1. ANNOUNCEMENT

ADOPTION SCREENSAVER COMPETITION
Create an adoption-related screensaver to receive an AdoptionShop.com gift certificate. Adoption.com is sponsoring a competion to find good adoption-related screensavers. The winner will receive a $150 gift certificate, and the runner-up will receive a $75 gift certificate. Winners and runners-up will have their screensavers displayed and available for the adoption community to download for free at http://screensavers.adoption.com. Please send your entries or questions to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

HAVE YOUR ADOPTION STORY IN THE NEWS
Adoption.com will like to thank the community members who have been successful in contacting their local news media with regards to National Adoption Awareness Month. We would like to encourage you to join in the effort to spread the word about adoption worldwide. Contact pr@adoption.com with your media source information, and we will work with you to bring your story to completion.

SEEKING CANADIAN ADOPTEES
The CTV youth documentary series 21c is looking for adoptees who are searching for loved ones lost through adoption and who believe that adoption records should be open. The documentary hopes to explore the difficulties involved in obtaining information about oneself and one's family when there has been an adoption. As the program focuses on young Canadians, we are looking for participants under the age of 30. If you would be interested in sharing your search and views on adoption, please e-mail editor@adoptionmedia.com. You can check out the show online at: http://www.21c.ca.

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2. ADOPTION AND SAFE FAMILY ACT SURVEY

Adoption.com is gathering information for an upcoming panel at the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy that will address how the Adoption and Safe Family Act (ASFA) has influenced professional practice and the lives of people being served. We sincerely appreciate your time in responding to the following questions.

1. How has ASFA changed what you do?

2. What practical advice or tips do you have for working with ASFA?

3. Are children better off as a result of ASFA?

4. What is the most significant way ASFA has impacted what you do?

5. What is the best thing about ASFA?

6. What is the worst thing about ASFA?

7. If you could change one thing about ASFA, what would it be?

8. Is it a necessary evil to create legal orphans, and why?

9. Is concurrent planning a good idea?

10. On a scale of 1 to 10, how good are the ASFA-related resources we currently have available?

11. Please provide a short bio about yourself and your involvement with adoption and ASFA.

Please respond to research@adoptionmedia.com. Thank you for your participation.

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3. 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.

After 35, You Can't Count on Falling Pregnant - new article contributed by Glynis Horning
I was passionate about my work. It absorbed me utterly, and I hadnt met a man yet who could make me even consider slowing down and starting a family. Ray, however, was different. Warm, funny, exciting and extraordinarily understanding. As the head of a Durban-based investigation company, he shared many of my interests, and we clicked the instant we met. Even though I was 39, I got pregnant almost at once. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=338

Re: Birth Mom Still Searching - new article contributed by JGB
E.C., I can't tell you how many times I thought about how proud my birth mother would be if she could be a fly on the wall. I just know she would be SOooo happy and proud of herself for carrying through with such a difficult decision. I love her so much for what she did for me!! To my knowledge, she never tried to find me. Nor, out of respect for her and those who had become part of her life, did I try to find her. NOR did I want to risk hurting my parents feelings by announcing I wanted to find my birth parents! I have waited until they are both deceased to look for my genetic makeup and ancestery. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=339

To People Seeking Birth Relations - new article contributed by Elderberry
This young woman's sense of values were entirely different from mine, and at no time did she treat me or other members of my family respectfully or like fellow human beings. Had she asked me what I needed and wanted from her, and given me the honor of what she was trying to "get" and "take" from me, we could have become real friends: namely, share of herself. But this, she refused to do. She hid behind a telephone, talking to her friends, when she was not grilling me about my genes, and laughing about my hair and voice qualities. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=340

No Coincidences - new article contributed by Mary Jane Maytum
So, we changed course and pursued a domestic adoption. Four birthmothers chose us over a year's time, three would change their minds and choose to keep their baby, the last one within two weeks of giving birth. We were in grief over this last baby that was not meant to be ours when our dog, on which we lavished a lot of love, died as well. Little did we know that a few days later another birthmother would choose us to adopt her baby. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=341

Read these articles at http://e-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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4. ADOPTION NEWS

