Lifetime Adoption or Gentle Care

jordon23 · 12-12-2007, 11:09 AM

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with either of these agencys. We are trying to choose an adoption agency that is in our price range and both of these seemed reasonable, but I am not going to shell out $$$$ until I can find someone that is willing to recommend them.

Thanks for any replies, Wendy

babygirl18905 · 01-01-2008, 11:18 PM

Hi we adopted through Gentle Care and overall had a good experience with them! If I ever saved enough money to adopt again I would probably go with them for the second time. It is costly no matter what adoption agency you go through I am guessing. You can PM me if you have any specific questions on the agency I will be happy to answer anything I can help you with!

calches · 01-02-2008, 02:23 AM

I've looked at the Gentle Care website...how much does that particular agency cost?

babygirl18905 · 01-02-2008, 04:50 PM

It all depends on the type of adoption you are looking for! Do you have a specific race child you are looking into adopting? I applied for a adoption grant and was awarded one I guess almost everyone is awarded one though. They do not offer financial assistance to those looking into adopting a full caucasion baby though. They send you an award letter saying if you adopt a full african american baby you get so much, a bi-racial baby you get so much. The total cost ranges from I think $12,000-$20,000 That is including classes we had to take, fingerprints, home study, court costs, etc. So all in all not bad for a private adoption to me anyways but I never really checked into other agencies.

~*~Michelle~*~ · 01-02-2008, 10:25 PM

I had a friend that went through Lifetime twice & loved the experience.

jordon23 · 01-09-2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks for all of the information about these agencys. We are really struggling with all kinds of emotions. We are sure we want to adopt but we are really apprehensive about picking an agency. My husband is so careful and organized about everything, and while sometimes it's a blessing, other times I see it as a curse. Hopefully, we can decide something soon, and maybe this year can be the year we finally become parents.

skid289 · 10-21-2009, 04:33 AM

I don't know about Gentle Care, but we tried Lifetime Adoption and were extremely disappointed. I would not recommend them in the least. you'd think you'd be getting something for $12,000 (now $17,000) but they do virtually nothing except talk about some "database" they have to try and match you with a birthmother.
You're required to do almost everything yourself. In their literature (what little you get BEFORE you sign the contract) they claim to have "a vast marketing network" and "facilitate" matching with birth mothers. Nothing could be farther from the truth. You have to do all your own materials, design and create your own profiles, birthmother letters, and other promotional materials with NO guidance or feedback. They do not represent you in any way except to give a prospective birthmother the 1-800 number they require to you have (AND PAY FOR!). But not that that matters, as we never got any prospective match.
While we were waiting we pleaded desperately with them to tell us how we could improve our profile - they continually told us it was "wonderful" and "Enticing" and it's just a matter of another month or so - they even jerked our chain a few times saying "we have a birth mother who's interested in you, we're just waiting for her paperwork". Of course nothing came of it. That is incredibly unethical.
Of course our 24 month "contract" expired without a single birthmother contact.
I would avoid them at all costs and go through a non-profit or state agency.