1.   ANNOUNCEMENTS:
     - Looking for moderator of parenting forums 
     - Birthfather chat
     - New AdoptionSearch.com search engine
     - Looking for blog beta-testers 
2.   NEW ARTICLES
3.   ADOPTION BOOK CLUB - adoption book review
4.   MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS
5.   FEATURED WAITING CHILD
6.   ADOPTION GEM - inspirational thought
7.   ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT
8.   ADOPTION DESTINATIONS - international adoption
9.   JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT - clean weekly humor
10.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL
11.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK - review of an adoption product
12.  SOUND COUNSEL - question and answer/advice column 
13.  SPEAK OUT - contributions from our readers
14.  ADOPTION POETRY
15.  ADOPTION CALENDAR - adoption events, seminars, & chats

New Fm Magazine! Introducing, the first print magazine, ever, that is geared toward birth mothers. This 30+ page full color, print magazine is filled with personal stories as told by "fm's" in their own words from their own experiences. It will also contain articles, resources, current events, columns, and features that effect and impact birth mothers from all walks of life. Fm (First Mother) is all about the truth as we, the birth mothers, know it. Subscribe, contribute, advertise, and become a part of this amazing magazine today! http://www.fm-magazine.com Help! How Do I Write This? Expressing emotions, feelings, and needs in ways that produce positive results is often difficult to do. For some, it can feel overwhelming, sometimes even frightening, and can be stressful. You aren't alone. There is help. Courtney has worked with hundreds of triad members in creating written expressions of the heart that have delivered powerful results. Contact Courtney Frey today at http://www.courtneyfrey.com . 10% off all services this month only for Adoption Weekly subscribers who mention this ad.

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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.

It Just Needs to be Said - new article by Janice Lynn
What I am waiting for? That miracle. The one where I see a post that means someone is looking for ME, where I see my name and someone is asking if anybody knows how to make a connnection with ME. I have posted to mailing lists & messages boards. It seems no one else is out there. I have always felt there has been a "secret," I but can't find one. Maybe this situation is just as it appears: no one is looking. It's all been for nothing. Then I see one where a sister is looking for another sister. Could it be me?? No; I'm too old. I wasn't born in the right place. I post & they promise to send me a note, then I get a reply. Great! I got a reply, but it's not for me. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=249

Fostering Hope - new article by Penney Elliott
We are taken for granted and even feel more than a little used at times. We sometimes find ourselves in awkward situations with social workers, biological families, and mental health care workers. We find ourselves trapped between those who genuinely care for our kids and those who want us to take all the decisions on ourselves and don’t want us to bother them for any help. We are asked by many people, do we profit off of the children who stay in our home, and are we in it for the money. We are studied by the very people who are suppose to help our children, but instead waste precious time. Telling us they know the children we have had in our home every day and night for months better than we do, after just spending a play day or a half hour a month with our children. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=247

How Adoption Has Shaped My Life - new article by Joyce Maguire Pavao, Ed.D., LCSW, LMFT
In those days it was all ‘secret’. They were told very little about her and she was told close to close to nothing about them. The baby got a whole new name. The smells, the sounds around her changed. She was adaptive and she grew. She was loved and cared for. There was no lack of material things. There was appreciation of her and love for her but somehow there was no acknowledgement of who she was. Who was she? http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=250

Sixteen, Scared, and Alone - new article by Lezli Adams
My room was on an end, and I had a large picture window overlooking the woods. This gave me the prestige of being someone who could help other residents slip in and out if they dared for a liaison. I myself was over 300 hundred miles from home and had no one to sneak out and meet. Our mail was censored, and we had little contact with the ‘outside’ world. It was absolutely forbidden for any reason to communicate with our baby's fathers. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=251

Read these articles or contribute an article at http://e-magazine.adoption.com.