Thicker Than Water (MN)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/6860754.htm

For Some Columbine Parents, Adoption One Step Toward Healing (CO)
http://adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2003/09/29/news/mtregional/news06.txt

Florida Adoption Agency Investigated in Costa Rican Baby Bust (Costa Rica)
http://adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/world/6888473.htm

Family Adopting Second Child That Needs Transplant (MI)
http://adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://fox17.trb.com/news/092803-wxmi-adoption,0,2291190.story

Reuniting Families, Adoptees (PA)
http://adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2003/09/29/news/news01.txt/a>

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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5. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB

THE WAITING CHILD
The inspiring true story of a four-year-old Chinese orphan who convinces her adoptive American family to return to China to rescue the little boy she couldn't forget. Adopted by an American family at age four, Jaclyn traveled to her new home with a great burden. Her new family had to leave behind a little boy whom she regarded as her responsibility. In the end, this moving story affirms everything that is good and hopeful in life, when, after a two-year effort, the little boy is brought to this country as the adopted son of Jaclyn's American aunt and uncle.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP16666.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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6. EVAN B. DONALDSON ADOPTION INSTITUTE

September 2003 Edition

Laws, Policy & Practice

PROPOSED INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTION REGULATIONS PUBLISHED
The State Department published proposed rules to implement the Intercountry Adoption Act and the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption on September 15, 2003 in the Federal Register. The regulations provide for accreditation and approval standards and procedures for agencies and persons and preservation of Convention records, but regulations governing intercountry adoption procedures have not yet been published. Comments on the proposed regulations must be submitted to the State Department by November 14, 2003. The Adoption Institute has submitted recommendations on earlier drafts of the regulations and will submit comments on the proposed regulations in the coming weeks. To read the records regulations, go to: http://www.regulations.gov/fredpdfs/03-22651.pdf.

$15 MILLION IN ADOPTION INCENTIVE BONUSES AWARDED TO 25 STATES
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded twenty-five states and Puerto Rico nearly $15 million in Adoption Incentive bonuses for increasing adoptions of foster children in fiscal year (FY) 2002. Among the states receiving bonuses, 3,703 more children were adopted in FY02 than FY01. The awards were given to states that have completed more adoptions in FY02 than they completed annually in the last five years. States receive $4,000 for each child adopted beyond its baseline, or best annual total, as well as $2,000 for each special needs child adopted beyond its baseline. Rep. Camp (R-MI) introduced legislation (HR3182) on September 25, 2003 to reauthorize and amend the Adoption Incentive program by rewarding states for increasing adoptions, special needs adoptions and older child adoptions. The Senate is considering legislation (S1439) to promote older child adoptions. To read the bills, go to: http://thomas.loc.gov/ and type S1439 or HR3182 in the bill number field.

CONGRESS CONSIDERING LEVEL FUNDING FOR SAFE AND STABLE FAMILIES
The House and Senate have passed FY2004 appropriations bills to fund the Department of Health and Human Services, including $405 million for the Promoting Safe and Stable Families program, the same funding level as FY2003. The Presidents budget, by contrast, requested $505 million for the program, which funds adoption promotion and support services, in addition to other child welfare services. The appropriations bills are currently being deliberated by a committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate measures, but since both bills contained the same funding levels for Safe and Stable Families, the amount is unlikely to change without pressure from the White House.

COURT VOIDS GUATEMALAS IMPLEMENTATION OF HAGUE CONVENTION
The Constitutional Court of Guatemala published its decision ruling that Guatemalas accession to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is unconstitutional. The Guatemalan Solicitor Generals office (PGN) indicated it would return to the previous system, working through notary publics, after the ruling was published on September 12, 2003. The State Department warned that prospective adoptive parents should expect delays due to case backlogs, but stated that the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in Guatemala City will begin accepting new I-600s for approval. For more information, go to: http://travel.state.gov/guatemala_notice.html.

HAGUE CONVENTION ENTERS INTO FORCE IN BELARUS
As of November 1, 2003, the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption will enter into force in the Republic of Belarus. Americans adopted 169 children from Belarus in 2002, ranking it 14th among sending countries to the U.S. For more information, go to: http://www.hcch.net/e/status/adoshte.html.

