1.   ANNOUNCEMENTS:
     - Write reviews on AdoptionShop.com products and books
     - Parenting message boards at AdoptionForums.com
     - April chat series on AdoptionForums.com chatroom 
2.   NEW ARTICLES
3.   ADOPTION NEWS
4.   ADOPTION BOOK CLUB - adoption book review
5.   MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS
6.   FEATURED WAITING CHILD
7.   ADOPTION GEM - inspirational thought
8.   ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT
9.   ADOPTION DESTINATIONS - international adoption
10.  JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT - clean weekly humor
11.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL
12.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK - review of an adoption product
13.  SPEAK OUT - contributions from our readers
14.  ADOPTION POETRY
15.  ADOPTION CALENDAR - adoption events, seminars, & chats

New Fm Magazine! Introducing, the first print magazine, ever, that is geared toward birth mothers. This 30+ page full color, print magazine is filled with personal stories as told by "fm's" in their own words from their own experiences. It will also contain articles, resources, current events, columns, and features that effect and impact birth mothers from all walks of life. Fm (First Mother) is all about the truth as we, the birth mothers, know it. Subscribe, contribute, advertise, and become a part of this amazing magazine today! http://www.fm-magazine.com Help! How Do I Write This? Expressing emotions, feelings, and needs in ways that produce positive results is often difficult to do. For some, it can feel overwhelming, sometimes even frightening, and can be stressful. You aren't alone. There is help. Courtney has worked with hundreds of triad members in creating written expressions of the heart that have delivered powerful results. Contact Courtney Frey today at http://www.courtneyfrey.com . 10% off all services this month only for Adoption Weekly subscribers who mention this ad.

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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.

The Search for My Three Children - new article by Xaja Mykil
Because my son had several medical conditions and needed monthly clinic checkups, it was suggested that if I allowed the aunt & uncle to adopt the children, they would be covered under their new parents health insurers. It would be more convenient and less costly to me. Feeling so guilt ridden at the time for what I had done to my son, I agreed only because I was assured I would have supervised visitation with my children. By the end of the following year, the children had been taken out of the state, and I had no contact with them at all. Their grandmother was not returning my calls and I was becoming more unstable due to my own undiagnosed emotional and mental illness. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=252

Response to Julie (Speak Out Article 4/1/03) - new article by DW
My parents have always been open with me about being adopted and when I turned 18, I asked for more information if there was any. As it turned out, my adoptive parents had all of my paper which they gave to me and allowed me to look through. No one's feelings were hurt because everyone (myself, my mom and my dad) was open about their feelings. I let them know that no two people in my life are more important to me than they are, and that my asking for more information or for searching had nothing to do with their parenting (good or bad) and that it was just something I had to do. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=253

Wishful Thinking, Doesn't Make It, So DNA Testing A Must - new article by Anonymous
One cannot begin to understand the trauma this family is going through at this time. Adoption is a lifelong process, from the birth, to the adoption, making the decision to search and finally the reunion. It is so important to have DNA testing done, even if you think you are positive of what the outcome will be. There can be no room for error in reuniting families. Pat has the loving support of her family, faith, and friends, this will see her through this trying time. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=254

Miracles DO Happen - new article by Anonymous
We decided to work really hard and pay off our credit card.(We did.) My husband took a less paying job to get health insurance. We moved into a house. (My parents had moved to Florida.) After all of this, we still didn't have the money. We didn't want to borrow from family. This is something we wanted to do on our own. That Fall, we spoke one more time with the social worker, telling her all our plans, but that is where it ended. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=255

Read these articles or contribute an article at http://e-magazine.adoption.com.