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3. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB

WE SEE THE MOON
Many adult adoptees have gone through life wanting to ask questions about their birthparents, but felt the thoughts they have might make their parents uncomfortable. Then, these questions have remained unasked and unanswered. We See the Moon opens the adoption dialog at an early age by allowing the questions in your child's heart to be asked and discussed creating the foundation for conversations to come. This is a story written from the child's perspective, asking the questions that dwell in their hearts about their birthparents. . . What do you look like? Where are you now? Do you think of me? It will help children use the moon as a private tool to connect with a family that is always with them in their hearts. Illustrated with beautiful Chinese Peasant paintings, and filled with evocative prose, this is a must have for all internationally adopted children.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/EMK00001.html.

Find 7,000+ 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. MEET NEW HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS

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

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Adoption is music to our ears...now it can be for you, too. Adoption.com's new adoption CD, "Adoption...The Songs You Love", is dedicated to everyone who has been touched by adoption in one way or another. ORDER YOUR CD! http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00022.html



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5. FEATURED WAITING CHILD


Jessica is of average height with a slim build. She has dark brown, long hair, brown eyes and a nice smile. She is somewhat shy and withdrawn and generally compliant and cooperative. She enjoys reading, listening to music, playing outside and enjoys sports, especially basketball. She is in the band and plays a clarinet. Her goals are to be a nurse or hairdresser. She practices good hygiene. She is of average intelligence. Jessica will need to be placed with her sister, Valerie, in an adoptive home. She is very attached to her current foster parents, especially her foster mother. The adoptive family will need to be patient and give the relationship time to grow. Jessica would benefit from an active, but structured and nurturing family that can accept both girls.

http://photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,800 children awaiting loving, permanent homes.

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6. ADOPTION GEM

7. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: http://profiles.adoption.com

If you are a birthmother looking for adoptive parents, this is just the site for you. You can choose parents for your child by getting more acquainted with individual families while viewing their profiles online.

Your search can be done by state, region, religion, etc. The advantage of this system is that you don't have to commit to any particular family until you decide you have found the perfect home for your child. Contact information is available in each case.

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

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8. 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 Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is located Eastern Africa, west of Somalia. The languages spoken in Ethiopia are Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromigna, Guaragigna, Somali, Arabic, other local languages, English (major foreign language taught in schools). The ethnic groups are Oromo 40%, Amhara and Tigre 32%, Sidamo 9%, Shankella 6%, Somali 6%, Afar 4%, Gurage 2%, other 1%.

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

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9. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

DON'T KID ME.

A three-year-old boy decided he could put his shoes on by himself. His mother noticed the left shoe was on the right foot and the right on the left. She said, "Son, your shoes are on the wrong feet."

He looked up at her with a raised brow and said, "Don't kid me, Mom. I KNOW they're MY feet!"

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

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10. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Children at Heart Adoption Services, Inc.
Mechanicville, NY
Phone: (518) 664-5988
fth143@aol.com

Our agency is family-oriented, personal and directed by a couple who personally adopted 5 children internationally. Finding families for waiting children is our main mission.

Services: • Adoption Agencies • Facilitators • Home Studies • International Adoption
Countries: • Kazakhstan

For more information on Children at Heart Adoption Services, Inc., visit http://www.ChildrenAtHeart.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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11. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

Love from China - Only $9.95

These generously sized bibs are made from plush knitted terry and slip over baby's head easily. The flags of various countries are embroidered on with "Love From" the country. The 80% cotton/20% polyester bibs machine wash and dry beautifully.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/NOR00003.html.

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

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12. SOUND COUNSEL

Question:

Hello, I am subscribed to the Adoption Week e-Magazine site & was reading your response to Julie about her feelings about her adoptive parents. I feel exactly like Julie, but have never seriously tried to find my natural parents. Lately, I am having this need to find out my history & just don't know where to start, since both my parents are deceased. Do you have any suggestions? - C.

