Each year, members of the adoption triad and anyone else who supports adoption can celebrate with a special day all their own — World Adoption Day. This year, World Adoption Day is today, November 9.
As many know, the U.S. Children’s Bureau names November as National Adoption Awareness Month, and World Adoption Day is just another way that people around the world can support and celebrate the incredible lifelong journey that adoptive parents, birth parents and adoptees go through every day.
There are a couple of simple ways that you can get involved in World Adoption Day:
1. Draw a smiley face on your hands and post a selfie with the hashtag #WorldAdoptionDay. If you’re comfortable doing so, share your adoption story on your social media to raise awareness of the beauty of adoption from all sides of the journey.
WOW! Such an honor to see #WorldAdoptionDay across the world. Thank you to everyone with a sharpie and a smile. Keep it going!! A post shared by World Adoption Day | Nov. 9th (@worldadoptionday) on Nov 15, 2016 at 2:16pm PST
WOW! Such an honor to see #WorldAdoptionDay across the world. Thank you to everyone with a sharpie and a smile. Keep it going!!
A post shared by World Adoption Day | Nov. 9th (@worldadoptionday) on Nov 15, 2016 at 2:16pm PST
2. Become an ambassador or join the 391 World Adoption Day ambassadors in organizing events and parties to raise awareness about adoption. You can also become an ambassador just by sharing information about World Adoption Day on your social media.
3. Donate to adoption causes (like supporting your local foster care system) or to families who need financial help with their adoption.
There are several more ways you can spread awareness about World Adoption Day and adoption in general. It’s not important how you do it; it’s just important that you do it. To learn more about this adoption campaign, you can subscribe to the World Adoption Day newsletter and find events near you.
Adopting children internationally, while already a highly-regulated process, has become even more difficult for hopeful American families.
The Columbus Dispatch reported this week that since the Trump administration took office, the State Department has started imposing new regulations on international adoption agencies in the United States. Government officials have also begun re-interpreting regulations on accreditation of U.S. adoption service providers, which has already resulted in one American international accrediting entity to stop offering accreditation services — and can be expected to greatly reduce how many American families can hope to successfully complete international adoptions in the near future.
Today, per the State Department’s requirements, U.S. adoption agencies providing international adoption services are responsible for every person or entity that interacts with prospective adoptees — even if that American agency has no ability to influence the actions of those other providers. This, combined with the more restrictive regulations on international adoption agencies, seems to have only accelerated a rapid decline in international adoptions by American parents.
These recent international adoption changes and proposed legislation to the adoption tax credit have many adoption professionals crying foul. While some adoption professionals say the new international adoption restrictions are necessary, others say the supervision of foreign providers in international adoption is an impractical step toward making the process safer and will severely hurt many hopeful adoptive parents.
To express your concerns about the administration’s treatment of adoption-related issues, please contact your local representative today.
My name is Lindsay, and I have been the birth mother of a child who was placed for adoption for seven years. I chose adoption because I believed, and still believe, that adoption was the best decision for myself and my baby. Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy was almost terrifying for me, as I wasn’t even close to ready to be taking on the role of parent. Being a single mother for six months was overwhelmingly lonely. The adoption process was a rollercoaster ride, with very high highs and very low lows. To this day, I do not regret my adoption decision. Yet, that doesn’t mean I don’t face obstacles of misunderstanding as a birth mother.
I understand to the full extent why I choose adoption, and I am a confident birth mother. That doesn’t mean that I don’t face stigma and misunderstanding, even from family and friends. My family did not support my adoption decision. I believe that certain members of my family have come to accept it, but some of them still disagree with my decision. Friends of mine believe I am brave, but still don’t understand what it’s like to be a birth mother. Strangers commend me, but sometimes I sense a hint of pity or judgement.
I have spent years writing about voluntarily choosing adoption and walking a path of healing after going through the adoption process. It took me two years after going through the adoption process before I could really claim to be on a tangible healing path. Healing started out as almost an impossible journey for me. It was so hard to process through my grief and loneliness. However, over time, the healing process became a bit smoother, and processing the grief became easier. The reason that I have chosen writing as my main coping tool is because it comes naturally to me. I have been keeping journals ever since I had my first diary when I was 11 years old.
My goal in writing is twofold. First, I need to continue to heal. I have found that ever since I learned to put pen to paper, my healing road has been much smoother. The beauty of keeping a journal is that you can confess any emotion to your paper, and if you choose, it can remain secret forever. Just between you and your diary. You can even burn the pages or the entire journal for a more cathartic experience. Second, I have a testimony to share that I believe may help others heal. I believe that testimony, or telling a story about your life and the miracle that follows, is a powerful spiritual tool. It can give others permission to accept healing into their own life. It can encourage others when they feel they have nothing left to give to their own journey. It can shed insight onto a situation that needs a few more lenses on it. Those are my goals in writing regarding writing about healing from choosing adoption.
