Desperate to be a mother, Fawcett endured five rounds of in vitro fertilization and three miscarriages before she and her husband Kipp adopted their first child in 2005."
Continue . . .
"Building families -- that's what we do."
Showing posts with label adoption resources. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adoption resources. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Adoptive Mom's Organization Provides Financial Assistance to Adoptive Families
Desperate to be a mother, Fawcett endured five rounds of in vitro fertilization and three miscarriages before she and her husband Kipp adopted their first child in 2005."
Continue . . .
"Building families -- that's what we do."
Friday, May 13, 2011
Tips and Recommended Reading When Adopting an Older Child
Older Child Adoption - What to Think About, Tips for Successful Transition
by Susan Serrano as reported in Adoptive Families Magazine.
As more infants and toddlers are united with adoptive families within their birth countries, an increasing number of older children have become available for international adoption in recent years. “I think older children have always been there, but there is a growing awareness that there are families interested in adopting them,” said Denise Schoborg, director of Dillon International’s China adoption program. “The
need for families is very real, but prospective parents need to do some soul-searching to determine if they are ready to parent an older international adoptee.”
The realistic expectations, research and education, that are key to any successful adoption experience, become even more vital when considering the adoption of an older child, who may have some additional struggles adjusting to life with their adoptive family. “Kids that come from institutional settings are survivors. It may take some time for the child to learn what their role is in a healthy family and develop interpersonal skills in their new environment,” explained Debbie Wynne, director of Dillon International’s Texas office and Buckner Adoption and Maternity Services. “A child may be biologically a 7-year-old, but that does not mean that they have had seven years of nurturing by loving parents. They may even have been in a situation where they had to act as a parent.”
“It is important for parents to realize that while they may be dealing with a 7-year-old that has the street smarts of a 14-year-old, that same child could also have the attachment needs of an infant. You have to be prepared to parent where that child is developmentally in the moment,” Schoborg added.
Patience is critical as the child attaches to the adoptive family and learns how to be nurtured. “The child may take their disappointments out on their family, but parents need to recognize that the child is acting out of a sense of grief and loss and to steadfastly offer unconditional love in return. They should not take those attacks personally,” Wynne said.
Families preparing to adopt an older child can pave the way for smoother transitions with plenty of advance education that focuses on the needs of older adoptees. It is also crucial for families to surround themselves with a support network that includes adoption professionals and adoptive families, Schoborg recommended.
Securing the services of a translator and locating other language resources prior to the child’s arrival will also go a long way toward building attachment and establishing relationships, Wynne added.
Although the adoption of an older child does come with some unique challenges, it offers advantages as well, Wynne points out. “With an older child, there is an opportunity to really ‘see’ them,” she explained. “You can know their health and how they respond in social and educational environments. With an infant or toddler, you really haven’t seen the person that they will grow into being.”
“There are children who desire so much to be in a family,” Wynne said. “The families that do well adopting older children are resourceful and committed to helping their child heal from the traumas of the past. It is exciting to see families that have chosen this path do extremely well. There are families for every
kind of child.”
Recommended Reading:
• Raising Adopted Children by Lois Melina
• Attaching in Adoption by Deborah Gray
• Nurturing Adoptions by Deborah Gray
• The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis, Ph.D.
• Adopting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck, Ph.D.
• Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck, Ph.D.
• With Eyes Wide Open by Margi Miller, MA, & Nancy Ward, MA, LISCW
• Toddler Adoption by Mary Hopkins Best, Ed.D.
• Parenting Your Older Adopted Child by Brenda McCreight, Ph.D., RSW
• Our Own - Adopting and Parenting the Older Child by Trish Maskew
• Adopted Teens Only: A Survival Guide to Adolescence by Danea Gorbett
• Beneath the Mask by Debbie Riley, MS
• Parenting Adopted Adolescents: Understanding and Appreciating Their Journeys by Gregory C. Keck, Ph.D.
Susan Serrano is director of media relations for Dillon International, Inc. Founded in 1972, Dillon International is a licensed, nonprofit adoption and humanitarian aid agency that is affiliated with Dallas-based Buckner International. Headquartered in Tulsa, Okla.—with branch locations in Tustin, Calif. (in Orange County); the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area; the Kansas City, Kansas area; St. Louis, Mo.; Little Rock and Fayetteville, Ark; and Richmond, Ind.—Dillon International is Hague Accredited through the Council on
Accreditation to process international adoptions pursuant to the Intercountry Adoption
Act of 2000.
by Susan Serrano as reported in Adoptive Families Magazine.
