georgia?
Most of these posts are Robin herself.
Hopscotch Response to Vanessa
Hi again Vanessa,
Thank you once more for the opportunity to address your concerns and questions. Hopscotch, as a Hague Accredited agency, is required to disclose all agreements and fees to the US consulate in the sending country and as such, Hopscotch has complied. Prior to this requirement, Hopscotch voluntarily provided this information to each consulate.
While undergoing the Accreditation process, each applicant agency was required to submit to a formal on site evaluation, submission of client agreements, fees, refund policies, case and record review in detail, financial review, correspondence with our foreign providers and other authority officials, and an extensive self study that included a thorough examination of best practices and many other requests. The required standards for each agency seeking Accreditation can be found through the US State Department link: http://www.coanet.org/files/HagueFinalRule.pdf
As a result of undergoing the Accreditation process, the US State Department now has a copy of every Hague Accredited adoption agency’s contracts, fees and other required documentation.
Hopscotch provides excellent service through out the adoption experience, and this is considered priceless to families that come to us with expectations of a positive and successful adoption experience. Each adoption agency may determine their own fee structure and some provide more or less services which can affect the total fees paid through an agency or directly by the client. Hopscotch clients appreciate all expenses disclosed in advance of entering a formal relationship to allow the client to budget appropriately and most of all to avoid financial surprises during the process. Granted, Hopscotch is not a good fit for all families, as many families prefer fewer services and choose to manage their own adoption experience which sometimes works out well or not. Hopscotch client families enjoy full service and accessibility 24/7 with positive attention state side and while abroad.
Addressing your concern again about income requirements, the Armenian government or family codes have no such income requirement of any adoptive family, however it has been our professional experience (in a span of 6 years and over 60 children placed from Armenia to US citizens) that income is weighed in the Prime Minister’s consideration of approval being granted to a family. To date Hopscotch has not had a client family refused approval and we are comfortable in advising our client families of their greatest potential for success or not, based on our experience. Every agency assists their client family in the manner they determine can best serve their client’s goals, completing an adoption without unnecessary or avoidable problems.
Regarding your statements about previous contract employment with Carolina Adoption Services, I have addressed this many times and also within this registry. Please contact Thomas Jackson, of CAS, if you have any further questions regarding our previous relationship at: tom@carolinaadoptions.org My resignation was tendered January 2006 to pursue the development of Hopscotch. My full response can be found within this registry review of Hopscotch. Reference (Mon, 02/04/2008 - 1:46pm).
Regarding your repeated inquiry of Hopscotch’s NY agency license (authorization) in proximity to where I personally reside and work here in NC, this has been addressed within this registry review of Hopscotch. Reference (Mon, 02/04/2008 - 1:17pm).
Finally, I would also like to share again that Vanessa has never been an applicant or client family of Hopscotch or Carolina Adoption Services during my tenure. I hope this response will finally clarify the questions and concerns. Thanks - Robin
Robin E. Sizemore, Executive Director
Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc.
Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine
www.hopscotchadoptions.org
Explain one more thing to your flock
Limova
Dear Ms. Sizemore;
Explain why you censor and are secretive about adoptions especially in Armenia. You have asked your parents to not have open blogs and some of them have questioned this? What are you afraid of?
In addition, you control and censor propaganda on your owned Yahoo group site.
This fear and intimidation through your passive/aggressive aproach puts an underlining concern to your waiting families that so hope you can purchase a referral of a "foundling" for them. They don't want to hear anything but postive information about you. At least until they receive their referral.
Talk about how you bypassed the government of Georgia and dealt direct with the birth mothers or in your words "I empowered these mothers to make choices"
COA or Council of Acrediation is a newly formed body. Formed because of all the murkey grey areas of adoption. It is run by agencies and membership much like a Union or the Joint Council. Just because an agency has this new acrediation means nothing.
There are many that are currently under investigation.
Colorado, Michigan and Texas have the most lenient adoption laws.
Colorado human services just announced the closure of three adoption agencies this month.
One is Commonwealth which appears on this website with many positive ratings by no doubt the agency and some of it's workers.
Keep up the great marketing, after all that is what your undergraduate degree is in Marketing. You spin your story very well. Maybe you should run for office. But then your background would be scrutinized.
Hopscotch Response to Vanessa
Hello again Vanessa,
I’m happy to continue to address all of your concerns as often as you need. I’ll start from the top and address your questions.
All agencies consider their programs as proprietary and each agency may do so legally. This is a normal and acceptable practice of all adoption agencies. Several Hopscotch clients have blogs and they are really beautiful journals of their journey to their child. Sometimes the concern is when persons that are unstable use other’s personal journals to harm others. This is unfortunately unavoidable and a part of the risk when sharing information publicly.
