| |
1. Announcements | | |
| |
Adoption Photo Contest Entries Now On-line
Once again, Adoption.com would like to thank everyone who participated in the Adoption Photo Contest by sharing their beautiful pictures with us! The photos submitted for the contest are now available on-line for viewing. Take a look!
If you missed the winners, click here.
| |
| |
2. The Adoption Blog - by Nancy Ashe | | | | |
Preparing for Adoption Month - November is National Adoption Awareness Month. Many groups and organizations have already got their plans underway, but some do not and, if your family is like my family, we're running behind... as usual. Bringing adoption month into our homes and communities isn't hard. Here are some suggestions - and tips on how to get them done...more.
To read previous blogs, click here.
| | |
3. Highlighted 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 Tree of Yet-to-Come - article by Jessica A. Tarbox
As the years passed, the children’s branches began to bloom. Some bloomed earlier than others, some bloomed more often than others, but in time every branch was lush with the soft green leaves of life’s transformations. All except one. The middle daughter was beloved by all who knew her...more
Impact of Traumatic Stress on Parents - article by Mark Lerner, Ph.D.
A significant number of adoptive children have been exposed to traumatic events including, but not limited to, neglect, physical and sexual abuse and various degrees of abandonment. I have emphasized the importance of recognizing and addressing traumatic stress early—potentially preventing acute stress reactions from becoming chronic stress disorders...more
An Assorted Fairytale XXVII - new article by Linda Muzzin
When I got home, I cried and cried. Then I got in the shower and I cried some more… I just couldn’t believe after 40 years, there she was...one of my 10 siblings in the flesh. She was beautiful and loving and so very kind. I knew that if she were this together, the others just had to be, and it would be safe to press on in finding them...more
Read these articles at e-Magazine.adoption.com, and submit your adoption-related articles for publication in Adoption Week e-Magazine and Adoption.com.
| |
| |
4. Adoption News | | | | |
Custody Battle for Stranded Child
The grandmothers of a four-year-old girl found wandering barefoot in New York City are battling for her custody, with one requesting a US visa and the other flying to New York to seek adoption...more
Reunion Far from Happy
After bouncing from foster home to foster home, Irene DiGenaro was adopted, then returned for being "unruly." Then, after 25 years apart from the West Islip woman who had adopted her, DiGenaro returned to scam her former mother out of more than $60,000, police said yesterday...more
Starved Boys Get Needed Help
Four former Collingswood youths, whom state officials contend were starved by their adopted parents, can now move on with their lives. The state has offered to settle a lawsuit filed by three of the boys' legal guardians for $12.5 million. The money will ensure the boys receive the kind of care state officials said was denied them by their adoptive parents, Vanessa and the late Raymond Jackson...more
Citizen Bill for Adopted Kids
Foreign-born children adopted by Canadians would be made instant citizens under legislation about to be announced by the federal government. The government says the move is about treating adopted children equally and erasing legal distinctions that make them different from biological children...more
U.S. Adoption, Placement Statutes Might Be Revised
Interstate laws regulating the placement of children across state lines for adoption are undergoing their first major revision since the 1950s. The statutes have been called anachronistic, bureaucratic and unenforceable...more
Read more headlines at news.adoption.com.
| |
| |
5. Adoption Law & Policy News | | | | |
October 5, 2005
WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY
State Law/Advocacy
Nation: “National Study: Foster Children Lose Attorneys to High Debt”
PCSAO newsletter (online), October 5, 2005
Click here.
State Law/Foster Care/State Systems
Nation: “Foster Parents Are Stretched Thin” - by Isolde Raftery
Skagil Valley Herald, September 26, 2005
Click here.
State Law/Parties to Adoption/Criteria for Adoptive Parents/Suitability
Utah: “Child Dies After Controversial Water Therapy” - by Isolde Raftery
ABC News (online), October 4, 2004
Click here.
WEEKLY CASE SUMMARY
State Law/Termination of Parental Rights/Involuntary/Appeals of Orders of Termination
California: In re Aryanna C.