As more infants and toddlers are united with adoptive families within their birth countries, an increasing number of older children have become available for international adoption in recent years. “I think older children have always been there, but there is a growing awareness that there are families interested in adopting them,” said Denise Schoborg, director of Dillon International’s China adoption program. “The
need for families is very real, but prospective parents need to do some soul-searching to determine if they are ready to parent an older international adoptee.”
The realistic expectations, research and education, that are key to any successful adoption experience, become even more vital when considering the adoption of an older child, who may have some additional struggles adjusting to life with their adoptive family. “Kids that come from institutional settings are survivors. It may take some time for the child to learn what their role is in a healthy family and develop interpersonal skills in their new environment,” explained Debbie Wynne, director of Dillon International’s Texas office and Buckner Adoption and Maternity Services. “A child may be biologically a 7-year-old, but that does not mean that they have had seven years of nurturing by loving parents. They may even have been in a situation where they had to act as a parent.”
“It is important for parents to realize that while they may be dealing with a 7-year-old that has the street smarts of a 14-year-old, that same child could also have the attachment needs of an infant. You have to be prepared to parent where that child is developmentally in the moment,” Schoborg added.
Patience is critical as the child attaches to the adoptive family and learns how to be nurtured. “The child may take their disappointments out on their family, but parents need to recognize that the child is acting out of a sense of grief and loss and to steadfastly offer unconditional love in return. They should not take those attacks personally,” Wynne said.
Families preparing to adopt an older child can pave the way for smoother transitions with plenty of advance education that focuses on the needs of older adoptees. It is also crucial for families to surround themselves with a support network that includes adoption professionals and adoptive families, Schoborg recommended.
Securing the services of a translator and locating other language resources prior to the child’s arrival will also go a long way toward building attachment and establishing relationships, Wynne added.
Although the adoption of an older child does come with some unique challenges, it offers advantages as well, Wynne points out. “With an older child, there is an opportunity to really ‘see’ them,” she explained. “You can know their health and how they respond in social and educational environments. With an infant or toddler, you really haven’t seen the person that they will grow into being.”
“There are children who desire so much to be in a family,” Wynne said. “The families that do well adopting older children are resourceful and committed to helping their child heal from the traumas of the past. It is exciting to see families that have chosen this path do extremely well. There are families for every
kind of child.”
Recommended Reading:
• Raising Adopted Children by Lois Melina
• Attaching in Adoption by Deborah Gray
• Nurturing Adoptions by Deborah Gray
• The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis, Ph.D.
• Adopting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck, Ph.D.
• Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck, Ph.D.
• With Eyes Wide Open by Margi Miller, MA, & Nancy Ward, MA, LISCW
• Toddler Adoption by Mary Hopkins Best, Ed.D.
• Parenting Your Older Adopted Child by Brenda McCreight, Ph.D., RSW
• Our Own - Adopting and Parenting the Older Child by Trish Maskew
• Adopted Teens Only: A Survival Guide to Adolescence by Danea Gorbett
• Beneath the Mask by Debbie Riley, MS
• Parenting Adopted Adolescents: Understanding and Appreciating Their Journeys by Gregory C. Keck, Ph.D.
Susan Serrano is director of media relations for Dillon International, Inc. Founded in 1972, Dillon International is a licensed, nonprofit adoption and humanitarian aid agency that is affiliated with Dallas-based Buckner International. Headquartered in Tulsa, Okla.—with branch locations in Tustin, Calif. (in Orange County); the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area; the Kansas City, Kansas area; St. Louis, Mo.; Little Rock and Fayetteville, Ark; and Richmond, Ind.—Dillon International is Hague Accredited through the Council on
Accreditation to process international adoptions pursuant to the Intercountry Adoption
Act of 2000.
The Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children Annual Conference to be Held in September
The Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children (ATTACh) is hosting its 23rd annual confernce Sept. 21-24, 2011 in Omaha, Neb. This year’s conferences focuses on Attachment and Trauma: through the Eyes of a Child. For more than 20 years, ATTACh has been advocating for improved treatment services for children who have experienced significant traumas affecting their attachment.
