We would like to share our disappointing experience with AdoptHelp, in the hope of informing others about the potential pitfalls. After struggling with fertility issues and unsuccessful treatments, we decided to explore adoption to become parents. After speaking with several adoption service providers, we chose AdoptHelp, as they promoted themselves as a standout among competitors. We officially began our journey with AdoptHelp in August 2024, ensuring all prerequisites, such as the Home Study and background checks, were completed. Once ready, we signed a contract and made the first draw payment of $10,000, intended for marketing to prospective birth mothers. We were led to believe that being matched before completing all payments in Phase 1 was possible. However, we quickly learned this was not the case, as there were numerous hoops to jump through while they continued to collect payments for the community marketing budget.
Initially, we anticipated an organized onboarding process to welcome us to the program, such as a kickoff call. Unfortunately, we received only a series of scripted emails with additional steps before eligibility. When we requested a kickoff call, our conversation with our assigned advocate, Jen, was notably unfriendly, prompting doubts about our choice.
Upon inquiring about rescinding our contract shortly after the deposit, we were reminded that our agreement was non-refundable. We were offered the chance to speak with the founder, Mark, who assured us we would have an improved experience with a new advocate.
To proceed, we used their preferred graphic designer to create our profile, which was estimated to take 4-6 weeks. However, after this period, with our next $4,000 payment due, our profile remained incomplete and ineligible for presentation to birth mothers. It was closer to the 8-week mark after completing everything for the profile.
Throughout this process, AdoptHelp lacked proactive engagement. We were responsible for constant follow-ups to determine progress, despite assurances of superior service. Their communication was noticeably present only when a payment was due.
When our second payment came due and the profile remained pending, we decided to pause our engagement. Having experienced fertility issues, we were initially optimistic about AdoptHelp's promising expectations, which were unmet.
Efforts to pause the account further highlighted the communication gap. Mark requested a call within specified hours, which we complied with, leaving a message with no subsequent response. When our follow-up text the next day was answered with another call request, it reinforced our growing frustration.
Ultimately, due to early unprofessionalism and unmet expectations, we chose to cease our participation, avoiding further financial loss. We hope our experience serves as a cautionary tale for others considering AdoptHelp for their adoption journey. This experience deeply impacted our journey to becoming parents after miscarriages and other fertility issues. We felt this process should not be filled with stress and frustration, especially before even having our profile shown to prospective birth mothers.