The Court of Appeal of California affirmed the lower court’s decision to end the reunification services being offered by the state to the father and subsequently terminating father’s parental rights...
Cite: Case No. C049254, 2005 Cal. App. LEXIS 1508 (Cal. Ct. App. Sept. 26, 2005)
Click here.
State Law/Custody/Parental Unsuitability
Iowa: In the Interest of M.P., II D.O., and C.O. Minor Children, M.P., II D.O., and C.O., Minor Children
The Court of Appeals of Iowa reversed the decision of the trial court awarding custody of two children to their father...
Cite: Case No. 5-245 / 05-0182, 2005 Iowa App. LEXIS 1214 (Ia. Ct. App. Sept. 28, 2005)
Click here.
Credit: National Center for Adoption Law & Policy
Link: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption
| |
| |
6. Children's Bureau Express | | | | |
October 2005 Edition Alert
Top Stories
Hurricane Impact and Response for Children and Families
New Webpage Links to Resources on Methamphetamine Abuse
Spanish Resources Featured on National Adoption Month Website
Research
LONGSCAN Studies on Dimensions of Maltreatment
Mental Health Services for Adolescents in Foster Care
Promising Practices
Caring Communities for Kin Caregivers
Evaluating Mediation in Child Protection Cases
Credit: Children's Bureau Express
| |
| | 7. Featured Adoption Product | |
| | |
Over Land and Sea - Driven by love, nourished by hope, and sustained by faith, thousands of families travel over land and sea each year to adopt children internationally. This timeless multicultural story provides a unique opportunity for every reader to take part in an intimate family journey and to witness the shared joy of relatives and friends upon a "homecoming"...more
Find 1,000+ other adoption products at adoptionshop.com.
| |
| | 8. Featured Waiting Child | | | | |
 Jared knows how to get your attention. He is a special, happy boy that needs a forever family. He is three years old. Even though he has special medical needs, that does not stop him from smiling and hollering. Jared is a quadriplegic who is ventilator-dependent. He experiences seizures and is being monitored closely. He can’t regulate his body temperature, so episodes of hypothermia may result. He must be monitored on a Pulse Oximeter at all times. He also receives speech, occupational, and physical therapy twice a week. The forever family for Jared must live in a warm climate. They must have experience and knowledge of all of his medical needs. They need to advocate for his special educational, medical and therapy needs...more
Photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of adoption.com featuring thousands of children awaiting loving, permanent homes.
| | | 9. Meet New Hopeful Adoptive Parents | | | | |
Are you pregnant? Visit parentprofiles.com (a service of Adoption Profiles, LLC) to find the right adoptive parents for your baby. Are you a hopeful adoptive parent? Build your profile.
| |
| |
10. Adoption Gem | | | | |
Sometimes when you think you are done, it is just the edge of beginning.
Probably that's why we decide we're done.
It's getting too scary.
We are touching down onto something real.
It is beyond the point when you think you are done that often something strong comes out.
- Natalie Goldberg
Share your story, thought, or quote.
| |
| |
11. Adoption Buzz | | | | |
| |
| |
12. Just for the Fun of It | | | | |
No Roof
Our soon-to-be-adopted 6-year-old son has an interesting outlook on life, and his own vocabulary to go with it. He has developed a love of all fast-looking cars, and Corvettes in particular.
One day I was driving down the road when he excitedly said, "Mom! I just saw a bald Corvette!"
I said, "A bald corvette?"
"Yes," he replied, "It doesn't have a roof!"
Submitted by: Kathy Peterson
Share your humorous adoption story or joke.
| |
| | 13. Featured Adoption Professional | | | | |
Adoption Placement - Plantation, FL
Phone: (954) 474-8494 E-mail: API@adoptionplacement.com
Services: • Adoption Agencies • Home Studies • International Adoption
Countries: • China • Guatemala • India • Poland • Russia • Ukraine ...more
Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at adoptiondirectory.com. See your ad here.
| |
| | 14. Counsel from an Adoptee & a Birth Mother | | | | |
This section is not intended for search advice. It is meant to be an advice column for people with questions concerning their feelings, interested in the opinion of someone who can relate. The views expressed by this author is solely his own, and for which the author is responsible. The content within this column is not to be considered as professional medical, legal or behavioral health information to be used in diagnosis, treatment or actions that would require the consultation and/or services of a licensed, certified or accredited professional. These views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine.
