1. ANNOUNCEMENT

MID-YEAR CONFERENCE FOR ADOPTION PROFESSIONALS
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys welcomes adoption attorneys, agencies, social workers, and counselors to its mid-year conference on inter-country adoptions, September 17 - 19 in Jackson Hole, WY. The focus of this conference will be an in-depth analysis of federal laws and regulations. BCIS and DOS will be represented. For more information, visit http://www.adoptionattorneys.org/2003%20Program%20Brochure.pdf.

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.

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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.

And Toddler Makes Two - new article contributed by Laura Christianson
Lora Brown led a simple, scheduled life. Then she adopted a 2-year-old-and learned to embrace chaos. The reality of bringing home rambunctious 2-year-old Talley was jolting. For the first few months, Brown was surprised to feel as if she were babysitting someone else's child. She felt guilty for not being overjoyed every second of the day, then immediately beat herself up about it. In her worst moments, she started second-guessing the whole decision. I began thinking, "Maybe I'm not meant to be a mother. Maybe I was right fifteen years ago when I chose not to do this." http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=310

Looking for the Truth, An Answer - new article contributed by Sharon Fried/Leah Lynn Miller
I have reason to believe that the adoption was direct from my mother to my adopted father. My adopted father was a clergyman and made "rounds" to the Crittendon Home. Unfortunately, my adopted father does not support my search efforts. Indeed, he thwarts them. My birth family believes that Judy contacted my adopted father and that he "drove" her away. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=311

All-American Girl - new article contributed by Katherine Sanders
Lea has a friend who was in foster care with her in Cambodia. Her friend was adopted and now also lives in the United States. They love to speak to each other on the phone. The first time Lea called her from New York, they only spoke in Khmer. Now, they only speak in English. And they do not talk about Cambodia; they discuss snow, Scooby Doo and The PowerPuff Girls. Occasionally they will talk about the Cambodian karaoke music videos they both love, although in the same breath they will discuss the Michelle Branch CD. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=312

Skor-ra Skor-ra - new article contributed by Trish Hart
I struggle through her words. As the days go by, we both understand each other more. She stays with me over a weekend, constantly talking and gesturing to be sure I understand her. Jabbering, as if to ward off the silence that will show something in her that she is afraid I won't like. At night, she cannot sleep. I am still a stranger to her. Weeping, she wants to go back to the familiar, the orphanage. Yet, when she sleeps, she says two words like a mantra, in perfect English. She says "Love" and "Beautiful", repeating the words that she cannot say while awake. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=313

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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Why pay $20 or more for Internet access? With AdoptionISP.com, you pay as low as $12.95 per month, and $3 of your monthly payment is donated to adoption causes. Adoption ISP is a reliable, full-service, nationwide Internet Service Provider (ISP). Sign up for high-speed or dial-up internet access, save money, and make a difference at http://www.AdoptionISP.com.
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3. ADOPTION NEWS

More Adopted Children Born Overseas (WA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/6590941.htm

Child Adoption Success in the Upstate (NC)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.fox21.com/Global/story.asp?S=1383037&nav=2KPpHCz4

States Failing New Test of Child Welfare System (National)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/news/archive/2003/08/19/national0311EDT0450.DTL

Naples Couple Sues DCF over Adoption of Boy (FL)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.abcactionnews.com/stories/2003/08/030819dcf.shtml

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 BOOK CLUB

DOES ANYBODY ELSE LOOK LIKE ME?
Helping a child understand his mixed racial background can be daunting, especially when peers and strangers alike perceive his features to be "other." Drawing on psychological research and input from more than fifty multiracial families, "Does Anybody Else Look Like Me?" addresses the special questions and concerns facing such families, explaining how they can best prepare their multiracial children to make their way confidently in our color-conscious world.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP26643.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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5. MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS

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

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6. SUCCESSFUL ADOPTION

Dear ParentProfiles,

We would like to send a great big thank you. After one year without any real contacts, we decided to list our site with ParentProfiles.com. We got our Dear Birthmother letter listed with your site in Feb. 2003, and by April 2003, we got "The Call" from our birthmom. Our daughter Zoe was born on July 16. She is beautiful and healthy. Now our family is complete, with the help of Adoption.com. We not only have our daughter, but our birthmom is part of our family too. We are happy and feel very blessed. For waiting parents out there, keep the faith; it will happen!!!!