Answer:

C:

First, I extend my condolences for your lose. I fully understand your need to search out your biological parents. I would start with your adoption papers. Since your parents passed away, you may not have access to those papers or may not know where they are, etc. In that case, your search, to be completely honest, will be very hard. I have my papers and my mother's name but still cannot get a good lead.

If you cannot find your adoption papers, I would suggest starting your research in the state you were adopted in. Some states have full disclosure where all you have to do is request the files concerning the adoption from the appropriate people and they will be sent to you. Other states, such as Illinois, seal all adoption records and the files cannot be reopened without a court order. The last thing I read about Illinois is that no one to date has overturned the court's original order to seal the files. However, Illinois has something called the Adoption Registry where once you turn 21, you can fill out paper work requesting an exchange of information. If either (or both) of your parents have filled out the same paperwork, you will both be contacted separately, and the exchange process will proceed. Unfortunately, you can also fill out paperwork NOT authorizing the exchange of information, and until that is changed by the party that signed the form, no exchange of information can take place. The bad part is, they won't contact your mom if you filled out the forms looking for information. They will just let you know if your mom had done the same thing.

Basically, it all comes down to research and due diligence in trying to find a release of the information from the court's records of the adoption. I do not know the details behind your adoption, so to give you an idea of how extensive your research will be is impossible. I would start with researching the state you were adopted in and see what you can find there. Try typing in the state's name and then "adoption laws". Or, try the state's name and "adoption reunion". Play with the words some, as that's what I have been doing.

Thanks, and good luck in your search. Let me know how it works out for you, or if you could use some search suggestions or websites.

DB

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Question:

I never did try to find my son I gave up for adoption in July of 1973, because I did not want to interrupt his life or his adoptive parents. Last March, I was looking on an adoptee registry when I found his ad posted 5 years ago! I was quite scared to contact him, but I did, and he wants meet me. We are currently e-mailing each other and talking on the phone at least once a week. No one could have prepared me for the emotional roller coaster I have been experiencing. I have already felt good about my decision to give him up, as I was so young. Now I have been feeling guilty, angry and hurt all at the same time. He has asked so many questions and said he has a happy life. He wants to meet me, and we are taking it slow, but I need someone to help me get through this so when I do meet him I won't fall to pieces. Does anyone have any advise?



Answer:

Congratulations on finding your son; that is truly amazing.

In regard to your situation, I think it is very good that you and him are taking it slow, as these types of situations are never good to rush into. Taking it slow will allow you to deal with your emotions and the "roller coaster" you described, in a more healthy way. Jumping right into meeting your son would most certainly throw you for an even bigger loop than just speaking with him has.

I think it would be a good idea, and completely acceptable, to let you son know how you feel. Tell him that it would be very difficult for you right now to handle meeting him in person. I assume he is not pressuring you into the meeting; however, if he is, this type of conversation should let him know how you feel and hopefully he will back off some. You must understand that he is surely going through similar emotions, as he too has thought about you his entire life. eing adopted myself, there isn't one day that goes by that I don't think about my biological mother. That being said, if I were to find her, surely just talking to her would cause me to have heart failure. I can only imagine how you and your son both feel.

Being open about your feelings and apprehensions, I feel, is the best thing in this situation. There isn't anyone out there that can keep you from feeling the plethora of emotions that are churning through your heart right now, but it is important to remember that he too is feeling his own emotions. If you start by being open with him about them, he may be open with you about his. Then you can reassure one another and soon, you both will be ready for the meeting.

Just keep it slow and "baby-step" your way to overcoming your apprehensions. The hard part (finding him) is over. Enjoy the current state of your relationship, and when you are both ready (not one before the other), plan to meet.

I hope that I have been helpful. When you do finally meet him, I would love to hear how it turns out.

Best of luck,

DB

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Question:

I have tried with no luck to find how to get adoption information from the State of Louisiana. I gave birth in 1970 in New Orleans in Sellers Baptist Home. Can you please help? - S.

Answer:

S.

