Showing posts with label Adoptive Families magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adoptive Families magazine. Show all posts
Friday, August 3, 2012
Some Ways Domestic Adoption Has Changed In the Past Thirty Years
An article from Adoptive Families magazine:
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.
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
Adoption Tax Credit
From Adoptive Families Magazine -
Parents who finalized an adoption in 2010 may claim a maximum credit of $13,170 for adoption expenses. The credit is now refundable, allowing lower-income families to claim it. If a family’s “qualified expenses” (adoption fees, legal fees, traveling expenses, and so on) exceed their tax liability, they will receive the difference in the form of a tax refund.
Parents who finalized an adoption in 2010 may claim a maximum credit of $13,170 for adoption expenses. The credit is now refundable, allowing lower-income families to claim it. If a family’s “qualified expenses” (adoption fees, legal fees, traveling expenses, and so on) exceed their tax liability, they will receive the difference in the form of a tax refund.
Record Low in International Adoptions
Adoptive Families Magazine reports that 2010 was a year of record low international adoptions.
The number of intercountry adoptions by Americans fell 13 percent in the past year—from 12,753 to 11,059—to reach a 15-year low, according to data from the U.S. Department of State. Adoptions from China continued to head the list, with 3,401 adoptions to the U.S. in 2010. Rounding out the top five sending countries are Ethiopia (2,513), Russia (1,082), South Korea (863), and Ukraine (445).
The number of intercountry adoptions by Americans fell 13 percent in the past year—from 12,753 to 11,059—to reach a 15-year low, according to data from the U.S. Department of State. Adoptions from China continued to head the list, with 3,401 adoptions to the U.S. in 2010. Rounding out the top five sending countries are Ethiopia (2,513), Russia (1,082), South Korea (863), and Ukraine (445).
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.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
115,000 children in the U.S. foster-care system are waiting for permanent homes
Questions about adopting from foster care are answered by social worker Kathy Ledesma in Adoptive Families Magazine -
A Place to Call Home
A Place to Call Home
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tips for Those Adopting an Older Child
Adoptive Families Magazine has an article in their September (2010) issue by Carrie Howard for parents adopting an older child:
Adopting an Older Child?
Moms and dads share the special joy that comes with bringing home a school-age child, and the unique parenting approach that helps their families bond.
Adopting an Older Child?
Moms and dads share the special joy that comes with bringing home a school-age child, and the unique parenting approach that helps their families bond.
Monday, March 8, 2010
International Adoption News from Adoptive Families Magazine
Haiti Six days after the earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Department of State began expediting pending adoption cases and allowing children to join their prospective families, in a process known as humanitarian parole. At press time, at least several hundred orphans had joined families in the U.S. Learn more about the current situation at http://www.adoption.state.gov/.
Cambodia The government of Cambodia has a new law on intercountry adoption. The law aims to create a countrywide child welfare system and a Hague-compliant adoption process. This is seen as an important first step in reform that could eventually lay the groundwork for a resumption of intercountry adoptions from Cambodia to the U.S.
Mexico Mexico City’s legislative assembly voted to legalize adoption by same-sex couples on Dec. 21. The same day, the assembly also approved gay marriage, making it the second major Latin-American city to do so.
Canada According to a report released recently by Ontario’s Ministry of Children and Youth Services, families in Canada who are interested in adoption face a number of barriers that may prevent them from ever adopting. Among the findings, objective information about adoption options isn’t readily available, and adoptive families of children with special needs don’t usually get the support they need after the adoption, the report says. Read the report at www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/infertility/index.aspx.
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/news.php
Cambodia The government of Cambodia has a new law on intercountry adoption. The law aims to create a countrywide child welfare system and a Hague-compliant adoption process. This is seen as an important first step in reform that could eventually lay the groundwork for a resumption of intercountry adoptions from Cambodia to the U.S.
Mexico Mexico City’s legislative assembly voted to legalize adoption by same-sex couples on Dec. 21. The same day, the assembly also approved gay marriage, making it the second major Latin-American city to do so.
Canada According to a report released recently by Ontario’s Ministry of Children and Youth Services, families in Canada who are interested in adoption face a number of barriers that may prevent them from ever adopting. Among the findings, objective information about adoption options isn’t readily available, and adoptive families of children with special needs don’t usually get the support they need after the adoption, the report says. Read the report at www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/infertility/index.aspx.
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/news.php
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Study of Adult Adoptees’ Identity Issues
From Adoptive Families Magazine:
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released a major study on adoptees’ identity formation. The research included survey responses from 468 adult adoptees, and the study is the most extensive examination of adult adoptive identity to date. (Read the full report at http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/.) Key findings include:
The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released a major study on adoptees’ identity formation. The research included survey responses from 468 adult adoptees, and the study is the most extensive examination of adult adoptive identity to date. (Read the full report at http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/.) Key findings include:
- Adoption becomes increasingly significant for most adoptees—and race/ethnicity grows in importance for adoptees of color—into adulthood, contrary to the notion that these factors diminish in importance after adolescence.
- Adoption-related teasing is a reality for many adoptees, but more so for whites. Race trumped adoption as a cause for teasing for adoptees of color, and a majority experienced race-based discrimination rather than (or in addition to) adoption-related negativity.
- A majority of transracially adopted adults wanted to be white as children, though most eventually grew to identify themselves as members of their racial/ethnic group.
- The most effective strategies for achieving positive identity formation are travel to birth countries and attending racially diverse schools for transracial adoptees, and contact with birth relatives for white adoptees.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Looking for last minute Christmas gifts that give back?
Here's a link to Adoptive Families' gift giving guide -
http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5d167271670d7b7215&m=feef16767c6c03&ls=fdeb15777d6c067b7c107476&l=fec11375776c027f&s=fe2410767463027b701173&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2616757063077a721772
There you will find adoption-related gifts as well as gifts that support childrens' charities.
Half the Sky Foundation also has a gift guide -
http://halfthesky.org/help/holidaycatalog.php?tr=y&auid=5711212
http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5d167271670d7b7215&m=feef16767c6c03&ls=fdeb15777d6c067b7c107476&l=fec11375776c027f&s=fe2410767463027b701173&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2616757063077a721772
There you will find adoption-related gifts as well as gifts that support childrens' charities.
Half the Sky Foundation also has a gift guide -
http://halfthesky.org/help/holidaycatalog.php?tr=y&auid=5711212
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