Research

SURVEY REPORTS GRANDPARENTS NOW CARING FOR 1.3 MILLION CHILDREN
According to the National Survey of Americas Families (NSAF), 1.3 million children (1.8% of all children) were cared for by grandparents in 1999, accounting for 58% of the children living in relative care. For the vast majority of these children (1.1 million), the arrangements were made privately, while for the remaining 200,000, child welfare officials played a role. Based on the 1999 NSAF data, an August 2003 Urban Institute report finds that compared to children living with other relatives, children living with grandparents are more likely to live in poverty (though not have housing and child care problems) and with a caregiver in poor health. Children in both relative caregiver groups, however, are as likely to have health, behavioral or emotional, or school problems. Though all grandparent caregivers are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families child-only payments and all children in relative care are eligible for Medicaid, only 29% receive foster care or child-only payments and 47% receive Medicaid. The authors recommend improving service delivery through improved targeting, outreach and access. To read this article, go to: http://www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/310842_B-55.pdf.

PHYSICIANS PROVIDE HEALTH ADVICE FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS
Noting that internationally adopted children are at increased risk for infectious diseases and often have uncertain immunization status, Chen et al make recommendations for adoptive parents to reduce the risk of transmission. Preventing Infectious Diseases During and After International Adoption provides suggestions for pre-travel consultation and for protecting other family members. The report cites a study finding that important medical conditions were identified in 57% of 293 internationally adopted children, 81% of which were identified by obtaining a specific panel of screening tests. The September 2003 article in Annals of Internal Medicine also gives an overview of specific infectious diseases and their case rates for internationally adopted children including tuberculosis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, mumps and intestinal parasites as well as of vaccination rates. To read the article, go to: http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/139/5_Part_1/371.pdf.

News

IOWA MAY CURB SUBSIDIES TO PARENTS ADOPTING FROM FOSTER CARE
The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) is considering cutting assistance to adoptive parents of children from the foster care system, including eliminating the subsidy for minority infants. The state does not plan to cut off those parents already receiving the subsidy, but would not offer it to the estimated 75 families that would be eligible in 2004. Additionally, Iowa is proposing to eliminate the subsidy for children at risk of mental, physical or emotional disabilities, though the state would maintain it for those diagnosed with such problems. These two proposals would yield an annual savings of less than $250,000. Iowa has more children in subsidized adoptions than in the foster care system. To read the article, go to: http://www.dmregister.com/news/stories/c4780934/22211963.html.

Credit: The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute (Month) Newsletter

7. MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS

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

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Adoption is music to our ears...now it can be for you, too.




Adoption.com's new adoption CD, "Adoption...The Songs You Love", is dedicated to everyone who has been touched by adoption in one way or another. ORDER YOUR CD! http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00022.html




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8. SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION

We've met the most wonderful birthmother through our parent profile! And she is due in March 2004. Not only do we get to experience the birth of our child (we'll be the coaches), but we also get to participate in the prenatal visits and birthing classes. Thanks for giving us the outlet to connect with her!

Mark & Peggy

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

Ruby is a very active, talkative and hyper vigilant little girl. She has a good memory, good insight, and a lot of energy. Ruby enjoys Christian as well as popular music. Ruby is a vulnerable young girl that is currently experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety. She is suffering from unresolved disappointment and frustration. She struggles with low self-worth and is concerned about her body image. These issues are being addressed in counseling. She does respond to positive praises. She is diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression and mixed receptive expressive language disorder. A two-parent home that will adopt Ruby and her siblings would be ideal. The family should be encouraging and support Ruby and her need to enhance her self-worth and self-esteem.

http://photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,800 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

11. ADOPTION BUZZ

Case Workers & Social Workers: - Question about Terminology
http://forums.adoption.com/t116450.html

Parenting Support: - Stress! How to Manage It before It Manages You
http://forums.adoption.com/t116446.html

Sealed Records: - Help... I'm Running Out of Ideas!
http://forums.adoption.com/t115811.html

Special Needs Adoption: - What States Should I Avoid & Other Advice?
http://forums.adoption.com/t3948.html

Birthfamily Post Relinquishment: Healing, Recovery, and Success: - Maternal Grandmother and Depression
http://forums.adoption.com/t116433.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 http://www.AdoptionForums.com.

