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1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADOPTION WEEK E-MAGAZINE'S ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
One year ago, Adoption.com launched the Adoption Week e-Magazine and what a successful year it has been! We hoped to run a member-generated online magazine for anyone touched by adoption, and thanks to your content contributions, Adoption Week has been quite a hit around the globe. Thank you for your suggestions, adoption-related poems, articles, photos, etc. As always, we are dedicated to helping US foster children and children in orphanages around the world to find loving, permanent homes through a medium "by the people for the people."
TO THE ONE YOU LOVE
If you forgot that Valentine's Day is a few days from now, worry no more! Treat your valentine with a gift from the heart. Say "I love you" with flowers, cards, chocolate, or perfume. Send your valentine the perfect gift; visit http://www.Adoption.com/Valentines .
CALL FOR AN ARTICLE ABOUT BIOLOGICAL CHILDREN WITH NEW ADOPTED SIBLINGS
"I am an 18-year-old from a family of 4 children, and my parents are strongly considering adopting a boy from Russia. I want to know what I, as a biological child, should expect and what I can do to prepare. I have searched and searched and I can find nothing. Can you include, on your site, something for biological children in families who are considering adoption? It would be a HUGE help. If you have any resources please let me know. Our ages range from 6-18 and we have no idea what we should be prepared for." If you know of such an article, or would like to write an article adressing this topic to be published on the Adoption.com websites, please submit it to editor@adoptionmedia.com.
FEBRUARY CHAT SERIES ON ADOPTIONFORUMS.COM CHAT ROOM
Four part series chat in four consecutive weeks on "How to Adopt U.S. Waiting Children in Foster Care." Join experts from The National Adoption Center and Rita Laws, Ph.D. for Friday nights at
5 pm PST, 6 pm MT, 7 pm CT, 8 pm ET; Week 2 Feb.14: Adoption Costs. Week 3 Feb. 21: Interstate Adoption. Week 4 Feb. 28: Financial & Medical Subsidies. Bring your questions to these one hour chats held in
our Foster Care chat room. Register ahead to obtain your username on http://www.adoptionforums.com/chat/index.php?s=. Expert advice and information. Any
questions contact Sabra@adoption.com.
LOOKING FOR ADOPTION SERMONS
Adoption.com is developing an area for pastors, priests, rabbis and other religious leaders wanting to speak about adoption topics. We invite you to submit your adoption-related sermons to editor@adoptionmedia.com for
possible publishing on the Adoption.com websites.
LOOKING FOR ADOPTION RESEARCH AND REPORTS
Adoption.com is developing an area for students doing research and writing reports on adoption-related subjects. You are invited to submit your research and/or report for possible publishing on the Adoption.com websites. To submit, or for more info, please e-mail
editor@adoptionmedia.com.
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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 Blessings of a Scar - new article by David M. Barnett
My father took a sheet and began ripping it up and then wrapped my knee to stop the bleeding. What I remember most was sitting in his lap with my mummified leg and being comforted by his big hands. I will never forget his hands. Those hands are embellished in my mind as a visual reminder of my father's love. Tragically, those hands were taken away a very short time after this event. My father died in a one-car accident, three days before Christmas (December 22, 1958), leaving a wife and three small children behind. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=218
Suggestions for Parenting the Older Adopted Child with Attachment Issues - new article by Brenda McCreight, Ph.D
Children from traumatic or severely neglectful backgrounds do not have an understanding of trust, at least not in the way that most well meaning adoptive parents understand the concept. Telling a child that it is important that the adult can trust him is a set up for disappointment. The child has never lived a life where he can trust adults or where people trusted him. Consider this word to represent a totally alien concept and then give the child a few years in the home before allowing situations where trust may be an issue. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=219
"What Are the Rules?" - new article by Eileen Murphy
The first time it hit me was the night my children moved into the house. “What are the rules?” they asked. Foster care homes post house rules. These rules may include bed times, chores, what is acceptable behavior, kitchen hours, etc. Now our children were in a new house, and they were searching for the new rules. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=220
Forever Yours - new article by Lezli Adams
Cling to your pain and sorrow, as this is all that remains. No one can strip it from you. It is all you have of him, and no one can take it from you. Those who knew of his existence understand nothing of how you truly feel. They assume you, as they, have totally forgotten him. They deny he was ever yours. Not a person feels sympathy much less empathy for your loss. It is as if he never was. His name was never again verbalized. However you cannot forget. You do not understand why it is expected that you would not. Others may follow, and, since as humans we are able to love more than once, life continues. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=221
To Dan and Margaret Baker - new article by Terry Bagby
You said in your letter that you have been trying to adopt a child for over 2 years. I think you may need to expand your horizons a bit. With over 500,000 children in foster care in this country, I find it hard to believe that anyone who really wants to adopt is unable to. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=222
Read these articles or contribute an article at http://e-magazine.adoption.com.