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Why pay $20 or more for Internet access? With AdoptionISP.com, you pay as low as $12.95 per month, and $3 of your monthly payment is donated to adoption causes. Adoption ISP is a reliable, full-service, nationwide Internet Service Provider (ISP). Sign up for high-speed or dial-up internet access, save money, and make a difference at http://www.AdoptionISP.com.
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3. ADOPTION NEWS

Children Reunite with St. Peter Mom (MN)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.mankatofreepress.com/archives/2003/030401/reunitedKids4-1.html

One Ministry for Children Welfare - Proposal (Africa)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.ippmedia.com/guardian/2003/04/02/guardian4.asp

Vigil Takes Stand Against Child Abuse (OH)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/news/stories/20030401/localnews/34054.html

Joni Mitchell Documentary Balances Music and Emotion (FL)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Apr/04012003/tuesday/43716.asp

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 BOOK CLUB

OUR CHOSEN CHILD
Parents record every milestone-from the first smile to the first day at school-in a child's baby book for posterity. Thanks to best-selling author Judith Levy, adoptive parents can now express their joy and love for a child in a baby book created especially for them. Our Chosen Child omits the traditional space for recording details about the pregnancy, labor, and delivery, highlighting instead the special preparations adoptive parents make and the excitement and anticipation they feel. All adoptive parents will want to complete this treasury of memories for their own chosen child.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00054.html.

Find 7,000+ 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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5. 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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6. FEATURED WAITING CHILD

Rigoberto, Juan, Leopoldo, and Maria are a group of Hispanic-African American-European children available for adoption. These children will be placed together. They have been involved in child protection and social services for most of their lives, but have been stable in their current foster home for three years. They all receive Special Education support services in school and are doing very well. They are also in therapy, which will need to be ongoing. The children love sports and do well in them. We are looking for a strong adoptive family who can provide structure and nurturance.

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

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7. ADOPTION GEM

8. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

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

With over 5,000 names in this database, the perfect name for your daughter or son, with its meaning, origin, and similar names, should not be hard to find. Begin your search here, with any letter of the alphabet!

For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit http://adoptions.adoption.com.

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9. ADOPTION DESTINATIONS

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 Colombia.

Colombia is located in Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama. The ethnic groups in Colombia are mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1%, and the main language spoken is Spanish. 90% of the population is Roman Catholic.

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

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10. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

NICKEL-DIMING JOHNNY

There was a little boy named Johnny who used to hang out at the local corner market. The owner didn't know what Johnny's problem was, but the boys would constantly tease him.

They would always comment that he was two bricks shy of a load, or two pickles short of a barrel. To prove it, sometimes they would offer Johnny his choice between a nickel (5 cents) and a dime (10 cents) and John would always take the nickel -- they said, because it was bigger.

One day after John grabbed the nickel, the store owner took him aside and said "Johnny, those boys are making fun of you. They think you don't know the dime is worth more than the nickel. Are you grabbing the nickel because it's bigger, or what?"

Slowly, Johnny turned toward the store owner and a big grin appeared on his face and Johnny said, "Well, if I took the dime, they'd stop doing it, and so far I have saved $20!"

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

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11. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

International Children's Alliance
Washington DC, DC
Phone: (202) 463-6874
adoptionop@aol.com

Licensed, not-for-profit agency for China and Eastern Europe including Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Albania

Services: • Adoption Agencies • Home Studies • International Adoption
Countries: • Albania • Bulgaria • China • Russia • Ukraine

For more information on International Children's Alliance, visit http://www.adoptica.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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12. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

My Baby Angel Sterling Silver Slide Charm - Only $49.00

This slide charm is of substantial weight measuring approximately 1" X 3/4" and has a heart shaped area on the back for engraving a date. It exhibits precision detail. A baby angel is contently tucked ever so safe in God's hand. The shooting star reminds us that each time we see one overhead the baby angels are playing in the heavens. Our newest heartfelt design ‘My Baby Angel’ is being worn for a new or awaited birth as a reminder of Gods greatest gift. Or as a gentle reminder for the little souls that will forever rest peacefully in God's loving hand. It is also being worn by some just because they love angels.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/HRT00004.html.

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



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13. SPEAK OUT

I am looking for my biological parents. I am a female, born on July 9, 1973 in Lincoln, Nebraska at Lincoln General Hospital and was adopted through Catholic Social Services in Lincoln. I am DESPERATE for medical information, and I don't have the finances to pay Catholic Social Services for information that I need. - M.C.