Question:
I have a 32-year-old birth son out there somewhere that has not surfaced. I did send one letter several years ago to the address I had for him; it was his adoptive parents' home address. No response. I have registered on this site and the International Soundex site.
No response. I do know his full name and have a copy of the amended birth certificate. I am afraid of rejection if I were to try and write again (I now have a more updated mailing address).
Did your son approach you first? Or did you find him? What do think compelled your finding each other?
Robyn
Answer: To read Jan's response, click here.
Read columnists' bios and ask your question.
| |
| | 15. Speak Out | | | | |
This section is not intended for search inquiries. However, in cases where search inquiries are posted, if contacted by an individual wishing to assist you with a search, do not assume or believe that any searcher is a professional or has the backing of Adoption.com or its constituents. If you provide information to anyone you are unfamiliar with or agree to a paid search, you do so at your own risk.
Amazing result--I found my sister within 2 days of registering on Adoption.com! Thank you so much! - Nicole
Thank you to all who wrote in the happy stories of being a child of adoption. I am an adoptive mom of 2 small children and just last week shared my disappointment with all the negative stories on this website with my best friend, who happens to be adopted. I can hardly wait to share the happy stories with her. I am so thankful that our family was made through the miracle of adoption! - J
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. If only I could turn back time. I pray to God that my son is fine; He will be 18 years old on Jan 24th. I pray some day that we can meet again; I would love to explain to him why. I know for sure that is a question that will come up. I truly hate the decision that I made back then, but I know at that time it was right for my son. It was truly out of love, and I wanted him to have everything that he deserved. My heart is so heavy with pain, and I know it will be that way for the rest of my life. I love him and that love will never die. The pain I have should always be with me, I will except that. Some of you may not understand how I feel, and then again you may. But follow your heart and God because we all know He will never lead us wrong. My son, if you read this one day, I want you to know I love you very much, and nothing and no one can ever take that from me. Peace be with you all. - TCD, Houston, Texas
I got pregnant young and kept my son, and being so dumb then, I thought every guy loved me and wanted to marry me and adopt my son and be a family. Well, I got pregnant again in 1979 and put him up for adoption, because I could not give him a good life. I could barely afford my son and try to start our future. It took a very long time, but I have done it on my own after my husband died in 1978. My son Michael is 37, going on 38 on Nov. 23rd. He has been such a big help to me and our future. I'm writing to let my Michael know
his half brother. He was born in Framingham, MA at Framingham Union Hospital in April, 1979. He had red hair and was a very good baby. I named him Richard Michael Brackin. The couple that walked out of the hospital with him was so very happy. I knew I did the right thing for him. My name is Patricia (Brackin) Alix; I'm 58 and have live in Palmer, AK for 32 years. If anyone knows who he, or if he's reading this, please e-mail me. Maybe I can find out how you are, and maybe
you and Michael can get to talk. Thank you. - Patti
RA, I am a 30-year-old reunited adoptee, and be it known to all, I couldn't love my mom any more then I do!!! She was the one there for me when I fell off my bike and skinned my knees, my first day of kindergarten, and explained for hours and hours on end about what it meant to be a woman, and that I wouldn't die from becoming a woman. She was there to punish me the time I got caught smoking in the woods, and being in places I really should not have been. She was everything to me that a mom should be, and everything that I hope to be to my two boys. She is my mom! I lost my mom when I was twelve, so I was raised by my grandparents from then on. My life was less than perfect, but my life was no different as a result of my adoption than it would have been had I been a biological child. We are all dealt a deck of cards in life; I guess it just depends on how well you play them. Like anything else, you have to take the good with the bad. She is my Mom! Yes, I do have a birth mother, too, but she is just that. I love her and will always be grateful for choosing life for me, and I will forever respect her decision. She had issues then, and did what she felt was the best for herself and I at the time. She is a wonderful lady who's doing a great job raising my three younger (full) sisters. She is to them what I also hope to be to my boys, but she is my birth mother, and my sisters' mom. - Kristin, reunited July 2002
Through your website (Reunite.com), I have found my sister. Thank you. - Renee
Hi. My name is Fred Lopez. I was born Alfredo Rodriguez. Currently, I am searching for my biological parents. I was born in Wesaco, TX (Hidalgo County) on February 7, 1969. The only information that I have at this time is that my biological mother's name is Maria Mendez Rodriguez, and my biological father's name is Floterino Rodriguez. The last name could be spelled Rodrigues. Please, if you have any helpful information, I would be so grateful. Thank you again! - Fred
RA, I was adopted when I was 3 months old. I consider myself the luckiest kid in the world. I was adopted into a wonderful family. Upon arriving home, I had 2 parents, an aunt and uncle and grandparents at my beckon cry. I could not have been placed in a more loving home. I know that I am one of the most lucky ones. When I went to visit the attorney that had my adoption paperwork, he gave me some flack. I just looked him right in the eye and said that the precious lady setting next to me was my "mommy" - the lady that comforted me when I was scared, held me when I was sick and the other lady was my birth mom. And if he didn't know the difference between the two, then he probably needed to go and see his "mommy" to figure it out. Yes, I would like to find my birth parents. I have been looking for some 25 years now, but they cannot even start to replace my "mommy and daddy". - DJ
Speak Out - share your opinion, comment, or respond to a message.
| |
| |
16. Adoption Poetry | | | | |
They Said
They said I had to go to a home for unwed mothers
They never asked me what I wanted to do
They said my baby should have a mother and a father
They never gave me a choice to help me see it through
They said the line on my belly would disappear
They never mentioned the wound in my heart
They said go on with your life and pretend it didn’t happen
They never told me i would grieve all the years we’re apart
They said I should be happy now that I’m free
They never admit my flesh and blood has been amputated from me
They said I could get married and other children would call me mother
They never said one person does not replace another
They said why worry she has a good life
They never listen to how the pain of not knowing cuts like a knife
They said it’s against the law to search and find her
They never knew this was my heart’s desire
They said she’s still young and has other things on her mind
They never say you’re getting older you’ve been waiting a long time
They said when she has children she’ll want to know me
They never concede I missed sharing her life she never sat on me knee
They said if I loved my baby I’d sign the paper and leave that day
She said, don’t tell me you love me; you gave me away
Sheila Ganz
Read more adoption poetry, or share your adoption poem.
| |
| | 17. Adoption Calendar | | | | |
Adoption Events:
ABC's of International Adoption
October 11 (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm) - Dillon Arkansas Office, 4702 W. Commercial Drive, Ste B-1, North Little Rock, AR
Dillon International, Inc. - During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. E-mail, call (501) 791-9300, or click here for details.
ABC's of International Adoption
October 11 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm) - Dillon Missouri Office, One First Missouri Center, Ste 115, St. Louis, MO
Dillon International, Inc. - During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. E-mail, call (314) 576-4100, or click here for details.
Russian Orthodox Festival
October 14 & 15 (12 pm - 9 pm), 16 (12 pm - 6 pm) - Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 E. Fairmount Avenue, CT
"Images of Faith and Art from Mexico" - A celebration of the Russian community. For more information, call (410) 276-6171.
Weaving Cultures, Nurturing Families Workshop
October 15 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm) - Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th, Suite B1, Cleveland, OH
Adoption Network Cleveland - This two-part workshop is to provide a safe place for those considering transracial or transcultural adoption to face and process their own biases and prejudices while sensitizing them to the issues of race and culture that will be part of their adoption experience. Space for the program is limited. Advance registration is required. E-mail Kate, call (216) 325-1000 x 104 to register, or click here for details.
Exploring Adoption
October 15 (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) - Santa Cruz, CA
Adoption Paths - Workshop series providing comprehensive, unbiased information about all types of adoption (international and domestic). For more information and to register, contact Sara Lively, M.S.Ed. at (831) 476-7252, or click here.
Adopting from China Information Meeting
October 15 (11:00 am - 1:00 pm) - Schimelpfenig Library, 5024 Custer Road, Plano, TX
Great Wall China Adoption - Free. Meet families who have returned from China and hear from them, first hand, about their experiences. For more information, or to register, contact Erin Martin at (972) 346-2891 (h), (214)725-9828 (c), by e-mail, or click here for more information.
ABC's of International Adoption
October 17 (7:00 pm) - Audelia Rd Branch of Dallas Library, 10045 Audelia Rd, Dallas, TX
Dillon International, Inc. - During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of
international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. E-mail Libby, call (817) 292-3599 to RSVP, or click here for details.
ABC's of International Adoption
October 22 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm) - Yarborough Library, 2200 Hancock Dr, Austin, TX
Dillon International, Inc. - During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of
international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. E-mail Pam, call (512) 467-9177, or click here for details.
East Meets West - China Adoption Conference
October 22 (7:30 am - 4:30 pm) - The Hyatt Regency Columbus, Columbus, OH
Great Wall China Adoption - This conference is designed for families interested in adopting from China. Regular registration ends on Friday, September 30th. Late registration will run through Wednesday, October 19th. To register, click here.
ABC's of International Adoption
October 22 (1:30 pm - 3:30 pm) - Burleson Public Library, 248 SW Johnson Ave, Burleson, TX
Dillon International, Inc. - During this free informational meeting, attendees will be given an overview of the process of
international adoption, individual country requirements and adoption costs. In addition, they will be given information on waiting children from South Korea, China, India, Ukraine, Vietnam, Haiti, and Guatemala. E-mail Kim, call (817) 426-0806 to RSVP, or click here for details.
Buratino (Russian Version of Pinocchio)
October 23 (3:00 pm) - Trumbull Library, 33 Quality Street, Trumbull, CT
An interactive musical spectacular performed by children and adults in Russian. Singing and dancing with the characters awaits everyone in the audience. For kids ages 3-7. Free admission. Click here for details.
Adoption 201: Adopting from the Public System
October 24 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) - Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th, Suite B1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland - A free workshop for anyone who wants to learn more about adoption of foster children and youth. For more information, contact Kate Schantz at (216) 325-1000 x104, or click here.
Adoption 201: Adopting from the Public System
October 25 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) - Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th, Suite B1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland - A free workshop for anyone who wants to learn more about adoption of foster children and youth. Advanced registration is preferred. Registration on October 25 begins at 5:30 pm. For more information, contact Betsie Norris at (216) 881-7511, or click here.
25th Annual Tri-State Adoption Conference
November 13 (6:00 pm - 9:00 pm) - Iona College in New Rochelle, NY
Adoptive Parents Committee - This full-day event will offer more than 100 workshops, lectures and panel discussions featuring top professionals and experts in the adoption field as well as an extensive resource exhibit hall. For registration information, call (914) 997-7859, or click here.
To view local listings, regional seminars, many other adoption events, and to list your organization's events, visit adoptioncalendar.com.
| |
| | | | | |
Adoption Week e-Magazine | | | |
Call For Content
Adoption Week e-Magazine is looking for well-written adoption-related articles, poems, quotes, book reviews, news, event announcements, product reviews, successful adoption and reunion stories, clean humor, letters to the editor, information on adoption legislation, and other adoption-related content. Submit content.
By submitting content, you represent that you have the rights to this content and that you give Adoption.com and Adoption Week the right to reprint this content on the Internet, via e-mail, and in print form.
To Advertise
Visit familyads.com, or call 1-800-87-ADOPT for advertising information.
Refer It
We hope you enjoyed this issue of Adoption Week e-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 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 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.
(c) Adoption Media, LLC 2005
| | |
