1. ANNOUNCEMENT

NEW ADOPTION.COM LIBRARY WITH THOUSANDS OF ARTICLES
We have launched the beta version of the Adoption.com library with more than 3,450 articles related to adoption, foster care, parenting, children's disabilities and related topics at http://Library.Adoption.com. These articles have been contributed by hundreds of authors, and include magazine articles, research, factsheets, stories, poems, statistics, laws, and other content. As a beta version, there are still features we are adding and improving for the upcoming final version of the website. This library is a free community service of Adoption.com. We invite authors to submit their articles to be published for free. If you are an author who has contributed content, please check to be sure we have included it correctly, with proper formatting and credit given. We also invite authors to submit their biographies and information on books they have written that we can link to from their articles. For more information, contact editor@adoptionmedia.com or visit http://Library.Adoption.com.

VISIT THE NEW ADOPTION.ORG
The http://Adoption.org website has just been relaunched with a powerful new tool that allows you to search more than 500,000 pages of adoption content from one search box. This tool searches an adoption glossary, more than 3,000 articles, hundreds of thousands of adoption records, thousands of photolistings, hundreds of adoption law summaries, hundreds of thousands of adoption message board posts, online books, baby name meanings, children's disability information, adoption news headlines, adoption poetry, adoption statistics, and other related content.

REVISED ADOPTION JOBS WEBSITE
Are you an adoption agency or attorney looking to add experienced employees to your team, or to fill internships? Are you an experienced adoption worker looking to find a new career opportunity? Are you looking for an internship to get your first adoption-related experience? http://Jobs.Adoption.com is the #1 source for adoption companies and adoption job seekers to connect, and Adoption.com has just launched a new version of the site.

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2. NEW ARTICLES

The views expressed by the authors are solely their own, and for which the authors are responsible. These views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine.

One Birthmother Still Searching - new article by Gail M.
Back when I gave birth, it was heard on the street I was giving her up. I had a woman sneak into my room and offer me $10,000.00. You know, after I mentioned this, I had police standing and guarding my room and the babies room. This made things for me ten times worse. Then, do you know how people treat you when you give up a child? I had people actually not want me to hold their children because I may become too emotional or attached. It was crazy. I never was given a choice of an open adoption, and when the judge asked me to swear on the Bible that I did not want this child, I walked off of the stand. He was going to hold me in contempt. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=380

No Reflection - new article contributed by Amy Lane
I can post my info all over the internet, but if no one looks, what good does it do? I praise the ISRR, and pass their info to as many as I can. But, how can one be sure that a 61-year-old mother will be surfing? It took me years to learn of decent sites to turn to for help. I recently found out that birth dates could have been changed by the state or the adoptive parents. Where does that leave us adoptees? The deck is already stacked against us, and now this. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=381

Support Groups for Adoptive Parents with Searching Children - in Existence? - new article contributed by Janice K.
Two years ago, we adopted our child internationally. She had lived in an orphanage since shortly after birth and was 16 months old. We have her birth mother's name through orphanage documents. When the time comes, we will give our daughter all the information we have. Though it may be years away, the thought already makes me cry. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=378

Isn't It Ironic? - new article contributed by Matt Geuther
I was trying to find 'Bruce' with some sketchy information about an ambulance company in 1967. Well, I found him, sort of. I have to pat myself on the back just a little, because the research I did made me feel like a full-fledged sleuth. After running down way too many dead-ends I finally made contact with an individual who worked at the ambulance company at the same time Bruce did. I don't want to disclose his identity, so I will call him Steve. As it turned out, Steve had stayed local after all these years. He was a pilot and just happened to live 5 miles from my current home. Talk about a small world. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=382

Read these articles at http://Magazine.Adoption.com, and submit your adoption-related articles to editor@adoptionmedia.com for publication in Adoption Week e-Magazine and Adoption.com.

By submitting content, you represent that you have the rights to this content and that you give Adoption.com and Adoption Week the right to reprint this content on the internet, via e-mail, and in print form.

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3. ADOPTION NEWS

WWII Baby Finds Her Mom (MI)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.lsj.com/news/local/031121_mother_3b.html

One Adoption Led to Another (CA)
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/11/25/DDGFC38H7G1.DTL

Oakland Event Focuses on Foster Children (CA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.trivalleyherald.com/Stories/0,1413,86~10671~1787303,00.html

A Celebration of Adoption (KY)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2003/11/24/news/news04.txt

Courts Open Doors for Adoption Day (MI)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.thehollandsentinel.net/stories/112403/loc_112403014.shtml

Adoptions Celebrated in Delaware(NY)
http://www.thedailystar.com/news/stories/2003/11/24/del.html

Adopting Hope (India)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=68954

If any of the links to the news articles do not work, visit http://www.adoption.com/news for a list of headlines.

