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Adoption Library of articles and features

Previous issues of weekly features and columns about adoption and foster care.

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Adoption 2002: One Size Doesn't Fit All
Was paying states to push forward with timely and appropriate placements for children in foster care the best we could do? The Adoption 2002 Initiative in review.

Older Child Adoption = Special Needs?
Realistic expectations and education are key factors in understanding the issues an older child may bring to your family. Here's what you need to know.

Guatemala Says "No" to Gays & Lesbians
Single persons interested in international adoption from Guatemala are now required to provide a document stating they are not homosexuals.

Mentoring by Modem: Reach Out on the Net
Traditional mentoring programs for young people transitioning out of foster care have been very successful. Now, mentoring moves onto the Net and guest columnist Julee Newberger profiles a new eMentoring program from The Orphan Foundation of America.

Adopting a Substance-Exposed Child - 11/25/02
Adopting a child prenatally exposed to drugs, alcohol, or other substances can occur in infant and older child adoptions, domestic or international, public, private, or independent. Resources for parents before, during, and after adoption.

Building Resilience & Strong Sense of Self
Child development expert Rita Taddonio offers advice to adoptive parents to help us help our children learn to cope with adversity and become strong individuals.

Adam Pertman Named to Head Donaldson Adoption Institute
Adam Pertman, adoption educator and author of "Adoption Nation," has been named Executive Director of the prestigious Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute.

The Homestudy
The word "homestudy" can strike terror in the hearts of those seeking to adopt, but this educational assessment process is nothing to fear. Here's what you need to know.

Parents' Picks: Books for Young Adoptees
Adoptive parents recommend the books their children enjoy most about adoption and adoptive family life. This selection includes books appropriate for almost every type of adoption.

Elections Spell Changes for Adoption
Political observer Bill Pierce comments on the results of Election 2002 and changes in store for adoption, foster care, and children's programs.

Adoption Themes in Fiction
From enchanting stories and classics in children's literature to modern-day mysteries, adoption-related themes in fiction can provide hours of reading fun and education.

Take It To The Classifieds
Adoptive father and news technology professional Tom Pellegrene, Jr. offers advice to adopting parents about using classified ads to locate prospective birth parents.

Trends in International Adoption: 2002
The numbers are in for 2002. Take a look at some of the more notable changes, and the impact of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.

Relinquishment, Consent, & Time to Revoke
What adopting and placing parents need to know about relinquishment papers, including when they can be signed, any time allowances to rescind, and reasons the court may allow revocation.

Heavenly Differences
An episode of "7th Heaven" fans the flames of the debate over Safe Haven laws. Speaking against the laws and the show's portrayal: Marley Greiner, Bastard Nation. Speaking for the laws and the show's treatment: William Pierce, IAVAAN.

Expert Chat: Siblings & Differences
Ronny Diamond of Spence-Chapin answered questions about all kinds of siblings: bio and adopted, adopted, siblings in closed and open adoptions, and more. Perhaps your question was answered. Read more to find out.

Adoptive & Foster Family Education - Conspicuously Online
Conspicuous Families: Race, Culture & Adoption" is just one of a growing number of quality online education resources for adopting, adoptive, and foster parents. Learn more about these learning opportunities and where to find online classes.

Happy Adoption Books
Presenting only the happy side of adoption, even to preschool adoptees, may be denying the child's reality. Therapist Marlou Russell, Ph.D., explores one situation.

Adoption & Teachers
Child development expert Rita Taddonio fielded questions about racial bullying, parent presentations, adoptees who don't want the teacher to know, and much more in this chat with adoptive parents.

Hello Before Goodbye
Therapist Marlou Russell, Ph.D. explains why she believes it's important to allow mother-child bonding without the presence of prospective adoptive parents before birth. Third in a series of articles.

Being Adopted
For many adoptees, being adopted means intrusive or insensitive questions and comments. In the second article of her series, therapist, author, and adoptee Marlou Russell, Ph.D., gives parents and adoptees tools they can use to respond.

Forever Families
Therapist, author, and adoptee Marlou Russell, Ph.D., explains why telling an adoptee that s/he is now in a "forever family" can sound more reassuring to the adoptive parent than to the adoptee, and offers alternatives.

International Adoption: Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Passports and Citizenship are handled by two different branches of government. For your internationally adopted child, a Certificate of Citizenship may be a safeguard you want to provide. Here's how to get one.