Thank you for everything.

Happy beyond words,

Scott, Barbara, Morgan and Zoe Decker

If you are hoping to adopt, visit http://profiles.adoption.com today to start building your online profile.

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7. FEATURED WAITING CHILD

Austin is a cute little boy with a sweet personality that will melt your heart. He loves to play. He enjoys bike riding and is talented in sports such as basketball, and soccer. Austin takes medication for hyperactivity and has some behavior issues. He needs a loving family who can be firm, be consistent with rules, and provide clear guidelines and appropriate discipline. He needs a family that enjoys doing things together, indoors and outdoors. Austin needs the opportunity to vent his energy.

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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8. ADOPTION GEM

9. ADOPTION BUZZ

Foster Care & Adoption:- Should Fosterparents Hire A Lawyer?
http://forums.adoption.com/t112723.html

Infertility: - Overweight & Infertile
http://forums.adoption.com/t110920.html

Special Needs Adoption: - When Do You Decide It's Enough?
http://forums.adoption.com/t112694.html

General Adoptive Parent Support:- Could Someone Please Explain the Difference...
http://forums.adoption.com/t112722.html

Selecting Adoptive Parents: - Successful Internet Matches?
http://forums.adoption.com/t89034.html

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

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

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10. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

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

If you are finding it difficult to get child care, take a look at this website. Type in your zip code or city, scroll to find your state, and see if there is child care in your area.

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

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11. 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 Japan.

While retaining its time-honored culture, Japan rapidly absorbed Western technology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After its devastating defeat in World War II, Japan recovered to become the second most powerful economy in the world and a staunch ally of the US.

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

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12. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

ABDUCTION VS. ADOPTION

When our daughter, Jennifer, was in the first grade, she became quite ill with a throat infection. Consequently, she missed several days of school. At this time, child abduction had become a big issue and the local sheriff's department was offering to fingerprint each child in our county.

This was a BIG DEAL to the kids in Jennifer's class - to be fingerprinted by the police, and all of us had been advised to discuss the problem with our children so that they were aware of what might happen if someone tried to lure them away from where they should be.

After about three days of absence, I got a frantic call from Jen's teacher, Mrs. Brooks. It seemed that Tommy, one of Jen's friends, had come to school almost hysterical. His mother had told him that Jennifer was abducted!

Tommy knew this was a bad thing. Mrs. Brooks had been teaching forever and was not given to overreacting, so once she had the children calmed (panic spread very rapidly among the students), she called me to ask if I could come up to school so that the children would know that Tommy's mom was trying to explain that Jennifer was ADOPTED not ABDUCTED!

- Roberta Collins, Bentonville Arkansas

(Note from contributor: Abduction is a scary word and a scary thing that has unfortunately become a part of our lives. It was a touching moment for my daughter and I, however, as we worked together to explain to the children that adoption is an important thing and a part of our lives. She was told from the beginning, and the word was carefully explained to her. She has never had a problem with it. It did not occur to me that other children did not know what the word meant nor did they know that we had an adopted child. We had known most of their parents for years and assumed they had explained to their children the same as we had to ours. However, in some families I'm sure the subject is one that people 'whisper' about sort of like a soto voce, 'she has cancer, you know!' Adoption is not something we took for granted. Adoption was an honor and privilege to us... Our daughter wore it rather as a badge of honor. ' I am a chosen child.' She was proud of that... She was only six when this happened, so this was one of the most important 'projects' we worked on together. We planned our 'presentation' and our campaign to educate people regarding the adoption of children. Both of us were proud of our work that day. Hopefully, we were able to broaden some young minds. Jennifer was their friend, and they were positive something awful had happened to her. They were thrilled to find out it was something so wonderful.)

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

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13. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Adoption Attorney Debra J. Braselton
Oakbrook Terrace, IL
Phone: (630) 645-2225
db@illinois-adoption-law.com

Licensed attorney (and adoptive mom of two!) assisting clients with agency, private, domestic and international adoptions.