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4. ADOPTION LAW & POLICY NEWS

November 26, 2003

WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY

“HILL OKS ADOPTION BILL” - by Cheryl Wetzstein
The Adoption Promotion Act 2003 was passed by congress and is awaiting presidential signature. Continuing incentive-based programs from the 1997 Adoption and Safe Families Act, the $43 million per year for the next five years will also go towards a new bonus for states that place and track adoptions of older foster children (9-17.) Nationally, adoptions were up in 2002 from 2001 by 3703, and spelled $15 million in bonuses paid in aggregate to states that placed kids out of the foster system.
The Washington Times, Tuesday, November 18, 2003
http://washingtontimes.com/national/20031117-104240-1511r.htm

“MORE FIRMS OFFERING ADOPTION HELP TO EMPLOYEES” - by Cindy Krischer Goodman
Companies are increasingly offering adoption benefits, both in terms of financial aid, and time off. According Rita Soronen of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, companies receive in return increased employee loyalty as a result. Human resources experts note that companies demonstrate (at a low overall cost) a spirit of fair treatment to employees through offering benefits to parents who choose adoption to build their families. 16% of large U.S. companies provide adoption assistance ranting from $1500-$10000, and from one week to three months leave.
The Miami Herald, Thursday, November 20, 2003
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/business/7295094.htm

FLORIDA: “DCF GETS ITS FIRST TEST IN COURT; A COUPLE FIGHTS FOR THEIR RIGHT TO ADOPT A FOSTER CHILD” - by Errin Haines
The constitutionality of a new rule of the Department of Children and Families implemented last August will be determined by January 15. The rule disallows an appeals process foster parents have used in the past to contest adoptions. The first case that challenges this rule involves a two-year old boy that was in foster-parent custody for sixteen months, and has now been adopted by an out-of-state biological relative. An administrative hearing lasted two hours last week on the foster-parents’ case, and the January 15 decision will influence the future of many Florida foster families. According to DCF, the rule was intended to, “align DCF procedure with federal and state law and clarify the department’s policy.” Opponents of the new rule point to a 1974 state law that allows an appeal for people who have been “substantially affected” by a state agency decision or ruling.
The Bradenton Herald, Wednesday, November 19, 2003
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradentonherald/news/local/7296010.htm

UTAH: “PROGRAM AIDS TRANSITION FROM FOSTER CARE” - by Jacob Santini
A new program designed to aid young people in their transition, or “aging-out” of state custody was announced last week. The program involves both private and public initiatives, which will include: a mentoring program; online resources related to job-hunting, housing, and education; one-time federal financial help for clothing or apartment down-payments.
The Salt Lake Tribune, Thursday, November 20, 2003
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Nov/11202003/utah/112652.asp

“INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION ACT IMPLEMENTATION: FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE SAYS COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED UNTIL DECEMBER 15” - State Department Press Release
The Department of State and Homeland Security are partnering in an implementation of the Intercountry Adoption Act with the aim to prevent illegal activity, and build consistency into intercountry adoption procedures. The Act contains proposed regulations for accreditation and approval of adoption service providers that conduct adoptions with countries that have signed the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. The period of comment on those proposed regulations ends December 15, 2003.
The State Department, Monday, November 17, 2003
http://www.regulations.gov/freddocs/03-28544.htm

WEEKLY CASE SUMMARY

Significant Cases

Adoption Procedure – Representation of Parties

IN RE BROOME
The Supreme Court of South Carolina agreed with the finding of the Sub Panel and Full Panel of the Commission on Lawyer Conduct that the respondent committed misconduct in three separate matters, including adoption-related proceedings, but concluded that the gravity of the respondent’s misconduct justified a 90-day suspension. Respondent’s misconduct in the adoption-related proceedings stemmed from his initial representation of a married couple in an action to adopt an infant, his subsequent representation of the wife in action against the husband for maintenance, support and temporary custody after the wife moved out of the marital home, and his subsequent initiation of a separate action on behalf of the wife to adopt the infant while the first adoption proceeding remained pending. The Court found the attorney violated several relevant Rules of Professional Conduct by deceiving and misleading the court to believe the first adoption action did not remain viable to other parties in both the complaint and the examination of the adoptive mother in court. Additionally, the Court found that attorney had a duty to clarify the status of the first adoption proceeding and existence of the support action to the Court and should have notified all interested parties that the adoptive mother was filing a second adoption action on her own behalf.
Cite: No. 25748, 2003 S.C. LEXIS 276 (S.C. Nov. 10, 2003).
Web link: http://www.judicial.state.sc.us/opinions/displayOpinion.cfm?caseNo=25748

Termination of Parental Rights – Appeals of Orders of Termination

IN RE TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO JONATHON G.
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals affirmed the decision of the trial court to terminate the mother’s parental rights over her objections that there was insufficient evidence to support the jury’s conclusion that she failed to assume parental responsibility and that the trial court abused its discretion in terminating her parental rights, concluding there was sufficient evidence to uphold the jury’s finding and the court did not abuse its discretion.
Cite: Nos. 03-2571 & 72, 2003 Wisc. App. LEXIS 1040 (Wisc. App. Nov. 11, 2003).
Web link: http://www.courts.state.wi.us/html/ca/03/03-2572.htm

Termination of Parental Rights - Involuntary

IN RE J.R.C., III
The Louisiana Court of Appeals affirmed the juvenile court’s judgment terminating the alleged father’s parental rights and granting an intra-family adoption, concluding the juvenile court’s findings of fact, including its finding that the alleged father had not manifested a commitment to his parental responsibilities or established that he is a fit parent, were supported by the record, the legal analysis was correct and the facts were correctly applied to the law.
Cite: No. 03-CA-0761, 2003 La. App. LEXIS 3135 (La. Ct. App. Nov. 12, 2003).
Web link: http://www.fifthcircuit.org/OPINIONS/OIP_2003/11_2003/03ca0761.pdf