In order to access identifying information in the state of LA, my research has turned up a brief overview of the adoption laws for the state, as copied below:

"For information on adoptions in Louisiana, the state has a mutual consent registry operated by the Department of Health and Human Services for adoptees (age 25 or older), birth mothers and birth fathers if the father has legitimated or formally acknowledged the child as provided by law or has signed a voluntary abandonment and release for the child's adoption. One hour counseling is required upon registration. For registry information, contact:

Louisiana Voluntary Registry
Department of Health and Human Resources
P. O. Box 3318
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70821
Phone: (504) 342-4041
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 9:40:91
(cited: http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/9606/states/louisiana.html#overview, April 23, 2003)"

You may also want to check with the Vital Records Registry for non-identifying information, or for further direction with regard to procuring copies of the adoption papers. In order to receive vital records, the registry may charge a fee. You can contact the Vital Records Registry at:

Vital Records Registry
PO Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
Ph: (504) 568-5163
Fax: (504) 568-539

I hope this helps. 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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13. SPEAK OUT

I was born on October 8, 1944 at the Catholic Charities Hospitol in Syracuse, NY, and my real name was Carl. My mother was a secretary, and my father was a traveling salesman. This is about all I know and would like to find these folks for medical reasons and also history. Please mail me at moth@mothco.com or call me [RON] at 800-492-9779 7/24. Thanks

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My name is Mary Ann Platt, and I looked for my birth mother for over 5 years. I looked everywhere. I went to libraries, school records, government records, church records, and I even went to the small town that my birth mother and grandmother were to have been born in. I talked to the elderly, to people that said they knew who my father was but wouldn't say because of the era (it goes to the grave with you). I talked to all of the small town folk, but to no success. I live in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. I was born in Lethbridge and adopted in Lethbridge. I have met the social worker that placed the adoption. My mother's name was on the records: Elsie Harris, and my grandmother's name was Mary Babick, and they were to have been born in Togo, Saskatchewan but no records. I feel that the names aren't correct, but I was born on November 27, 1955 in Lethbridge. I was 2 months premature and weighed 3lbs. 4 ounces. Please if possible could you put some of my information in your short stories, and maybe someone will be reading, and it will spark a memory, or even better, knowledge of my birth mother or family.

Thank you very much for your time and understanding. - Mary Ann Platt (My maiden name was Leishman.)

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I was born Baby Girl Sherman at University Hospital, Franklin County, Columbus, Ohio in March of 1961. My bio mother is listed as age 23, with the name Kathryn Ann (maiden Moseley) Sherman, with 2 previous births and no information on the father. I do not want to stir up anything; I am just interested in my background and health background. Though, I am not against building up friendships. I want to know the little things as well, why do I have such a great sense of humor? Why am I a laid back person? Why do I love sunflowers and animals? Did I learn traits from my adoptive parents or was it "born" into me? If you have any information on my birth mother or the 2 other siblings, please e-mail me at ldeller@mc.net. Thanks, Linda :)

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My name is Amy Ratcliff. My birth name was Debra Darlene Saxton, born at Biloxi Regional Hospital, Biloxi, Mississippi. My birth mother's name was Shirley Saxton. (I believe she was from Ocean Springs, Mississippi.) I was born on July 27, 1960.

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I was born on May 31, 1953 at St. Mary's Hospital, Long Beach, CA. My birth mother was from Norwalk. Her name was Marie Margaret Joyce, as of 1953. I have been trying, for years, to get any information of her whereabouts. I have attempted to contact the hospital, lawyer, Catholic churches in Norwalk, but to no avail. I am running out of time because of our ages. I would imagine she would have had a name change so I am unable to find any information locating her. Would you have any suggestions. Thanks for your time, Jerry Rowan

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My name is Jeanie, and my mother and other siblings are looking for our sister, Flora Ann (Dunmire), born to Olive Dunmire, June 16, 1948; father Eugene Dougher. Flora Ann was born in Punsutawney, PA. If you are out there, please e-mail me at jeanieinabott11@hotmail.com, or leave a message on this speak out section.

