Unlike some adoption agencies that have had their licenses stripped because of corruption, fraud or unethical practices, “Adoption Blessings Worldwide” (ABW) has relinquished their license to facilitate adoptions. Adoptions that are still in process will be handled by another agency that has yet to be identified by the owner of ABW, Tedi Hedstrom.

For months complaints from Florida and Georgia have reached authorities. One couple, the Ernfridssons, have already paid $40,000 to ABW, but have yet to complete an adoption. Their baby room remains empty and they have spent all of their life savings.

Yes, Adoption Blessings Worldwide did facilitate successful adoptions, but this did not necessarily make it a reliable or ethical agency. Even the worst of agencies can pull off adoptions, but ultimately the number of people who have serious problems increases and eventually, although sometimes not quickly enough, the truth is revealed and the agency closed down.

Apparently several couples are filing lawsuits against Adoption Blessings Worldwide, and some, like the Ernfridssons want to get their money back. Hopefully they will do business with a reliable agency next time, and successfully complete an adoption.

As I wrote on my blog about choosing an adoption agency, you must do your homework. In addition to checking with the Better Business Bureau in every state an agency is licensed, ask to speak to several couples who have used their services, including couples who have had difficult adoption processes. How an agency handles crises will tell you a lot about their capability and integrity.

Tedi Hedstrom’s lawyer says that she has been

 … praying that God give her direction in regards to the future.”

I suggest that Tedi apologize to each of the couples personally and publicly, and spend as much of the rest of her life as necessary repaying the money she took (stole) from hopeful couples.

Image Credit: flickr