The Dissolution Or Disruption Of An Adoption

Editors note: This is not a “feel good” topic, but it is the reality for many families. Adoption disruption is not an story to blog about, and it’s never an easy decision to make, but until things change, it will continue to become a reality for more families. Written by Linny If you keep an eye on adoption sites that feature children available for re-adoption, it would seem there are more and more...

Life As A Foster Child

I recently asked a dear friend of mine to talk about her experience as a foster child. As you read her story, think about ways in which the system could improve so as to provide stability, security, and loving emotional support throughout a child’s youth. Should the goal be reunification, or should it be, for example, a “least restrictive environment” focused upon the child’s psychological needs,...

Are You Tough Enough To Adopt? (Part 1)

Just in case you’ve not heard or seen, it takes an incredible toughness to go through the adoption process. Our society likes to believe that those who adopt, simply get the idea, gather up a few hundred dollars and whisk out to their local ‘adoption agency’ or ‘birth person on the street’ to ask, ‘Can we have your baby?” If this is what you’ve thought adoption was about, you’re very wrong. The names...

How To Adopt A Child In The United States

In this article, I’ll list the basic steps on how to adopt a child in the United States, either through a private agency/attorney or from the state foster-to-adopt system. To adopt a baby/child from a private agency or attorney, I would suggest the following: 1. Seriously sit down and create a list of what you’re hoping for. Be honest with yourself. Believe me when I say that there are families for every baby. Don’t...

2010 National Adoption Day Spokesperson: Nia Varda...

The National Adoption Day Coalition is pleased to announce Nia Vardalos, the Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated My Big Fat Greek Wedding writer and actress, as its 2010 National Adoption Day spokesperson. “Becoming a mother is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” Vardalos said. “I am happy to once again be a part of National Adoption Day. We were matched with our daughter through the U.S....

Event To End Florida Gay Adoption Ban

Florida’s Adoption Ban is the only law in the country that categorically prohibits gay men and lesbians from adopting children. This discriminatory law hurts thousands of children who are languishing in Florida’s foster care system by denying them a permanent home. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida is proud to announce that Cynthia Nixon, Sex and the City star and LGBT rights advocate, will join us on...

Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing ...

All families change over time. Sometimes a baby is born, or a grown-up gets married. And sometimes a child gets placed in foster care. Children need to know that when this happens, it’s not their fault. When a child gets adopted they need to understand that they can remember and value their birth family and love their new family, too. Straightforward words and full-color illustrations offer hope and support for...

Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Awards $7.75 M...

DUBLIN, Ohio, July 1, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ — The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption announced today a total of $7,750,000 United States grants issued this year, including $7,223,000 from Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, the Foundation’s signature program. In addition, $594,700 was awarded to Wendy’s Wonderful Kids grantees in Canada. The remaining $480,000 in U.S. grants provided critical...

Keeping In Touch With Former Foster Parents

I’ve previously blogged about the great relationship we have with our children’s former foster parents. Since we finalized our adoption (2003), we’ve made it a point to see them once or twice a year. My kid’s had other foster parents, besides Pat & Bill, but they lived with this particular couple for the last three (of the four) years. In the beginning I felt it was important for my children to...

Adoption Interviews #5

Here is the fifth installment of the adoption interviews we’ve been doing with parents who’ve adopted and those who are still in the process. If you’d like to be included, please leave a comment and I’ll send you the information. This one is from Linny, who is the co-administrator at our adoption forum. People decide to adopt for many different reasons. What led you to adoption? As a young child I...

15 Questions To Ask Before Adopting Older Children

Adopting older children is not for the faint of heart. I have three children that we adopted at the ages of 5, 8 & 11 and if anything, it’s never boring. Linny, the co-administrator at our adoption forums compiled a list of honest, informative questions to ask before you adopt an older child through the foster care system. “My dh and I have adopted seven children to date. However, our ‘forever...

Adoption Options

Adoption Options At-a-Glance : A Companion Guide for Families Year Published: 2003 This guide focuses on one way to think about how choices in adoption may flow from one another: There are two types of adoption: domestic and intercountry. Domestic Adoption: Agency Oversight: Agency oversight varies from licensed and accredited agencies to unregulated facilitators. Voluntary Surrender or Termination of Parental Rights (TPR):...