The process of adoption is so incredibly difficult in New York state. Pages and pages of forms for the criminal record inquiries and background check that include: Federal and State fingerprinting, addresses and their corresponding dates (from BIRTH) for the adoptive parents, self-authored biographies and personal histories, several sets of references, financial records, tax forms, work history, medical examinations, background checks for family members in the same household, etc. Needless to say, we felt overwhelmed. In addition, because we did not go through an agency for our baby (we know the birth mom very well), we were on our own to find the agency who would perform this background check. We literally called agencies who refused to help us because they could not supply a baby for us. When we had almost given up, we found Family Connections through a blog post offering (much appreciated) advice. They walked us through the process and even provided us with training on how to raise a child with possible separation trauma and also gave us essential advice on how to have a successful and loving open adoption (because open is the now the norm, as it is much healthier for the adopted child.) In short, I don't know how we could have done this without the help of Family Connections. They helped us so much and we would highly recommend them!

We stopped hearing from them and they stopped returning our calls, except for the constant reminders to pay them. We contacted them many times during over the past 18 months, with nothing but excuses as to why they were not available or unable to help. Costly mistake!

This is an agency that truly cares deeply for both parties, the birth parents and the adoptive parents. They are ethical, genuine and kind, something that is surprisingly difficult to find in an agency. You aren’t just a number to them, you become friends and develop wonderful relationships with the whole team! I recommend you give them or call or better yet set up an in person meeting and you will see what I’m talking about! I highly recommend them!