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I am looking for my best friend's birth parents. She was born Tami Sue Smith on June 8, 1962, in Nashville, Tennessee. Her birth father is Lawrence Eugene Smith (from Waverly, Tennessee) and birth mother Dorothy Lou Jones (from Tulsa, Oklahoma). Tami was given up for adoption in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1964. Please contact me if you know their whereabouts! Thanks, Tina Kutschbach tinak@adelphia.net

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My name is Lee Corbett, and I am looking for Michael Lee Corbett. He was born APRIL 12, 1981 in Key Largo, FL. I was told he was adopted in 1987. I have been suffering from lung cancer for the past year, and I don't have much longer.

Michael, if you're out there, please contact me. I would like to see you before I go. I have been looking for you for a long time now. - IRONMANLEE9@AOL.COM

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Hello, my name is Mary Farmer, and I had been looking for my biological father for over ten years now. Over the years, I could never find him; I was just getting dead ends. Then last year, I got my computer and had posted my message looking for him. On Christmas day, they found me!!!! I was so happy. Sadly, my father had passed away, but I was showered with love from his brothers and sister. So the letters started, emails, you name it. I really connected with his sister and brother in a way I can't explain. I felt so much love for these people I had never even met, and that was hard for me to deal with.

The day came that my aunt and uncle were coming to see me. They lived in Kentucky, and I live in Oregon. My aunt's daughter was coming with them too. Well, they made it as far as Oklahoma, and there was a car accident. My cousin, my aunt's daughter, was killed. The sadness that came over me was overwelming. They were on their way to see me and this happens. What do we do next? Will there be a future? These are answers I want to know. I'm hoping someone will help us. Listen to my story... Thank you, Mary Farmer...lucmar4@msn.com

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My name is Julie Ann Nice, and I am looking for my birth son born at Univ. of California San Diego Medical Center on April 15th, 1966. His birth name was Jimmy Doyle Nice. I may be contacted through my e-mail address: jnice@fourstarnet.net. Thank you.

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I have found and contacted my adopted son. I know it was a lot for him to absorb. My last comments to him were that I would wait for him to be ready to call me back. That was 2 weeks ago, and I have not heard from him. I am so afraid that he does not want to have contact with me, but I hoope and pray that he will let me into a little corner of his life.

I have waited for 37 years to hear his voice, and I can't tell you how elated that made me feel!!! If anyone has any experience with this sort of thing, or if an adoptee or birth parent has any advice, please e-mail me at: S.LUZAMBA@VERIZON.NET. I was also thinking of sending a birthday card, since his birthday is something I have celebrated in my heart all his life. That day is in 2 weeks. Is this a good idea? Thanks for any input. - SL

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I was born March 5, 1951 in the hospital in Nyackn, New York as "baby boy Miller". I was adopted by Walter and Jean Meyer. According to "vague" documentation, I have biological half siblings. There is mention of a situation in which my birth mother was given an ultimatum: She either must give me up for adoption or lose any rights to her other children, by her husband, who was NOT my biological father. I was three days old when adopted by wonderful people. Unfortunately, Jean Meyer, who adopted me, died of M.S. when I was 3 1/2 years old. If anyone has information about who my birth mother is or was and who my half siblings might be, please e-mail me at alternad@yahoo.com. I then can decide the wisdom in contact or not. Thank you! - Roger Meyer

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Request for short stories: Are you affected by adoption in some way? We invite you to share your adoption experiences in a short story that can be written about any facet of adoption, that will be compiled in a book and shared with others. For more information, contact Dale@gabrielsadoptionstories.com.

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Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc. (a RI-based, independent research firm), in cooperation with The Cradle (an IL-based adoption agency), is testing a self-assessment questionnaire that will help prospective parents as they journey towards forming a family through adoption. If you know of people who are in the very early phases of the adoptive parent preparation process, or who are just beginning to think about adoption, we would appreciate their participation in this research.