This year, ATTACh is bringing the conference to the Plains area. Approximately 400 attendees from across North America, as well as other countries, are expected to attend. Attachment-related traumas can include
child maltreatment, separation and loss of a parent, exposure to post-partum depression, domestic violence, and other overwhelming early life experiences that affect the child’s sense of security. Research over 50 years has demonstrated that the nature and quality of the attachment relationship between a child and primary caregiver influences virtually all other spheres of development — neurological, behavioral, social, emotional and moral.
The ATTACh Annual Conference is an opportunity for parents and professionals to network with peers and to learn from world renowned experts about the most recent developments, research and training in the fields of attachment and trauma. The conference will include 35 workshops designed for parents and experienced professionals, as well as those new to the field. Two keynote addresses are also planned by Edward Tronick, Ph.D., developer of the Still-face paradigm, author, researcher and Harvard professor; and Laurie Anne Pearlman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist from Massachusetts, who specializes in vicarious trauma. Full day presentations at the postconference institute will feature John Briere, Ph.D., author, researcher and professor at Keck School of Medicine, LAC-USC; and, a special workshop led by Victoria Kelly, Ph.D. and Lori Thomas, experts in the area of therapeutic parenting techniques for families parenting children who have experienced trauma in early childhood. For more information, contact Lynn Wetterberg at 847-356-3506 or Jackie Meyer at 02-336-4841.
May is National Foster Care Month
Each issue of Fostering Families contains great stories about amazing foster parents doing incredible work on behalf of children in their care, plus articles on various programs that are using innovative ideas to benefit kids in care. For more information or to subscribe go to http://www.adoptinfo.net/.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mr. Rogers and His Episodes on Adoption
The following is a post from an Adoptive Families Magazine blog that's helpful for those with preschoolers looking for resources to help them discuss adoption:
I have been a fan of Mister Rogers since I was a toddler myself. I am now introducing my children (2.5 years and 17 months) to Mister Rogers and they love him too. I really feel that his show is one of the best children’s programs in the history of television!
Which is why I was so thrilled to discover that Fred Rogers did some episodes on adoption. (Did anyone else know he had an adopted sister?) I ordered them off Amazon and watched them as soon as they arrived. They do not disappoint! I’m always looking at ways to introduce the theme of adoption into our lives so that our children grow up knowing they can talk about it. What I love about the Mister Rogers episodes is that it introduces the topic in his unique, gentle way and he talks about all the feelings that can result from adoption—including the fact that it is ok for adopted children to sometimes feel sad or angry or sacred because they are adopted.
The adoption episodes originally aired in the mid-80’s during a week-long theme entitled “Families Come in Different Sizes and Shapes.” The entire series include episodes #1551-1555. They can be ordered off Amazon as part of the recordable DVD program, meaning that the episodes are saved to DVD’s and shipped only as the orders come in.
There is also a well-known book entitled “Adoption: Let’s Talk about It” that was originally released about the same. I’m looking forward to that arriving soon!
I recommend these DVD’s to other adoptive parents looking at ways to introduce the concept of adoption to their toddler/preschool-aged child.
You can order the DVD's here.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Latest Adoption Cost and Wait Time Data from Adoptive Families Magazine
Adoptive Families Magazine has released the results of their annual survey on adoption costs and wait times. It includes both domestic and international adoption. It seems the least expensive way to adopt is through the U.S. Foster Care system and the most expensive is adopting from Russia.
Read the survey results here.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Orlando Support Group for Adoptive Families
From therapist Dawn Strobeck:
Loving an adopted child challenges us to the very core…can we love someone who cannot love us back? Are we that good? And the answer is…no, but God is. Our Father has called many families right now in the Christian community to reach out and to love the unloved, to want the unwanted, and to protect the unprotected. Thousands are adopting children every year locally and from all over the world. This is a high and holy calling, but it is not easy. I really liken it to the Gospel message above…that Christ died for us, the sinners, while we were still powerless against sin. He demonstrates His Love for us by dying. And in the process of caring for and loving adopted children you will be called to die…die to the notion that this is a touchy feely kind of mission where you get to look like the good guy. No, you will be called to face your own demons, your own need to be wanted, your own need for encouragement, your own weariness, and your own futility.