Rights of Grandparents and Other Biological Relatives

IN RE HUFFER
The Ohio Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s award of custody of the child to her foster parents, concluding the trial court’s determination that it was in the best interest of the child for the foster parents to have legal custody, as opposed to the grandmother, was not against the great weight of the evidence, but noting that the issue was close.
Cite: No. 2002 CA 96, 2003 Ohio 5964 (Ohio Ct. App. Nov. 7, 2003)
Web link: http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/rod/documents/2/2003/2003-ohio-5964.doc

Federal Law - Indian Child Welfare Act

In RE KARLA C.
The California Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the lower court’s order declaring appellants’ daughter a dependent of the court and removing her from parental custody, concluding the ICWA notice must be filed with the court and the error could not be deemed harmless because there was no suggestion in the record that the notice sent to the tribe contained the required information.
Cite: No. D042048, D042060, 2003 Cal. App. LEXIS 1672 (Cal. Ct. App. Nov. 10, 2003)
Web link: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/D042048A.DOC

Putative Father – Notice of Adoption Proceedings

IN RE CHRISTOPHER M.
The California Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s decision denying the alleged father a contested permanency hearing, concluding that the appellant’s right to assert a position regarding his parental status did not entitle him to a contested § 366.26 hearing and the court did not have to give appellant the notice and form provided for in § 316.2 because the minor’s paternity already had been established by a voluntary declaration of paternity.
Cite: No. C043514, 2003 Cal. App. LEXIS 1673 (Cal. Ct. App. Nov. 10, 2003)
Web link: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/C043514.DOC

Inheritance Rights – Intestate

HULSEY V. CARTER
The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the lower court’s decision granting summary judgment in favor of decedent’s nieces and against decedent’s step daughter in an action brought by decedent’s step daughter seeking a declaration that she was the virtually adopted daughter of the decedent, concluding the step daughter failed to establish the first essential element for a virtual adoption, which requires that the contract for adoption be made by persons competent to contract for the child.
Cite: No. S03A1310, 2003 Ga. LEXIS 953 (Ga. Nov. 10, 2003)
Web link: http://www2.state.ga.us/Courts/Supreme/pdf/s03a1310.pdf

Termination of Parental Rights – Appeals of Orders of Termination

IN RE TANYA F.
The California Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s order terminating the mother and father’s parental rights in their special needs child, concluding the parents were barred from raising a due process claim because no appeal was taken from the jurisdictional order and the court’s adoptability finding was supported by substantial evidence.
Cite: No. 167320, 2003 Cal. App. Unpub. LEXIS 10596 (Cal. Ct. App. Nov. 12, 2003)
Web link: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/npopinions.cgi

Credit: National Center for Adoption Law & Policy
Link: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption

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5. EVAN B. DONALDSON ADOPTION INSTITUTE

November 2003 Edition

Laws, Policy & Practice

SENATE APPROVES INCENTIVE TO INCREASE ADOPTIONS OF OLDER CHILDREN
The Senate this month passed legislation (HR3182) reauthorizing and amending the Adoption Incentive program, adding a provision to reward states for increased adoptions of children nine or older by granting $4,000 for each additional one over its baseline. The Adoption Promotion Act was crafted to address the problem that children older than nine are more likely to stay in foster care than be placed in an adoptive home. The legislation authorizes $43 million for the program for Fiscal Year 2004, a slight increase over the prior year. The House of Representatives passed the Adoption Promotion Act last month and the legislation awaits the President’s signature. To read the legislation, go to: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:h3182enr.txt.pdf.

COMMENT DEADLINE ON INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION REGULATIONS EXTENDED
The State Department extended the deadline for public comment, to December 15, 2003, on the proposed regulations to implement the Intercountry Adoption Act and the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. Organizations interested in applying to become an Accrediting Entity submitted statements of interest on November 16, 2003. From the Statements of Interest, the State Department “will select potential candidates and negotiate and enter into Memoranda of Agreement with one or more qualified accrediting entities.” The State Department reportedly does not intend to publish the Memoranda of Agreement. To read the extension notice, go to: go to: http://travel.state.gov/extension22cfr.html; to read the request for Statements of Interest, go to: http://travel.state.gov/rsi.html. To read the proposed regulations, follow the instructions at: http://travel.state.gov/accessing22cfr.html

LEGISLATION PLANNED TO CREATE OFFICE OF INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS
Senators Landrieu (D-LA) and Nickles (R-OK) are reportedly planning to introduce an Intercountry Adoption Reform Act (ICARE) to create an Office of Intercountry Adoptions (OIA) in the State Department and to make modifications to existing law. The OIA would be charged with performing six functions, including approving families to adopt internationally and determining that children are legally free for adoption. ICARE would also confer U.S. citizenship on children upon entry of the final adoption decree, not upon entry into the U.S. The bill also reiterates the IAA definition of adoptable child and transfers immigration functions from the Department of Homeland Security to OIA.