Although I am a confident birth mother, that doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle with the misconceptions that others may have of me and my choice. When dealing with family, I have found that they don’t want to talk about the fact that I chose adoption. It’s as if they have skipped their own grieving process and went straight to acceptance. In my opinion, this is not the healthy choice. Sometimes, when I talk about my son with them, they take slight jabs at me. The truth is, they do not mean to hurt me, but they never processed their own hurt themselves. I am making assumptions when I state this, but I also know the members of my family very well. My choice for adoption is still somewhat of an open wound for some of them.
You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. I have chosen my friends to be a small circle of women that I can trust with anything. I used to choose having many friends, none of whom I would get very close to. These days, I am very open and close with my best friends. While my friends are amazing, and they are incredibly supportive of me being a birth mother, there is one thing that they don’t understand: I may be a birth mother, but that means I am still a mother. Sometimes when we talk about kids, they make comments about me not understanding what it is like to have children. The truth is, I do understand what it is like to have children, because I have a son. I worry about the same things that other parents do, like emotional growth and development, academics, and my son being happy and healthy. What my friends don’t understand is that being a birth mother doesn’t make me any less of a mother than they are.
Strangers and acquaintances are the ones who are the hardest to deal with. One of the questions that someone will ask in general conversation is, “Do you have kids?” My answer depends on what I feel like talking about at the time. Sometimes I say, “Yes, but not with me.” Other times, when I am not feeling like opening up, I will simply say, “No.” However, when I say no to having children, it makes me feel guilty for not acknowledging my son. Yet, when I say that I have a child, it is usually followed by a brief explanation that I chose adoption for my son. My quick answer to having a child I placed for adoption is this: “I have a child that I placed for adoption years ago. However, it’s an open adoption. I see him and talk to him. He is amazing, and I basically have the fairy tale open adoption.” I find that this answer makes strangers and acquaintances less uncomfortable. The judgment and awkwardness of discussing being a birth mother is something that I am still not used to. There are so many stereotypes that society has regarding being a birth mother. As a writer and advocate for adoption education and understanding, I have a personal agenda to inform others on what open adoption is and how beautiful it can be. However, just because I believe in this cause doesn’t mean I am always in the mood to deal with explaining my decision to others.
As a birth mother, I still face challenges seven years later. I think that every birth mother does. In fact, I know many women who have chosen adoption, and every single one of them chooses to deal with it differently than the next one. I don’t think there is any right or wrong way to be a birth mother, no matter how many years it has been since adoption was chosen and what circumstances led to that choice. The truth is that everyone copes with their issues differently. Everyone chooses a different level of personal privacy. It’s important that we respect the boundaries that others put up, even if they are not boundaries that we would not necessarily have ourselves. I am a confident birth mother, but I am still prone to falling into the self-doubt of humanity. I am not perfect, but I sure try my best to be the most mature version of myself that I am able to be. I believe that is the best we can do at any given time. While there are challenges and speed bumps along the path of healing, there are also great victories and miracles along the way. ~Lindsay Arielle Lindsay is a guest blogger for Considering Adoption. She placed her son for adoption 7 years ago and hopes to use her experience to support and educate other expectant mothers considering adoption, as well as adoptive families.
Aside from choosing to pursue adoption for your baby, selecting the right family may be the hardest choice you have to make throughout the adoption process. It may seem daunting, but when you find the perfect parents for your child, you can be assured that he or she will grow up living the life you imagine for him or her.
Still, knowing where to start as you evaluate waiting adoptive families can be difficult. If you are feeling overwhelmed with parent profiles, consider these tips:
Every November, adoption professionals and members of the adoption triad come together to celebrate the adoption process and help share their stories and experience. This is known as National Adoption Awareness Month, and we’re proud to help spread the word at Considering Adoption. But, what exactly is National Adoption Awareness Month? National Adoption Awareness Month is an initiative of the United States Children’s Bureau. It aims to increase national awareness and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in the U.S. foster care system. Many of those in the domestic infant adoption triad have also embraced this month as a way to share their stories and spread awareness of all kinds of adoption processes. An awareness campaign specifically designed for adoption has been around since 1970, when Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis announced an Adoption Week in his state. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week, which was then expanded into the full month of November by President Bill Clinton in 1995. So, now that you know what National Adoption Awareness Month is, how can you get involved? Just as you can do even without a national campaign, you can spread awareness about the joys of adoption on your own. Use your social media accounts to tap into adoption hashtags (like #AdoptionRocks and #AdoptionisLove) to share your story and your support for adoption professionals and all they have done for your family. Make sure to follow important social media accounts for adoption organizations, and share their posts to spread more accurate information about what the adoption process is really like. You can also directly get involved with adoption groups and provide assistance to those children who most need it. Many foster care adoption professionals are always looking for volunteers, whether that’s to help out at the agency or by donating much-needed supplies like pajamas and toiletries. Reach out to your local foster care professional to learn what kind of support you can offer to help these children. Finally, one of the best ways you can participate in National Adoption Awareness Month is by serving as a positive example of adoption in your community. Whether you’re a birth parent, an adoptive parent, an adoptee or anyone else affected by the adoption process, be proud of your story — it’s a beautiful one. Don’t be afraid to share it and your positive experience with others to help them understand just how important adoption is in the world today. After all, about 135,000 children are adopted in the U.S. every year — so it’s definitely a more common way to build families than people may think. To learn more about National Adoption Awareness Week and find out what you can do to help, please visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway’s website.