My name is Dawn Strobeck and I'm a therapist that is working with adopted families as they deal with the unique issues associated with adoption. I am starting a support/education group for families that have chosen to adopt. I will be coming from a distinctively Christian view, but am incorporating research on attachment theories and practical solutions that I have learned while researching the topic and working with adoptive families. I would like to incorporate a 30 min. teaching segment each session and then facilitate a discussion/support group for about an hour. Come join us!
Adoption Support Group
When: Monday November 9th at 7:00-8:30 (meeting once a month)
Where: Dawn Strobeck's office in Baldwin Park
Cost: $10 per session
Contact information: 407-240-8071 or conwaycounseling@yahoo.com
Dawn Strobeck's Office
1451 Baldwin Park Lane # A
Orlando, FL 32814
407-240-8071 or 407-493-4068
Loving an adopted child challenges us to the very core…can we love someone who cannot love us back? Are we that good? And the answer is…no, but God is. Our Father has called many families right now in the Christian community to reach out and to love the unloved, to want the unwanted, and to protect the unprotected. Thousands are adopting children every year locally and from all over the world. This is a high and holy calling, but it is not easy. I really liken it to the Gospel message above…that Christ died for us, the sinners, while we were still powerless against sin. He demonstrates His Love for us by dying. And in the process of caring for and loving adopted children you will be called to die…die to the notion that this is a touchy feely kind of mission where you get to look like the good guy. No, you will be called to face your own demons, your own need to be wanted, your own need for encouragement, your own weariness, and your own futility.
My name is Dawn Strobeck and I'm a therapist that is working with adopted families as they deal with the unique issues associated with adoption. I am starting a support/education group for families that have chosen to adopt. I will be coming from a distinctively Christian view, but am incorporating research on attachment theories and practical solutions that I have learned while researching the topic and working with adoptive families. I would like to incorporate a 30 min. teaching segment each session and then facilitate a discussion/support group for about an hour. Come join us!
Adoption Support Group
When: Monday November 9th at 7:00-8:30 (meeting once a month)
Where: Dawn Strobeck's office in Baldwin Park
Cost: $10 per session
Contact information: 407-240-8071 or conwaycounseling@yahoo.com
Dawn Strobeck's Office
1451 Baldwin Park Lane # A
Orlando, FL 32814
407-240-8071 or 407-493-4068
Post Adoption Parenting Resources
"Adoption is a lifelong process. Families often need additional support at various times after placement and after the adoption is legally finalized. Families may need services as a child develops and as normal development, adjustment, and adoption-related issues arise. In this section find resources for adoptive families that explain what to expect at various developmental stages. Also, learn how to talk about adoption, address adoption issues in school, help children with grief and loss, recognize and get help for postadoption depression, find needed services, and obtain financial assistance."
Friday, October 1, 2010
How Your Church Can Help Foster Children
The faith community and foster care adoption
CHILDREN ARE WAITING
Every day children are abused, abandoned and neglected. Through no faults of their own, many end up in foster care and eventually are made available for adoption. These children often move three or more times, are frequently separated from siblings, and can wait five years or more for an adoptive family. One in five will turn 18 and leave the system without a family. Today, more than 114,000 children wait in U.S. foster care for a loving, permanent family.
YOU CAN HELP
The faith community has long been one of the most dynamic, powerful resources to help children without families. The following are just some of the many ways to get involved in foster care adoption – because every child deserves a loving home and forever family.
SUPPORT ADOPTIVE FAMILIES
-Celebrate when members of your congregation make the choice to adopt. Recognize adoption as a valued way to build families.
-Establish support groups for adoptive parents. Learn how at www.nacac.org or http://www.adoptamericanetwork.org/.
-Host activities and outings for adoptive families.
-Raise funds for medical and educational needs. Donate clothing or other necessities for a growing family. Offer respite childcare.
-Consider establishing an adoption ministry.
HOST OR JOIN A NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY EVENT
National Adoption Day is celebrated in communities across the United States on the Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 20, 2010). Host a National Adoption Day event of your own by inviting members of your congregation or parish to join you for a workshop, picnic, reception or other event in celebration of adoptive families and generate awareness of waiting children. To partner with a local foster care adoption agency, visit www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad. Be a part of the national effort and get a free banner by registering your event at http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/.