GUATEMALAN COURT REFUSES TO SUSPEND INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
The Guatemalan Constitutional Court denied a request from the Solicitor General of Human Rights to suspend all international adoptions and authority for adopted children to leave the country, according to the U.S. State Department. Its November 5, 2003, notice still advises that there are case-processing delays and warns prospective adoptive parents to confirm with their service provider that their case has been filed with the Solicitor General’s office and is still under active consideration. A November 2, 2003, Newsday article reports that prosecutors and advocates allege that between one-third and one-half of international adoptions from Guatemala in recent years were illegal. According to the article, “Robbing the Cradle Adoptions under fire in Guatemala,” 85% of the adoptions from Guatemala last year were by American families. The U.S. has instituted safeguards, such as DNA testing and random interviews with biological mothers, to ensure that children are legally free for adoption. To read the State Department’s notice, go to: http://travel.state.gov/guatemala_notice.html; to read the Newsday article, go to: http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-woguat193521703nov02,0,985473.story.

NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY CELEBRATES MORE THAN 3,100 ADOPTIONS
The fourth annual National Adoption Day on November 22, 2003, resulted in more than 3,100 adoptions of children from foster care in more than 120 communities. The goals of National Adoption Day are to “Finalize more than one thousand adoptions from foster care nationwide as a result of the day, celebrate and honor families that adopt, raise awareness and encourage others to adopt, build collaboration among local adoption agencies and organizations and communicate availability and need for post-adoptive services.” National Adoption Day is sponsored by The Alliance for Children's Rights, Casey Family Services, Children's Action Network, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Freddie Mac Foundation and Target Corporation. To learn more about National Adoption Day, go to: http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/index.asp.

CONGRESS HEARS TESTIMONY ON CHILD SAFETY
The Subcommittee on Human Resources of the House Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing on November 6, 2003, on the New Jersey abuse case in which a couple is charged with starving their four adopted sons. Members of Congress, state officials and child advocates were among those who testified. Marcia Robinson Lowry, Executive Director of Children's Rights, in urging Congress to set enforceable state standards to ensure the safety of children in foster care, cautioned that “It would indeed be a mistake if instead of focusing our energy and efforts on critical safety issues, we instead began to question the viability of adoption as a permanency option for children in foster care; to question the vital role of adoption subsidies in making possible the adoptions of thousands of children in foster care each year . . . or to question the commitment and love with which tens of thousands of adoptive families have embraced children in foster care, giving them the nurturing, stability and hope that they otherwise would not have had.” The Subcommittee also held a hearing on November 19, 2003, to review state collection and use of data on children in the child welfare system. The General Accounting Office reported that while 47 states were developing or operating statewide automated child welfare information systems (SACWIS), states continue to struggle with collecting and reporting reliable data. Moreover, Fred Wulczyn, Research Fellow at the Chapin Hall Center for Children, explained “progress today is limited by our ability to transform data into information and knowledge.” For more information on the November 6, 2003 hearing, go to: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=detail&hearing=113&comm=2; for more information on the November 19 hearing, go to: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=detail&hearing=114&comm=2.

FLORIDA LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO INCREASE ADOPTIONS FROM FOSTER CARE
Florida’s Department of Children & Families announced a new initiative this month, “No Place Like Home,” to place more waiting children in permanent families. The campaign seeks to raise public awareness about the need for adoptive parents, shorten the adoption-approval process for foster and relative families, train staff to develop personalized recruitment plans for children with special needs, and match parents and children at week-long camps. Currently there are more than 4,600 children in foster care available for adoption in Florida: homes have been identified for 2,500, but nearly 2,100 others have not been matched. According to news reports, Governor Bush indicated that he does not support changing the state’s law prohibiting adoption by homosexuals so they can be included as prospective parents. To read the release, go to: http://www.state.fl.us/cf_web/news/nplh.html.

INFANT ABANDONMENT BILL DOES NOT GET VOTE IN MASSACHUSETTS
A new bill legalizing infant abandonment (H4325) did not come to a vote by the Massachusetts House of Representatives before it adjourned. The text of the legislation is not available on the legislature’s website, but it reportedly offered an affirmative defense instead of immunity from prosecution for those who abandoned infants at a “safe haven.” Massachusetts is one of five states that have not enacted such a law. To read the bill’s history, go to: http://www.state.ma.us/legis/history/h04325.htm.

Research

CENSUS REPORT SHOWS DECLINE IN BIRTH RATE FOR WOMEN 40-44
A U.S. Census Bureau survey found that 44% of women of childbearing age (15-44 years old) were “childless,” defined as never having given birth, as of June 2002. While the October 2003 report did not consider trends over time for most indicators, it reported that for women age 40-44, “who were nearing the completion of their child-bearing years,” 18 percent as of 2002, compared to 10 percent in 1976, did not have children. The survey findings do not reflect women who have adopted but do not have biological children. “Fertility of American Women: June 2002” reported that just over 6 percent of women of childbearing age – 3.8 million of 61.4 million – gave birth in the 12 months preceding June 2002. About 1.3 million unmarried women gave birth in that time, accounting for one-third of all births. To read the report, go to: http://www.census.gov/prod/2003pubs/p20-548.pdf.

PREGNANCY, BIRTH AND ABORTION RATES REPORTED TO DECLINE
An October 31, 2003, Centers for Disease Control report, “Revised Pregnancy Rates, 1990-97, and New Rates for 1998-99: United States,” reported 6,277,000 pregnancies in 1999, a 7 percent decrease from 1990. Of the over six million pregnancies, almost 4 million resulted in live births, 1.3 million in abortions and 1 million in fetal death. The pregnancy rate was the second-lowest in the last 25 years. Overall birth and abortion rates were down 10 percent and 22 percent, respectively, from 1990. Teen pregnancy rates decreased 25 percent from 1990 to 1999, while teen birth rates were down 19 percent and teen abortion rates dropped almost 40 percent. For unmarried women, the pregnancy rate fell 13 percent in the 10-year period, the birth rate was steady and the abortion rate was down 26 percent. To read the report, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr52/nvsr52_07.pdf.

