It's a tough decision, knowing when to switch your foster care agency or adoption agency, especially if you have a long history with an agency. But sometimes it's the right thing to do for your family. So, when do you know it's time to move on? Here are a few thoughts I've had and some reasons I would choose to make a change in my foster care agency or adoption agency.
When you do not agree with some of the big decisions that the foster care agency or adoption agency are making; whether in policy, staffing, or type and level of foster care they are choosing to provide. For example, the agency is placing teens or children with severe behavioral issues and you want to parent babies or toddlers with few behaviors.
When you no longer feel that the foster care agency or adoption agency or even your social worker are supportive of your family and your efforts.
When the foster care agency or adoption agency no longer seems to be standing by their side of the contract with timely home visits, resources provided, or support.
When you just are not getting calls for foster care or adoptive placements. But be reasonable with the amount of time you have waited. I'd give an adoption agency several months before deciding to switch based on lack of placements and take the time to ask why you're not getting calls before deciding to switch.
You feel that you have more negative experiences with an agency than positive.
When you feel that an agency is not being respectful of your family's confidential information.
Remember, when changing agencies to not be rude or disrespectful to the adoption agency or foster care agency that you are leaving. Social workers tend to move around from agency to agency. You just may run into them again. No reason to burn bridges.