Services: • Adoption Attorneys • Stepparent Adoption

For more information on Adoption Attorney Debra J. Braselton, visit http://www.illinois-adoption-law.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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14. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

Bittersweet: Stories of Open Adoption - Only $29.95

Bittersweet is a poignant look at one of the most difficult, and loving, decisions a woman can ever make. Making the decision to turn an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy into the miracle of a family, through adoption. Filmed over two years, Bittersweet provides a rare look into the adoption process. It features the stories of five courageous women who share their sorrow, strength and hope as they process through the steps of considering and finally choosing adoption for their children.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/AMP00001.html.


For more adoption products, visit http://adoptionshop.com.

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15. 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 getting ready to go off to college in a few days and was wondering how I bring up the fact that I placed a son just over a year ago? My new roommate for instance; do I just blurt out that I had a child?

There are a few people that I went to high school with that will also be attending college with me, and I don't want them to be the ones to tell everyone. Is it alright for me to ask them not to mention it until I tell them that it's okay? At college I want to reinvent myself and not tell everyone about "S" (my son). I want people to get to know me first before I tell them. I just hope that my best friend hasn't already told the whole school.

I have asked my caseworker about this, and she says in my own time I will somehow tell people, but I don't know how to tell them. Do I just maybe have pictures of him and when people ask, tell them just what they need to know, or do I tell people right away and everything? I am so confused and scared about how people will treat me when they find out. I don't plan on sleeping with anyone else before I get married, but I just don't want guys to think that because I have had a son that I will sleep with them.

Any advise that you could give me would be wonderful.

Thank you,

College bound in Nebraska

Answer:

College bound:

Good to hear that you are going to continue your education. Congrats on that.

In regard to your question about telling people that you placed a child for adoption, don't tell anyone. It is NONE of their business. Just as your case worker advised, you will find a way to tell people once you are ready. There is no reason that "boys," your roommate, or anyone needs to know about this, unless you want them to.

There is certainly nothing wrong with requesting that your friends that do know, not say anything to anyone. To be honest, there is no reason why they should. Yes, people gossip so there is a chance that you will be confronted about it. At that point, it is up to you whether or not you discuss it, deny it, etc. Again, this is extremely personal, and no one needs to know (if that's the way you want it).

So my advice is to not tell anyone, and do not worry about it. If someone says something to you, because a friend opened their mouth, then just play it by ear, and if you want to talk about it, feel free. If not, no one will hold it against you for keeping it personal.

Have fun at school, and enjoy your college experience. You have done all the right things so far, and you seem like you have a level head on your shoulders. Keep up the good work, and good luck to you.

DB

Question:

We adopted our daughter, who is biracial, at three weeks. Now that our daughter is fifteen-months-old, my husband's mother tells us she is still grieving the loss of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed grandchild. We are very hurt by this statement and don't believe that she loves our daughter as much as she pretends to. What do you suggest?

- S

Answer:

That is extremely unfair of her to say, and it is unfortunate that she cannot be happy for you and her son on your adoption.

My advice in your situation would be to have your husband put his foot down with his mother. She needs to know how inappropriate her comments are and their impact on you and your husband's relationship. I am still trying to figure out what a "blonde-haired, blue-eyed grandchild" has to do with anything. After all, this is her grandchild. What would her feelings have been if you hadn't adopted and had a child of your own that wasn't "blonde-haired, blue-eyed"? Might be a question to pose to her.

I am still shocked at the complete lack of thought and consideration that people have towards one another. You mother-in-law should be happy for you, and yet she makes a comment like that (if even in jest). I am dumbfounded.

I truly feel your husband should speak with his mother about how her comment impacted you. She needs to know that her words and action affect the people around her, especially her family. I wish you two the best and please, don't let people's thoughtless words get to you (if possible). I know that's hard, but you and your husband are doing the right thing, and I am sure you are and will be wonderful parents. Your daughter is extremely lucky to have you two.