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3. ADOPTION NEWS
International Adoption: Working It Out on the Web (MA)
http://www.townonline.com/hamilton/news/local_regional/hwc_newhwadoptsideww02052003.htm
Teen-age Mothers Struggle to Change (UT)
http://www.gosanangelo.com/sast/news_local/article/0,1897,SAST_4956_1722974,00.html
Labor Department Marks 10 Years of Family and Medical Leave Act Anniversary Serves as Reminder to Know Your Rights (D.C.)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/esa/ESA2003054.htm
A Double Blessing Copleys Enter Chinese Gateway to Parenthood (MN)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.communitypapers.com/SaukHerald/myarticles.asp?P=612352&S=88&PubID=10565
Top Daley Aide, 55, Quits $143,000 Job to be New Mom (IL)
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-carey06.html
If any of the links to the news articles do not work, Click Here for a list of headlines.
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4. THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR ADOPTION LAW & POLICY WEEKLY NEWS SUMMMARY
February 3, 2003
SIGNIFICANT CASES
Termination of Parental Rights - Appeals of Orders of Termination
IN RE J.M.
The Louisiana Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeal's decision to
rescind the trial court's termination of the mother's parental rights. The
Court noted that in a termination case, the state must prove by clear and
convincing evidence that the natural parents either cannot or will not
provide a normal family home in order to strike a balance between the
parents' rights and the State's concerns for the best interest of the child.
The court then, remaining consistent with the determination that the child's
interests are paramount over the parents', held that the mother could not
care for her children and that the children had a right to be raised in a
safe, secure environment.
Cite: No. 02-CJ-2089, 2003 WL 191435 (La. Jan. 28, 2003).
Web link:
http://www.lasc.org/opinions/2003/2002cj2089.opn.pdf
IN RE MARR
The Tennessee Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's holding that a
father's parental rights should not be terminated and remanded the matter
for further proceedings to consider the child's best interest. The court
held that the trial judge erred by requiring the mother to establish
substantial harm, finding that a separate finding of substantial harm was
not required when grounds for termination existed under the statute.
Cite: No., M2001-02890-COA-R3-CV, 2003 WL 152640 (Tenn. Ct. App. Jan. 23,
2003).
Web link: http://www.tsc.state.tn.us
Duty of Social Services Departments
MILLER V. MARTIN
The Supreme Court of Louisiana granted certiorari to consider whether the
Department of Social Services can be held vicariously liable for abuse
inflicted by foster parents upon children in custody of the Department. The
Court found that, when the Department is awarded legal custody of child, the
law imposes upon the Department a non-delegable duty of care and protection
of that child. As a result, the Court concluded that, when a child is
abused by foster parents, the Department may be held vicariously liable for
the abuse.
Cite: No. 02-CC-0670, 2003 WL 183383 (La. Jan. 28, 2003).
