|
Adoption Week e-Magazine Formerly Adopting.org Newsletter and Adoption.com Newsletter March 11, 2002 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. ************************ IN THIS ISSUE ************************ 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS: - Quickly find what you're looking for in Adoption Week e-Magazine - What would you like to see in Adoption Week e-Magazine? 2. NEW ARTICLES 3. ADOPTION NEWS 4. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB - adoption book review 5. ADOPTION BUZZ - recent message board discussions 6. MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS 7. NEW ADOPTIVE FAMILIES - successful adoptions 8. FEATURED WAITING CHILD 9. REUNITED WITH BIRTHFAMLY 10. SEARCH AND REUNION TIP 11. ADOPTION GEM - inspirational thought 12. ADOPTION POLL 13. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT 14. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT - clean weekly humor 15. ADOPTION BITS & BYTES - this issue: attachment and bonding 16. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL 17. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK - review of a favorite adoption product 18. BARGAIN BUREAU - incredible deal of the week 19. ADOPTION ONLINE GROUP REVIEW 20. ADOPTION POETRY 21. ADOPTION CALENDAR - adoption events, seminars, chats & holidays *************************************************************** 1. ANNOUNCEMENTS QUICKLY FIND WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR IN ADOPTION WEEK E-MAGAZINE Did you know that in most e-mail programs you can click on the links in the "In This Issue" section at the top of the e-magazine and be taken directly to the section of interest to you? WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN ADOPTION WEEK E-MAGAZINE? We'd love to hear from you about which features in the Adoption Week e-Magazine are your favorite, what new features you would like to see, and which features you think are the least valuable. Send comments to editor@adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 2. NEW ARTICLES The views expressed by the authors are solely their own, and for which the authors are responsible, and these views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine. Defining Moments - new article by Karen DeLuca The feeling of being rootless, of having no solid ground, of being without an anchor was something that I had become uneasy with. I had no core sense of self and was realizing that something was absolutely ripped out of me that could not be replaced. When I began my search I realized there was something completely missing for the rest of my life and it affects, to some degree, every decision I have made. Read more at http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=10 To All My Parents - new article by Jill Carter I have spent my life considering the extraordinary pain one goes through in giving up a child. Add to that, that until very recently (and still often today), the entire 'episode' in ones life is "forgotten", or ignored as if never happened by close family and friends. For most, there is little or no formal, professionally assisted, grieving or coping, and yet the loss is incomparable. Young women, older women, and their partners involved (hopefully) tend to be treated with the attitude of "just forget it and go on". These things only cause those who've given up a child to mourn alone, grieve to no end, and shelve away a pain so deep and so strong - no adequate words can describe it. That pain affects every part of their being and every aspect of their lives from that day forward - just ask them. Read more at http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=12 Cheerleading for Heritage Camps - new article by Pam Sweetser I couldn't have said it better myself. My husband and I are so grateful to have our precious children, but also to have the opportunity to embrace two countries and cultures that we would probably know very little about otherwise. Except for the very obvious color of my skin or shape of my eyes, I honestly feel Indian and Korean sometimes. What an invaluable education for anyone to experience, and a true gift for adoptive families. I cannot imagine passing up an opportunity to be part of another culture, especially that of my child. Read more at http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=11 Finding an Attachment Therapist - new article by Susan M. Ward As older child adoptive parents, we all have to deal with varying levels of attachment and bonding issues. Our children may slide smoothly into their new lives and just need some extra reassurances and affection to help them feel secure that we're their forever parents. They may arrive with some fears and anxieties about attaching to us, their new parents, and need us to implement extra attachment and bonding activities at home. Read more at http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=13 Read these articles at www.AdoptionWeek.com Back to Top *************************************************************** 3. ADOPTION NEWS Baby's Journey Ends Happily Left at a Bus Station http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.southbendtribune.com/stories/2002/03/10/local.20020310-sbt-MARS-C1-Baby_s_journey_ends.sto For Adopted Children, Coming Home to America (NY) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020311/1041595.asp Adoption Law Needs to Move at Speed of Love (IL) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-0203040147mar04.column?coll=chi%2Dnews%2Dcol Campaign Launched for Reunions of Birth Parents, Half-Korean Adoptees