-Join an already scheduled event near you by visiting http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/.
There are events in communities all across the nation. Contact the event coordinator to volunteer your time or donate items for the newly-formed families.
Continue with article.
Monday, April 19, 2010
20 Ways to Become an Adoption Friendly Church or Synagogue
By Paul Golden of Adoption Today Magazine, April 2010.
While most faith groups commonly praise adoption, most American churches and synagogues do not have a single family that adopted a child during the past year. Faith assemblies can and should play a crucial role in encouraging members to “look after orphans in their distress” (James 1:27). Here are some specific ideas on how to become an adoption-friendly church or synagogue:
1. Pray that you and your ministry will become adoption-friendly. Pray that potential couples
will be sensitive to adopting. Pray that the assembly as a whole steps up its involvement
in assisting couples who adopt.
2. Preach key passages on caring for orphans and spiritual adoption. Passages like James
1:26-27 remind us that pure and faultless religion emphasizes care for those who are
least able to care for themselves. Since God cares for us in our affliction, we should care
for orphans in theirs.
3. Invite guest speakers to raise awareness of adoption needs and opportunities. Those
who lead adoption ministries can share their passion in small groups, Sunday School and services. Give members the opportunity to hear about these needs while giving them ways to help.
4. Make adoption resources available to the faith community. A wealth of adoption
resources can be helpful to couples considering adoption. Most of the time misconceptions about the adoption process keep families from considering adoption. The church or synagogue can be a tool to provide helpful facts for couples to make informed decisions.
5. Frequently list pro-adoption ministries and organizations. List them in your bulletin and
have a “resources” link on your Web site connecting to these ministries. You help these
ministries by making them known to your people, but you also assist your people by
providing accessibility to helpful resources.
6. Encourage couples facing infertility to connect with adoptive parents. Some couples hop onto the emotional roller coaster of infertility drugs, and in the process incur huge medical expenses. Graciously counsel those couples to consider the privilege of parenting an adopted child before their emotions and finances are exhausted.
7. Regularly have adoptive parents and birth mothers share their testimony of God’s
goodness and grace. Testimonies can be powerful reminders to the congregation of
what “good” can come out of a “bad” situation.
8. Educate your members regarding the costs involved in the adoption process. Many
members may be unaware of the expenses involved in adoption such as: homestudies,
background checks, attorney fees, airfare and travel costs, especially for international
adoptions. Adoption costs vary from a few thousand dollars to $20,000 or more. The
cost should not scare off potential adoptive families, but should motivate the church
or synagogue to “count the cost” and offer assistance. What price tag can we put on a
young life?
9. Encourage the membership to give financially to adoptive couples. Giving financially to adoptive parents is one of the most — if not the most — significant things you can
do. As potential couples take the giant step of faith in the adoption process, one of the
biggest concerns will be “how are we going to pay for this?” A monetary gift along
with a note of encouragement can greatly encourage the couple by affirming their
decision to pursue adoption.
10. Create a standing fund for adoptions costs. Church or synagogue members can contribute
to this special fund which adoptive families can utilize (either an interest-free loan or one-time gifts to these couples).
11. Challenge Sunday School classes and small groups to raise money for adoptive couples. Love offerings help lessen the financial burden of adoption while exhibiting how the faith community can encourage and support each other. Imagine the surprise on the couples’ faces when they discover that their class sacrificially gave to help in the adoption of their child.
12. Establish an adoptive parents small group in your church or synagogue. Get a key person
to take this on as a ministry. Meet on a monthly or quarterly basis as needed. This support group provides encouragement for those couples in the midst of the adoption process or those contemplating adoption.
13. Create e-mail list-serves of adoptive parents for support and encouragement. Since
the adoption process brings emotional highs and lows, staying connected by e-mail can prove helpful — especially when a couple needs a timely word of encouragement.
14. Connect with local social service agencies. Most counties and states have child welfare and foster care programs in which members should be involved. Many times there is financial assistance for those families who are foster parents or are in fosteradopt programs.
15. Use attorneys or caseworkers within the church or assembly. Some lawyers specializing
in family law are willing to donate their time and expertise to assist a family with the legal documents for adoption. Such volunteers provide both financial savings and peace of mind.