Web link: http://www.lasc.org/opinions/2003/2002cc0670.opn.pdf
Indian Child Welfare Act
PASCUA YAQUI TRIBE V. SUPERIOR COURT
The California Court of Appeals granted Petitioner Pascua Yaqui Tribe's
extraordinary writ to review the removal of an Indian child from her
mother's care and her subsequent placement into foster care. The Court of
Appeals remanded the trial court's holding with directions to vacate its
order terminating reunification services and setting a section 366.26
hearing. The Court of Appeals further ordered the trial court to set a
hearing consistent with section 1912(d) and (e) of the Indian Child Welfare
Act.
Cite: No. F041800, 2003 WL 164977 (Cal. Ct. App. Jan. 24, 2003).
Web link: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/nonpub/F041800.PDF
OTHER CASES OF INTEREST
Consent Requirements - Who Must Consent
IN RE E.C.B.
The Oklahoma Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's decision to dismiss
the great-aunt and great-uncle's adoption petition where the Department of
Human Services refused to give its consent, concluding that, implicit in
DHS's authority to consent to a requested adoption of a child in its custody
is the authority to withhold consent and that statutes recognize no vehicle
by which to challenge DHS's decision to grant or withhold consent to a
particular application for adoption, nor any grounds to override DHS's
decision to withhold its consent to adopt.
Cite: No. 97,315, 2002 WL 31961552 (Okla Ct. App. Oct. 4, 2002).
Web link:
http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/deliverdocument.asp?citeid=434800
Rights of Grandparents and Other Biological Relatives - Guardianship
IN RE GUARDIANSHIP OF GOODWIN
The Oregon Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's order granting
permanent co-guardianship of the child to the half-sister and half-sister's
husband. The Court of Appeals found that the child's half-sister and
half-sister's husband did not have a "child-parent relationship" with the
child, and thus, were not entitled to appointment as the child's
co-guardians, where they neither had physical custody of, resided in the
same household with, or provided day-to-day resources for the child within
the six months preceding the filing of the action.
Cite: Nos. 00C-13904 & A112154, 2003 WL 191436 (Or. Ct. App. Jan. 29, 2003)
Web link:
http://www.publications.ojd.state.or.us/A112154.htm
Rights of Grandparents and Other Biological Relatives
IN RE M.B.
The Missouri Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's denial of a
grandmother's motion to intervene in a termination proceeding and petition
for custody, holding that a grandparent's biological relationship with a
child does not, as a matter of law, constitute necessary interest or an
unconditional right to intervene in a termination proceeding.
Cite: 91 S.W.3d 122 (Mo. Ct. App. 2002).
Web link:
http://www.osca.state.mo.us/courts/pubopinions.nsf/ccd96539c3fb13ce8625661f
004bc7da/aa0fc6e7124c20f286256c6a006dc5d6?OpenDocument&Highlight=0,M.b
Termination of Parental Rights - Appeals of Orders of Termination
IN RE M.M.
The Iowa Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the district court's
decision terminating the mother's parental rights, finding that, although
the statutory provision providing that a court need not terminate parental
rights if a relative has custody of the child is not mandatory, this was not
a situation where termination was a necessary expedient in order to
facilitate the children's permanency through adoption or other placement
since they were living with their fathers and being adequately provided for.
Cite: No. 2-1060/02-1635, 2003 WL 183840 (Iowa Ct. App. Jan. 29, 2003).
Web link: http://www.judicial.state.ia.us/appeals/opinions/20030129/02-1635.asp
Credit: The National Center for Adoption Law & Policy
Link: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption
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5. CHILDREN'S BUREAU EXPRESS
Top Stories
Improving Head Start: A Common Cause
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=595
Infant Homicide Rates Continue to Rise
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=596
Research
New Findings from Longitudinal Study Show Adoption Openness Results in Greater Birth Mother Satisfaction
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=597
National Leadership Symposium on Siblings in Out-of-Home Care Presents Recommendations, Outlines Next Steps
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=599
Promising Practices
QICs Define Regions, Topics of Focus
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=600
States Employ Innovative Strategies to Recruit Resource Families
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=601
News You Can Use
Publications
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=602
Funding
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=603
Training
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=605
Conferences
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=604>
National Resource Center for Youth Development Presents to Children's Bureau
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=606
Credit: Children's Bureau Express
Link: http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/
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6. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB
SEEDS OF LOVE: For Brothers and Sisters of International Adoption
Adding a new baby to the family is an exciting time for young children. It can also be a stressful one--especially if you're a young child whose parents will be traveling abroad without you to complete an international adoption. Seeds of Love is a beautifully illustrated story about just such a girl.