http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2002/03/06/200203060012.asp A Foster Kid Fosters a Bill (FL) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive2/030302/tp1ch17.htm?date=030302&story=tp1ch17.htm Adoption Ruling Stings Family (FL) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sptimes.com/2002/03/02/TampaBay/Adoption_ruling_sting.shtml Call for Materials on Racial and Ethnic Disproportionalities in the Child Welfare System http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=409 President Bush Focuses on Fathers, Foster Youth, in FY03 Budget http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=422 Reauthorized Safe and Stable Families Program Adds Emphasis on Marriage, Education for Foster Youth http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=425 Kit for New Parents Available to All Parents of California Newborns http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=403 Independent Living Programs in Oregon and California Give Aging-Out Foster Youth Support http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=410 Speaking for America's Children http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=401 Series Teaches About Fetal Alcohol Syndrome http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=423 If any of the links to the news articles do not work, see Click Here for a list of headlines. Back to Top *************************************************************** 4. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB Adoption is a Family Affair! Patricia Irwin Johnson's, Adoption is a Family Affair, mainly focuses on the fact that relatives and friends must be included in the adoption process. This book answers questions pertaining to those who adopt, why they consider adoption, how they go about adopting, how children grow up understanding adoption, what kinds of things families built by adoption should be prepared to face, and more. For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=6&pf%5Fid=1074 Back to Top *************************************************************** 5. ADOPTION BUZZ Adoption from Cambodia :- Experiences from Single Adopters Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Successful Reunion Stories :- Found My Birth Mother Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Birthmothers' Stories :- Keep the Faith Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Success Stories of International Adoption :- Our Russian Angel Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. If any of the links above do not work, visit www.Adoption.com for direct links to these discussions. For more online adoption discussions visit www.AdoptionBoards.com, www.AdoptionCafe.com and http://www.adopting.org/boards.html. Back to Top *************************************************************** 6. MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS Outdated material has been removed. Please visit ParentProfiles.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 7. NEW ADOPTIVE FAMILIES Congratulations to all of the new adoptive families this week! ** Chris and Kirsten, congratulations on your adoption in progress! ** Kris and Owen, congratulations on the adoption of your baby girl! If you are hoping to adopt, visit www.ParentProfiles.com today to start building your online profile. Back to Top *************************************************************** 8. FEATURED WAITING CHILD 
Shabazz is a child with a creative imagination. He has large brown eyes, which express his uniqueness. He has a large smile that expresses his excitement for new toys, playing and acting as the helper in the home. Shabazz is very aware of what goes on around him and pays close attention to what others are doing. He likes video games and playing sports. When Shabazz is not in a playful mood, he plays by himself and likes to be left alone. Shabazz is not as sociable as the average eight-year-old boy. He is very independent and likes to do things on his own. He can become frustrated with himself when he is unsuccessful at something. He is behind in school, but has shown a lot of progress over the past year displaying his commitment to make self-improvements.photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,000 children awaiting loving, permanent homes. Back to Top *************************************************************** 9. REUNITED WITH BIRTHFAMILY Congratulations to everyone who has been reunite with their birthfamily this week! Please share your story with us at www.AdoptionWeek.com. Hello, I have found both of my children and am very happy. My son born January1, 1968 found me last June, and my daughter born August18, 1970 found me last August! What a miracle!!!! - Dahlia I took your advice and contacted the email provider for the person that I believe is my daughter. He wouldn't tell me much but did call her to tell her that someone was trying to reach her and gave her my number. She has contacted me and we talked for a very long time. Thank you again to you and your organization. - Rona I am proud to announce a successful reunion. Through a lot of research, phone calls and e-mails, I was able to locate my birthmother. Regards, Steve Success!!!!!!! Not only was it a match, it was a perfect match! Actually, it was a miracle. I only registered on one site, and somehow, Jim looked at THIS site. He had been looking for 8 years...it's an Oprah story! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!! - James I just received valuable information on my birth family. I am more than satisfied with the info and the speed in which it was obtained. Words can't describe what I am feeling, so I will just say that you guys are doing is a wonderful service for people like me, who are in a very precarious situation. Deciding to find one's birth family is more difficult than most can imagine, but your company has made it all the more easier. This is what I have been waiting for, for 28 years. Thank you so much. - Sasha My family has been reunited after 37 years of complete separation, thanks to your site. Thank you very much, I will never be able to thank you enough for the great service you have done us. Our search isn't over but we now have each other to draw info from…My sincerest thanks...Charles To register in the Internet's largest adoption reunion registry for FREE, visit www.AdoptionRegistry.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 10. SEARCH AND REUNION TIP You might encounter people who will question your right to 'disrupt' your birthparents lives, or your right to 'betray' your adoptive parents by searching. Usually these people have little understanding of adoption or searchers, but these questions might be something that you yourself have struggled with, and it pays to have answers, if for no other reason than to feel comfortable with whatever decision you make. This search & reunion tip has been brought to you by: www.GuaranteedAdoptionSearch.com - We'll find the person you're looking for, or your search is free! For more search & reunion tips and tools see reunion.adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 11. ADOPTION GEM You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. -Amy Carmichael Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. --Victor Frankel Love isn't love 'till you give it away. -Sound of Music See a daily adoption gem at www.Adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 12. ADOPTION POLL RESULTS OF OUR LAST POLL The children up for adoption through DCF are all special-needs children - either a member of a minority ethnicity, part of a sibling group that can't be broken up, age 8 or older or have physical or emotional problems. And because they probably have gone through the trauma of abuse, neglect or other kind of separation, they have a higher risk of having emotional problems than the population in general. Question: Should adoptive parents have to "put up" with the misbehavior of special needs children after adoption? 70% - Yes, if you are willing to adopt, you should be prepared for ANYTHING and ready to accept the child any way. 25.1% - Yes, they should: love endures all things. 2.4% - No, if the child was no problem prior to adoption, it should not be the duty of the new parents to teach the child proper manners. 2.4% - No, adoptive parents are doing them a favor by adopting them, so they should not have to put up with any misbehavior. VOTE IN OUR CURRENT POLL The boy had been living with the Emerys for more than a year when DCFS decided to place him with an aunt who said she had been overlooked when ABJ Community Services, the social services agency, placed her nephew with the Emerys. After months of intense evaluation in which the lives of both parties were placed under a microscope, the custody fight ended last August when a judge decided the boy should remain with the Emerys. It's been 3 1/2 years since the boy was placed with the Emerys and he has thrived. Here's one case that needs to be expedited. Here's one little boy whose name needs to be deleted from the foster-care rolls so that he and his family can get on with their lives. Read the article: http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-0203040147mar04.column?coll=chi%2Dnews%2Dcol Question: Do you think foster care children who are later adopted should still have their names kept on the foster-care rolls? No, once adopted, they're no longer under foster care, so their names should be deleted shortly after the adoption. No, these children now have parents, so this is very unnecessary. Yes, this protects the child. Yes, adopted foster care children need to have their names remain on the roll until they are at least 18 years old. Visit www.Adoption.com to vote and share your opinion. Back to Top *************************************************************** 13. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: www.AdoptionNetworking.com If you are interested in adopting a child and don't know how to get the word out, AdoptionNetworking.com is just the site you're looking for! Use AdoptionNetworking.com to find your child. It's easy; customize a virtual adoption networking card, enter the e-mail addresses of friends and family, and the link to your card will be e-mailed to each of them. Your card will also contain a link to your profile at ParentProfiles.com and an invitation for them to send a variation of the card to their friends and family. This is an easy, convenient way to get the help of your friends and family For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit adoptions.adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 14. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT MORE LETTERS TO A PASTOR **Dear Pastor, Please pray for all the airline pilots. I am flying to California tomorrow. Laurie. Age 10, New York City **Dear Pastor, I hope to go to heaven some day but later than sooner. Love, Ellen, age 9. Athens **Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Little League team. We need God's help or a new pitcher. Thank you. Alexander. Age 10, Raleigh **Dear Pastor, My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don't think I want to because we have enough rules already in my house. Joshua. Age 10, South Pasadena **Dear Pastor, Who does God pray to? Is there a God for God? Sincerely, Christopher. Age 9, Titusville **Dear Pastor, Are there any devils on earth? I think there may be one in my class. Carla. Age 10, Salina **Dear Pastor, I liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was finished. Ralph, Age 11, Akron **Dear Pastor, How does God know the good people from the bad people? Do you tell Him or does He read about it in the newspapers? Sincerely, Marie. Age 9, Lewiston Back to Top *************************************************************** 15. ADOPTION BITS & BYTES Attachment and Bonding - by Pat Johnston As a long-time adoption educator, I'm often seen as a resource by those looking for hard-to-find information. Adoption Bits & Bytes is a column designed to put you in touch with some of those resources. Each issue will focus on one topic. This issue provides links to information on the topic of Attachment and Bonding issues (not an exhaustive list--just some tidbits I thought you might NOT have found). The umbrella organization on this issue is ATTACh (http://www.attach.org), which describes itself like this... "ATTACh, The Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children, is an international coalition of professional and lay persons who are involved with children who have attachment difficulties. Committed to integrating our knowledge, talents, and resources to promote the identification of attachment issues, we also share a variety of effective interventions and treatments. Our energies are focused primarily on: To implement our goals and objectives-and to afford cutting-edge information to all who are interested-we sponsor an annual conference on attachment and bonding. Featuring a host of multi-disciplinary experts who reflect a wide range of approaches, the conference is a valuable resource to both professionals and parents." Colorado attachment specialist Deborah Hage offers a page within her site that links to a number of useful articles and book excerpts on attachment and bonding issues http://www.deborahhage.com Nancy Ashe's Adoption at About.com has all kinds of goodies to love, and those on attachment specifically can be found at http://adoption.about.com/msubadch_attach.htm?once=true& Adoptive parent and advocate Teri Doolittle's Practical Attachment page is at http://home.att.net/~PracticalAttachment/index.html The Attachment Disorder Network, founded by my old friend (formerly from Indianapolis) Nancy Spoolstra has a great in-print newsletter in addition to their website at http://www.radzebra.org Marcy Axness' article on Infant Adoption on The Birth Scene http://www.birthpsychology.com/birthscene/adoption.html There's a great article on the Attachment Disorder Support Group's website called "Top 10 Don'ts for Parents of Unattached Children" http://www.syix.com/adsg/donts.htm A site called It's Time to Understand is at http://members.tripod.com/radclass/slide01.html Now of course I don't want you to miss the attachment-related articles on Perspectives Press, Inc.'s own site! After all, attachment is at the heart of The next issue of Bits and Bytes will focus on Legal Issues in Adoption. Know of any sites you feel we should be sure to include? Let me know at info@perspectivespress.com Patricia Irwin Johnston is a mom through adoption, the publisher at Perspectives Press, Inc.: The Infertility and Adoption Publisher, an internationally known infertility and adoption educator and the author of several books, including Adoption Is a Family Affair!, Adopting after Infertility, Launching a Baby's Adoption, and Perspectives on a Grafted Tree. Perspectives Press, Inc. For twenty years (1982-2002) THE Infertility and Adoption Publisher PO Box 90318, Indianapolis, IN 46290-0318 USA *phone (317) 872-3055 visit our website at http://www.perspectivespress.com Back to Top *************************************************************** 16. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL HEART TO HEART ADOPTION Heart to Heart Adoption Service is a nonprofit agency authorized by the New York State Office of Family and Children's Services to provide both domestic and international adoptions. Because of our own difficult experiences in adopting a daughter from Guatemala, we decided to specialize in Guatemalan adoptions. We have established a network of highly respected and experienced lawyers based in Guatemala City. For the most part, the infants, toddlers and children who are available for adoption, come from very impoverished circumstances and have been kept in approved foster homes while awaiting a loving family. The name Heart to Heart was chosen for a dual purpose. First, it describes what the agency does - unites two or more hearts together in a family bond and second, it describes how that service is rendered - in a very heartfelt, sensitive, caring supportive manner designed to make the experience as stress free as possible. We have devoted our professional careers to serving children and young people. Inspired by the experiences of adoption, by our thankfulness to God for this great gift of life he has given us and by the dire need of the children of Guatemala, we have chosen to devote the rest of our lives to uniting families. - Linda and David Wynn Back to Top *************************************************************** 17. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK Sweet Dreams My Little Friends - $14.98 List Price (CD or Cassette) $11.98 Limited Time Intro. Offer Price (20% Discount) $10.48 Limited Time Bulk Order Price per unit (30% Discount) (Applies only to orders of a brick of 15 units of the same product) Through the intertwining of positive imagery, vocal and instrumental music, Sweet Dreams My Little Friends, creates a comforting, restful, and affirming experience for the listener, especially children. It helps remind us all of our personal worth and God-given inner beauty. Children are provided with lullabies and affirming conversation, including relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and story visualization, all which create a feeling of peace where the child in us all can safely rest. Sweet Dreams My Little Friends is a practical and useful gift idea for friends, parents and grandparents. For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=13&pf%5Fid=1143 For more adoption products, visit www.AdoptionShop.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 18. BARGAIN BUREAU Each week, we comb the Internet to find the best deal(s) on products that our readers would be interested in. These products are usually discounted 50% or more. This week we found: Amazon has womens' Mossimo front-zip cardigan sweaters for $5. Shipping is ~$5 for the first sweater and $1 each additional. Normally priced: $19.99 You Save: $14.99 (75%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours To take advantage of this great deal, visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OT76/ref=pd_sxp_f/103-8687679-9991048 Back to Top *************************************************************** 19. ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW Christian Adoption is one of the many FREE adoption-related e-mail discussion lists on a list of adoption groups that Adoption.com offers. Simply click on the box to the left of the list you would like to join, then enter your e-mail address in the box below and click "Submit." Once you have subscribed to an e-mail list, you will then be able to post messages that will be relayed to all of the members of the list. You will also receive messages posted by the other members of the list and will have the opportunity to respond to these messages. In this particular group, you will have the opportunity to share your concerns as a Christian waiting to adopt, a Christian adoptee, or a Christian adoptive parent. If you don't need any help, who knows, you could help somebody else! If you or anyone you know is an adoptive parent, you can join this group to share your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. To be part of this group, visit http://adoptiongroups.com/cgi-bin/members/adoptiongroups/login.cgi, register, and join. Back to Top *************************************************************** 20. ADOPTION POETRY Today I Kissed an Angel Today I kissed an angel. I knew it from the start. The first time my angel smiled at me; I gave away my heart. Today I kissed an angel; This angel child of mine Though not of my creation, My child by God's design. Today I kissed an angel. My heart is dancing wild; Our family, by a miracle; Blessed by our angel child. By: Brenda Meece Copyright owner: Gaily Huff from Miracle of Adoption www.miracleofadoption.com For more adoption poetry, visit www.AdoptionPoetry.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 21. ADOPTION CALENDAR CHAT SCHEDULE: Important note for Pre-Adoptive Parent Chat! JJ's Wednesday night chat will be one hour earlier on Weds., at 8:00pm EST instead of 9:00 pm EST Monday: Evening with Karen DeLuca in adoptee room! Evening with Carol Bird: hosting older birthmoms with closed adoptions. Tuesday: Birthmom chat with Courtney Wednesday: Pre- and adoptive parent chat with JJ and friends - Help as you begin the adoption process. Night (10:00 p.m. Eastern Time) - Reunion Room 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. Friday: Night - meet with pre- and adoptive parents in Special Needs Room: A special welcome to Louise, mom of 6, who will be moderating the chat on Friday. For a listing of times and descriptions, and to attend scheduled chats, visit http://www.adopting.org/chat.html, or join the live chat at chat.adoption.com. "Outside Looking In" is a new one-hour special on PBS is directed by Phil Bertelsen, a black man raised by white parents. In this documentary, he touches on the elements of transracial adoption families end up dealing with. Profiling three American families formed by adoption, Bertelsen opens up the world of transracial adoption to his audience. ALABAMA Birthparents Support Group What: Birthparents Support Group Where: Children's Aid Society, 3600 8th Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama Phone: (205) 251-7148 Contact person: Laura Atkinson Meeting time: 2nd Tuesday of every month ARIZONA Saturday, May 11th, 10am-4pm in Chandler, AZ. Adoption Seminar 2002: For Everything You Hope the Future will be! by Child On Board.com From the emotion of adoption, focusing on the topic "Adoption Really is the Same," to the differences between Private, Agency, Domestic, International and adoption through the Child Welfare System. Experience the emotion of adoption, learn the differences between drug exposure verses drug addiction, find out how closed "open adoptions" can be. Call (480) 782-0116 or email cob@futureone.com. CALIFORNIA Saturday, March 23rd, The Lifelong Impact of Adoption 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Lecture & Discussion by Marlou Russell, Ph.D. $30 per person Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd. Technology Building, Room #201 Santa Monica, California 90405 For more info contact: marlourussell@hotmail.com http://www.marlourussellphd.com 03/28/02 ADOPTION