IAG Agency Evaluation

It’s time again!  When we arrived home from Kazakhstan, I did an agency evaluation.  I’m a little late in completing one for Ethiopia, but better late than never.    I will try to highlight the reasons I really like IAG, why I would use them again, and why I feel very comfortable and confident in recommending them for their Ethiopia program.  (I also continue to recommend them for their Kazakhstan program.)

1.  I've worked with this agency director for almost 4 years now (this is our second adoption with him and his staff), and while no one is perfect, this man has earned my respect.  He runs a solid, ethical agency.  His first priority is caring for the kids whether that's bringing yours home to you, or providing playgrounds and such for the children left behind both in Kazakhstan and in Ethiopia.  He gets things done in a timely manner.  He travels to the countries he works with and meets the people.  He’s even initiated 3rd party inspections on his care centers and employees, and has taken action as appropriate.   In other words, he's very hands on, feet on the street kinda guy- not just a simple paper-pusher.  Even though I worked with my coordinator, when I had any questions that I felt needed his input, he was very open and responded quickly.   Have I always agreed with his verdict?  No.  But did I understand his rationale?  Yes.

2.  After several families have arrived home with older children who have had very hurt beginnings (many older children don’t arrive in an orphanage because they had a rosy family life- many are victims of horrible abuse, have lived on the streets, and have seen things by the age of 3 that you and I will never see) our agency is now requiring training on hurt children for all parents.  In other words, IAG hears the comments of parents, and is open to instituting changes that will benefit both the children and the prospective parents.

3.  The care center in Addis is very nice.  I am very confident that a very good portion of my money goes to the care center.  None of the children were even close to emaciated.  The pantry was fairly well stocked.  They have clean clothes that match and fit!  The babies are all clean, well fed, and cared for.  There is a nurse on staff full time.  The nanny to child ratio is approximately 1:4.  Whenever I see pictures, the nannies always have their arms full of babies, and they (both the babies and nannies) are smiling and laughing and playing.  The care center understands the importance of tummy time for the infants. 

4.  Our agency allows for traveling families to take photos for parents that are waiting.  In the six months I knew of my son before I was able to hold him,  I acquired over 120 pictures and 10 videos. 

5.  We have a private agency loop that has become like a second family.  The people are wonderful and helpful no matter the stage of the journey.  In fact, many of us have become friends, and no one hesitates to call another person if someone is having a hard day.  Obviously it would be up to the individual on how much to participate.  It's certainly ok to lurk if preferred.  Many people do that too.  It is an active Yahoo board though.

6.  Travel is smooth and very easy.  A family typically leaves on  Saturday and arrives a day later.  Flights out are typically on Friday evening.  We're treated to a traditional Ethiopian dinner and dancing.  There are other sight seeing tours and souvenir shopping if one is interested with care provided for the children by the very nannies who have taken care of them.  The guest houses are very nice!  They are clean, the staff is beyond friendly and helpful, and there is internet available in the main area via a computer (not that internet is always reliable in Eth).  Not that the guest house is a reason to use an agency, but it's certainly a bonus once the decision is made.

7.  There is a vast age range of children available.  IAG places infants as well as toddlers, elementary age children, all the way up to teenagers.  One family recently traveled for a 15 year old girl.  At the same time she was there, another couple adopted 2 unrelated infants, and another adopted 3 siblings.  The youngest child I've seen in the care center was 4 days old.  IAG also has and places many sibling groups, and they require sib groups be placed together.  Also, if children grew up together but are not biologically related, IAG treats the children as a sibling group and places them together.

8.  IAG doesn't place restrictions on the number of children desired or biological relations.  They let you and your social worker determine what is best for your family. 

9.  IAG's cost estimates are spot on.  No last minute scrambles to come up with more money at any time in the process.  This wasn't a surprise though as Kazakhstan is much harder to predict financially (so many regions and different requirements) and IAG was spot on there too, so naturally they would be accurate for Ethiopia as well.

If I had to summarize, I'd say the time lines are very good.  The communication from the state-side staff is quite acceptable (I know all the coordinators and they are all very friendly and helpful).  I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the Ethiopian staff that is currently employed.  The communication from the director is excellent.  i.e. if laws or regulations change, he is very honest and upfront about telling us what it really means.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here.   I honestly can't think of any big negatives- maybe just nitpicky stuff, but I’m always here to answer questions as honestly as I can.