Best of luck,

DB

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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16. SPEAK OUT

To Marie born at NY Foundling Hospital: Here is the link to adoption registry - http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/vr/forms/registry.htm. Good Luck! - Paula Finnerty (jjsp@optonline.net)

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In response to Jana who responded to me: I think you already solved the problem--- closed adoptions. I adopted two children independently, meaning I placed ads and was contacted by their birthmothers. Their adoptions were open, and I have as much information for them as possible. Sometimes people who give their children up for adoption just want to be left alone, as in my children's cases. My son's birthmother was 14-years-old. Some things should be left alone. Move on with your life; time is too short. - Lori from Long Island

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I have a suggestion for people looking for birth parents or adoptees. I found out that a co-worker was adopted and talked to her about the fact that I was adopted, and I asked her about her birth parents. As it turns out, she went through US Search, who gave her a long list of all of the people in the United States with her birth mother's name (what an expensive chore). She called the Department of Human Services in the state where she was adopted, and they told her that there was a letter there for her from her birth mother. I am going to send a letter to the DHS in my state for them to hold for anyone trying to reach me. I will keep my address and phone number updated so that any time in the future a person looking just has to call the state, and my info will be there for them. - JCU

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I have just begun to do this, but I think I would like to learn how to go about it. I was born on June 14, 1956 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Manhatta. I weighed about 6 pounds, am female, and was adopted through the New York Foundling. The Sisters of Charity were there at the time. One was Sr. Bernadette, and one was Sr. Mary De Sales. I believe my birth name was Antoinette; last name was definitely Martina. I would like to know or learn something about my birth mother, father, or siblings. To my knowledge, my mother was about 17-years-old at the time. I have no other information. Can anyone help? Thank you. - Marie

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I am an African-American female born April 10, 1973 in New Orleans, LA through Volunteers of America. My birth mother, Jacqueline, was 18 and had another daughter who was 15 months older than myself. My birth father was 19 and in the military. My birth mother's father was a Baptist minister who was deceased by the time I was born. My birth mother was an only child, but my birth father had 2 sisters and 1 brother (I think). I have been searching for my birth parents for 12 years with no success, and I am hoping someone out there can be of assistance. I have a little more info, but nothing concrete. If any of this sounds familiar, please e-mail me, and we can compare notes. Thank you. - Nickii73@yahoo.com

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I am looking for my daughter, Kathryn Annette Ward, born on March 4, 1964 in Sacramento, CA at the Fairhaven Home for Unwed Mothers. She was born at 4:30 am. I have been searching for 12 years and always come to a dead end even though I've had people tell me she would be easy to find. If anyone can help me or give me some ideas, please contact me at gcybert@redbluff.com. Thank you in advance. - Kathy

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I'm a 25-year-old adoptee in Virginia. I don't necessarily want to contact my birthparents but want to view my adoption file to at least know their names. Can this be done without the help of an expensive attorney? I have limited funds but feel I need to know my birth parents' names to be able to tell my 4-year-old daughter who her birth grandparents are. - calber_7@yahoo.com

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I am searching for my birthson. He was born on 11-16-67 in WA. I believe it was in a hosp. in Belvue, WA. He may have been adopted by a doctor's family. I would like to have a reunion with him some day and explain the circumstances of my giving him up. I have registered with the Adoption Union Registry in Utah. Hopefully some day he will want to find his birthmom, and we can be reunited. - NS

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I am searching for my birth mother or father or any siblings. I was born on June 10, 1967 in Lansdale, PA. I have some medical concerns that could be hereditary and would really like to know what my background is. My name is Mark, and my e-mail address is vze32f4e@verizon.net. Thank you.

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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17. JOB OPENINGS

Are you looking for a job in the adoption/foster care field? If so, take a look at the following job announcements...

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, RESEARCH & EVALUATION -- Child Welfare League of America
http://cwla.org/whowhat/ShowPosition.asp?POSITIONID=464

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Best Practices oF Behavior Management -- Child Welfare League of America
http://cwla.org/whowhat/ShowPosition.asp?POSITIONID=463

PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Adolescent Sexuality Pregnancy Prevention & Parenting -- Child Welfare League of America
http://cwla.org/whowhat/ShowPosition.asp?POSITIONID=462

PROGRAM MANAGER, Child Welfare Standards -- Child Welfare League of America
http://cwla.org/whowhat/ShowPosition.asp?POSITIONID=461

DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR, NDAS -- Child Welfare League of America
http://cwla.org/whowhat/ShowPosition.asp?POSITIONID=460

CORPORATE MARKETING & ADVERTISING ASSISTANT, Communications -- Child Welfare League of America
http://cwla.org/whowhat/ShowPosition.asp?POSITIONID=425

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, Adoptions -- Child Welfare League of America
http://cwla.org/whowhat/ShowPosition.asp?POSITIONID=414

Looking for a job in the adoption industry? Are you an adoption company looking to add experienced employees to your team? AdoptionJobs.com is the best place on the internet for adoption companies and qualified job seekers to connect.

