1. ANNOUNCEMENT

WIN $250 OF ADOPTION PRODUCTS BY LINKING TO ADOPTION.COM
Do you have a website? First, link from your website to Adoption.com between now and September 15. Next, send an e-mail to editor@adoptionmedia.com with the location on your website containing the link to Adoption.com. Then, you will be eligible for a drawing for $250 of adoption products from AdoptionShop.com. Your website does NOT have to be adoption-related. If you link to Adoption.com from multiple websites and different domain names, multiple entries in the drawing will be accepted. All eligable websites who link to Adoption.com can also be included at AdoptionSearch.com, the largest directory of adoption-related websites. Here is a sample title and description you could use for the link, but you are free to format the link in a way that works for your website:
"Adoption.com - the #1 adoption resource for hopeful adoptive parents, crisis pregnancy, birth parents, adoption parenting, adult adoptees, international adoption, and adoption attorneys & agencies."

LOOKING FOR CANADIAN ADOPTEES OR BIRTHPARENTS FOR DOCUMENTARY
A National Canadian Documentary Television Series is doing a documentary on how the Internet is making searches easier and reunions more frequent. While reunions can be a very positive experience, we would also like to explore the difficulties some adoptees and birthparents are having when faced with a reunion request they may not be prepared for or may not desire. If your birthparent or birthchild has contacted you and you do not want a reunion, or if you have contacted your birthparent or child and they are not ready or willing to have a reunion and you would like to share your perspective with us, please send your information to editor@adoptionmedia.com. We can guarantee your anonymity if required.

ARE YOU A PARENT? ADOPTIONFORUMS PARENTING SECTION NEEDS YOU!
We are looking for people with experience and interest in parenting to help moderate some of our 73 forums for parents with bio and adopted children. The forums are diverse in content and offer support, ideas, information and opportunities for connecting with other parents in similar situations. Interested? Questions? Please e-mail Sabra@adoption.com.

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2. ADOPTION NEWS

One-Child Policy Spurs Baby Girl Trafficking in Rural China (China)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/07/20/MN297755.DTL

Arduous Road to Adoption Ends Joyously with A Guatemalan Boy (CA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/living/fashion/6526228.htm

Birthfather Waited Too Long to Oppose Adoption (PA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/103-08122003-140570.html

International Adoptions Come with Concerns about Kids' Health (NY)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/living/6506765.htm

Duke Gives New Parents Paid Leave (NC)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/2770380p-2567773c.html

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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3. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB

THE STRENGTH OF MERCY
Within these pages, you'll witness God's compassion as He leads a family to Romania in search of one special child. You'll see His interest and involvement as He orchestrates a dramatic series of events that would bring help and hope to abandoned children around the world. And your faith will be bolstered by this powerful, modern-day example of how God speaks to us and asks us to risk for Him.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00978.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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4. CHILDREN'S BUREAU EXPRESS

August 2003 Edition

Top Stories

HHS Assistant Secretary Testifies Before Congress on the President's Child Welfare Proposal
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=713

Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003 Signed Into Law
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=685

Former Foster Youth Spend Summer on Capitol Hill
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=687

Research

Seeking Causes: Racial Disproportionality in Child Welfare
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=688

Evaluation of Family Preservation and Reunification
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=689

New Research Sheds Light on Kinship Care Issues
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=690

Promising Practices

Building Successful Collaborations Between Child Welfare and Substance Abuse Treatment
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=691

Meeting the Challenge: Recruiting and Retaining Quality Staff
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=692

News You Can Use

Publications
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=694

Funding
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=695

Training
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id696

Conferences
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=697>

Spotlight on the National Resource Centers

Tools for Leaders: National Child Welfare Resource Center for Organizational Improvement
http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/articles.cfm?article_id=698

Credit: Children's Bureau Express
Link: http://www.calib.com/cbexpress/

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5. MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS

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

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6. FEATURED WAITING CHILD

Charles is a big boy for four-years-old and exceptionally active! He has a good ability to solve physical problems, such as taking apart locks. And there are those who believe that he has the potential to be a good athlete if he could learn how to calm himself down some and gain better impulse control. There are indications that Charles has organic disabilities related to alcohol and drug exposure in utero. While his motor development is pretty much on target, his language and social skills are clearly delayed. His worker is looking for an experienced family with the skills to help Charles develop to his fullest potential and who have a strong support system of family and friends, as well as a wide range of developmental services in their community.

http://photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,800 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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7. ADOPTION GEM

8. ADOPTION BUZZ

Adoptees Searching And Sharing Tips on Patience During The Wait to Reunite: - A Question for All Parts of the Triad
http://forums.adoption.com/t105551.html