Participants will be mailed a survey to complete, which they will then return (anonymously) to Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc. For more information, or to request participation, please call Jennifer Montgomery at The Cradle (847) 448-8881, or send an e-mail to jmontgomery@cradle.orgm. We will need to receive the survey by April 11, 2003 for it to be counted in the research. Any help in this research effort is very much appreciated. Thank you!

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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14. ADOPTION POETRY

THE GOOD-BYE KISS

So many years before, I never thought of this,
That we would meet again, and that wasn't our good-bye
kiss.

I stared so many times, at faces on the beach,
hoping that a glimpse of you, wouldn't be out of
reach.

Sometimes at night I would look up, at the stars so
bright
and wonder if I could think of you, and did I have the
right.

They told me that I would move along, that this was
what is best
And for a time I believed this true, and I would pass
their test.

So life went on, and there I was, living life so
strong,
But things were never right with me,
there was always something wrong.

There was this hole deep down inside, I never let me
feel
And then one day the hole opened up, and then it felt
so real.

Nothing would prepare me, there was nothing to
compare,
the hole was big, the pain was harsh, and the grief
was hard to bear.

When I searched and found you, I thought the pain
would go,
But here it was much deeper, than anyone would know.

You had the life they told me, and the one I knew you
would,
The one that I didn't give to you, although I knew I
could.

So here I am once again, the hole is so very deep,
Although it hurts and its harsh, I know the pain I'll
keep.

Now when I look up at the night, and see the stars
above,
I'll never have to worry if I'm allowed to feel your
love.

And when I'm sitting and staring, at faces on the
beach,
I know I can think of you, and you're never out of
reach.

There are others in our lives, whose love we hold so
dear,
Having them to guide us, releases so much fear.

Now, when I think about the past, I'll always think of
this,
Next time I say Good-bye, its not our final kiss.

Elaine Cole

For more adoption poetry, visit http://poetry.adoption.com.

Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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15. ADOPTION CALENDAR

CHAT SCHEDULE:

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

Monday:
Join Dr. Art Becker-Weidman in the hosted chat room at 2pm Pacific, 3pm Mountain, 4pm Central, 5pm 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 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm 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 4pm Pacific, 5pm Mountain, 6pm Central, 7pm Eastern

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

Attachment Disorder: A Journey of Hope Chat with Parent Nancy Geoghegan; educational weekly chat at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm 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 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern.

Parenting issues for adoptive/foster parents with Dimasmom in FosterCare chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm 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 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the Search and Reunion chat room.

Thursday:
Evening with Colleen Buckner, search expert, in Search and Reunion chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm 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: 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern.

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

HOW TO ADOPT WORKSHOP FOR NY & NJ RESIDENTS
April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13 (6:00 - 8:00 pm)
130 East 59 Street (UJA-Federation), Manhattan
$25 per person
Ametz Adoption Program, JCCA
A good place to start if you are just thinking about adoption. Includes domestic and international adoption options, working with attorneys and agencies, costs, time frames, adoption home studies and first steps. Presentations by Ametz and international adoption agency staff. Questions are encouraged. For more information or to register, please contact Susan Kupferberg at (212) 558-9949 or e-mail ametz@jccany.org.

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

THE 30TH ANNUAL NEW ENGLAND ADOPTION CONFERENCE: "Education for All Those Touched by Adoption"
April 12 (7:30 am - 5:00 pm)
Bellingham High School, Bellingham, MA
ODS Adoption Community of New England, Inc.
Keynote Speaker and Featured Workshop Presenter: -
Dee Paddock, MA, MTS, NCC
Families With a Difference, Denver, CO
Hosting: -
The U.S. Premiere of Academy Award Winner
Beverly Shaffer's "To My Birth Mother"
National Film Board of Canada

SEARCH WORKSHOP
April 14 (7:00 pm)
Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Adult adoptees, birth parents, siblings or adoptive parents who are interested in searching for a relative. RSVP: Registration and pre-requisites are required. For more information, please call (216) 881-7511

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS GENERAL MEETING - Topic: Control
April 17 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Fullerton Room, Cleveland Hts., Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Adult adoptees, birth parents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone interested in lifelong adoption issues welcome. No registration or membership is required to attend.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SUPPORT MEETING
April 23 (7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Euclid Public Library, Erie Room, 631 E. 222nd. St., Euclid, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents of internationally adopted children. No registration or membership is required to attend.

9TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE ON OPEN ADOPTION: Among Friends: the Open Adoption Community Reflects on a Generation of Practice and Experience
April 24 - 26
Traverse City Michigan
Catholic Human Services
* Varied Format:There a lots of ways to take in information--general session presentations, panels, poetry, and workshops. Most of this conference will be presented in an exciting new interview format.
* Pertinent Topics: With experts in so many aspects of open adoption on hand, few topics of importance go unexamined. The history of the conference reveals a special interest in those issues that touch the spirit.
* Presentation of the Baran & Pannor Award: Carrying the names of open adoption's most noteworthy pioneers, this award is treasured by each and every recipient.
For more information contact Jim Gritter at (231)947-8110.

BIRTH MOTHERS' HEALING WORKSHOP
April 26 (9:00 am ­ 4:00 pm)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Full-day workshop for women who have placed a child for adoption. RSVP: Full lunch included. Registration is $25 per person and pre-registration is required by Friday, March 21. Call (216) 881-7511.

TRIGGERS: WHAT CAN CAUSE ADOPTION-RELATED CRISIS
April 28 (6:00 - 9:00 pm)
Bellefaire, JCB, 22001 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Hts., Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Presenter: Zoe Breen-Wood
RSVP: Free workshop. Foster parent training certificates and social work/counselor CEU's provided. Registration is required, please call (216) 881-7511. Registration closes 3 days prior to workshop.

WORKSHOP FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
April 29 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
Stevensville, MI (Lincoln Township Public Library, 2099 W John Beers Rd)
Great Wall China Adoption
This is a free workshop for prospective adoptive parents and others seeking more information about adopting from China. Couples from ages 30 to 55 are eligible to adopt. A Great Wall China Adoption representative who has adopted a daughter from China will be presenting. For further information, or to reserve a place at the workshop, please contact Kim Bakos at (269) 429-6292 or by email at kimberbakos@yahoo.com.

WICKLIFFE GENERAL MEETING
April 29 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Schrembs Hall, CSS, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Adult adoptees, birth parents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone interested in lifelong adoption issues welcome. No registration or membership is required to attend. Adoption Network Cleveland is a non-profit educational, advocacy, search, and support group for adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents and professionals. For more information, contact Adoption Network Cleveland at (216) 881-7511 or on the web at http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

ROCKY RIVER GENERAL MEETING - Topic: Grief
May 1 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
West Shore Unitarian Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

BIRTH PARENT SUPPORT MEETING -Topic: Intimacy
May 7 (6:30 - 8:30 pm)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: Birth parents who have given up a child for adoption

EXPLORING ADOPTION: AN INTENSIVE EDUCATIONAL SERIES FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING ADOPTING CHILDREN
May 7, 14, 21, & 28 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
Santa Cruz, CA
Adoption Paths
Four Wednesday evenings in May, Adoption Paths, an educational organization unaffiliated with any adoption agency, invites prospective adoptive parents to explore their questions and concerns about all types of adoption. The series will be taught by Sara Lively, M.S.Ed. The fee for all four sessions is $100 per person or $150 per couple. For more information and to register, contact (831) 476-7252 or http://www.AdoptionPaths.com.

BIRTH MOTHER'S DAY CEREMONY
May 10 (5:00 pm)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Program: Birthmother¹s Day Ceremony is an opportunity for birth mother¹s, whose children have been adopted, to share in their birth mother experience through poetry, song and ritual. Following the ceremony there will be a light potluck ­ please bring an hors d¹oeuvre or dessert to share. Who can attend: Open to the public. Birth mothers and all who support birth mothers are welcome. RSVP: There is no cost for attending, but registration is required by Saturday, May 3. Please call (216) 881-7511 to register.