For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/MKC00900.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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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. FEATURED WAITING CHILD
Quinella has a very witty and outgoing personality and loves to joke and clown around. Quinella appears to be very reserved with her feelings regarding her past; however, she continues to make progress. Quinella desires to be placed with her sibling; it would be to their best interest to be the only children in the home if at all possible. However, they could also do well with older children.
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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9. ADOPTION BUZZ
Successful Reunions: - A Reunion in Progress
http://www.adoptionforums.com/t93485.html
Adoptees: - Everything is the Same but Different at the Same Time
http://www.adoptionforums.com/t94098.html
General Adoptive Parent Support: - Favorite Children's Book About Adoption
http://www.adoptionforums.com/t94137.html
Poetry: - I Dry My Eyes
http://www.adoptionforums.com/t94084.html
Adoptees Forum: - Lost
http://www.adoptionforums.com/t94178.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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10. ADOPTION GEM
RUN THROUGH THE RAIN
A little girl had been shopping with her mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old. This beautiful red-haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside; the kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters in such a hurry to hit the earth that it has no time to flow down the spout.
We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running and splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in. "Mom, let's run through the rain," she said.
"What?" Mom asked.
"Let 's run through the rain!" She repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated, "Mom, let's run through the rain."
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, He can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped and stood silently. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. However, this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life, a time when innocent trust could be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If God let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said.
Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked, but they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars.
And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions. They can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories. So, don't forget to
make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
I hope you still take the time to run through the rain.
- Contributed by Arlene Knecht (A friend sent this to me to remind me of life.)
See a daily adoption gem at http://www.Adoption.com.
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11. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT
This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: JewishAdoption.com.
Anyone moving a child out of his culture and into another should understand the potential significance of failing to respect their child's culture and heritage of birth. (As a related issue, people adopting a non-Jewish child and converting her to Judaism need to give her a strong Jewish background; just "feeling Jewish" isn't enough.
For more information or discussions on Jewish adoption, visit JewishAdoption.com.
For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit http://adoptions.adoption.com.
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12. 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 Thailand.
Thailand is located in Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Burm. It is the only southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Thailand became a US ally following the conflict.
To learn more about Thailand's government, geography, and communication information, or its history, visit Thailand.Adoption.com.
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13. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
LOOKING ALIKE
We have four children, two adopted from Sierra Leone and two biological. We also live in a small town where we have just about the only black children. Our children are the only two blacks in their school. The school our children had attended was very small up until this year when it just about doubled in size.
My husband was picking up the children from school one day, and our biological daughter was standing with him and one of her friends when our adopted daughter came running up saying, "Daddy! Daddy!"
A 3rd grade boy stopped dead in his tracks, looked at my husband, looked at Shelby, and looked at Mabinty.
My husband was quick to pick up the questioning look on his face and asked, "What's wrong? Don't they look alike?"
Well this little guy studied the faces of both our daughters for a long time and finally pointed to our biological daughter (who was just getting those gigantic two front teeth in) and said, "No! She
has buck teeth!"
He about fell over laughing! Oh, the innocence of children! I am so thankful that we have had not ONE racial problem with our children being part of an all white farming community!
Contributed by: Loni Olson, Oregon
E-mail your humorous story or joke to editor@adoption.com.
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14. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL
A Act of Caring
San Clemente, CA
Phone: (949) 366-4500
info@alovingalternative.com
A Act of Caring (a division of A Loving Alternative Adoption Facilitator, LLC) Since 1994, we have provided, non-judgmental, assistance in creating adoption plans that focus around your specific needs. If you are pregnant and considering adoption, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can choose the adoptive families, as well as receive free local counseling and allowable financial assistance.