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I am looking for information on my birth mother or her family. Her name is Betty Jean Athey. I was born in Nickerson, Kansas on or around May 1, 1950. My birth certificate was signed by Floyd Athey. I was near death at birth and was baptized at the hospital. I was adopted as Mary Smith from St. Joseph Children's Home in November of 1950 through Catholic Social Services. I contacted them in Wichita, Kansas and recieved basically the same information that my adoptive parents gave me. If anyone can help me, I would appreciate your help. I know my mother was 20 when I was born and had an older sister. You can contact me at Flowersandkisses@aol.com. Thank you.

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Hi, my name is Tammy, and I am looking for my daughter. I gave her up for adoption 21 years ago. Her name is Kristin Marie, and her birth date is January 30, 1982. I was in a home for unwed mothers when she was born in Los Angeles, California. Her birth name was Christin Marie Baryol. If you think you may know her please e-mail me at tametaylor@yahoo.com

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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14. ADOPTION POETRY

I SEARCH

I wonder and search,
And I look every day.
I seek and ask questions,
And I get on my knees and pray.

Where is she now?
Is she thinking of me?
Who do I look like?
I just want to see.

The questions keep coming,
But the answers aren't there.
Did she even love me?
Does she even care?

I will continue to search,
And I will continue to question.
But even if I don't find her;
I know that I am secure in Him.

He will not leave or forsake me;
For He is always there.
I know that He loves me,
And I know that He cares.

So as I continue my search
I will keep my eyes on Him.
Then no matter what happens
I know that I will win.

- Stacey Bailey

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

Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoptionmedia.com.

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15. ADOPTION CALENDAR

CHAT SCHEDULE:

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

Monday:
Join Dr. Art Becker-Weidman in the hosted chat room at 2pm Pacific, 3pm Mountain, 4pm Central, 5pm 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 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm 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 4pm Pacific, 5pm Mountain, 6pm Central, 7pm Eastern

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

Attachment Disorder: A Journey of Hope Chat with Parent Nancy Geoghegan; educational weekly chat at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm 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 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern.

Parenting issues for adoptive/foster parents with Dimasmom in FosterCare chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm 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 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the Search and Reunion chat room.

Thursday:
Evening with Colleen Buckner, search expert, in Search and Reunion chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm 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: 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern.

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

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SUPPORT MEETING
April 23 (7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Euclid Public Library, Erie Room, 631 E. 222nd. St., Euclid, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents of internationally adopted children. No registration or membership is required to attend.

9TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE ON OPEN ADOPTION: Among Friends: the Open Adoption Community Reflects on a Generation of Practice and Experience
April 24 - 26
Traverse City Michigan
Catholic Human Services
* Varied Format:There a lots of ways to take in information--general session presentations, panels, poetry, and workshops. Most of this conference will be presented in an exciting new interview format.
* Pertinent Topics: With experts in so many aspects of open adoption on hand, few topics of importance go unexamined. The history of the conference reveals a special interest in those issues that touch the spirit.
* Presentation of the Baran & Pannor Award: Carrying the names of open adoption's most noteworthy pioneers, this award is treasured by each and every recipient.
For more information contact Jim Gritter at (231)947-8110.

BIRTH MOTHERS' HEALING WORKSHOP
April 26 (9:00 am ­ 4:00 pm)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Who can attend: Full-day workshop for women who have placed a child for adoption. RSVP: Full lunch included. Registration is $25 per person and pre-registration is required by Friday, March 21. Call (216) 881-7511.

TRIGGERS: WHAT CAN CAUSE ADOPTION-RELATED CRISIS
April 28 (6:00 - 9:00 pm)
Bellefaire, JCB, 22001 Fairmount Blvd., Shaker Hts., Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Presenter: Zoe Breen-Wood
RSVP: Free workshop. Foster parent training certificates and social work/counselor CEU's provided. Registration is required, please call (216) 881-7511. Registration closes 3 days prior to workshop.