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12. ATTACHMENT & BONDING ISSUES

Falling Through the Cracks - Nancy Geoghegan, creator of AttachmentAdoption.com and moderator of the Attachment and Bonding Forums

He longed to be held, touched, caressed, talked to, played with, comforted, but there was no one else in this cold, wet, and smelly existence. Thus the infant learned to shut down. Slowly he learned not to feel the pain in his middle as much or the sores on him from the cold and constantly wet nappy. He learned to stare at the marks on the ceiling and when he could move, he learned to rock back and forth to meet his own needs for stimulation as best as he could.

These early experiences that continued and worsened for my son left him with neurological, emotional, social, and physiological issues that have affected every part of his life including school. He has learned to compensate for many of them, and he is still healing with the Lords help. School continues to be the biggest stressor in his life, and I struggle to find the one or two people in his school that will take the time to understand my wounded son.

I will be compiling a notebook with my articles, articles of others who understand these kids and how to help them in school. God willing, this time, Nik wont fall through the cracks again.

To read the rest of this article, visit http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=337.

For next weeks article, please email your questions to Nancy Geoghegan. I will answer them all and choose two to be featured in our article. Dr. Art, my co-moderator for the Attachment and Bonding forums will contribute to these Q and As. God bless you and yours!

Nancy G.

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13. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

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

AdoptionDirectory.com is the internet's largest directory of exclusively adoption professionals. Find an adoption agency, adoption attorney, or search 30+ other categories here.

For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit AdoptionSites.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 Bolivia.

Bolivia is located in Central South America, southwest of Brazil. As of July 2001, its population was 8,300,463. Long one of the poorest and least developed Latin American countries, Bolivia has made considerable progress toward the development of a market-oriented economy.

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

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15. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

GRANDMA AND MOSES

My three-year-old granddaughter was being inquisitive and asked, "Grandma, are you Sissy's grandma, too?"

I said, "Yes."

She thought for a bit, then she replied, "Grandma, you know what?" I asked her what.

She said, "You are Jesus' grandma, too!

At that point my daughter laughed and told her she was right, "Grandma was there when Moses parted the Red Sea."

My granddaughter is five now and still believes that!

Contributed by: Rose Conklin

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

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16. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Building Blocks Adoption
Medina, OH
Phone: (330) 725-5521
info@bbas.org

Building Blocks Adoption, providing one on one adoption assistance to all qualified Adoptive parents. Programs in Eastern Europe, Asia & Central America, Providing homestudy & post adoption services.

Services: Adoption Agencies Home Studies Belize Bulgaria Georgia Guatemala Haiti
Kazakhstan Russia

For more information on Building Blocks Adoption, visit http://www.bbas.org/.

Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at http://directory.adoption.com.

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

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17. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

Heart Bracelet - Only $15.00

This beautiful pewter bracelet will be a reminder of all the love involved in adoption. The pewter biomagnetic bracelet will adjust to your wrist.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/DEB00001.html.

For more adoption products, visit http://adoptionshop.com.

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18. COUNSEL FROM AN ADOPTEE

This section is not intended for search advice. It is meant to be an advice 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:

I am a birth mother. The daughter I placed for adoption at 7 months of age will be 14 years old in February. It began as an open adoption. We have not had contact for almost 10 years now. I spoke with her wonderful adoptive father a couple of months ago, the conversation was initiated my me, and albeit out of the blue, it went extremely well. I was overjoyed to hear from him about all of her precious life to this point. Speaking with him reinforced my feelings of knowing that she would have a blessed life full of love.

It was going to be discussed between he & "A's" mom as to whether it would be OK to set up a visit between them & myself, husband, and 8-year-old daughter. I have not heard back from them, and am unsure as to how to handle that. Should I call again? Should I write? What advice would you give me? I know from our conversation that she has asked about me, and I also respect their wishes. I just don't know what their wishes are because I have not heard back from them.