OPTIONS, INC. Informational Meeting 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Adoption Options office (Mission Valley) 4025 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92108 RSVP (619) 542-7772 or toll-free (877) 542-7772 www.adoption-options.org Informational meetings usually held the 3rd Thursday of the month. Bringing People Together: The Art of Open Adoption Practice Friday, June 21, 2002 The Radisson, Newport Beach, California A conference designed with the professional in mind, this is also a conference that may be of interest to adoptive parents and birthparents. Speakers include some of the top names in open adoption liturature including Jim Gritter (The Spirit of Open Adoption), Sharon Roszia (The Open Adoption Experience), Joyce Maguire Pavao (The Family of Adoption), Brenda Romanchik (A Birthparent's Book of Memories) and Harold Grotevant, and Ruth McRoy (Openness in Adoption). Plus much more.... For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.org Coming together: The Art of Being an Open Adoption Family Saturday, June 22, 2002 The Huntington Beach Library, Huntington Beach, California Finally a conference designed to help birth and adoptive families build open adoption relationships! Speakers include some of the top names in open adoption liturature including Jim Gritter (The Spirit of Open Adoption), Sharon Roszia (The Open Adoption Experience), Joyce Maguire Pavao (The Family of Adoption), Brenda Romanchik (A Birthparent's Book of Memories) and Harold Grotevant and Ruth McRoy (Openness in Adoption). Plus much more.... This conference's format is designed to not only give you the information you need to build stronger, healthier relationships, it also gives you an opportunity to "ask the experts". For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.org CONNECTICUT Adoption Information Meetings On the first Wednesday of every month, the Adoption Program of Lutheran Social Services of New England, Inc., 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT, is pleased to provide free information meetings on Domestic adoption and adoption from China, Vietnam, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine. Please call (860) 257-9899 to reserve your space. Adoption Healing Peer group for adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents offering support and encouragement in a safe environment and, for those interested, assistance with search and reunion. Our group meets every Thursday at 7:30p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church,661 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT. Contact bjwille@aol.com or call (203) 866-6475 FLORIDA The Family Support Center presents "Choices in Adoption" seminars throughout the state of Florida. Get all of your domestic and international adoption questions answered at one seminar. Please e-mail us at fscadopt@hotmail.com or call us at (386) 760-5804 & toll free (866) 221-6562 for information on the next seminar near you. http://www.AdoptFlorida.cc New Beginnings Family & Children's Services, Inc. at 1301 Seminole Blvd., Suite 111, Largo, Florida 33773 has regular information orientation meetings on the First Thursday of each month at the above address at 7:00 P.M. Please call at (727) 584-5262 for more information Birthparent/Adoption Support Group designed to promote healing and understanding within the adoption triad - birthparents (Pre and Post-Placement), adoptive parents and adoptees. Pregnant women considering adoption are also welcome. We meet Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Brandon Care Pregnancy Center, 122 Moon Avenue, (813) 654-0491. Adoption Connection Support Group, Tampa Bay 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. County Center Building, 601 East Kennedy Blvd. Floor 26 (between Kennedy and Pierce), TIME: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM GEORGIA Free international adoption seminar. Genesis Adoptions, 3050 Royal Blvd S. Suite 145-B, Alpharetta GA 30022. Please call Dani Funk, Adoption Coordinator at (770) 521-5552 ext 211 for more information ILLINOIS Healing Hearts is a adoption support group for Adoptee's, Birthparents, and Adoptive parents. The group meets every 4th Thursday of the month in Normal IL 61761 Phone: (309) 820.0230 KENTUCKY Transracial Adoption Support Group...open to single and family groups of any kind who are parenting a child from a racial or people group other than their own. We meet the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. in Jeffersonville, Indiana at Childplace Adoption Agency although members need not be affiliated with Childplace. (812) 338-2115 LOUISIANA ADOPTION SEMINARS: Adoption Seminars will be presented by Beacon House Adoption Services, Inc. in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Topics will include both domestic and international adoptions, home studies and related issues. Saturday mornings from 10 A.M. until 12 noon. Pre-registration not required. Call 1-888-987-6300 or (225) 272-3221 for information. Beacon House is a licensed adoption agency and recently received its accreditation from Russia for international adoptions http://www.adoptassoc.com or call for information at 1-616-667-0677. A New Hope, INC (stands for In the Name of Christ) Birthmother's Support Group meets 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Contact Annette Milanowski (616) 532-7175 MICHIGAN The Lifegiver's Festival - Higgins Lake, MI September 26 - 29, 2002 The Lifegiver's Festival is a conference specifically designed for birthparents in open adoptions. The Lifegiver's Festival is not only about