Attachment Disorder and School Issues: - Waiting for Child from Kaz, A RAD
http://forums.adoption.com/t111778.html

Adoptees Searching And Sharing Tips on Patience During The Wait to Reunite: - Starting to Search and Scared
http://forums.adoption.com/t111634.html

African American Adoptive Parents: - Rasing an AA Child in A Caucasian Surrounding???!!
http://forums.adoption.com/t107410.html

Birthfamily Post Relinquishment: Healing, Recovery, and Success: - How Do You Explain to Your Child about The Child You Placed?
http://forums.adoption.com/t107016.html

If any of the links above do not work, visit Adoption.com for direct links to these discussions.

For more online adoption discussions, visit http://www.AdoptionForums.com.

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9. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

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

Have you just adopted, or have you already been matched and are eagerly awaiting your new child? Congratulations from everyone at Adoption.com! JustAdopted.com provides resources, tools, community and support just for you.

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

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10. ADOPTION DESTINATIONS

InternationalAdoption.org is the internet's authoritative destination for international adoption. You will find fact sheets, adoption information, travel information, culture and heritage, maps, weather, books, currency exchange rates, periodicals, news and much more for dozens of different countries with active international adoption programs.

This week, the country of focus is Mexico.

The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The nation continues to make an impressive recovery.

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

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11. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:
A little boy's prayer

"Dear God, please take care of my daddy and my mommy and my sister and my brother and my doggy and me. Oh, please take care of yourself, God. If anything happens to you, we're gonna be in a big mess."

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

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12. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Law Offices of David J. Radis
Los Angeles, CA
Toll Free: (800) 637-2882
Phone: (310) 552-0536
radis@radis-adopt.com

Caring Adoption Associates is a caring, committed agency headed by an adoptive mother that specializes in adoption consultation, homestudy, dossier, and post-placement services.

Services: • Adoption Attorneys • Interstate Compact Administrators • Stepparent Adoption

For more information on the Law Offices of David J. Radis, visit http://www.Radis-Adopt.com/.

Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at http://directory.adoption.com.

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

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16. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

Beaded Page Keepers - Only $5.95
Made especially for Adoption.com, these unique and fun bookmarks are the perfect accesory for any book lover. A gold tone charm and cut glass beads are hand strung on a natural silk thread.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/NOL00007.html.

For more adoption products, visit adoptionshop.com.

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14. 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:

I am 19, and nearing my 20th birthday. My parents have always been cautiously open regarding questions about my birthparents. From what I understand, my birth mother was barely more than a child herself when she gave birth to me, and decided that she wanted me to have more than the life she could provide for me. However, my birth father, an older, already married man, completely denied parenting me, and signed over rights to me as quickly as he could.

I was adopted from Athens, Ohio. My father is in the military, and we have moved around quite a bit. They have always given me nothing but love, and everything I have ever wanted out of life. They have made me into a good person. I respect and love them so much; yet, I still have so many questions. I once asked my mother whom I looked like, and she said she only saw a picture of my birth mother but that I look like her. Somehow, that's not enough, and I feel so guilty for saying that. I'm left with questions of, "What is she like?", "Does she like the same things I do?", "Does she ever think about me at all?" I've never given thought to my birth father really, seeing as how he felt about me when I was first born. I think I want to find her, if nothing else to obtain medical history to know if I am at risk for any health complications.

When I looked up Ohio laws regarding adoptions in 1983, the website said that adoptees under the age of 21 had to have consent of not only the birth parents, but the adopted parents as well. Should I wait until I am 21 to look into my adoption? Should I even let my parents know that I want to look into my adoption? I just don't want to hurt them.

Thanks,
Unsure

Answer:

Unsure:

It is completely normal to feel the same way you do; DO NOT FEEL GUILTY. In fact, as I read your email, I couldn't help but draw parallels with my feelings and experiences.

First, you will NOT hurt your parent's feelings by asking more questions. I cannot stress that enough. They have been waiting since you were adopted for the day you would bring up the idea of searching for your biological mother. I fully recommend that you tell them about your curiosity.

I don't see any reason why you cannot look into a registry at this time (before you turn 21). Some registries, however, do require you to be 21 years of age before you can place your information with them (i.e., Illinois). There are plenty of other websites, etc. that you can look into. Try the following website: http://www.AdoptionSearch.com.