Thank you. - T

Answer:

T.

My advice to you would be to keep the contact information current between you and the adoptive parents. I don't think it would be wise to push the issue with them. Your daughter is still very young, and I am sure that the adoptive parents are very sensitive to that. In general, I think a lot of adoptive parents are sensitive to the biological parents having contact with the children. If you recall, in the 70's and 80's there were many cases where biological mothers had second thoughts about the adoption and went back to court and won their children back. In many cases, this was a few years into the child's development, and not as an infant. Although, I am not saying that this is the case at all with you.

I am glad to hear that the initial contact with the adoptive father went well. Since you have their information, I would send a letter/email simply stating that you appreciated his time a few months ago, and that you understand that your proposition may take time to consider. State that you will give them time to consider it or possible compromises, but in the mean time, you want to provide them with your current contact information and will continue to (provided they have no objections) if you move, etc.

This is a very sensitive situation, and I think the best course of action is to come off as very mindful of their feelings and wishes as possible. I think it is wonderful that you have their information and they have yours, many people don't have that. I wish you and your family the best.

DB

Question:

I am a 34-year-old women who is married with three children, ages 8,10 & 12. My question is when should I tell my three children about their half-brother, who I relinquished as a baby over 15 years ago? I had a closed adoption and do not get pictures as often as I would like. They have a different biological father as well. Thanks.

Answer:

This is a tough one. I always condone being honest with your children about everything. Since there are three of them, if you only tell the older one, he will certainly share the information with his brothers.

Honestly, I do not know your children, so I cannot properly comment on whether or not they are mature enough to handle the absolute truth; that is a decision you will have to make. Just know, I do condone complete honestly in almost all cases (but age and maturity, as well as the ability to process that type of information constructively, is important).

I would suggest, if you feel they are ready, starting by discussing adoption in general. Once you feel they have a strong understanding of that, then I would suggest telling them about their half brother.

I wish you luck and hope that I have been of some help.

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 just wanted to take a quick moment to thank Adoption.com -- with your help and services, my BIRTH MOM was able to find me! I am going to meet her and two additonal brothers next weekend! I am really excited. I have been talking on the phone with lots of relatives and finding out what really happened and why my MOM didn't get to raise me! Again, thank you for everything that you did, and I look forward to the continued use of your service in finding my 2 other brothers!! I know that they are out there somewhere, and I desperately want to find them!
- Lisa

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Hi, I just wanted to share my comments with you about the article (Birth Mother Still Searching). I have always had doubt that my biological mother ever thought about me or not. If she had, why hasn't she tried to find me? I have made myself available any and every where possible.

Thanks to this mother's article, I have found some hope that has never been there before, that just possibly my biological mother and father for that matter, do think of me, and do love me as their daughter. I struggle with my adoption every day. Some days it consumes me, others I'm more able to deal with it. My thanks goes out to that mother because she definitely brought hope into my world. I have included her in my daily prayers that she may one day be reunited with her daughter. What more can a person ask for! Thank you, Neysa

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Your site was the key to finding my mother after nearly 36 years. Thanks so much. She has been looking for me without my adopted name for 30+ years. - CAS

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I have found my son. He saw my post (on AdoptionForums.com). Thank you, thank you, thank you, and God bless. - Gayle

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I have found my birth daughter after looking for 41 years. I was thrilled. I had been contacted about five years before by her Uncle Bob to tell me her father, Dugan had died in a fire. I called Bob and his wife Kay to tell them I had found her. Then I gave their phone number to Kimberly (my daughter). She called and they said they would send a picture of her dad. They never did. So I went on line and found the name of his new wife. I put in his last name and the state he lived in and found the name, because she was the only one in his age bracket. I gave the number to Kimberly and said if she did not call, I would. She had a friend call, because she is afraid of being hurt. Eilene said she had a brother (Mark) and a sister (Kimberly Ann). We were both shocked that Dugan would name his second daughter after the first. Eilene said she would tell Mark and Kimberly that they have a sister and would sent a picture of Dugan and the other children. Up to this point all seems well; however, they never sent the pictures and they never contacted my daughter again. I have two other children and we have had a wonderful meeting and are trying to put the past in the past and have a new family now. I would like to help my daughter contact her other brother and sister and get a picture of her dad. I do not understand why these people are not just opening their hearts to my daughter. She is as sweet as they come. My question is should I call them up and tell them how I feel or should I just shake the dust from my heels and move on? I can probably get a picture of Dugan from his yearbook at high school. Sincerely, JRD

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I was born Marie Eleanor Kuhn in Pennsylvania on February 17, 1961. Adopted on December 13, 1961 after several months in foster care. Would appreciate any information anyone could provide. Please respond to pwpsvcs@netzero.net. Thank you.