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18. ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW

Here's a recent post from the Michigan Searching group:

It's been awhile since I've posted, so here goes.

b-name: Theresa Jean Deel
a-name: Janice Lynn Richardson
pob & dob: Detroit, Michigan 10-3-54
iso siblings: 1 sister 5, and 1 brother 2 at the time of my birth. Non-id said sister contracted polio at 18 months. Parents aged 25 & 22, and had been married for about 7 years.

Here I am; please come find me!!

Jan

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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19. ADOPTION POETRY

IF YOU COULD SEE

Mother, where are you?
Where could you be?
It's been thirty-five years; do you think of me?
If you could see
You're a grandma of two and a mother to me.
Although life has not been easy, I wish you could see
My daughter she's eleven and looks just like me.
Your grandson is fifteen and a fine young man.
Mother, I just wish you could see.
She has my curly hair,
My bright green eyes.
She has my determination as well as my fight;
She is my angel.
They are my life.
I know they would make you proud.
If only you could see.
My life is not complete because I long to
Meet the mother whom looks like me.
May God bless and protect you where ever you may be.
Love Always,
Your Baby Girl Whitman

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

Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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20. 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:

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.

ABC'S OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
September 2 (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm)
Washington, D.C. Area - Ruby Tuesday Restaurant (Eisenhower), 210 Swamp Fox Road, Alexandria, VA
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. Please call RSVP to (918) 749-4600, e-mail info@dillonadopt.com, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm for details.

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.

ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SEMINAR
September 6 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)
First Mennonite Bretheren Church, 8000 West 21st Street, Wichita, KS
Dillon International, Inc.
International adoption can be a wonderful experience. Meet adoptive families, their children, and staff members of Dillon International, Inc. The cost is $60.00 for a married couple and $50.00 for a single adult applicant. The fee covers lunch and seminar materials. acilities do not provide for childcare. To register, e-mail bev@dillonadopt.com, call (918) 749-4600, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm.

ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SEMINAR
September 6 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 13014 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, MO
Dillon International, Inc.
International adoption can be a wonderful experience. Meet adoptive families, their children, and staff members of Dillon International, Inc. The cost is $60.00 for a married couple and $50.00 for a single adult applicant. The fee covers lunch and seminar materials. acilities do not provide for childcare. To register, e-mail bev@dillonadopt.com, call (918) 749-4600, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm.

ABC'S OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
September 9 (6:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
First United Methodist Church at 6701 JFK Blvd, 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. Please call Kimberly Alls at (501) 791-9300, e-mail DillonArkansas@dillonadopt.com, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm for details.

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.

ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SEMINAR
September 13 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)
First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center, Arlington, TX
Dillon International, Inc.
International adoption can be a wonderful experience. Meet adoptive families, their children, and staff members of Dillon International, Inc. The cost is $60.00 for a married couple and $50.00 for a single adult applicant. The fee covers lunch and seminar materials. acilities do not provide for childcare. To register, e-mail bev@dillonadopt.com, call (918) 749-4600, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SEMINAR
September 13 (10:00 am-1:00 pm)
3440 Preston Ridge Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30005
Genesis Adoptions
Please join us for a free international adoption seminar. Learn about the process of adopting internationally and how it all works. Please call to pre-register at (678) 393-7306.

ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SEMINAR
September 27 (9:30 am - 4:30 pm)
Little Rock Athletic Club, 4610 Sam Peck Road (Hwy 10 West,) Little Rock, AR
Dillon International, Inc.
International adoption can be a wonderful experience. Meet adoptive families, their children, and staff members of Dillon International, Inc. The cost is $60.00 for a married couple and $50.00 for a single adult applicant. The fee covers lunch and seminar materials. acilities do not provide for childcare. To register, e-mail bev@dillonadopt.com, call (918) 749-4600, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm.

ABC'S OF INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
September 27 (10:00 am - 11:30 am)
Norman Public Library, 225 N. Webster, Norman, OK
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. Please call (405) 329-0531, e-mail vnwood@flash.net, or visit http://www.dillonadopt.com/Seminars%20and%20Workshops.htm for details.

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

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