I wish you luck, and please believe me when I say that the best thing you can do right now is sit down and talk to your adoptive parents about what you're feeling, what you want to do, etc. regarding your adoption and searching. You will not regret it, and it will probably bring you closer. Just make sure you let your adoptive parents know that they are your "parents", as they are the ones who raised you, disciplined you, nurtured you and made you who YOU are today. No one can ever take that away, and make sure you thank them for making you the strong person you are. You'll never forget the look of gratitude on their face when you do so.

DB

Question:

We are adopting an adorable 8-year-old girl. We've been seeing a physiologist regularly, who we have been working with on attachment issues. She told me that my child never bonded with her birth mom, being left so many times and in so many places. I can see this, although she does have a love for her. She really rarely mentions her, except in passing information - without emotion, and doesn't seem to miss her. When we had another foster daughter, she cried and cried for her mom every few days; I knew she needed to be with her, and she ended up going to family and having contact with mom. It has been good, that this one has not been too attached, (does not often cry for her), since our plan for almost a year has been to adopt her. We have an adoption date set very soon, and are very excited. She is also, and tells people all the time.

About 6 months ago, we had an encounter with the birth mom. Though we didn't mention anything to our foster daughter, she cried for her mom for the first time (she had been with us for 4 months). Now, 6 months later, we are dealing with the birth mom appealing her severance (not directly, but it is a concern, as we were hoping all would go as planned). Suddenly our daughter has brought it up again to an aunt that she misses her mother, and wants to see her again, and even cried again.

I brought it up to her later, but she did not want to talk to me about it. I told her that it was okay to feel sad and want to see her mom, and that she could talk to me. She said she didn't want to and hid her face. I asked her if the reason she didn't want to tell me was because she thought it would make me sad, or hurt my feelings? She didn't answer. I told her that she would always have a special place in her heart for her birth mom, and that it is good to always love her. I asked her if she wanted to see her again, and then she opened up a little. She said, "yes, right now. I want you to find her right now for me". I asked if she knew where she was, and she said,"in jail". I told her that she was out now, that her old case worker told me that. She denied at first that she could be out. ("No, she is lying.") Then she became a little more insistent wanting me to go find her now. I told her it was kind of late at night to call anyone, then she asked if I knew where she was. I told her that I didn't. I asked her if she was out did she want to go back to live with her? She said yes.

I said, "but the judge has said that you can't. So where would you like to live, if the judge said you can't live with her?" She pointed to me. She did NOT cry as we talked. I told her again, that whenever she was sad, or wanted to just talk about her mom, we could do that, that it would not hurt my feelings. I told her that she would have 2 mommies to love, and that we will always love her, and are happy that if she couldn't live with her mom, that we could be her family. She told me she didn't want to talk anymore about it.

I hope I said the right things. I'm not sure how to handle this, and it does cause confused feelings for me. Like when her birth mom's trying so hard, we wonder if she senses it??? Also, is it right to start always referring to her as birth mom? Do I insist on her calling me mom, or wait until the adoption? She has a pet name for me right now.

Answer:

I think you handled yourself very well for being put on the spot like that. You didn't say anything wrong. This is always a tough situation when the child is old enough to miss their biological parents.

I would certainly wait before asking the child to address you as "mom". In fact, I wouldn't push that at all, even if the adoption goes through. I know you want her to call you mom, but you need to wait until she considers you her "mom". Does that make sense? If you insist that she calls you that (mom), then it has less meaning to that child than the pet name she has for you. She calls you that pet name because it is special to her, and it invokes meaning for her.

Just keep being supportive. You are doing a tremendous job. It is so great that you have let your child know that she can talk to you about anything, including her adoption and biological mother. Many parents feel that way, but never tell their children. Keep reinforcing your support of her in everything, not just the adoption.

As for her "sensing" that her biological mom is trying so hard, I couldn't tell you either way. Life is full of crazy things like that, and anything is possible. That's not what is important, however. What's important is building a strong and honest relationship with this child that potentially will become your child (God willing the adoption goes through). The mom thing and all of that other stuff comes with time. Don't rush it. Like I said before, just build that strong relationship on honesty and caring and love, and the "mom" label will come with time.

Good luck, and keep up the good work..."mom"!

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 Thursday.

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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15. SPEAK OUT

Nancy, I understand your predicament. I located my birthmother almost 20 years ago. She wanted no contact at all after a couple of phone calls. While it is a huge disappointment, you just have to grieve what might have been and go on. In my case, I was able to contact one of my birthmother's siblings. This gave me a way to get information without violating my birthmother's wish that I never contact her or her children.