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Hi, my name now is Michelle +++++++.I was born Christina Brown, in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Misercordia Hospital. My maiden name is Switzer. My origin is Scottish.I have a half-sister also given up for adoption. She was born in August of 1961, also in Winnipeg. My biological mother was an office clerk, stood 5'9", wore glasses and had upper dentures. If this sounds familiar to you, PLEASE e-mail me at: mitchstmp@hotmail.com. I'll be waiting for your response. Thank you!!!

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I am looking for the son I gave up for adoption on July 23, 1973. His birth name was Joseph Michael Day. He was born in Jackson, Michigan. I have been trying to find him for many years. There may be some family medical history he needs to know. Please email me with any information. - cday127@adelphia.net

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Hello, this Halloween (10/31/03) I will celebrate my 35th birthday. I was adopted by a couple in Cleveland, Ohio. Although we moved a few times while I was younger, most of my childhood has been spent here in Wisconsin. My adoption records indicate that I was conceived by a couple that had hopes of marrying, but wanted to finish school first. It also seems that I have an uncle that is 3 years older than I am. I am very interested in finding my birth parents if for no other reason than to let them know that I am well and thank them for my life. I have a family of my own now (wife and 2 girls, ages 6 and 4). I filed a letter and a picture with the court system several months ago. If you have reason to believe that you are related to me, please respond or contact the Cuyahoga Cty Probate Court.

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Hello, my adopted name is Michael Fusco. I am 34 years old and am searching for my birth family. I have a lot of information about my birth family, my adoption, and my birth, I just don't know where to turn; please help. Here goes: I was born Michael Ray Pettibone on September 8, 1969 at 3:44 pm (birth #121-69-117147) in Westland (Wayne County), Michigan, to Kathy Pettibone. My birth certificate was filed on 9-22-69 at the Dept of Public Health in Lansing, MI. I have a PRESCAD family ID card(#121473-7) that has my mother's name and my older brother's name, Charles R. Pettibone, d.o.b. 02-69. I was adopted in Elmira, N.Y. on February 3, 1972 at the family court of Chemung County, by Michele and Patrick Fusco. If you can help me find any of my family, I would be eternally grateful. P.S. I did not mention my father's name because I do not know it. Thank you, and God bless, MICHAEL FUSCO

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This is Jennifer Ann Volker, and my birth name is Jennifer Ann Morgan. I was adopted at age six, and I hope by birth mom will get this. I was born at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and my birthday is May 24, 1985. My sister's name is Christina Star Morgan; she was adopted with me. Hopefully (someone) can help...!! : ) - sunshine17jenni2@hotmail.com

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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

I REFLECT AS I WAIT

When I first learned of your existence, I was so many miles away
An unfamiliar ocean held and captured my tears
The light that is your spirit held and captured my own and over my heart
it held sway The tears were of confusion, joy and fears
Yet destiny's course had been plotted and my only thoughts were of you
Your mother and I conferred and we easily concluded
That you were our life now, and it was your life we entered into
We were so young, forgive us for being deluded
We were so very, very young and the web of innocence still cocooned us
The realities of this world can be harsh, the choices we make sometimes
are not our own We learned that the world turns a blind eye to injustice
and, yes, it soon does I had made a commitment and I felt it my charge to
protect you, you who were the seed that we had sown We were beguiled by
the coercion of man's indifference
We were so wholly unprepared
To wrap you in a worthy existence
We need you to know that we were so very scared
You are in our hearts and thoughts daily, and this love is very real We
need you to know that our hearts are with you and that we wanted you for
our own Yet circumstances and our youthful naivete' stamped this seal
On our hearts, this loss we share from not shaping our own world for this
seed that we had sown We need you to believe that this travesty is not
your fault
We hold and cherish each and every moment that you were in our embrace In
the most beautiful and sacred vault
It is all held for you, waiting, the love that we hold for you in this
inviolable place We wait so longingly for the day that we can be
reunited, to be as one We remember and we love and we wait
For three to accept and enfold under God's purest day in the sun

J.T. - September, 1999
A poem for my daughter, Jasmine, who was placed for adoption. I am still waiting.