Hopscotch provides private and safe forums for our client families through Georgian Angels and Armenian Angels. Participants may join by invitation after formalizing the relationship with Hopscotch. Both forums are parent moderated. Christine Walters moderates the Georgian group and Pam Norp moderates the Armenian group. This is a very common service many agencies provide. Public lists can allow for abuse of other participants.
Hopscotch has a grievance policy and procedure that is provided to every prospective client family, as well as an anonymous venue to register a complaint with any state licensing authority, JCICS, Ethica: A Voice for Ethical Adoption or the US State Department through Children’s Services and Issues or directly to the US Consulate in the sending country. To date, Hopscotch has not had a complaint registered internally or with any entity.
Regarding Georgian birthmother adoptions; from 1999-2003 the Georgian government and family code permitted birth mothers to make choices for their children in need of permanent families. In September 2003 the law changed to a Central Authority responsibility and direct birth mother placement (by-passing horrible orphanage conditions at the time) was no longer possible. The mortality rate was very high in the Georgian orphanages during those years and birth mothers were truly left with no options when they required assistance in placement, unlike here in the US where birth mothers can choose a plan for their child. The bigger picture is the country’s move to Hague compliance and thereby a Central Authority is responsible for the welfare of the children and working on behalf of that child’s best interest in seeking a permanent family that is most suitable to the child’s needs. Now there are programs such as I.A.P. (Infant Abandonment Programs) that are doing beautiful and noble work to help families remain intact and healthy. Hopscotch has supported many initiatives and aid projects to continue Georgia’s on going advancement for children’s rights and family health.
Regarding the misunderstanding of the Council for Accreditation; COA was initiated in 1977. To learn more about this organization, appointed by the US Department of State, as one of two Accrediting Entities for the Hague Accreditation process you can visit them at: http://www.coanet.org/front3/page.cfm?sect=1&cont=4320
No Hague Accredited agency is undergoing investigation, but could be verified directly by contacting: AdoptionUSCA@state.gov
I am unsure why my education is a concern, however specifically. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Communication Media Arts with a concentration in Public Relations and minor in Marketing received in 1986.
Thank you again for the opportunity to continue to address your questions Vanessa.
Robin E. Sizemore
Robin E. Sizemore, Executive Director
Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc.
Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine
www.hopscotchadoptions.org
This is strange
"Hopscotch has a grievance policy and procedure that is provided to every prospective client family, as well as an anonymous venue to register a complaint with any state licensing authority, JCICS, Ethica: A Voice for Ethical Adoption or the US State Department through Children’s Services and Issues or directly to the US Consulate in the sending country. To date, Hopscotch has not had a complaint registered internally or with any entity."
There are so many things wrong with this statement. What kind of teeth do most of these entities have and would they reveal whether or not they received a complaint? Let's say someone sends a complaint to the US State Dept about this agency. The State Dept is not going to notify the agency about the complaint so how do they know no one has never registered a complaint? They also won't recommend agencies.
Complaint Resources
Complaint Resources
Hello again Vanessa,
Below you will find a comprehensive list of resources to assist a client family to lodge a complaint against their adoption agency, if need be. When a client family lodges a complaint, there is an obligation of the receiving organization to inform the agency in question as to facilitate resolution, sanction, take corrective action or refer to litigation, if necessary. In addition, each party has an opportunity to make an appeal within the process to corroborate or refute claims. Prospective client families or interested parties can contact any of the entities below to determine if there are any problems with an agency. Hopscotch to date has no such complaints.
State Licensing Authority: www.childwelfare.gov search under ‘complaints’ Contact the State Licensing Specialist (http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?typeID=12&rate_chno=... )in the state where the agency is located. The State Licensing Specialist will be able to tell you if the agency is in good standing, if there have been any complaints lodged against the agency and how long the agency has held the license. The State Licensing Office maintains complaint files as a public service. The agency involved in the complaint is notified and sanctions can be issued by this organization or referred to litigation if appropriate.
JCICS: Contact Tom DiFilipo, President & CEO at info@jcics.org or (703) 535-8045. In addition, one can review the Joint Council Standards of Practice or the JCICS Complaint and Disciplinary procedure at http://www.jcics.org/Complaint_Policy.pdf The agency involved in the complaint is notified and sanctions can be issued by this organization or referred to litigation if appropriate.
Ethica: A Voice for Ethical Adoption: Can be reached by phone at (301) 637-7650 and by fax at (202) 204-6039 or ethica@ethicanet.org for any question, comment of concern.
US State Department through Children’s Services and Issues: See page 21 in http://travel.state.gov/pdf/Prospective_Adoptive_Parents_Guide.pdf
US Consulate in the sending country: One can google “US embassy insert name of country” to locate the contact information for the consular section to make a report directly to the consular.
Attorney General Office for any state: You can Contact the State's Attorney General's Office (http://www.naag.org/ag/full_ag_table.php) to see if any legal action has been taken against the agency. The Attorney General's office is a government office in the state capitol. You may find their contact information in Government section of the telephone book. Ask whether there is pending litigation against the agency or whether the agency has an established complaint file. The agency involved in the complaint is notified and sanctions can be issued by this office or referred to litigation if appropriate.