News

PRENATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE RESEARCH SUGGESTS POSSIBLE TREATMENT
New medical imaging technologies have enabled scientists to better understand exactly how prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain. "Fetal Brains Suffer Badly from Alcohol," a November 4, 2003, New York Times article by Linda Carroll, reviews several recent studies examining alcohol’s effects on the development of the corpus callosum, which links the brain's two hemispheres. One recent study reportedly showed that alcohol interferes with brain and nervous system cells adhering to one another as they develop, indicating that the administration of a specific protein to pregnant women might mitigate damage to fetal brains. To purchase the article, go to: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30F1FFE35540C778CDDA80994DB404482.

Credit: The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute (Month) Newsletter - Adam Pertman, Executive Director
Link: http://www.AdoptionInstitute.org

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6. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB

FAST TRACK ADOPTION: Most couples in the U.S. have to wait up to seven years to adopt an infant domestically-and all the expense and waiting doesn't always result in a successful adoption. Now, rather than relying on slow-paced and expensive adoption agencies, many couples are choosing to privately adopt a child. By eliminating the adoption agency, couples can customize and control their own adoption plan. Inside this book, couples will learn how becoming proactive in the adoption process may significantly speed up the adoption.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP111403.html.

Find 1,400+ other adoption products at adoptionshop.com.

To share your favorite adoption book with others, join the Adoption Book Club on AdoptionLists.com at http://adoptionlists.com/index.php?action=lists&listname=adoptionbookclub.

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7. MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS

Outdated material has been removed. Please visit ParentProfiles.com.

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8. SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION

We have been incredibly lucky in our adoption process. Our baby's birthmom and birthdad found us on Adoption.com one week after our profile went online. Approximately 10 weeks later, we welcomed a happy and healthy baby boy into our family. And since we have a very open adoption, we now have more wonderful family in our lives (our son's birthfamily) as well.

Ann & Larry

If you are hoping to adopt, visit http://Profiles.Adoption.com today to start building your online profile.

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9. FEATURED WAITING CHILD

Victoria is a teen of Romanian descent. Victoria is in the sixth grade. She receives special education services. Victoria also receives counseling services to help her process the loss of her family. Victoria has suffered from neglect and abandonment. Victoria is excited about the idea of adoption. She is in need of a family that will very committed to her, as she has already experienced a great deal of loss in her life. An ideal family would be a family experienced in raising pre-teenage children. The ideal family would be an Arizona family that would be willing to facilitate sibling visits between Victoria and her older brother in Tucson, AZ.

Photolisting.Adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,700 children awaiting loving, permanent homes. Add your agency's waiting children to the most popular adoption website, and help them find loving homes faster. E-mail exchange@adoptablekids.com for info.

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10. ADOPTION GEM

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.

"We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Submit your story, thought, or quote to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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11. ADOPTION BUZZ

Light A Candle: - For My Precious Son
http://forums.adoption.com/t124285.html

Native American Adoptees: - Strange Story?
http://forums.adoption.com/t124438.html

Legal Issues: - Birth Mother Forged Name on Certificate
http://forums.adoption.com/t122951.html

Becoming Foster Parents: - How Do I Select an Agency?
http://forums.adoption.com/t122855.html

Special Needs Adoption: - Why Do Older Adopted Children Lie?
http://forums.adoption.com/t124092.html

Christian Adoptive Parents: - Why Not Me?
http://forums.adoption.com/t124437.html

If any of the links above do not work, visit Adoption.com for direct links to these discussions.

For more online adoption discussions, visit Forums.Adoption.com.

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12. ATTACHMENT & BONDING ISSUES

13. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: Religion.Adoption.com.

Religion.Adoption.com is Adoption.com's main religion index. Find adoption information for Christian, Catholic, LDS and Jewish adoptions, plus many more! Visit http://Religion.Adoption.com, choose a religion, and you will receive more information as it relates to adoption.

For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit Adoptions.Adoption.com.

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14. ADOPTION DESTINATION

InternationalAdoption.org is the internet's authoritative destination for international adoption. You will find fact sheets, adoption information, travel information, culture and heritage, maps, weather, books, currency exchange rates, periodicals, news and much more for dozens of different countries with active international adoption programs.

This week, the country of focus is Uganda.

Uganda achieved independence from the UK in 1962. It is located in Eastern Africa, west of Kenya. Most citizens of Uganda are Roman Catholic 33%, Protestant 33%, Muslim 16%, or have indigenous beliefs 18%. Agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, employing over 80% of the work force.

To learn more about Uganda's government, geography, and communication information, or its history, visit Uganda.Adoption.com.

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15. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

PAYING ATTENTION

A five-year-old said grace at family dinner one night.

"Dear God, thank you for these pancakes." When he concluded, his parents asked him why he thanked God for pancakes when they were having chicken.

He smiled and said, "I thought I'd see if He was paying attention tonight."