For more adoption poetry, visit http://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

Attachment Disorder: A Journey of Hope Chat with Parent Nancy Geoghegan; educational weekly chat at 7 pm Pacific, 8 pm Mountain, 9 pm Central, 10 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 http://forums.adoption.com/chat.

ADOPTION EVENTS:

AKRON GENERAL MEETING
October 8 (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.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR FAMILIES
October 9 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
Cuyahoga County DCFS, 3955 Euclid Ave., 3rd Floor, Cleveland
Adoption Network Cleveland
Presenter: Kim Langley
RSVP: Free workshop. Foster parent training certificates and social work/counselor CEUs provided. Registration is required, please call (216) 881-7511. Registration closes 3 days prior to workshop.

DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND GENERAL MEETING
October 10 (11:00 am - 1:00 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 - Information Meeting
October 11 (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)
Whites Chapel Methodist Church, Southlake, TX
Great Wall China Adoption
Learn about China's adoption program from start to finish. Meet families who have already completed their China adoption dreams. Founder, Snow Wu, will be on hand to meet and answer your questions. Seating is limited and lunch will be provided. Cost is $7.00 per person. Register online at http://www.gwcadopt.org/wsregister.htm or call (512) 323.9595 x2510.

ADOPTION 101
October 11 (12:30 pm 5:00 pm - registration at 12:00)
Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
A workshop for people looking into adoption for the first time. The presentation includes information on: getting, started, timelines, expenses, special issues, infant adoption, waiting children in Ohio, birthfamilies and more. Open to the public. RSVP: Registration is $35 per person or $45 per couple before 10-8-03. Registration after 10-08-03 or at the door is $40 per person or $50 per couple. Seating is limited, so please call (216) 881-7511 to register early.

ADOPTION EDUCATION SERIES FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
October 11 (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
Santa Cruz, California
Adoption Paths
Prospective adoptive parents are invited to explore their questions and concerns about all types of adoption in a four-week educational series led by Sara Lively, M.S.Ed. For more information and to register, call (831) 476-7252 or visit http://www.adoptionpaths.com

EDUCATION SERIES FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
October 11 - November 1 (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
Santa Cruz, California
Adoption Paths
Prospective adoptive parents are invited to explore their questions and concerns about all types of adoption in a four-week educational series led by Sara Lively, M.S.Ed. For more information and to register, call (831) 476-7252 or visit http://www.adoptionpaths.com

ABC'S OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
October 14 (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
First United Methodist Church at 6701 JFK Blvd, North Little Rock, AR
Dillon International, Inc.
During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. Please call Kimberly Alls at (501) 791-9300, email DillonArkansas@dillonadopt.com, call (918) 749-4600, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm for details.

TELLING THE TRUTH TO YOUR ADOPTED CHILD
October 16 (6:00 pm 9:00 pm)
Berea Childrens Home, 303 E. Bagley, Berea
Adoption Network Cleveland
Presenter: Cheryl Reber
RSVP: Free workshop. Foster parent training certificates and social work/counselor CEUs provided. Registration is required, please call (216) 881-7511. Registration closes 3 days prior to workshop.

HEIGHTS AREA GENERAL MEETING
October 16 (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.

WEAVING CULTURES NURTURING FAMILIES
October 18 (9:00 am 4:00 pm)
Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
A look at transracial and transcultural adoption. Open to the public. RSVP: Registration is $40 per person, includes refreshments at each session. Seating is limited, so please call (216) 881-7511 to register early.