Adoption has always been a beautiful way to build a family. In fact, it’s been a family-building process that’s existed for as long as humans have. It’s not surprising, therefore, that there are mentions of adoption throughout important texts in history, including adoption scriptures in religious texts like the Bible. Whether you’re religious or not, the adoption process can be a spiritual journey full of self-discovery and soul-searching. Some adoptive parents choose to look for scripture on adoption to help them through this process, as these Bible verses about adoption can provide the religious support and advice they need. No matter your religious leanings or belief, these wise adoption scripture verses may be able to provide you a different understanding of the adoption process, whether you’re an adoptive parent, a birth parent or an adoptee yourself. While some may or may not be direct references to the adoption process, many of the Bible verses about orphans and God adopting man as his own can be interpreted as messages that also can apply to the adoption process. We’ve collected a few of the most impactful references to adoption in the Bible in this article:
Not only are there scriptures on adoption in the Bible, there are also many references to adoption in many life stories of Biblical figures. For example, Jesus was adopted by Joseph, and other figures like Esther, Samuel and Moses were taken in by adoptive parents. So, if you’re looking for adoption scripture, the Bible is a wonderful place to start. Like most of the religious text, many of the phrases about love and family are open to interpretation — and can certainly be applied to your own adoption and family-building story.
A new case regarding same-sex couples’ right to adopt came to light this week, once again showing that, despite federal laws against it, certain adoption professionals continue to discriminate against LGBT couples pursuing adoption.
The professional in question in this case is a Kentucky judge, Judge W. Mitchell Nance, who routinely handles adoption cases. The Kentucky Judicial Council Commission recently released a complaint about his practices, through which it became apparent that he was not upholding the right of same-sex couples to adopt children in Kentucky.
Earlier this year, the judge required lawyers to notify him if they had an adoption case involving an LGBT individual or couple adopting a child. Why? So he could recuse himself from that case because of religious beliefs — despite the fact that a same-sex couples’ right to adoption is one of the many state laws all Kentucky judges swear to uphold without bias.
Shortly after the charges were filed against him, the judge submitted his resignation.
The Fairness Campaign, an organization that advocates for LGBT rights, considered his resignation a success but still wishes for the charges to be investigated and the judge to face the full consequences of his actions, which many argued perpetuated stereotypes about the ability of LGBT couples to parent.
“It’s unfortunate that he has not acknowledged the basic discriminatory nature of his actions,” Chris Hartman, the director of the Fairness Campaign, told the Lexington Herald-Leader.
In addition to the Kentucky Judicial Council Commission, Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Kentucky and a University of Louisville law professor are parties to the ethics complaint. For updates on the case, read the Lexington Herald-Leader.
For more information about the rights of same-sex couples to adopt in the United States, speak to your local adoption attorney or adoption professional.
I am an advocate for adoption when it is the right decision. However, an unplanned pregnancy for a young woman does not automatically mean that adoption is the best decision. When adoption is the right decision, it can truly be an incredible journey. Watching your child grow up in a happy and healthy home is incredibly rewarding. There is no greater joy in my life than seeing my son have opportunity after opportunity that I would have never been able to provide for him. Adoption is a blessing. There are situations in which adoption may seem like a good option, but it is truly not the best option for mother and baby. Here are some things to consider when determining if adoption is the right choice for you and baby:
I have chosen to put this first on the list because it is one of the greatest factors in determining whether keeping a baby is an option. Many women who end up with unplanned pregnancies who are considering adoption are already living in poverty. Of course, this situation grows a bit more complicated when you have another mouth to feed. Government assistance is an option in the form of cash, food and medical assistance. However, government assistance will only take you so far on the poverty spectrum. Such assistance is granted for those in poverty, but the amount of assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis.Finances are likely a consideration in the choice for keeping a baby or placing him or her for adoption. There are so many costs included when it comes to being a parent. Not only are there basic expenses like food, shelter, clothing, utilities, etc., but there are also planned and unplanned expenses. For example, diapers and bottles are a must, while emergencies may arise that need to be addressed as well. Some women are blessed in the regard that they will not have to worry about finances for their unborn baby due to support from family, friends, or a partner. However, many young women who face an unplanned pregnancy will need to find a way to overcome this hurdle if they decide to keep their baby instead of choosing adoption.