E-mail your humorous story or joke to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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16. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Small World Adoption Foundation of Missouri, Inc.
Ballwin, MO
Phone: (636) 207-9229
staff@swaf.com

Small World Adoption Foundation of Missouri, Inc. (SWAF) is a not-for-profit, licensed international adoption agency founded in 1992. SWAF places children from Russia, Belarus and the Ukraine.

Services: • Adoption Agencies • Home Studies • International Adoption
Countries: • Belarus • Russia • Ukraine

For more information on Small World Adoption Foundation of Missouri, Inc., visit http://www.swaf.com/.

Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at Directory.Adoption.com.

To see your ad here, visit http://directory.adoption.com/upgrade.php.

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17. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

She Who Is My Granddaughter - Only $14.95
She is the most amazingly wonderful child God ever put on the face of the earth. (I can say that because I’m her grandmother.) In her face, I see myself … Eyes filled with adventure and dreams… Mind spinning with unlimited possibilities for the future… Body filled with unbound energy and enthusiasm. She is my posterity… and my joy. Folks say that if they knew grandchildren were so much fun, they’d have had them first. I agree….Especially when it comes to her. Oh my granddaughter!!! I am so proud of you.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/WWW00016.html.

For more adoption products, visit adoptionshop.com.

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18. SOUND COUNSEL

This section is not intended for search advise. It is meant to be an advise column for people with questions concerning their feelings, interested in the opinion of someone who can relate. The views expressed by this author is solely his own, and for which the author is responsible. The content within this column is not to be considered as professional medical, legal or behavioral health information to be used in diagnosis, treatment or actions that would require the consultation and/or services of a licensed, certified or accredited professional. These views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine.

Question:

My mother had a son when she was 16 and felt she had no choice but to give him up for adoption. My sister and I have been trying for the last almost 10 years to try and find him, but have not been able to find any information. I was just wondering at what point should you give up and loose hope?

Answer:

The answer to your questions is that you DO NOT give up hope. To prove my point, I had for the most part resolved myself to the fact that I was not going to find my biological mother. This morning I received an email from her out of the blue. Someone in her family had seen a message I left on an adoption message board.

I cannot promise that you will ever find him. No one can promise that. At the same time, however, you loose all hope of ever finding someone if you quit. At least when you are trying there is a chance.

I hope that you continue to search, and I wish you luck in that search. Keep up the hope and have a great holiday.

DB

Question:

We have been working with a birth-mom for several weeks, and hopefully we will doing our match-meeting in early December. We love her deeply and want to please her; however, we do not want to compromise our own feelings and beliefs.

She has asked that she give a name to the baby that we would keep. We offered to add a second middle name to honor her request or for all three of us to agree on the name the baby will use. None of these satisfy her. She is not willing to even share the name with us that she wants us to use. We do not understand her unwillingness to share with us. She wants us to just accept whatever she decides without question. She does know that when her child is born that she will give him a name.

Help. If you have some insights to help us grasp what is going on, we would be so grateful.

Confused

Answer:

Confused:

To be honest with you, I am not sure why she has made this request either. The only thing that comes to mind is that she wants to make sure she knows the name of the child in case she wants to try and find him/her later in life.

This is a tough situation; however, if it were me, I am not sure I would make this compromise with the mother. I believe it is unreasonable. I am not telling you that is what you should do; I am simply stating what I would do. Then again, I am not in that position nor have I ever been, so I cannot accurately say what I would or would not do.

You need to examine what you are willing to do for this particular child. Is it important enough for you to have this child, if the stimulation is that you have to accept whatever name the mother gives him? Can you make that compromise? I cannot answer these questions for you, nor can I comment on what her reasons are. These questions, however, are what it all comes down to. The decision is in your hands.

I hope you holidays are happy, and I hope this situation works out for the best...

DB


BIO:

The author is a 21-year-old adoptee who wants to help those affiliated with the adoption community. Although the author does not have a medical degree, etc., he is simply extending a listening ear and the perspective of a young adult who is involved in the adoption triad.

His opinions are not necessarily those of Adoption.com and are provided voluntarily on a weekly basis.

To submit your questions, e-mail adoptionquestions2003@yahoo.com

In order for your questions/comments to be answered in the next week's issue, questions need to be submitted before 12 noon each Wednesday.

In addition, please remember to keep your questions appropriate for Adoption Week e-Magazine; otherwise, they will not be answered or included in the next week's edition.

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19. SPEAK OUT

I would like to know why I can't be a foster parent if I operate a home daycare. I have operated a home daycare for more than 10 years. I have two sons (that are adults now). They never had a problem with me having 6 - 8 extra children everyday. I have all the room and love to care for these children who need it. Plus, I would be with them instead of them being in a strange daycare.