giving birthparents the information they need to have successful open adoption relationships. Just as importantly, it provides birthparents a chance to connect with others in the same situation. For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.org MINNESOTA Adoption Information Meetings..Free & Open to the Public Several meetings are held each month at Children's Home Society to provide you with information about our programs, including: International programs, American open adoptions, foster-adoption of special needs children. Visit our website for more information: www.chsm.com Every month Adoption Miracle International, Inc. of MN provides free informational meetings on International Adoption from Russia, China, Bulgaria and Guatemala. Please call (952) 470-6141 to reserve your space. New Adoption Support Group Forming in Willmar, Minnesota. E-mail Claudia at maeflye@aol.com for more details. Partners in Adoption Support group meets in Marshall, Minnesota the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. E-mail Claudia at maeflye@aol.com for more details. MISSISSIPPI The Lifegiver's Festival - Higgins Lake, MI September 26 - 29, 2002 The Lifegiver's Festival is a conference specifically designed for birthparents in open adoptions. The Lifegiver's Festival is not only about giving birthparents the information they need to have successful open adoption relationships. Just as importantly, it provides birthparents a chance to connect with others in the same situation. For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.org NEW YORK NYC Support Group every Wednesday...Adoptees 444 East 76th Street in Manhattan (212) 988-0110 (Wednesday only) 6:00pm door opens. 6:30-9:30pm meeting Rockland County Support Group Thursdays 74 Lakewood Drive, Congers (914) 268-0283. 7:15pm door opens. 7:30-10:00pm Meeting Two Tuesdays a month, Carol Schaefer's Birthmother Support group meets in Manhattan. Contact her for details: CarolSch1@aol.com Lincolndale/Somers support group meets the second Tuesday of every month 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The telephone number is (914) 248-5060. NYC Support Group 444 East 76th Street in Manhattan (212) 988-0110 (on Sunday only) 2:30pm door opens. 3:00-6:30pm Meeting, followed by dinner for those who choose to join us. Support Group Adoption/parenting support group: Sara Lavner, 26 West 9th Street, New York City. Monday evenings at 6:45pm. Phone: (212) 473-6463 Support Group Williamsville, NY Parents of Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder meeting the 4th Thursday of each month group meets the fourth Thursday of each month 7:00pm to 8:45pm. at the Clearfield public library in Williamsville, NY 14221, at the corner of Hopkins and Klein. . For information go to www.Center4FamilyDevelop.com or e-mail AWeidman@Concentric.net or 716-810-0790. No charge for attending. Support Group Meetings for Chautauqua County Foster/Adoptive Parents The Chautauqua Co. Foster/ Adoptive Parent Assoc, 2 support group meetings a month. Second Wed. at 1:00pm and the Third Thurs. at 6:30pm at the Kidder Church in Jamestown, NY. Email: ccfapa@cecomet.net OHIO Support Group for Adoptees, Adoptive Parents 3rd Thursday of every month at 1291 Hillside Drive, Greenville, Ohio 45331 Call (937) 316-6168 for more information. It is a support group for people who are adopted, would like to adopt, or who have adopted. It is a great group!! OREGON Adoption Information Seminar PLAN Loving Adoptions Now, Inc. Monday, Feb 25, 7:00 p.m. Lake Bible Church 4565 SW Carman Dr, Lake Oswego, Oregon Contact PLAN: (503)472-8452 www.planlovingadoptions.org PENNSYLVANIA Support Group for Parents of Children with Attachment Disorders/Difficulties Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday evening of every month at the Chester County Govt. Services Bldg., Rm 339 ...Contact Dianne C. Kuchlak at: (610) 696-4900 x24 email: dkuchlak@gateway.net MEETINGS: PA. and NY. Adoptions International in Philadelphia is scheduling free individual consultations about adopting from Guatemala, Romania, and China. Meetings can be scheduled in the Philadelphia area, the Pittsburgh area, or the New York Metropolitan area. Please call: (215) 238-9057 for more information. Transcultural Adoptive Families (TAF) Pittsburgh, PA For families who have adopted across international and/or racial boundaries...A large and active group with monthly functions Contact Pat Suhody at (412) 561-9021 for information. Adoptive Parent Support Group in Harrisburg, for information please e-mail jservis@paonline.com. Also anyone interested in learning about the adoption process, or wanting to adopt children are welcome to come out and join us at any time. Adoption Search: Best Practices and Ethics Institute - April 9, 2002, Philadelphia, PA Immediately before The American Adoption Congress Annual Meeting, this institute will assist participants to understand how to conduct searches using ethical standards. Topics that will be covered include: researching characteristics and qualifications of the service provider; defining who may request a search; dealing with current practice in light of promises of the past; defining non-identifying information; preparing triad members for the search; reviewing sample cases. Patricia Martinez Dorner, MA, LPC, LMFT For more info, please call:(703) 549-1390 SOUTH CAROLINA Council on Adoptable Children Meeting addressing the family and fertility. Tuesday, March 19th, Big Mount Pleasant Library, 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm. Free and open to the public. Second in a series of four meetings thru May. SOUTH DAKOTA Adoption Support Group for adoptive parents and adoptive parents-to-be Call Lynne Banks: 605-335-8027 TENNESSEE Adoptee/Birthparent Support of Memphis meets every Thursday 7:30pm at St Louis Catholic Church, 203 White Station, Memphis, TN. For more information contact Ronnie (901) 213-3977 or Jim (901) 493-2868. TEXAS Texas Cradle Support for those Adopting Internationally 'The Families Who Have Adopted Internationally Support Group' meets every fourth Thursday at McDonalds on Huebner & NW Military Highway in San Antonio, Texas. Open Support Group for Parents of Children with Attachment Disorders in Houston Area. Mediated by 2 attachment therapists... 