Freebies for Adopting Parents
Adopting parents can take advantage of the many free samples, trial products, and discounts offered to parents in other types of families - it just takes a little creativity.

Agency Licensing Procedures Under Fire
Adoption agency licensing procedures come under fire in the New Jersey press.

Toddlerhood or Adoption?
Child development expert Rita Taddonio addresses questions from adoptive parents about behaviors in the toddler years and whether or not they're adoption-related.

Finding My Birth Family
An adoptee takes us step-by-step through her search for her birth family, sharing how she searched and where she found help, resources, and information.

Telling the Teachers: Adoption & School
At the start of the school year, parents debate whether or not to tell teachers that their children joined their families through adoption. Here are resources and opinions to help make your decision.

Publish Your Sex Life - It's the Law
A Florida law requires women who do not know the identity of their child's father to publish details about themselves and possible sexual partners before placing the child for adoption.

Adoption Awareness for Teachers
Teachers are challenged to develop sensitivity in the classroom, expanding their own awareness while encouraging their students to do the same. Resources and materials for educators can be found in our communities, on the Web, and in books and tapes.

National Adoption Web Site - Adopt US Kids
A new Web site has been launched to help build awareness of children in the U.S. foster care system across the country and connect them with families seeking to adopt.

Replacing "Adoption"
Is "adoption" still the most descriptive word for the way our families are created? our Editor's opinion.

Talking to Kids About Adoption
Adoption educator Ronny Diamond, MSW, answered questions from adoptive parents about how and when to talk to their children about adoption. From kids too young to understand to the "you're not my parent" comment, we covered it all!

From Hell to Heaven: How Orphan Care Evolves
Is a renewed interest in establishing orphanages in the U.S. a step closer to hell? In this article, Dr. Rita Laws looks at how orphan care evolves, and explains why many think the answer is "yes."

Search Series: When You Don't Want to be Contacted
Not everyone wants to be contacted. Here are steps adult adoptees and birth parents can take to make sure their wishes are known, and to share other information (updated medical, well-being) if so desired.

A Thoroughly Modern Baby Book
A new online service lets you create a baby book that can be completely customized to include everything about your child. It's great for all families, but especially good for adoptive families. Create a unique book about your child and your child's adoption - a book that will be published in hardcover. our Editor's review.

False Abuse Allegations, Adoption, and Foster Care
Child abuse is a national tragedy and greatly under-reported; however, many people do not realize that one-third to one-half of all child abuse alerts turn out to be unfounded or mistaken. False abuse allegations can destroy families and ultimately hurt the children who make the accusations. Dr. Rita Laws provides valuable information for adoptive and foster parents about why these allegations may occur, what they can do, and where to find help.

Search Series: Libraries
Libraries (and librarians) are a wonderful resource for searchers. These include public libraries, school and university libraries, and genealogical libraries. Learn what you can find and how these resources can be used.

National Adoption Attitudes Survey: Pro & Con
Results of the new National Adoption Attitudes Survey have been released and our guest commentators line up with opinions ranging from "good for kids" to "a waste of time" to "superficial."

What Adoptive Parents Need
What parents need from the time they start the process through their children's lives involves everyone who impacts the family - from judges to birth parents to neighbors and others. Rita Laws, Ph.D., puts us all on notice.

Search Series: Misspellings & Search
A common problem encountered in search is misspelled names - names of people and places. Here are tips to help you find correct spellings and variations.

"There Are Babies to Adopt"
our Editor reviews Christine Adamec's newly revised and updated book, which offers ideas and new resources to help those hoping to adopt a baby (newborn to two years) stay focused and positive.

Special Needs Adoption FAQ
Special needs adoption author, parent, and guru, Rita Laws, Ph.D., addresses subsidies, the availability of babies, ethical practices, and much more in this multi-part article.

Search Series: Making the Decision to Search
As you think about starting a search, there are several things you may want to consider before taking the leap. Also included are my two "worst reasons to search."

Search Series: Reunion Registries
Adoption reunion registries are one of the most commonly used tools in search. Here's what you need to know about registry types, how to choose them, and how to use them.

Search Series: Birth Certificates
Learn the difference between Original and Amended, changes that can occur, and how to use them for search.

Foster Parenting: Celebrate the Vision - 05/27/02
Many become foster parents in the face of criticism and ridicule from family and friends. Emil Baldwin, Jr. encourages us all to support families that refuse to let the vision die.