16. Sponsor a child. Find a ministry of like faith that you know and trust — encourage others to do what they can to pray for and financially support orphan and adoption ministries.
17. Participate in mission trips to orphanages abroad. What better way to raise awareness for adoption than to experience the desperate living conditions of others?
18. Maximize special holidays to emphasize adoption. When adoption needs are presented
with sensitivity and discernment, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be ideal times to raise awareness of adoption. A special offering could be collected for an adoptive couple. An adopted child or adoptive parent could give testimony to God’s gift of a family to them. At an
annual Sanctity of Life day, typically the third Sunday each January, discussion of adoption can be a poignant reminder to the church of the devastation of abortion, and at the same time a powerful prompting for the church or synagogue to become adoption-friendly.
19. Celebrate adoption as a faith community. Affirm those who pray and encourage others to adopt. Praise those who give financially to adoptive parents. Celebrate the living object lesson of our own spiritual adoption.
20. Support adopted kids as they struggle with questions of identity, abandonment or
rejection.
Adoption is the ultimate expression and outworking of loving the modern day orphan.
While not everyone will be called to adopt, the faith community can and should do what it
can to encourage and facilitate adoption. Will you help your church or synagogue become
adoption-friendly?
This story can be found at http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=36173&&pn=&p=27
While most faith groups commonly praise adoption, most American churches and synagogues do not have a single family that adopted a child during the past year. Faith assemblies can and should play a crucial role in encouraging members to “look after orphans in their distress” (James 1:27). Here are some specific ideas on how to become an adoption-friendly church or synagogue:
1. Pray that you and your ministry will become adoption-friendly. Pray that potential couples
will be sensitive to adopting. Pray that the assembly as a whole steps up its involvement
in assisting couples who adopt.
2. Preach key passages on caring for orphans and spiritual adoption. Passages like James
1:26-27 remind us that pure and faultless religion emphasizes care for those who are
least able to care for themselves. Since God cares for us in our affliction, we should care
for orphans in theirs.
3. Invite guest speakers to raise awareness of adoption needs and opportunities. Those
who lead adoption ministries can share their passion in small groups, Sunday School and services. Give members the opportunity to hear about these needs while giving them ways to help.
4. Make adoption resources available to the faith community. A wealth of adoption
resources can be helpful to couples considering adoption. Most of the time misconceptions about the adoption process keep families from considering adoption. The church or synagogue can be a tool to provide helpful facts for couples to make informed decisions.
5. Frequently list pro-adoption ministries and organizations. List them in your bulletin and
have a “resources” link on your Web site connecting to these ministries. You help these
ministries by making them known to your people, but you also assist your people by
providing accessibility to helpful resources.
6. Encourage couples facing infertility to connect with adoptive parents. Some couples hop onto the emotional roller coaster of infertility drugs, and in the process incur huge medical expenses. Graciously counsel those couples to consider the privilege of parenting an adopted child before their emotions and finances are exhausted.
7. Regularly have adoptive parents and birth mothers share their testimony of God’s
goodness and grace. Testimonies can be powerful reminders to the congregation of
what “good” can come out of a “bad” situation.
8. Educate your members regarding the costs involved in the adoption process. Many
members may be unaware of the expenses involved in adoption such as: homestudies,
background checks, attorney fees, airfare and travel costs, especially for international
adoptions. Adoption costs vary from a few thousand dollars to $20,000 or more. The
cost should not scare off potential adoptive families, but should motivate the church
or synagogue to “count the cost” and offer assistance. What price tag can we put on a
young life?
9. Encourage the membership to give financially to adoptive couples. Giving financially to adoptive parents is one of the most — if not the most — significant things you can
do. As potential couples take the giant step of faith in the adoption process, one of the
biggest concerns will be “how are we going to pay for this?” A monetary gift along
with a note of encouragement can greatly encourage the couple by affirming their
decision to pursue adoption.
10. Create a standing fund for adoptions costs. Church or synagogue members can contribute
to this special fund which adoptive families can utilize (either an interest-free loan or one-time gifts to these couples).
11. Challenge Sunday School classes and small groups to raise money for adoptive couples. Love offerings help lessen the financial burden of adoption while exhibiting how the faith community can encourage and support each other. Imagine the surprise on the couples’ faces when they discover that their class sacrificially gave to help in the adoption of their child.
