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Adopt-A Promotions on the Web

What / Who Do You Want To Adopt Today?

How about a Boeing 727? A bat, bison, manatee or an entire species? Maybe you'd prefer to adopt a molecule. If you've got a dog, perhaps you want to consider adopting a hydrant.

You can adopt a child abuse caseworker. No? Then what about a wild child?

Didn't find anything or anyone you like? Try virtual Babyz... or you can always adopt a vegetable.

Confusing Language

The Whale Center of New England is one of the oldest whale research programs in the world, and whale conservation and research is certainly worthy of support. But their adopt a whale program uses language and ideas that can easily confuse a young child.

There are photos to choose from and when the adoption is complete, a Whale Adoption Certificate is issued. What the Center calls "adoptee sightings" are updated regularly.

There are two different types of adoption [standard and premium], payment can be made by credit card, and of course... the adoption needs to be renewed or else...

S.O.P. [Standard Operating Procedure]

The Whale program isn't alone. Most Adopt-A programs use much the same approach. Choice, adoption papers, adoptee - the words an adopted child learns in connection with his/her own adoption - are suddenly accompanied by credit card payments and renewal options.

Changes Are Being Made

Sensitivity to adoption is building slowly. In a May 1999 update to her previously mentioned article, Pat Johnston notes that several groups have renamed Adopt-A promotions, and others are being encouraged to do the same. Time will tell if this change extends to the Web.

Resources

• Best Books About Talking To Kids
• Adoption and School Issues from the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
• "How Using Adoption to Catch Attention, Touch Heartstrings and Raise Big Bucks Exploits Children Who Were Adopted and Those Waiting for Permanency" by Pat Johnston

Additional resources for issues affecting adopted children and youth

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