We began the adoption process in February of 2020. New to Illinois, we weren’t sure where to begin nor did we have a network of connections built around adoption like we did in our home state. God led us to ECFA, and the interview process was prayerful, thorough and organized. We felt safe and prepared for each new step, everything was explained so well and we were comfortable with everyone we worked with.
Our home-study was completed lovingly and carefully by Joyanna, we had a wonderful experience with her and appreciated all the time she took (especially over covid) to record everything, explain upcoming things we needed to complete, answering our emails/calls so quickly, and helping us with specific things we were experiencing in our case. She gave us so much wisdom from her experience. We also had the privilege of working with Lauren, who facilitated the latter end of our adoption with just as much protection and attention to detail.
We were matched through an adoption consultant (MSAC) within 2 weeks of going active and lots of things needed to move fast once our son was born early, in December of 2020. ECFA was responsive, caring, always helpful with advice when we had questions or needed prayer and truly never left our (virtual) side. We needed to make an addendum to our home-study while in Florida, where Elias was born, and ECFA made everything happen for the signing within hours. Elias had several medical complications and being on the other side of them now, we appreciate deeply having an agency behind us that took such great care of us. Amidst all of the challenges in the adoption process, ECFA remained constant and dependable.
ICPC cleared quickly in both states, we are so thankful for everything ECFA did to make that happen so that we could come home after a month of the NICU/living out of state with our three children during the pandemic. Our post-placement visits were so well done, keeping with ECFA’s reputation of true, genuine care for their families.
We highly recommend ECFA to all of our friends looking to adopt. We are so thankful for everything they did, big and small, to help bring Elias home. So much happens behind the scenes and we praise God for the beautiful souls in the ECFA office who love Jesus, love adoption and love their families