12. Establish an adoptive parents small group in your church or synagogue. Get a key person
to take this on as a ministry. Meet on a monthly or quarterly basis as needed. This support group provides encouragement for those couples in the midst of the adoption process or those contemplating adoption.
13. Create e-mail list-serves of adoptive parents for support and encouragement. Since
the adoption process brings emotional highs and lows, staying connected by e-mail can prove helpful — especially when a couple needs a timely word of encouragement.
14. Connect with local social service agencies. Most counties and states have child welfare and foster care programs in which members should be involved. Many times there is financial assistance for those families who are foster parents or are in fosteradopt programs.
15. Use attorneys or caseworkers within the church or assembly. Some lawyers specializing
in family law are willing to donate their time and expertise to assist a family with the legal documents for adoption. Such volunteers provide both financial savings and peace of mind.
16. Sponsor a child. Find a ministry of like faith that you know and trust — encourage others to do what they can to pray for and financially support orphan and adoption ministries.
17. Participate in mission trips to orphanages abroad. What better way to raise awareness for adoption than to experience the desperate living conditions of others?
18. Maximize special holidays to emphasize adoption. When adoption needs are presented
with sensitivity and discernment, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be ideal times to raise awareness of adoption. A special offering could be collected for an adoptive couple. An adopted child or adoptive parent could give testimony to God’s gift of a family to them. At an
annual Sanctity of Life day, typically the third Sunday each January, discussion of adoption can be a poignant reminder to the church of the devastation of abortion, and at the same time a powerful prompting for the church or synagogue to become adoption-friendly.
19. Celebrate adoption as a faith community. Affirm those who pray and encourage others to adopt. Praise those who give financially to adoptive parents. Celebrate the living object lesson of our own spiritual adoption.
20. Support adopted kids as they struggle with questions of identity, abandonment or
rejection.
Adoption is the ultimate expression and outworking of loving the modern day orphan.
While not everyone will be called to adopt, the faith community can and should do what it
can to encourage and facilitate adoption. Will you help your church or synagogue become
adoption-friendly?
This story can be found at http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=36173&&pn=&p=27
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Adoptive Families Magazine's list of the Top Adoption-Friendly Companies
Making It Work: Top Adoption-Friendly Companies
Let's hear it for companies that get the message:
Adoption benefits are vital in today's workplace.
Adoption support at work is moving into the mainstream. Reimbursement of adoption expenses up to $10,000, paid adoption leave up to three months (in addition to Family and Medical Leave Act time), and flexible work arrangements are some of the benefits now on the table.
If your company's adoption benefits aren't up to snuff, do something! Make an appointment with a big cheese at your company and recommend that adoption benefits be introduced or expanded. Or send a persuasive letter stating the case (download Adoptive Families' Instant Letter here).
Adoptive Families applauds the forward-thinking companies that go the extra mile to help their employees build families—and set an example for the rest of the nation.
see the list here
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Resources for Parents Adopting From Foster Care
Here are some statistics and a link to find resources on adopting from foster care from Adoptive Families magazine -
FOSTER CARE STATISTICS
- Currently, there are approximately 513,000 children in foster care in the United States. It's estimated that 114,000 are eligible for adoption.
- In 2005, about 51,000 children were adopted from foster care.
- 68% of parents who adopt from foster care are married couples, 27% are single females, 2% are unmarried couples, and 3% are single males.
- Median age of child in foster care: 10.6 years.
- Race/ethnicity of children in foster care: 41% Caucasian, 32% African-American, 18% Hispanic, and 1% Asian; 8% other.
- The average child in foster care goes through three different placements and stays in the system for nearly 29 months.
- Each year, about 20,000 children age out of foster care.
Friday, May 29, 2009
New On-line Adoption Magazine Being Launched
Weaving Families, a ministry that provides adoption counseling, is launching a new project: Weaving Families Magazine.
The online magazine will focus on adoption and people serving vulnerable children and families worldwide. It will be free for anyone to read.
The first issue will be posted Monday, June 1. You’ll be able to read it here.
The online magazine will focus on adoption and people serving vulnerable children and families worldwide. It will be free for anyone to read.
The first issue will be posted Monday, June 1. You’ll be able to read it here.
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