Services: • Adoption Agencies • Facilitators • Home Studies
For more information on A Act of Caring, visit ALovingAlternative.com/.
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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15. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK
International Adoption Travel Journal - Only $23.95
New Edition! The International Adoption Travel Journal was designed with your special trip in mind. In addition to adding a new child to your family, your trip is probably the first you will make to your child's birth country. You know that every map, every receipt, every photo will one day become a cherished link to your child's heritage. As many parents who have been there know, in all the excitement and stress of international adoption travel, chronicling your trip in a blank notebook becomes next to impossible - particularly once your child arrives. With seven separate sections organized in meaningful categories and a fill-in-the blank format, you will find this journal an invaluable keepsake to record your trip of a lifetime.
For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00924.html.
For more adoption products, visit http://adoptionshop.com.
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16. SPEAK OUT
I am in the process of adopting a beautiful little girl from Bangalore, India.
I'd like to know if anyone knows of any airlines that can give me subsidized flying
costs. If so, please feel free to contact me at couswed@yahoo.com. I will greatly appreciate any information that you can give me. Thank you. - Jean
---------------------------------
Birth mum without rights, to:
Alan James Greenwood, possibly Allsop; D.O.B: 9th November 1984
18 now and adult free to make up his mind on every subject
Andrew David Greenwood, possibly Allsop; D.O.B: 19th November 1985, 17 now
I am counting down the months to November, Andrew's 18th birthday
When will the adoption waiting game be over?
Here now and always, Mum (Diane Buist)
Jamie Peter David Greenwood Buist, D.O.B: 18/2/89
Emma Louise Buist D.O.B: 5/4/92
---------------------------------
Hi, my name is Nancy. I am a frustrated 43-year-old adoptee. I have 9
brothers, 1 sister, and 2 parents I have never met. I also gave a baby boy
up for adoption at birth. He should be 23, and I have never met him. I can
tell you a lot of stories, as I was in 12 foster homes in a short time. I
have good and bad stories, but I'm praying you might be able to give me some
closure, too. Thank you. nancymonetteis@hotmail.com.
---------------------------------
Hello Julie & Duke: We have no suggestions, only a chance to say that someone feels your
frustrations. Frank and I are also a loving, very happily married couple
hoping to adopt one or two children ages 3- 12 (girls preferred). Unlike you,
we did not go foster or therapeutic, because Frank bonds so easily with children
and would be crushed if they were sent away. We have had our home study
complete for nearly two years and have also found very little support. Our
caseworker is a dear woman, but horribly overworked and not very good at
follow up on phone calls, faxes, etc. We still console ourselves with the
thought that when the right situation comes up, God will let us know. In the
mean time, if there are other caseworkers reading these posts and would like
to let us know about a child, please e-mail us at fmk1995@aol.com.
We have a lot to offer an older child!
---------------------------------
I have a suggestion for you: try contacting Lorrie Johnson in Russellville,
Arkansas. She is the adoptive mom to many special needs children. She is
head of the organization called Adopt America. She told me when I get a
completed home study she can find a child for me. She may be able to help
you. Her number is (479)967-9337. Good luck to you. - Donna
---------------------------------
Dear Duke and Julie: Hi, my name is Tiffany Loyer. I read your message on
Adoption Week, and I just want to let you know that my husband and I have been
home studied for over 5 months. We just recently got considered for a
sibling group of three boys. We went for our interview with the boys'
social worker and everything went great, but they also told us they were
going to interview another family, so that was a little discouraging. We
find out at the end of February if we were selected. There is nothing
wrong with you. I was once told, when the waiting was killing me, that
when the right child or children were meant for you, you'll get that
call you've been waiting for. Just hold on to your faith and truly
belive your child will find his or her way home. When I got the call
about the boys, I saw their picture on Ohio's website. Even though they
are interviewing another family, they are the children meant for me. I
feel it in my heart; they will be my children. It is the most gratifing
feeling, after the 5 month wait, to know it is really finally coming true.