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I love your articles, and I look forward to reading them weekly. I am 41 years old now, and I have lived in the foster care systems for the first 18 years of my life, a total of 4 homes. I was put up for adoption at birth; I never was adopted. I don't know why; I guess it was a different time then. I never had parents under the age of 60 out of all four homes I grew up in, and birthday party? What's that? I believe everyone who has had the great fortune of having the privilege to be adopted is so greatly blessed. I never had any children of my own; however I have adopted three children that I love more than life itself. I know the names of my birth parents, but I have not tried to search for them. I tell myself the reason I don't look for them is because I respect their privacy. Yet, in the back of my mind, I feel a bit bitter because I was never so lucky, so fortunate or so blessed to be adopted. I am a foster mom as well as an adoptive parent, and that's a very good feeling. I really would like to write a book soon about my life in the foster care system for the first 18 years of my life. I hope everyone finds the birth parents that they are looking for, and remember, there is nothing wrong with being adopted. In fact, it is a blessing. Thanks. - Joan

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Birth mom of Mary Kay: There is help for you in California. A search group in Colorado can be helpful for the emotional support you will need throughout your search. CA has a free registry. Have you registered with the International Soundex Reunion Registry? It, too, is free. Perhaps I help "walk you thru" your search. Alberta Sorensen (dickandernie57@astound.net)

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After 45 years, and with the help of GOD and the internet, I was able to locate my three sisters. We were separated by adoption; myself and the "baby" were adopted as infants, the rest of the 8 siblings were placed in a state home, never to be given families. It is a remarkable story. One sister and just died from cancer; her name was Linda. My name is Linda. I sent off for my original birth certificate within days of her death, not even being aware. Another sister, Joann, committed suicide. My middle name is Ann. There is so much more. Just the power it took for me to be able to locate my sisters seems insurmountable.

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Many years ago I tried to locate the son I gave up for adoption. I did not have any luck. Myself and the birth father tried to get information and records. I had a son, born in Jackson, Michigan on July 26, 1965. I named him Scott Allen. I am not sure if he had my last name of Richardson or his dad's which is Gaulden. I was only 14, so I had no other option but to put him up for adoption. Five years after his birth, I married his dad and we stayed together for 15 years. From this marriage, we had a son named Steven Freeman, and he is now 32. He has also tried to find his brother. I would like to locate the son I gave up 38 years ago. I would like suggestions to help me in my search. My e-mail is kathj0108@aol.com.

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I have been searching for 13 years now, ever since I found out iI had an older brother and sister. All I know about my older sister is my mom had her when she was 17 years old; my mom is now 52. Her name at birth was Jennifer Sue Shepardson in New York, at an unwed mothers' home. My brother Jason was born at Tioga General Hosp in Waverly, New York on March 19, 1974. His birth name was Jason Rodney Wilkinson, born to Mary and William Wilkinson. I had talked to Jason's birth father, and he told me Jason's last name now is Langley; that's all he would give me about Jason. Jason was adoupted out in California, around the time he was three years old. It was almost X-mas time. If anyone can help me or knows anything about him, please e-mail me at hodges5@cox.net or call me at (702) 454-2448. Thank you.

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I am searching for my birth mother or any birth family. I was born in Fresno, California - 2/18/54 - Birth name: Edward Melvin Oge Jr. My mother's name was Shirley Mae LeBlanc Oge and was 18 at the time of my birth. I may have been relinquished in San Diego, and I have never found any evidence of a legal adoption. I found my father's family years ago, but unfortunately, my father had passed away before I could talk to him. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you.

---------------------------------

Hi, I am an adopted child and want to find my birth mother and possibly family, but I don't even know were to start. Does anyone have some good info on how to start a search? I have little money, so I'm hoping that it won't cost too much. I am 20 and want to find any other siblings and my mother; please help!!! - Lindsay

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To Speak Out and share your opinion or a comment, or to respond to a message, e-mail editor@adoptionmedia.com

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20. ADOPTION POETRY

THE UNCOUNTED

"How many children do you have?",
they ask. An innocent,
everyday question.
"Three," I respond,
half expecting them
to hear my heart
correcting my mouth.
"No. Four."

I sigh, and agree within myself
that really, it isn't a lie.
The uncounted one,
the denied one,
is not a child that I have.
He was never mine to keep.
Another woman counts him now.
I only grew him.
I never knew him.
He's gone.

Laura Bobbitt May 99
7-28-61 DC

For more adoption poetry, visit Poetry.Adoption.com.

Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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21. ADOPTION CALENDAR

CHAT SCHEDULE:

Sunday:
Reunion Support Group Chat with Loretta in the Search and Reunion room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern

Monday:
Join Dr. Art Becker-Weidman in the hosted chat room at 2 pm Pacific, 3 pm Mountain, 4 pm Central, 5 pm Eastern and ask him questions on attachment therapy and treating children with trauma-attachment disorders.

Adoptee Chat with Thea in the hosted chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern. Thea is a caring adoptee that has recently reunited with her birthmother.

Tuesday:
Birth mom chat with Angelwings. Angel is a birthmom and adoptee. Her chat is held in the BirthMother.chat room at 4 pm Pacific, 5 pm Mountain, 6 pm Central, 7 pm Eastern

Birth father's General Support Chat in the hosted chat room with adoptee and birthfather, Terry. All are invited at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm central, 9 pm Eastern

Wednesday:
Pre- and adoptive parent chat with JJ and friends - Help as you begin the adoption process. Hosted in Adoptive Parents chat room at 5 pm Pacific, 6 pm Mountain, 7 pm Central, 8 pm Eastern.

Parenting issues for adoptive/foster parents with Dimasmom in FosterCare chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern.

Join an informative chat on the ups and downs of reunion hosted by Sabra since 1997. Talk out your next step and share your experiences in search and reunion at 7 pm Pacific, 8 pm Mountain, 9 pm Central, 10 pm Eastern in the Search and Reunion chat room.