ABC'S OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
October 18 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Christ Presbyterian Church, 350 Henley Road, Richmond, IN
Dillon International, Inc.
During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. Please call (765) 965-1195, email Karin@dillonadopt.com, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm for details.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SUPPORT MEETING
October 22 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
Euclid Public Library, Erie Room, 631 E. 222nd St., Euclid, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents of internationally adopted children. No registration or membership is required to attend. Note: Due to Holidays in November and December, the next meeting will be January 28, 2004.

THE LIFEGIVERS FESTIVAL
October 23 - 26
Higgins Lake, Michigan
Open Adoption Insight
The Lifegiver's Festival is a conference/retreat specifically designed for birthparents in open adoptions. It strives to provide a safe, nurturing place where birthparents can learn, connect and discuss issues most important to them. It also is a place where birthparents can find honor, respect and support for their role in their child's life. For more information go to: http://openadoptioninsight.org/lifegiver.htm

WEAVING CULTURES NURTURING FAMILIES
October 25 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm)
Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
A look at transracial and transcultural adoption. Open to the public. RSVP: Registration is $40 per person, includes refreshments at each session. Seating is limited, so please call (216) 881-7511 to register early.

ONE-DAY INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SEMINAR
October 25 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)
St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 6680 Crestway Road, San Antonio, TX
Dillon International, Inc.
International adoption can be a wonderful experience. Meet adoptive families, their children, and staff members of Dillon International, Inc. This one day seminar is from. The cost is $60.00 for a married couple and $50.00 for a single adult applicant. The fee covers lunch and seminar materials. Facilities do not provide childcare. To register, email bev@dillonadopt.com, call (918)749-4600, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm for details.

ABC'S OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
October 25 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Dillon International Office at 3227 E. 31st Street, Tulsa, OK
Dillon International, Inc.
During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. Please call (918) 749-4600, email info@dillonadopt.com, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm for details.

EDUCATION SERIES FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
October 27 - December 15 (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
San Jose, California
Adoption Paths
Prospective adoptive parents are invited to explore their questions and concerns about all types of adoption in a four-week educational series led by Sara Lively, M.S.Ed. For more information and to register, call (831) 476-7252 or visit http://www.adoptionpaths.com

LAKE COUNTY GENERAL MEETING
October 28 (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm) Deepwood North Apartments, Rental Office/Community Room, and 8100 Deepwood Blvd. (off Rt. 84) Mentor, Ohio; Follow signs to rental office
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.

WORKSHOP FOR NON-RESIDENT INDIAN (NRI) FAMILIES CONSIDERING ADOPTION
October 30 (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
38 Edge Hill Road, Waltham, MA Wide
Horizons For Children
Free workshop for couples of Indian heritage and others seeking more information about adopting from India. Couples up to age 40 may adopt an infant; up to age 50 for older children. A family who has just completed their adoption will speak about their experience. For further information, or to reserve a place at the workshop, please contact Homai Dalal Schmidt at (781) 419-0323 or by e-mail at hschmidt@whfc.org.

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH LUNCHEON
November 1 (12:30 pm - 3:30 pm)
Fiorillo’s Italian Ristorante
Silicon Valley Concerned United Birthparents (CUB)
Co-sponsors: SearchFinders of California, American Adoption Congress
Speaker: Nancy Verrier Author of "The Primal Wound" Californians touched by adoption and all adoption professionals are invited. Each attendee will receive an autographed copy of Nancy's eagerly anticipated new book on adoptee healing being published in Oct. Tickets: $45/person prior to Oct. 15, $50/person after Oct. 16 and before cut-off of October 28 (advance reservation only; no ticket sales at door). Reservations with check or money order should be mailed to: Delayn Curtis, 721 Cedar Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076. For additional info, e-mail aliciakla@earthlink.net.

SHARED CONNECTIONS: BRINGINGING BIRTHMOMS AND ADOPTIVE MOMS TOGETHER
November 13th - 16th
Higgins Lake, Michigan
Open Adoption Insight
Shared Connections is a conference/retreat that strives to help birthmothers and adoptive mothers understand each other by discussing the similarities as well as the differences in our experiences. For more information go to: http://openadoptioninsight.org/shared_connections.htm.

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

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