How to Start an Adoption Referral Agency
Adoption referral agencies work with adoption agencies to forward information between these agencies. This information usually pertains to children who are placed on adoption lists and/or prospective parents who have filed an application for adoption. Individuals who work for adoption referral agencies are considered adoption consultants. Adoption consultants either work for a referral agency or they operate their own adoption referral agency.
- Enroll into a bachelor degree program in social work at your preferred college or university. The enrollment process is handled by the admissions office and requires that you file an application for enrollment and provide documents such as your high school diploma and official transcripts.
- Ensure that you complete coursework pertaining to the principles of adoption and the adoption process. If a specialization in adoption is available ensure that you complete this specialization.
- Apply for an internship at an adoption agency or with an adoption referral agency. This is a requirement in which you are required to complete before applying for a license in social work and/or as an adoption agent.
- File an application for your license for social work and/or as an adoption agent. Your college or university will provide you with information pertaining to the application process including whether an examination is required.
- Apply for positions within county and/or government section jobs within agencies that handle adoption or are social work related. Realize that in some states you are not yet qualified for private sector employment as you do not meet the educational requirements. The best you will receive at this point is an entry level position.
- Continue your education. Enroll into a master degree program within the same major in which you received your bachelor degree. A master degree will provide you with the educational requirements needed to work in the private sector. This is the sector in which you will open your adoption referral agency.
- Apply for advance positions in your field. This experience is necessary to establish your career background and provide you with the skills needed to operate your own agency. Acquire at least five years of experience in this field to establish your track record.
- Secure capital and/or investments to use to start your own adoption referral agency. Depending on the requirements it is possible to receive grant funds for the startup of this agency. Grants.gov is a good start off point for your search for these grants.
- Secure a location for your adoption referral agency. Work with a real estate agent to determine which options are right for your agency. It is possible to purchase the property through the use of a grant and/or business loan. If this is not an option consider renting a location.
- Set up your agency according to your state and local laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are a matter of public record and are easily obtainable from your county courthouse.
- Market your agency in the same manner as you would any business within the private sector. Hire a marketing consultant who will launch an aggressive marketing campaign for your agency to include print and television ads.