Thursday:
Evening with Colleen Buckner, search expert, in Search and Reunion chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern.

Friday:
If you are having a "limbo" type experience with your reunion, come and talk it over with those who've "been there-done that" themselves. Join co-hosting birth mothers, April and Judy, in the Search and Reunion room on Fridays: 5 pm Pacific, 6 pm Mountain, 7 pm Central, 8 pm Eastern.

Saturday:
Older child adoption/foster care behavioral issues with Jerry in FosterCare chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern.

For a listing of times and descriptions and to attend scheduled chats, or join the live chat, visit Forums.Adoption.com/Chat.

ADOPTION EVENTS:

BIRTHPARENT SUPPORT MEETING
December 3 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Birthparents who have placed a child for adoption.

MONTHLY INFORMATIONAL MEETING
December 4 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
The Church on the Rock, 6401 Bandera Rd in San Antonio, Texas
Great Wall China Adoptions
Free monthly information meeting for prospective parents. Interested persons may call (210) 499-0062 for more information.

CHILDREN SEEKING FAMILIES - A look at International Adoption
December 4 (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
Naperville Municipal Center - Lower Level Lunch Room, 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL
Finally Family Adoption Agency
Learn about the home study process and our adoption programs in Bulgaria, Guatemala, Russia and Ukraine. Meet families who have already completed their adoption. Finally Family Adoption Agency Staff will be on site to meet with you and answer your questions. Please R.S.V.P. at (312) 939-9399 or e-mail Nina Loard at nina@finallyfamily.org.

ROCKY RIVER GENERAL MEETING
December 4 (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
West Shore Unitarian Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, birthparents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No registration or membership is required to attend.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 6 (10:30 am - 12:30 pm)
Howson Branch of the Austin Public Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd., Austin, TX 78703
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact Diana or Christine at info@gwcadopt.org or call (512) 323-9595.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 6 (10:30 am - 1:00pm)
Burnsville Public Library, 1101 W. Cty. Rd. 42, Burnsville, MN
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact Laurie Pazdernik at (952) 440-5453 or pazdernik@minnehahaacademy.net.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 6 (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
Arlington Library - Woodland West Branch, 2837 Park Row Dr., Arlington, TX 76010
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact Diana or Christine at info@gwcadopt.org or call (512) 323-9595.

ADOPTION INFORMATIONAL MEETING
December 10 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
HOPE Adoption & Family Services, 5850 Omaha Ave. N., Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
HOPE Adoption & Family Services
For residents of Minnesota or northwestern Wisconsin interested in adopting. Free. Registration requested. Call (651) 439-2446, or visit http://www.HopeAdoptionServices.org.

AKRON GENERAL MEETING
December 10 (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
Akron General Health and Wellness Center, 4125 Medina Road, Akron, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, birthparents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No registration or membership is required to attend.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 11 (6:30 pm - 8:00 pm)
Montrose Public Library, 4100 Montrose Blvd., Houston, TX 77006
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact David Godwin at (713)301-7276.

DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND GENERAL MEETING
December 12 (12:00 pm -­ 1:30 pm - Bring lunch if you wish)
Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, birthparents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No registration or membership is required to attend.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 13 (10:00 am - 12:00pm)
First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, 125 E. Plant St., Winter Garden, FL 34787
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact Susan Fremer at (352) 666-4853 or sfremer@tampabay.rr.com.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 18 (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
L.E.R. Schimelpfenig Public Library, 5024 Custer Rd., Plano, TX 75023
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact Diana or Christine at info@gwcadopt.org or call 512.323.9595.

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP MEETING
December 18 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
McHenry County Mental Health Board Building 620 Dakota Street Crystal Lake, IL 60012 (Dakota Street at Terra Cotta Road; North of Hwy. 176)
Heartstrings Adoption Support
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No membership required to attend these meetings. Questions? Please call (815) 455-2828, or visit http://www.HeartStringsAdoptionSupport.com.

HEIGHTS AREA GENERAL MEETING - Topic: Loss
December 18 (7:30 pm -­ 9:30 pm)
Unity of Greater Cleveland, 3350 Warrensville Ctr Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, birthparents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No registration or membership is required to attend.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 20 (10:00 am - 12:00pm)
Concordia Lutheran Church, 8701 S.W. 124th St., Miami, FL 33176
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact Susan Fremer at (352) 666-4853 or sfremer@tampabay.rr.com.

ADOPTING FROM CHINA - Free Adoption Workshop
December 20 (10:00 am - 12:00pm)
Concordia Lutheran Church, 8701 S.W. 124th St., Miami, FL 33176
Great Wall China Adoption
Join us to learn more about adopting from China. We will be on hand to answer your questions about domestic vs. international adoption, the benefits of adopting from China, and give you the opportunity to meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams! For more information and to register, contact Susan Fremer at (352) 666-4853 or sfremer@tampabay.rr.com.

For local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit Events.Adoption.com.

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CALL FOR CONTENT
Adoption Week Magazine is looking for well-written adoption-related articles, poems, quotes, book reviews, news, event announcements, product reviews, photos, successful adoption and reunion stories, clean humor, job openings, letters to the editor, reviews of adoption websites, product recalls, information on adoption legislation, great deals on adoption and family-related products, other adoption-related content. To submit content, or if you would like to be interviewed or to nominate someone for an adoption service award, please visit AdoptionWeek.com.

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