I wish I had had the fairy tale ending, but it was not to be. I hope you are able to come to understand that the fault is not with you. Something in her life will not allow her to be open to this possibility at this time. - An FF of BN

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D.W.: FYI - Just because you were born in the Bronx does not mean that your biological family was from the Bronx. I was born at Our Lady of Mercy (Bronx, NY) in 1968 and put up for adoption shortly afterward. I too assumed my biological family resided in the Bronx. Subsequently, I have learned my "story" and discovered none of my biological family was from the Bronx. My biological mother was from Long Island, unwed, and Catholic. Apparently, in those days, families would send these young mothers "away" to give birth. I think this is important to consider so you do not narrow your search like I had for so many years. - N.B.

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Response to R. (Sorting Grandmas): Many Grandmas can be a very positive thing, as evidenced by many "blended" families in this country. Why would you worry that there would be enough love to go around? It sounds as though you might want to back off your relationship with your birthmother and give it all a little time. You do not mention if you are married or of childbearing age. Just take everything one day at a time and it will all work out. Multiple Grandparents can be a wonderful thing! - Dianne Cartwright

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Nancy K: Your story is familiar. I too searched for my biological mother only to be "turned away" by her when I suggested a meeting. I decided to search for my biological father, which turned out to be the best decision I could ever have made. We had four wonder years together before he died. As a result, I developed a strong, loving relationship with his son, wife, sister, and extended family - which has developed a strong, loving relationship with my adoptive family. You would never guess that we hadn't know each other forever. Now, my story is unique. I do not want to suggest you will have the same results. I only want to suggest expanding your search. I had never considered meeting my biological father and often think how much I would have lost if I had not made the decision to search. As a bonus, I not only learned the story of how I came to be, but was able to understand why it is too painful for my biological mother to develop a relationship. What was originally experienced as "anger" and "sadness" turned to "understanding" and "forgiveness". Remember, these are people who have lived an entire life, made difficult decisions, that you may not understand. As a fellow adoptee I can understand why that may be hard to grasp, but it is true. I'd suggest, giving your biological mother the space she needs. She knows how to reach you if she changes her mind. Expand your search - try and find your father, you may be surprised. Good luck with your search. - N.B.

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I am writing in response to the message from Lori of Long Island...If a person knew how difficult and expensive it is to search for parents or children, they might not object to a few messages from searchers. I, personally, have spent hours perusing message boards. My adoption was closed, which makes things a little more difficult. What's your interesting question or comment? By the way, my name is Jana; I was born October 1, 1973 at Grand Forks AFB, ND. Looking for birth parents. Legal documents show my biomom's name as Martha Z. Contact jculven@aol... Thank you, Jana

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To Brooklyn born in 1968 - Thanks for the info. How would I go about finding the NY registry for medical info fron the Foundling? Thanks. - Marie

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I am 33 years young; I was born on April 18, 1970. My birth mother lived with my adopted parents for 3 months before I was born. I know her name is/was Eleanor West. I was born in Dover, New Hampshire. I do not have a lot of money to pay for P.I.'s. Where do I go from here? Please contact me at bonita4peace@hotmail.com. Thank you for your time in this matter,
A. C. P.

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To whom it may concern: I have been adopted since I was about 6 years old, and I found 2 of my sisters in Ohio and maybe 1 in MO. I would like to have DNA testing done but do not have the money to do so. So, where do I go from here? I am the oldest; also, there is at least one brother out there that my so-called biological mother has told that the girls of the family were dead but for the exception of one or two others. So how do we get to contact them? Thank you, and gratefully always, T. E. R.

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I'm searching for anyone with the knowledge of a baby boy born full term, by c-section, weighing 7 lbs 1 oz, birth mom blood type b- neg, b-mom college student, birth at the Methodist Home Hospital in New Orleans, LA. on Nov. 13, 1963. Baby called Frank in the home while there; was adopted at about one month of age. I now live in Grosse Tete, Louisiana; this is a small town outside of Baton Rouge. My name now is Scott Booksh. Contact (225)-715-0812,
(225)-715-8808, or dencausse@cox.net.

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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16. ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW

Here's a recent post from the Infertility group:

Hi,

With the insurance, I have one retrieval and transfer left. My doctor just told me that I have an antibody called: antiimmune cardiolipin which, from what I understand, my (body) creates antibodies and basically kills the baby. I achieved pregnancy and went to 6 weeks and lost the baby. They are going to put me on Predinsone, baby aspirin, and heparin. Is there anyone that has the same situation that may have gone through something different and achieved and mantained the pregnancy?

Help...

Kim

To be part of this group, or one of 70+ other adoption-related online e- mail discussion groups, visit http://AdoptionLists.com, register, and join.