2nd Friday each month starting 11-1-01. More info: call (713) 592-6076 Foster and Adoptive Parents of Collin County in Allen, TX 75013 Monthly support group for foster parents and another support meeting monthly for adoptive parents. For more info, phone Marcia Hookie (972) 359-1959 or Monica McCaffrey (972) 612-8227 UTAH Parent Support Group (child care workers & extended family welcome) IEP help also. First Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. 1161 East 300 North, Provo, Utah. Call (801) 768-1746. Catholic Community Services of Utah: Adoptive Parent Support Group for waiting parents: come to to talk about waiting and other adoption issues. It is the first Monday of every month from 6-8pm. Phone: (801) 977-9119 x222 VIRGINIA Forever Families of the New River Valley is an adoption support group for pre-and post-adoptive families or individuals in Blacksburg and the surrounding region. Members are brought together through a common interest in adoption--both domestic and international. For more information, contact Beth Waggenspack (540) 231-7625 United Methodist Family Services of Virginia welcomes all adoptive parents to our (free)support groups thoughout the state. Both adult and children (including adolescent) groups are in full swing! Childcare provided free of charge. Currently from the Harrsionburg office, we have support groups in: Winchester, Harrisonburg, Rockingham, Charlottesville, Albemarle, Staunton, Augusta and Fishersville. Contact us by phone (540) 438-1577 for more information. WASHINGTON Kitsap Adoption Group(Formerly the Support Group of Kitsap County) Marilyn Wistrand (360) 697-2997 Monthly meetings: Adoption Information Chat- 4th Sat. every month. 9:00am WISH meeting for waiting families: 3rd. Thurs. 7:00pm Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington Monthly Meeting.. Our monthly meetings are a good time to visit, laugh, eat and just have a good time with each other. After dinner, we usually meet up for dessert at Diletante's on Broadway at around 9:00-30ish and are there for an hour or so. Email to Katie Tupper: ktsing@u.washington.edu WISCONSIN Manitowoc Area Adoptive and Foster Family Support Group (special needs) Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Family Education Resource Center, 540 N. 8th, Manitowoc. Contact: Mary Freberg (920) 433-4061 Green Bay Area Adoptive and Foster Parent Support Group (special needs) meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month 6:30 - 8:00 pm. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1018 Cedar Street, De Pere. Contact: Mary Freberg (920) 433-4061 bsab@antigopro.net has a birthmother support email listing and support group located in north central Wisconsin and have bsab members throughout the state. Semi-annual bsab conference/retreats. Butterflies Birthmother Support Group Meetings held at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah, WI. All birthmothers are welcome, as well as anyone who is considering making an adoption plan. Come for support, understanding, and to build some new friendships. For more information or just to talk, please contact Jennifer at jjvallier@netzero.net. For local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit www.AdoptionCalendar.com Back to Top ___________________________________________________________________ CALL FOR CONTENT Adoption Week Magazine is looking for well-written adoption-related articles, poems, quotes, book reviews, news, event announcements, product reviews, photos, successful adoption and reunion stories, clean humor, job openings, letters to the editor, reviews of adoption websites, product recalls, information on adoption legislation, great deals on adoption and family-related products, other adoption-related content. To submit content, or if you would like to be interviewed or to nominate someone for an adoption service award, please visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. TO ADVERTISE Would you like to advertise in the Adoption Week e-mail magazine? For more information, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. REFER IT We hope you enjoyed this issue of Adoption Week Magazine and encourage you to forward it to others who might find this information useful. TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE If you want a free weekly e-mail subscription to Adoption Week e-Magazine, or would like to unsubscribe, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. DISCLAIMER This e-magazine is provided as a free community service, and by using and reading it you agree to the terms and conditions as posted at www.AdoptionWeek.com. Adoption.com makes no warrantee about the accurateness of any information in this magazine, and does not endorse any adoption professional, adoption product or other adoption service. If you have received this e-mail erroneously, or do not agree to the terms of this disclaimer, please unsubscribe. |