Tiffany, hold tight to your faith; the time will come when it is meant to
happen.
---------------------------------
To Julie and Duke: Hello, I read your concerns and just wanted to pass on some info. Have you checked
with Adopt America Network? You can access their website at AdoptAmericaNetwork.com, and they are continually looking for parents that are willing to adopt older/sibling groups! I do not believe that your chances are over yet, just contact this agency and ask to speak to Beverly Moore, and she will be more than happy to assist you. The services are all totally FREE also. - Another Hopeful Adoptive Family
To Speak Out and share your opinion or a comment, or to respond to a message, e-mail editor@adoption.com.
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17. ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW
Here's a recent post from the Adoption Book Club group:
Hello, All:
I am not adopted (although I thought I might be, because I was so different from my
biological sibs) so my observations are of my children. I have three adopted
children followed by one biological child who are all grown now. Although none of
them are related biologically, they bore many similiar personality traits and
behavioral characteristics. Often outsiders commented on how they even looked alike,
although their racial backgrounds were different as well. Some of their friends
were even able to pick their siblings out of a crowd.
However, I'm sure if you asked them they would all say that they "felt different"
from the others. In some cases, when looking at them, it was difficult to see the
differences, but they felt unique anyway. Well, in fact, they are each unique
individuals with their own set of feelings, needs, and experiences, even though they
were reared in the same environment by the same parents. Consequently, I've grown
to believe that how we are is a combination of genetics and environment combined.
I don't know if my observations are helpful, but I felt a desire to share and think
that might be what this site is for. I wish you the best in your search for your
true selves.
Jane Ryan, mother and author
To be part of this group, or one of 70+ other adoption-related online e-
mail discussion groups, visit http://AdoptionLists.com, register, and join.
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18. ADOPTION POETRY
GOODBYE KISS
I think of you often
and try to perceive
the depth of your love
that ok'd you to leave.
My soul has been broken,
over years of distraught
and all I have to hold
is a thought of you
in my heart.
I never got the chance
to look you in the eyes
and whisper it's okay
and blow a kiss goodbye.
- Sara A.
For more adoption poetry, visit http://poetry.adoption.com.
Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoption.com.
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19. 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:
Birthmom 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
Birthfather'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
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:
COLORADO HERITAGE CAMPS REGISTRATION
Jan - April, 2003
Denver, CO
Colorado Heritage Camps, Inc.
The registration materials for Colorado Heritage Camps will be going out soon, so NOW is the time to get on our mailing list, if you
aren't already! We will be sponsoring a NEW camp in 2003 - the Cambodian Heritage Camp, along with our other eight camps,
American, Russian (CIS), and Vietnamese. Camp activities and workshops are planned for 3 year-olds through high school seniors, and
parents. Childcare is provided for children under 3, of course! Please check our web site at http://www.heritagecamps.org for further information, and to be added to our mailing list, please send your complete name and home address to hcamps@juno.com with the name of the camp in the subject line.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS CONFERENCE
February 25 - 27
Juryâ?Ts Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
Center For Family Connections (Cambridge, Massachusetts) and After Adoption
(Manchester, England) are hosting the first international adoption practice
conference, Best of Both Worlds. This is sure to be an exciting and
educational event and we hope you will be able to attend and join the
expanding international community of adoption. For more information on the conference and registration, visit http://www.kinnect.org/. Any questions can be directed to info@bestofbothworlds.org.
HOW TO ADOPT WORKSHOP FOR NY & NJ RESIDENTS
March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13 (6 - 8 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.
THE EUPOREAN ADOPTION SYMPOSIUM: FAMILY BUILDING THROUGH ADOPTION
May 10 (0800 - 1630)
Faith Baptist Church, Lichtenbrucherstrasse 17, Einsiedlerhof-Kaiserslautern, Germany
Sponsored by the 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.
For local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit AdoptionCalendar.com.
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