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17. ADOPTION POETRY

IN THE BEGINNING...

Long ago on a summer eve,
A baby boy I did conceive.
Was not a plan I had in life,
But what to do, I was not a wife.
A mere child I was and yet so old,
My life was about to unfold...
What to do, where to go, this was
something I did not know.
I cried and cried and prayed and prayed.
I was so alone and so afraid.
And yet I knew I had a choice to make,
It was my baby's life that was at stake.
Each day that passed and you did grow,
I knew you would have a loving place to go.
My plans for you were what kept me strong,
with deserving parents you did belong.
Not a day goes by I do not ponder,
Who you are and where you wander.
My thoughts and prayers are always with you.
For it is the life you live that makes my dreams come true.

M.A. Hague

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

Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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18. 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

Attachment Disorder: A Journey of Hope Chat with Parent Nancy Geoghegan; educational weekly chat at 7 pm Pacific, 8 pm Mountain, 9 pm Central, 10 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 http://forums.adoption.com/chat.

ADOPTION EVENTS:

ADOPTION INFORMATION MEETING
August 20 (7:00 pm)
PSBI in Hilltown Township at 520 Dublin Road, Hilltown, PA
Pearl S. Buck International
for families interested in learning about international and domestic adoptions. The seminar is presented without fee as a public service to build awareness of the importance of international adoption as well as the different options available to families interested in adopting a child domestically. To make a reservation or receive more information, call Welcome House at (215)249-0100 or e-mail info@pearl-s-buck.org.

PARENT-TO-PARENT ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUP MEETING: Topic - Coping with Childhood Trauma
August 21 (7:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
Sarah Bush Hospital in Mattoon, Illinois in the Education Department
Lutheran Social Services
Open to all foster/adoptive families in the area. For more information please call Bea at Lutheran Social Services in Charleston, Illinois at (217) 348-3333.

HEIGHTA AREA GENERAL MEETING
August 21 (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
Unity of Greater Cleveland, 3350 Warrensville Ctr Road, Shaker Heights, Ohio
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, call (216) 881-7511 or visit http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

LAKE COUNTY GENERAL MEETING
August 26 (7:30 pm - 9:30 pm)
Deepwood North Apartments, Rental Office/Community Room, 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, call (216) 881-7511 or visit http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SUPPORT MEETING
August 27 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
Euclid Public Library, Erie Room, 631 E. 222nd. St., Euclid, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents of internationally adopted children. No registration or membership is required to attend. For more information, call (216) 881-7511 or visit http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

WORKSHOP FOR NON-RESIDENT INDIAN (NRI) FAMILIES CONSIDERING ADOPTION
August 28 (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
38 Edge Hill Road, Waltham, MA
Wide Horizons For Children
Free workshop for couples of Indian heritage and others seeking more information about adopting from India. Couples up to age 40 may adopt an infant; up to age 50 for older children. A family who has just completed their adoption will speak about their experience. For further information, or to reserve a place at the workshop, please contact Homai Dalal Schmidt at (781) 419-0323 or by e-mail at hschmidt@whfc.org.

INFORMATION MEETING
September 6 (1:00 - 3:00 pm)
East Lansing Library, 950 Abbott Rd, East Lansing, MI
Great Wall China Adoption
Looking for couples aged 30-55 willing to open their hearts and homes to a Chinese orphan. Children of all ages and both genders are available. For more information, or to reserve a spot at the workshop, please contact Kim Bakos, GWCA Satellite Representative, at (269) 429-6292 or kimberbakos@yahoo.com.

ADOPTION GROUP FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
September 9 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
San Jose, California
Resolve of Northern California
Prospective adoptive parents are invited to explore their questions and concerns about all types of adoption in an intensive eight-week support group led by Sara Lively, M.S.Ed. For more information and to register, call (831) 476-7252 or visit http://www.adoptionpaths.com.

PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS' EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
September 10 - November 19
303 E Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, 43215-3200
The National Center for Adoption Law and Policy at Capital University Law School and Children's Institute for Pediatric Education
The Adoption Academy, in Columbus, Ohio, offers prospective adoptive parents educational programs from an objective source. It hopes to provide prospective parents with the information they may need to make informed adoption decisions. The Academy has three tracks each lasting about 3-4 weeks:
The CORE, which covers many issues that all prospective adoptive parents need to address
The Domestic: for those interested in adopting children in the U.S.
The International: for those interested in adopting abroad
For further information regarding locations, specific classes, price, and registration, please contact the National Center for Adoption Law and Policy's website at http://www.ncalp.org.

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

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