Hallmark Does Adoption
On June 1, 2002, the Hallmark Channel will air the first in a 13-part series on adoption, which they hope will dispel the myths and "shed a positive light on the process."

Lessons from Adoptive Parents
As adoptive parenting has evolved over the years, many of the ways we handle challenges provide valuable lessons for all families.

"Find Me"
Rosie O'Donnell's new book doesn't have a lot to do with adoption, despite beginning with a call to an agency, but it has everything to do with this highly visible public personality and adoption advocate. our Editor's review includes an excerpt.

UK Makes Way for Gay Adoption
An amendment to the Adoption and Children Bill has passed the House of Commons, but faces opposition in the House of Lords.

Treatment Foster Care - One Parent's Story
Treatment/Therapeutic Foster Parenting provides a crucial service to children dealing with extreme challenges. One parent tells us how this differs from traditional foster care, and details about training, services and therapy programs.

Birthmother's Day
Unique to the adoption community, Birthmother's Day is observed the day before Mother's Day. Learn how it began, different ways of honoring the birthmother experience, and why adoptees can claim two "real" mothers.

May is National Foster Care Month
The focus this month is on advocacy, programs to help foster youth make the transition to independent living, and the pressing need for foster families. Here's what you need to get involved.

Therapeutic Foster Care & Group Homes
Therapeutic foster care and group homes offer specialized care interventions for children and youth with severe emotional and/or behavioral challenges. Learn what they are, how they work, and how they compare.

The Greatest Gift: FAQs on Adopting from Russia
In this excerpt from her book, author Betsy Buckley shares the answers to questions frequently asked by adopting parents.

Trying to Conceive (TTC) and Adopting
Should one stop before the other begins? Read three views on one of the most important questions that confronts many seeking to adopt.

Legal Options for Caregivers
When substitute care for children is needed, options include adoption, guardianship, legal custody, and others. Learn what each involves and state restrictions.

AIA Supports Gay/Lesbian Adoptive Families
Calling for an end to "gender politics" in adoption, the American Infertility Association adds its voice to support for gay/lesbian adoptive families.

"Disturbing the Peace"
Nancy Newman's novel about a woman whose search for her birthmother helps her put her own life in perspective, is a captivating story from an author outside the adoption "triad" who brings a fresh viewpoint to search and family connections.

Frank Foundation, World Child, and "Wrongful Adoption"
The "wrongful adoption" lawsuit in the case of a baby adopted from Russia was settled out of court after only two days, but it carries important lessons for prospective adoptive parents.

Post-Adoption Contact Agreements
What you need to know about these written agreements between placing and adopting parents: What they are, why you might want to make one, how to make one, and legal considerations.

And Then a Miracle Happens
Mari Steed's international search for, and reunion with, her Irish birthmother is not only a wonderful story of families and angels, but also a great resource for those searching in Ireland.

Parent Power Works in Washington
Advocating for adoption issues at the highest levels of government can work. Using the example of Cambodia adoptions, William L. Pierce explains.

The Greatest Gift: Then Came Juan
Adopting from Guatemala does not require that both parents travel. In this second excerpt from her book, author Betsy Buckley brings a piece of the process to life.

Kinship Care and Strings Attached
When a child leaves the parental home, kinship care must be explored by law, but is it? Guest author Kim Combes looks at practices and the value of family members in a child's life.

Madhu's Story: Return to India
Australian teen adoptee Madhu Rollings shares perceptions and photos from his month-long homeland visit to India.

Trends in International Adoption
The U.S. numbers are in for 2001. Let's take a look at some of the more notable changes and the reasons why.

Health Insurance for Adopted Children
For some, it will be simple to insure their kids, but for others, plans may need to be changed or added. Insurance expert, Deborah Ghose, gives us the opportunity to benefit from her expertise.

Killer Adoptees: Don't Shoot the Messenger
Author, anti-adoption activist, reunited mom, searcher and researcher, Lori Carangelo, offers her rebuttal to Myth Series: Killer Adoptees.

Dave Thomas (1932-2002)
The founder of Wendy's restaurants was well-known in the government, business, and entertainment arenas as a vocal and active adoption advocate.

The Greatest Gift: The Story Continues
Author Betsy Buckley shares an excerpt from her new book, "The Greatest Gift: Reflections on International and Domestic Adoption."

Adoption and Children of War
Author Jean Erichsen sheds light on the barriers to adopting children from areas of conflict.



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