WORKSHOP FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS
April 29 (7:00 pm - 8:30 pm)
Stevensville, MI (Lincoln Township Public Library, 2099 W John Beers Rd)
Great Wall China Adoption
This is a free workshop for prospective adoptive parents and others seeking more information about adopting from China. Couples from ages 30 to 55 are eligible to adopt. A Great Wall China Adoption representative who has adopted a daughter from China will be presenting. For further information, or to reserve a place at the workshop, please contact Kim Bakos at (269) 429-6292 or by email at kimberbakos@yahoo.com.

WICKLIFFE GENERAL MEETING
April 29 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Schrembs Hall, CSS, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Adult adoptees, birth parents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone interested in lifelong adoption issues welcome. No registration or membership is required to attend. Adoption Network Cleveland is a non-profit educational, advocacy, search, and support group for adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents and professionals. For more information, contact Adoption Network Cleveland at (216) 881-7511 or on the web at http://www.AdoptionNetwork.org.

ROCKY RIVER GENERAL MEETING - Topic: Grief
May 1 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
West Shore Unitarian Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

BIRTH PARENT SUPPORT MEETING -Topic: Intimacy
May 7 (6:30 - 8:30 pm)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: Birth parents who have given up a child for adoption

EXPLORING ADOPTION: AN INTENSIVE EDUCATIONAL SERIES FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING ADOPTING CHILDREN
May 7, 14, 21, & 28 (7:00 - 9:00 pm)
Santa Cruz, CA
Adoption Paths
Four Wednesday evenings in May, Adoption Paths, an educational organization unaffiliated with any adoption agency, invites prospective adoptive parents to explore their questions and concerns about all types of adoption. The series will be taught by Sara Lively, M.S.Ed. The fee for all four sessions is $100 per person or $150 per couple. For more information and to register, contact (831) 476-7252 or http://www.AdoptionPaths.com.

BIRTH MOTHER'S DAY CEREMONY
May 10 (5:00 pm)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Program: Birthmother¹s Day Ceremony is an opportunity for birth mother¹s, whose children have been adopted, to share in their birth mother experience through poetry, song and ritual. Following the ceremony there will be a light potluck ­ please bring an hors d¹oeuvre or dessert to share. Who can attend: Open to the public. Birth mothers and all who support birth mothers are welcome. RSVP: There is no cost for attending, but registration is required by Saturday, May 3. Please call (216) 881-7511 to register.

THE EUPOREAN ADOPTION SYMPOSIUM: FAMILY BUILDING THROUGH ADOPTION
May 10 (0800 - 1630)
Faith Baptist Church, Lichtenbrucherstrasse 17, Einsiedlerhof-Kaiserslautern, Germany
Landstuhl American Red Cross and the Ramstein Air Base Family Support Center
The 11th of the series, this symposium will educate and prepare prospective adoptive parents for their task in the adoption procedure and the parenting role, as well as provide current adoptive parents with resources and support for raising their children. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from legal advisors, American immigration officials, adoption agency representatives, and others considered experts in understanding adoption issues and adoptive children. Adoption oriented books will be available for purchase through special arrangements with a consignment agency. Bring cash or checks for purchases. Persons wishing to contribute to this effort (in expertise, time, resources or monetary donations), may contact the American Red Cross at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (DSN 486-7298 or CIV 06371-86-7298) or Jeanie Veith at veithjjj@bunt.com and tel. (in Germany) 06383-5565. Directions will be available by email in April upon request. Please call the Ramstein Air Force Base Family Support Center at DSN 480-5100 and CIV (in Germany) 06371-47-5100.

