My partner is a Law Guardian in Manhattan so she already knew the best agencies around and more importantly, which ones to avoid.

We knew immediately that we wanted to go with Spence-Chapin because they have such a stellar reputation AND make no promises about the outcome. We also liked that they provide life long support for both the adoptive parents and adoptees.

Needless to say, we were not disappointed. This is EXCEPTIONALLY rare, but we had our son placed with us less than three weeks after we first inquired about him. I will say we were foster parents prior to adoptive parents so we already had our home study completed as well as state and federal clearances. Our son was categorized as “special needs” although he is actually considered a potentially “at risk child” due to drug exposure in utero (he was born clean).

Spence works with families around the country (although typical domestic open adoptions work best for familes living in the NY area).

For more info check out http://www.spence-chapin.org/.

FYI another great agency in the NY area:

New Alternatives for Children
Listed under: Adoption Agencies
37 West 26th Street, New York NY 10010
(212) 696-1550