THE EUPOREAN ADOPTION SYMPOSIUM: FAMILY BUILDING THROUGH ADOPTION
May 10 (0800 - 1630)
Faith Baptist Church, Lichtenbrucherstrasse 17, Einsiedlerhof-Kaiserslautern, Germany
Landstuhl American Red Cross and the Ramstein Air Base Family Support Center
The 11th of the series, this symposium will educate and prepare prospective adoptive parents for their task in the adoption procedure and the parenting role, as well as provide current adoptive parents with resources and support for raising their children. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from legal advisors, American immigration officials, adoption agency representatives, and others considered experts in understanding adoption issues and adoptive children. Adoption oriented books will be available for purchase through special arrangements with a consignment agency. Bring cash or checks for purchases. Persons wishing to contribute to this effort (in expertise, time, resources or monetary donations), may contact the American Red Cross at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (DSN 486-7298 or CIV 06371-86-7298) or Jeanie Veith at veithjjj@bunt.com and tel. (in Germany) 06383-5565. Directions will be available by email in April upon request. Please call the Ramstein Air Force Base Family Support Center at DSN 480-5100 and CIV (in Germany) 06371-47-5100.

FREE TRAINING FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE AND FOSTER PARENTS OR KINSHIP CAREGIVERS
Series: May 13 - May 31 (Times vary per day; please call for specific times. Each segment is 3 hours long.)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Program: Pre-placement training for prospective adoptive/foster/kinship caregivers through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. Topics include: Orientation and overview of foster care/adoption/kinship care;family systems and abuse and neglect; attachment, sexual abuse. Attendees: Prospective adoptive parents, foster parents, or kinship caregivers. RSVP: There is no cost for attending, but registration is required at least 3 days in advance on a space available basis. Please call (216) 881-7511 to register. Foster parent training credits will be given.

AKRON GENERAL MEETING
May 14 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Akron General Health and Wellness Center, 4125 Medina Road, Akron, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: Adult adoptees, birth parents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No registration or membership is required to attend.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS GENERAL MEETING
May 22 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Fullerton Room, Cleveland Hts., Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS GENERAL MEETING
May 22 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Fullerton Room, Cleveland Hts., Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

WICKLIFFE GENERAL MEETING - Topic: Loss
May 27 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Schrembs Hall, CSS, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SUPPORT MEETING - Topic: School Issues & Advocacy
May 28 (7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Euclid Public Library, Erie Room, 631 E. 222nd. St., Euclid, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: Adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents of internationally adopted children. No registration or membership is required to attend.

18TH ANNUAL ARCHEOLOGY: Summer Intensives on Adoption and Complex Families
July 7 - 8 (Session I; 8:00 am - 4:00 pm)
July 9 (Session II; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm)
July 10 - 11 (Session III; 8:00 am - 3:00 pm and 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, respectively)
Provincetown, MA
Adoption Resource Center & Center For Family Connections
Session I: Advanced Clinical Intensives ; $400
Session II: The Community of Adoption; $200 for newcomers/$100 for repeat attendees
Session III: 2nd Annual International Adoption Video/Film Festival; $200 for both days/$150 for single day
Fee for Sessions I, II, and III = $725
Payment is non-refundable.
(Proceeds from the Video/Film Festival go to the Expressive Therapy Programs of CFFC)
The ARC Summer Intensives are based on Dr. Pavao's Normative Crisis framework, her years of clinical experience, and her consulting and training expertise. The workshops utilize family systems theory, which is the basis of Dr. Pavao's work. Systemic thinking is woven throughout the design of each workshop.
Register as soon as possible, there is limited space. Social Work and LMFT CEUs are available for an additional $35 per session. Limited scholarships are available (scholarships do not apply to the Video/Film Festival or CEUs). Check our website, http://www.Kinnect.org, for updates. Accommodation information and directions are available upon registration.

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

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