Mental health issues and disorders are now becoming acknowledged in our society. We have a better understanding of depression, including post-partum, now more than ever. Medication for different mental disorders is more available as understanding increases. It is possible to be pregnant and to breastfeed and be on certain medications that treat the symptoms of depression. It is amazing what modern-day science can and does offer us in terms of treating mental illness. It is also a relief to see that organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) exist to help increase understanding of such mental disorders and how many people who suffer from mental illness can function within society. While a woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy may have the option of being treated for mental illness while raising her baby, some women may find it harder than others. Struggling with mental illness, and learning how to cope, may take many years. A woman suffering from mental illness may be in one of many stages in the progression of treatment, and she may not be ready yet to care for another life while she is learning how to care for her own.
Faith is the foundation of life. No matter what you believe, there is some sort of faith that guides you and your choices. Whether it’s a moral compass, Jesus or Mother Earth, you have a guiding force within yourself that helps you make everyday decisions, whether they are small choices or big decisions. It is important to remember that everyone is in a different place on their spiritual journey. While some people are firm in their convictions, others may be at a point where they are exploring who they are and what is important to them. Respecting someone’s spiritual walk means understanding that everyone is on a different path to get to the same place: peace. Some women facing an unplanned pregnancy may find peace in choosing adoption for their child, while others may not. Some women are so secure in who they are that they feel prepared to guide the life of a child. However, some women truly just need to live a bit more life before they will be prepared and feel prepared to parent.
Friends and family may or may not surround a woman who finds herself in a tough situation like an unplanned pregnancy. In my opinion, babies are a blessing no matter what their circumstances are. Some do feel, though, that babies can be a burden. While it’s unfortunate, it is true that friends and family may not be so keen on supporting a young woman who is facing an unplanned pregnancy. A woman may lose friends or family members depending on their level of agreement, judgment or support. However, it is in times of trouble that we learn who our real friends and family are. Regardless of how many people may not be supportive, there are those people who will stick by you matter what. Also, there are plenty of support resources available to women via pregnancy counseling, support groups, and hotlines and online forums. Keep close to these resources regardless of whether the decision made is to keep baby or place baby for adoption. Remember that it takes a village to raise a child.
There are many other factors that go into determining whether adoption is the right decision for a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. Every woman is in her own specific situation with different circumstances. The best advice I have for anyone considering adoption is to look realistically at the different aspects of your life and honestly assess if you are ready to parent or not. If adoption is the right decision for you, at some point throughout the process, you will have peace of mind. ~Lindsay Arielle Lindsay is a guest blogger for Considering Adoption. She placed her son for adoption 7 years ago and hopes to use her experience to support and educate other expectant mothers considering adoption, as well as adoptive families.
Podcasts seem to be entering a new age of relevance and popularity today, with more than 67 million Americans listening to the media form monthly (up 14 percent from 2016). You can find podcasts on all sorts of topics, from sports to entertainment to religion — and you can also find infertility podcasts and adoption podcasts, as well.
If podcasts are your kind of entertainment, you may be interested in finding some of these family talk podcasts online — but it may be difficult to sort through them to find the best ones. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of some of these family-focused podcasts in this article to help you get started.
But, what if you’re a podcast newbie?
Here’s what you need to know: A podcast is essentially like a radio talk show but made available on the internet for downloading to your mobile device to listen to at your convenience. Typically, podcasts are available in a series format, in which you can subscribe and receive new files when they are posted. Many podcasts last about an hour and are posted weekly.
Podcasts are a great resource to learn new information in an easily accessible manner — and infertility podcasts, adoption podcasts and foster parenting podcasts are no different. Here are a few to start downloading today.
Infertility is a more common issue than people may believe; one in eight couples has trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. However, the topic remains taboo for many people, preventing those who are struggling with infertility from finding the community support they need and deserve at this challenging time in their lives. However, infertility podcasts can help provide the advice and information that many hopeful parents want. Start by listening to these:
Adoption has a strong, active community of adoptive parents, birth parents and adoptees who share resources, stories and advice among each other. Whether you want to learn more about the adoption process before starting, want advice as you’re going through the adoption process or are simply interested in adoption, check out these adoption podcasts:
Foster care and foster care adoption is another family-building option that deserves more attention and respect, and several foster care podcasts exist to do just that. Like any other parents, parents of foster children need support and advice for many incredibly challenging situations and can find them in these podcasts:
In addition to podcasts that specifically focus on infertility and family-building options, there are also many podcasts out there that touch on these subjects. Even though they are classified as more general information podcasts, you can still find helpful episodes about family-building processes and infertility published throughout their seasons:
