1. ANNOUNCEMENT

THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION ON NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, 2003
Each year, the President joins the adoption community across the United States by proclaiming the month of November as National Adoption Awareness month. On November 7, President George W. Bush made this proclamation. To read the Presidential Proclamation, visit http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=366

MAJOR REVISIONS TO ADOPTION.COM PHOTOLISTING
Adoption.com has completed a major revision to our adoptable kids photolisting, including a new look, new features, and hundreds of new children from several new states. Visit http://Photolisting.Adoption.com.

BETA LAUNCH OF NEW ADOPTION.COM LIBRARY
After more than a year of work, a beta version of the new Adoption.com Library has been launched, including more than 3,000 articles on topics such as adoption, foster care, search & reunion, parenting, and children's disabilities. Visit http://Library.Adoption.com to browse this free & unique collection of adoption articles. If you would like to contribute articles to this library and get promotion for your company, contact editor@adoptionmedia.com.

REVISED ADOPTION.COM GLOSSARY
Adoption.com has revised it's glossary of 160+ adoption-related terms. Visit http://Glossary.Adoption.com. We invite you to suggest additional terms to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

SURVEY FOR ADULT ADOPTEES
Please participate in a survey being conducted by an adoptee and doctoral student at Florida State University. The survey is to better understand the effects of adoption in adults. The survey is anonymous, and individual results will be kept confidential. You can find the survey at: http://fs11.formsite.com/FSUSocialWork/form531020310/index.html. Thank you for participating!

CELEBRATE NATIONAL ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and Adoption.com has created http://National-Adoption-Month.Adoption.com. This website has ideas on how to celebrate events and even includes a calendar of activities for the month. Visit http://National-Adoption-Month.Adoption.com to learn the history of this holiday and to share your adoption story.

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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.

Toy Safety - new article by Dana Weisberger
As parents, I’m sure you realize the importance of toy safety and that creating a safe play environment is an everyday issue and paramount for the well-being of children. TIA (Toy Industry Association), the trade association of the North American toy industry, has a “cyber hotline” – www.toyhotline.org – that features sound, common sense advice to parents and caregivers regarding toy safety. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=367

Searching For Healing: The Power of One - new article contributed by Neysa Ciha
Adoption Week e-Magazine published an article, "Birth Mother Still Searching" which was written by Lynn, a birth mother. Lynn's story touched me, and as a result, we have become good friends. After a few weeks of us corresponding back and forth to each other, I asked her to give me information about her daughter that she had placed for adoption some 28 years prior. Two days later, I was on-line and visited the very first registry that I registered with several years ago. I typed in Lynn's daughter's birth date and found a match. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=368

One Question - Why? - new article contributed by Elaine
The father of my son was Catholic, and when we married, I signed papers to raise my children Catholic, as they had you do back then. While my husband was in jail, they pressured him to sign papers to have my son taken for adoption. Boy, you will never know what I have gone through all these years. I have had a hard time living with my self over this. Now, at the age of 72, close to 73, I have found my son. Wish you could hear some of the things he has told me. He did get adopted by a great family who has passed away. They were led to believe myself and the father had been killed in a car wreck. He had been looking for our family as I had been looking for him. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=369

First Mother´s Day - new article contributed by Claudia Ribeiro
I remember the day that I met Nicholas. How surprised I was with his size. I think it wasn't his size but in fact the size of the step that I was about to take, the huge blessing that I was receiving, the fear of that moment and the future. Everything was huge, even my heart has grown... Yes. It must have grown because I remembered that my whole body was pulsing and fast. Almost like when I first listened to the sound of an orchestra in a live concert. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=370

Read these articles at http://e-magazine.adoption.com, and submit your adoption-related articles to editor@adoptionmedia.com for publication in Adoption Week e-Magazine and Adoption.com.

By submitting content, you represent that you have the rights to this content and that you give Adoption.com and Adoption Week the right to reprint this content on the internet, via e-mail, and in print form.

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3. ADOPTION NEWS

County Commissioners Honor Children and Family Staff (PA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10494503&BRD=2255&PAG=461&dept_id=451706&rfi=6

Families Overcome Adoption Hurdles (VA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.freelancestar.com/News/FLS/2003/112003/11122003/1162741

Search Unites Siblings After A Lifetime Apart (NJ)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2003/1112/Front_Page/006.html

Inbox Offers Family Surprise (VA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.winchesterstar.com/TheWinchesterStar/031112/Area_adoption.asp

Adoption Work Honored (KY)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2003/11/12ky/met-2-make11120-6002.html

Court Fight on Parental Fitness (CA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.theunion.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031105/NEWS/31105002

If any of the links to the news articles do not work, visit http://www.adoption.com/news for a list of headlines.

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4. ADOPTION LAW & POLICY NEWS

November 11, 2003

WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY

FLORIDA: “STATE TO RECRUIT FAMILIES TO ADOPT, STREAMLINE PROCESS” - Associated Press
The Florida Department of Children and Families launched a new program with Governor Bush aimed at increasing adoption in the state. Components of the new plan include: Television ads, weeklong camps for prospective adoptive parents and kids seeking adoption, and new HomeFinder Teams dedicated to placement of ‘hard-to-place’ children. The plan includes no shift to include homosexual parent adoptions, in line with Florida law.
The Bradenton Herald, Wednesday, November 5, 2003
http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradentonherald/news/local/7184694.htm

“‘LOOK BEYOND NEW JERSEY’: PEW COMMISSION ON CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE URGES CONGRESS TO EXAMINE NATIONAL STATE OF CHILD WELFARE"
The Pew Commission announced a forthcoming report that will recommend improvements on financing of certain child-welfare services, and on tools courts use to help ensure the ‘safety, permanency, and well-being’ of America’s abused and neglected children. The report is expected in Spring 2004.
U.S. Newswire Press Release, Thursday, November 6, 2003
http://pewfostercare.org/docs/index.php?DocID=32

MARSHALL ISLAND OVERSEAS ADOPTION: “A DUEL FOR A DAUGHTER AGONIZES TWO FAMILIES” - by Walter Roche
As a percentage of the population, the Western Pacific Marshall Islands have the highest adoption rates in the world, leaving many to seek more controls over alleged black-market adoption activities there. In one case, the State of Florida is a co-defendant along with an agency it endorsed, as well as the agency’s executive director, where adoptive parents have sued for fraud and restitution following a disputed adoption. There, a Florida judge found that a Marshallese birth-mother did not fully understand the terms of an American relinquishment and adoption, and therefore did not satisfy the requirement of knowing consent in a permanent adoption. A solution to cases like these put forth by a former Marshallese judge would have island courts handle the adoptions, rather than American courts, to ensure better communication with birth-mothers.
The Baltimore Sun, Monday, November 3, 2003
http://www.sunspot.net/news/nationworld/bal-te.adopt03nov03,0,4753333.story?coll=bal-home-headlines

LONDON: “HODGE SPEEDS UP OVERSEAS ADOPTION” - by Sarah Womack
The British process for overseas adoption will be reformed with a goal to cut waiting times for approved adoption applicants from five months to 10 weeks. Pointing to better adoption-related resources and processes in America, and the higher number of completed overseas adoptions in France, experts hope that the overhaul will encourage more overseas adoptions. The Children’s Minister, Margaret Hodge, is working to remove the required participation of Foreign Offices and Embassies of countries where British parents frequently adopt: China, Guatemala, India.
The Daily Telegraph, Monday, November 3, 2003
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2003%2F11%2F03%2Fnadop03.xml

Credit: National Center for Adoption Law & Policy
Link: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption

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5. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB

SMALL FEATS
In a nutshell, this book is about "everyday heroes." Small Feats describes the results achieved by the daily, one step at a time, cumulative, life-long heroism shown by foster and adoptive parents. Their heroism, once started, may never end. it becomes a lifestyle.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP90000.html.

Find 1,400+ other adoption products at adoptionshop.com.

To share your favorite adoption book with others, join the Adoption Book Club on AdoptionLists.com at http://adoptionlists.com/index.php?action=lists&listname=adoptionbookclub.

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6. MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS

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

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7. FEATURED WAITING CHILD

April is a quiet, studious youth. She was recently named to the “Who’s who” of America’s high school students. April has a fear of water. April is slow to warm to new people, and she is often mistrusting of new situations. April however, is very eager to be adopted. April’s family needs to be able to help her deal with being a teenager. April so desperately wants a family that will love her for herself. She wants a family where she will be important and valued.

Photolisting.Adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,700 children awaiting loving, permanent homes. Add your agency's waiting children to the most popular adoption website, and help them find loving homes faster. E-mail exchange@adoptablekids.com for info.

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Adoption Nation:

As seen on "The Today Show" and in People magazine: An adoptive father and award-winning journalist reports on the metamorphosis of adoption from a secretive, shameful procedure to an integral part of American family life.

Adoption is both sweeping the nation and changing it, accelerating our transformation into a more multicultural and multiethnic country and helping to redefine our understanding of "family." Adoption Nation is essential reading for adoptive families, for anyone contemplating adopting a child, and for everyone touched by this extraordinary cultural transformation. For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00017.html.

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8. ADOPTION GEM

Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different color hair than the other family members. One child suggested that he was adopted. A little girl said, "I know all about adoptions because I was adopted!"

"What does it mean to be adopted?" asked another child.

"It means," said the girl, "that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy."

- Unknown

Submit your story, thought, or quote to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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9. ADOPTION BUZZ

Just for Birthfathers: - Do Birthfathers Think of Their Children?
http://forums.adoption.com/t108402.html

Sealed Records :- Sample Petition to Unseal Adoption Record
http://forums.adoption.com/t119654.html

Parenting Support: - Guardianship to Adoption
http://forums.adoption.com/t121355.html

Becoming Foster Parents: - Fostering for Infants Available for Adoption
http://forums.adoption.com/t122885.html

Adoption Home Studies: - DUI - Homestudy - Help!!
http://forums.adoption.com/t108636.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 Forums.Adoption.com.

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10. ATTACHMENT & BONDING ISSUES

11. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

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

This adoption website focuses on children presently awaiting adoption. Pictures of individual children are available in most cases, with a little history or background on each child.

Siblings who would like to be adopted together are also shown on this site. Each child's age and location is available, and you can even narrow your search in order to find the child you would be most willing to open up your heart and home to.

For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit Adoptions.Adoption.com.

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12. ADOPTION DESTINATION

International.Adoption.com 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 Liberia

Liberia is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. Seven years of civil strife, brought to a close in 1996, destroyed much of Liberia's economy. Richly endowed with water, mineral resources, forests, and a climate favorable to agriculture, Liberia had been a producer and exporter of basic products.

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

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13. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

BILLY BROWN

An honest seven-year-old admitted calmly to her parents that Billy Brown had kissed her after class.

"How did that happen?" gasped her mother.

"It wasn't easy," admitted the young lady, "but three girls helped me catch him."

Contributed by: Melissa Flickinger

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

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14. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Adoption Connection of JFCS
San Francisco, CA
Toll Free: (800) 972-9225
Phone: (415) 359-2494
families@adoptionconnection.org

A non-profit adoption agency that has helped place over 1000 infants in adoptive homes. We are licensed to help families in N. CA with every part of a domestic adoption from homestudy through finalization. We work with birthparents throughout the U.S. and all their services are free. We are also licensed to complete International Homestudies and Post-Placement services.

Services: • Adoption Agencies • Home Studies

For more information on Adoption Connection of JFCS, visit http://www.AdoptionConnection.org.

Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at Directory.Adoption.com.

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

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15. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

Journey To Jemima - Only $29.95
"Journey to Jemima" is a 2003 Word Entertainment Film and Video Festival award winning journal-like documentary. This film is meant to allow families to take part in the colorful, blessed journey of adoption. Recommended for families seeking wisdom about adoption, families already in the adoption process for ANY country, families who have adopted and families preparing to travel to pick up their child. This is a courageous, inspirational and breathtaking video that will repeatedly bless your family and friends! You will laugh, you will cry and you will want to watch again and again! This video is a MUST HAVE for those who have been touched by adoption,or those considering adoption."

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP11101.html.

For more adoption products, visit adoptionshop.com.

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16. SOUND COUNSEL

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

We adopted my daughter 2 1/2 years ago in an open adoption situation. We were recently called and told she, our daughter's birth-mother, was pregnant again (different birth-dad this time), and she wanted to see if we wanted to adopt this baby. Naturally, we are thrilled to think we could be blessed a second time - with our daughter's sibling no less.

Has anyone out there had a similar experience? If so, can we expect birth-mom to have a more difficult time placing the baby the second time around since she knows the difficulty? We would love to hear from anyone who has some ideas on this.

Answer:

I have heard of this; however, in my experience it is not a common event. To be honest, there is no way to tell if the biological mother will or won't have a harder time with this adoption than the last. I think adoption is one of those things that is always tough on the biological parents, regardless of if they have done it once or five times.

My advice is to be happy that she has requested that your family adopt her second child. To me, that speaks volumes about her choice and her convictions regarding the adoption. If you are asking me if I think she will make the process more difficult (i.e., changing her mind, etc.), no, I do not think that she will.

I am very happy for you, and I think it is wonderful that this opportunity has been given to the children. The opportunity to grow up with one another is very important and special.

God bless and good luck to you and your family,

DB

(Note: Other subscribers of Adoption Week are welcome to speak out in response to this mother's question.)

Question:

I have a 2-year-old granddaughter that was adopted. I have seen pictures of her, but my daughter refuses to let her be a part of our lives, even though it is an open adoption. She only wants pictures and a letter twice a year.

Is there anything that I can say or do to change her mind and have the child become a part of our lives as her birth-mother and birth-grandmother?

Answer:

It is unfortunate that you cannot be a larger part of your biological granddaughter's life at this time. That being said, it is still your daughter's decision with regard to how the adoption is handled (i.e., open, and to what degree). I don't think there is anything you can say or do that will change that. To be honest, I don't think that would be 100% appropriate either.

Your daughter is an adult and made a decision to place her child for adoption. I think you have to respect that and her for stepping up and being an adult.

My advice would be to sit down with her and explain your feelings about the situation. This will allow both your side and that of your daughter to be articulated. I am sure your daughter has her reasons for her decision. Allow her the opportunity to explain those to you; it may change your perspective. Then again, explaining your side of the situation may help your daughter see your feelings more clearly. Communication is almost always the best solution. Often times, people just don't understand where the other person is coming from.

I think it is also important to remember there are a lot of grandparents in the same situation who don't even get the letters or photos. Just something to think about...

Good luck to you,

DB


BIO:

The author is a 21-year-old adoptee who wants to help those affiliated with the adoption community. Although the author does not have a medical degree, etc., he is simply extending a listening ear and the perspective of a young adult who is involved in the adoption triad.

His opinions are not necessarily those of Adoption.com and are provided voluntarily on a weekly basis.

To submit your questions, e-mail adoptionquestions2003@yahoo.com

In order for your questions/comments to be answered in the next week's issue, questions need to be submitted before 12 noon each Wednesday.

In addition, please remember to keep your questions appropriate for Adoption Week e-Magazine; otherwise, they will not be answered or included in the next week's edition.

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17. SPEAK OUT

Hello, my name is Geanna Whray. I am searching for my birth mother for a couple of reasons. One is to thank her for placing me up for adoption instead of having an abortion. I was born in Hendersonville, NC on February 28, 1971. My birth mother named me Kathy or Cathy. I was placed in foster home and she (birth mother) came back several times to get me but finally realized she could not take care of me. She was only 15 or 16 at the time. I am now 32 years old, and I have a husband and a beautiful 8-year-old daughter. I have run across some health concerns, and I feel that if I found my birth mother, maybe she could help me with some medical issues that would not only help me but help protect my child. I am not sure where to start with a state adoption. Any advice? Sincerely, Geanna Whray, NC (deewhray@yahoo.com)

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Hello. My birth name was Lorrane Ferris, dob 4/26/1959. I was born at either Foundling Hospital or Manhattan Hospital. I am biracial, maybe Irish, black, Cuban. My mom was about 19, and her name may or may not have been Elizabeth. I am diagnosed with terminal cancer with not a long time to live. I have 8 beautiful children. Please, I need my medical history to pass along to my children and the opportunity to thank you for the gift of life. - mlorrayne@hotmail.com

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Hello: On 11/09/03, I received an e-mail that would change my life and others' forever. About a year and five months ago, I worked with a young lady who told me she was looking for her bio-mother. I told her to give me information and I would help her look. You see, I was interested in helping her. I like a challenge. I also was working on my family tree at the time. So I knew about a few web sites to search and post her information. I also had several family members who were adopted and searching for family. Well, several months ago, she contacted me again. She told me I she was still looking. I posted her information again, and you guessed it...that e-mail was that of a family member looking for my friend. They have talked and are planning a reunion. She has a sister and two brothers. Thirty-five and going to meet her mom. Thank God for using me to help someone find their family. If I can help you, I would love to; I live just south of Memphis, TN. Will help anywhere, if I can. Turn your search over to God, and He will reveal, if His will. - payn5795@bellsouth.net

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When I found out I was adopted, I was about 7 years old. I found my adoption papers in my mom and dad's room. I asked them about it, and like the good loving parents they were, they explained it. After that though, I felt kind of lost, like something was missing in my life. My adoptive mom died when I was nine, so now I had lost two mothers. My dad raised my sister and me alone until we left home to marry. He was an awesome dad, but he would never talk about my real mom. When I was 38, I sent away for my background. After reading it, I now understand why he wouldn't talk about it. She had me and walked out of that hospital, never to return. The courts looked for her for 3 years to sign the adoption papers, until finally the judge deemed her unfit as a mother and gave me to my adoptive parents. I know I have 3 siblings out there somewhere, and I would love to meet them. My bio- name was SHARON ANNE NICKSON. My bio-father's name is WILL MCKEE. I always wonder about him and why he did what he did when he was already married with 3 kids. He left my bio-mom all alone to have me and pay the bills at the hospital. I'm grateful for the life I was given, but I would love to know my other family, too. - sharonbardock35@hotmail.com

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I was born in Los Angeles California on February 19, 1964. The adoption was done through the Bureau of Adoptions in the county of Los Angeles (Dept. of Children & Family Services). My case number was A-15279-V or C 14708. I believe my mother's last name was Wisley, because I was told that she named me Paula Jean Wisley at birth. My adopted parents named me Kellie Brooke Kister. My birthmother was born in California in 1942. She was 5 foot 4 inches with brown hair and grey eyes. My birth father was born in 1939, finished 4 years of college and had been in the military. As far as I know, she never told him about me. My adoption placement was on February 28, 1964. Please, if there is anything or anyone who can help me find her, I would be forever grateful. My e-mail address is kraz01@netzero.net. Sincere Thanks, Kellie

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Hello, my name is Kipp Hagaman. I was born Oct. 15, 1967 @ Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa. My mother is Susan Barr, born September 1, 1947. She named me Brian Barr. I am searching for her. Any help or advice would be appreciated. How I got all this information is a miracle, but a long story. E-mail me at hagaman316@earthlink.net.

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On Sept 9, 1982, at the age of 17, I gave birth to a baby boy at the Charlies Campsel Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. His name was Christopher David Skillen. All the records are with social services. I am currently trying to get the seal on the records broken, but the laws are very different here in Canada and even though he is 21, he still has to be looking for me. If anyone knows anything about him, please contact me at: slatrace@shaw.ca. - Sandie

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Hello, I am a 67-year-old adoptee. I would like to find out something about the medical history of my birth family if possible after such a long time. All records were closed when I was born, and I know nothing of my medical history. I was born on September 17, 1936 and adopted from the Oakland Children's Home in Oakland, CA. at the age of 8 weeks. My birth family was from the Porterville, CA area, and my birth grandfather was a minister, so I am told. My last name was Archamblaudt, and I do not know who's name that was, mother's or father's. My children have been after me to see if I could get some information. If there is anyone out there who might be able to help, please e-mail to: cordero@inreach.com. Thank you. - Marge

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To Speak Out and share your opinion or a comment, or to respond to a message, e-mail editor@adoptionmedia.com

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18. ADOPTION POETRY

IT TOOK A SMALL TOWN

It took our small town for the family you found
to give you a life to call your own home ground.
You came to me for a time and a season
and only God knows the reason.
God used his wisdom and plan to be your helping hand.
4 1/2 years of being my daughter has been my greatest pride
Knowing we helped plant a few seeds to help make you complete.
In our small town, we are so blessed to still have you in our life
with your forever families' blessings, to be included in everything you do.
Just to think, some day you will have 2 dads to walk you down the isle
and 2 moms to cry tears of great joy for the gifts you brought to all of us.
In God's plan, he placed his hands around you and all of your extended
family in our small town to make us one happy family!

Love Mom

Linda Williams
BE A VOICE FOR CHILDREN

For more adoption poetry, visit Poetry.Adoption.com.

Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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19. ADOPTION CALENDAR

CHAT SCHEDULE:

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

Monday:
Join Dr. Art Becker-Weidman in the hosted chat room at 2 pm Pacific, 3 pm Mountain, 4 pm Central, 5 pm Eastern and ask him questions on attachment therapy and treating children with trauma-attachment disorders.

Adoptee Chat with Thea in the hosted chat room at 6 pm Pacific, 7 pm Mountain, 8 pm Central, 9 pm Eastern. Thea is a caring adoptee that has recently reunited with her birthmother.

Tuesday:
Birth mom chat with Angelwings. Angel is a birthmom and adoptee. Her chat is held in the BirthMother.chat room at 4 pm Pacific, 5 pm Mountain, 6 pm Central, 7 pm Eastern

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

Wednesday:
Pre- and adoptive parent chat with JJ and friends - Help as you begin the adoption process. Hosted in Adoptive Parents chat room at 5 pm Pacific, 6 pm Mountain, 7 pm Central, 8 pm Eastern.

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

Join an informative chat on the ups and downs of reunion hosted by Sabra since 1997. Talk out your next step and share your experiences in search and reunion at 7 pm Pacific, 8 pm Mountain, 9 pm Central, 10 pm Eastern in the Search and Reunion chat room.

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

Friday:
If you are having a "limbo" type experience with your reunion, come and talk it over with those who've "been there-done that" themselves. Join co-hosting birth mothers, April and Judy, in the Search and Reunion room on Fridays: 5 pm Pacific, 6 pm Mountain, 7 pm Central, 8 pm Eastern.

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

For a listing of times and descriptions and to attend scheduled chats, or join the live chat, visit Forums.Adoption.com/Chat.

ADOPTION EVENTS:

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP MEETING
November 19 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
McHenry County Mental Health Board Building 620 Dakota Street Crystal Lake, IL 60012 (Dakota Street at Terra Cotta Road; North of Hwy. 176)
Heartstrings Adoption Support
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No membership required to attend these meetings. Questions? Please call (815) 455-2828, or visit http://www.HeartStringsAdoptionSupport.com.

ANC ANNUAL MEETING & VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PARTY
November 20 (6:45 pm ­ 9:15 pm)
Adoption Network Cleveland, 1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Free for volunteers and their guest, $3.00 per person for others. Open to the public. Please, RSVP by November 16th. For more information contact Adoption Network Cleveland (216) 881-7511 or on the web at http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

KIDS AT HEART 2003
November 23 (1:00 pm ­ 4:00 pm)
Puck Building, New York City, NY
National Council For Adoption
A day of family fun to kick off National Adoption Week. http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

Marvelous circus performers, including a ringmaster, acrobat, juggler, and clowns will be featured. Children can play a variety of carnival and arcade games, have their faces painted, make their own ice cream sundaes, or participate in the auction and raffle. They will also receive "goody bags" filled with toys and treats. Many children and families who will have just finalized their adoptions the day before, as part of National Adoption Day, will join us. Please contact Megan Lott at (703) 299-6633 ext. 104 for ticket information and additional details, or go to http://www.AdoptionCouncil.org.

LAKE COUNTY GENERAL MEETING - Topic: Control
November 25 (7:30 pm ­ 9:30 pm)
Deepwood North Apartments, Rental Office/Community Room, and 8100 Deepwood Blvd. (off Rt. 84) Mentor, Ohio. Follow signs to rental office.
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, birthparents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No registration or membership is required to attend. For more information, contact Adoption Network Cleveland at (216) 881-7511 or on the web at http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

ANC FUNDRAISER: SHARED SALES AT TEN THOUSAND VILLAGES
November 30 (12:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
Ten Thousand Villages, 19321 Detroit Rd., Rocky River
Adoption Network Cleveland
Please, come out and help support Adoption Network Cleveland. For more information, contact Adoption Network Cleveland at (216) 881-7511 or on the web at http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

MONTHLY INFORMATIONAL MEETING
December 4 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
The Church on the Rock, 6401 Bandera Rd in San Antonio, Texas
Great Wall China Adoptions
Free monthly information meeting for prospective parents. Interested persons may call (210) 499-0062 for more information.

CHILDREN SEEKING FAMILIES - A look at International Adoption
December 4 (7:30 pm - 8:30 pm)
Naperville Municipal Center - Lower Level Lunch Room, 400 S. Eagle Street, Naperville, IL
Finally Family Adoption Agency
Learn about the home study process and our adoption programs in Bulgaria, Guatemala, Russia and Ukraine. Meet families who have already completed their adoption. Finally Family Adoption Agency Staff will be on site to meet with you and answer your questions. Please R.S.V.P. at (312) 939-9399 or e-mail Nina Loard at nina@finallyfamily.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP MEETING
December 18 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
McHenry County Mental Health Board Building 620 Dakota Street Crystal Lake, IL 60012 (Dakota Street at Terra Cotta Road; North of Hwy. 176)
Heartstrings Adoption Support
Who can attend: Adult adoptees, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No membership required to attend these meetings. Questions? Please call (815) 455-2828, or visit http://www.HeartStringsAdoptionSupport.com.

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

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