Better Business Bureau: Contact the Better Business Bureau (http://welcome.bbb.org) closest to the agency. The Better Business Bureau also provides a helpful tip sheet on "Using an Adoption Agency" ( http://www.bbb.org/alerts/article.asp?ID=276 ). Always ask the Better Business Bureau office staff person if that office covers the location of the agency and if their office takes complaints on adoption agencies. If they do not, then check with the State, City, or County Government Consumer Protection Office where the agency is located for complaints. The agency involved in the complaint is notified by this organization.
Finally, I would also like to share (again) that Vanessa has never been an applicant or client family of Hopscotch or Carolina Adoption Services during my tenure. I hope this response will again finally clarify the questions and concerns. Thanks - Robin
Robin E. Sizemore, Executive Director
Hopscotch Adoptions, Inc.
Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine
www.hopscotchadoptions.org
More on checking out agencies
I have no relationship to this agency at all. I am simply reading posts and commenting.
I am aware of the resources you've provided above. However, I know for certain that if I call Ethica, the US State Dept or a Consular office they will not reveal information about complaints on agencies that may have been made to them. Unless of course legal action has occurred, license revoked or an agency becoming banned from facilitating adoptions in a country.
The BBB often does not keep records of complaints made. It depends on the individual office and region. If a complaint cannot be settled through their internal process it is often deemed closed and not available to a prospective client.
The argument it appears you are trying to make is that if I decide to research "Hearts and Butterflies Agency" and call the above said resources and turn up nothing I can conclude that no complaints against this agency have been made. How can that be when some of the organizations/gov't offices can't/won't reveal this information to either the agency or prospective parents? I suppose the agency might be able to obtain the information with a FOIA request, but good luck!
The only listed organizations that might contact the agency for whom the complaint has been made would be JCICS (if the agency is a member), a state licensing office or the BBB. It is important for anyone researching an agency to know that the latter two may not keep complaints on record. I have little knowledge of current JCICS practices with regard to member agencies.
Again, I have no relationship or knowledge of the agency in this thread-good or bad-I am simply questioning the information provided.
To the adoption agency stalker, aka Vanessa
It is interesting Vanessa, that you are posting on other agencies' sites, such as Across the World Adoptions http://www.adoptionagencyratings.com/across-world-international-adoption... (using the name LimovaM). That agency also appears to have mostly positive reviews and then you come out and start bashing them as well. You claim you had a bad experience with ATWA...and I am guessing it has something to do with your not being eligible as an adoptive parent. Just because you are unsuitable to adopt, do not take it out on the agency. The agency's prime purpose is to help the children, and I believe they have done so by not allowing you to be a parent to one of their children.
A more positive approach, Vanessa, would be to get some professional help. I do feel sorry for you...you seem very angry, bitter, and vindictive. If I were in your shoes, I would try to refocus on something other than adoption.
Good luck to you.
Sonia Vigilante
Checking on agencies
Something to think about.... If someone went through all the trouble to file a valid complaints and some or all of the mentioned agencies in this thread, don't you think they would also post the information all over the net, especially on public forums like this one? I know if I was that upset and felt I had a valid complaint, I would try to help others to avoid such a situation. I have found no such information posted anywhere but any client, past or present. And just for reference, I was a client within the past year with a successful placement.
Why post then?
If you admittedly had NO relationship or knowledge of this agency why challenge the numerous recommendations from all the happy clients: those speak for themselves. I also see you have and continue to post anonymously as well. If you had real concerns why would you not email the agency direct to ask for clarification for whatever seems to be troubling you? Does it make any sense whatsoever for someone who has NOTHING to do with this ageny and was admittedly NEVER a client to voice an opinion on the agency? I am afraid I missed your credentials as well, or whatever would make you feel empowered to challenge an agency or personel of that agency with numerous credentials and many, many years of experienced in this field. I cannot help but wonder what agenda would make some one pick this agency (out of all the hundreds on the listserve), one you once again admittedly have NOTHING to do with and NO experience with and decide to voice your opinion, with no basis to your claims other than to try and stir up controversy where there is none. Why aren't you more concerned with your own agency (if you even have one) than one you have nothing to do with?
If you knew anything, you would know if an client has complaints there are many venues to express that on publicly, but that has not been done, except by someone not even using the agency. This is the perfect place for anonymous clients to vent an issue, yet all that is being heard are accolades and appreciation for this agency. Complaints against agencies are easily passed along by word of mouth though the community, FRUA, or
any other adoption venue. What are your motives here that you have so much time on your hands to try and stir up trouble?? By the way I AM a real client and completed my first adoption and will be using this agency for #2 soon. I hope you find better things to do with your time.