A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH ONE STEP
May 12 (6:30 - 8:00 pm)
Yankee Clipper Branch Library in Grand Rapids, MI
AAC Adoption and Family Network
AAC Adoption and Family Network invite you to a free informational meeting on adopting from China. Please call (810) 844-0278, or e-mail mamakgreen@yahoo.com to register! Space is limited.

FREE TRAINING FOR PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE AND FOSTER PARENTS OR KINSHIP CAREGIVERS
Series: May 13 - May 31 (Times vary per day; please call for specific times. Each segment is 3 hours long.)
1667 East 40th St. Suite B-1, Cleveland, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Program: Pre-placement training for prospective adoptive/foster/kinship caregivers through the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program. Topics include: Orientation and overview of foster care/adoption/kinship care;family systems and abuse and neglect; attachment, sexual abuse. Attendees: Prospective adoptive parents, foster parents, or kinship caregivers. RSVP: There is no cost for attending, but registration is required at least 3 days in advance on a space available basis. Please call (216) 881-7511 to register. Foster parent training credits will be given.

AKRON GENERAL MEETING
May 14 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Akron General Health and Wellness Center, 4125 Medina Road, Akron, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: Adult adoptees, birth parents, siblings, adoptive parents, prospective adoptive parents, professionals and anyone who is interested in lifelong adoption issues. No registration or membership is required to attend.

HOW TO ADOPT WORKSHOP FOR NY & NJ RESIDENTS
May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13 (6:00 - 8:00 pm)
130 East 59 Street (UJA-Federation), Manhattan
$25 per person
Ametz Adoption Program, JCCA
A good place to start if you are just thinking about adoption. Includes domestic and international adoption options, working with attorneys and agencies, costs, time frames, adoption home studies and first steps. Presentations by Ametz and international adoption agency staff. Questions are encouraged. For more information or to register, please contact Susan Kupferberg at (212) 558-9949 or e-mail ametz@jccany.org.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS GENERAL MEETING
May 22 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Fullerton Room, Cleveland Hts., Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS GENERAL MEETING
May 22 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Blvd., Fullerton Room, Cleveland Hts., Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

WICKLIFFE GENERAL MEETING - Topic: Loss
May 27 (7:30 - 9:30 pm)
Schrembs Hall, CSS, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: 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.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SUPPORT MEETING - Topic: School Issues & Advocacy
May 28 (7:00 - 8:30 pm)
Euclid Public Library, Erie Room, 631 E. 222nd. St., Euclid, Ohio
Adoption Network Cleveland
Attendees: Adoptive parents or prospective adoptive parents of internationally adopted children. No registration or membership is required to attend.

18TH ANNUAL ARCHEOLOGY: Summer Intensives on Adoption and Complex Families
July 7 - 8 (Session I; 8:00 am - 4:00 pm)
July 9 (Session II; 8:00 am - 4:30 pm)
July 10 - 11 (Session III; 8:00 am - 3:00 pm and 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, respectively)
Provincetown, MA
Adoption Resource Center & Center For Family Connections
Session I: Advanced Clinical Intensives ; $400
Session II: The Community of Adoption; $200 for newcomers/$100 for repeat attendees
Session III: 2nd Annual International Adoption Video/Film Festival; $200 for both days/$150 for single day
Fee for Sessions I, II, and III = $725
Payment is non-refundable.
(Proceeds from the Video/Film Festival go to the Expressive Therapy Programs of CFFC)
The ARC Summer Intensives are based on Dr. Pavao's Normative Crisis framework, her years of clinical experience, and her consulting and training expertise. The workshops utilize family systems theory, which is the basis of Dr. Pavao's work. Systemic thinking is woven throughout the design of each workshop.
Register as soon as possible, there is limited space. Social Work and LMFT CEUs are available for an additional $35 per session. Limited scholarships are available (scholarships do not apply to the Video/Film Festival or CEUs). Check our website, http://www.Kinnect.org, for updates. Accommodation information and directions are available upon registration.

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

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