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News

Indiana House Committee Approves Adoption Bill

A bill that would give Indiana adoptees an opportunity to access their adoption records was approved by the state House committee on Monday. The bill passed in an 11-2 vote and will now move on to the full House.
For Indiana adoptees born between 1941 and 1993, the approval brings them one step closer to being able to obtain their birth records, which are currently sealed. The bill seeks to give adoptees access to their records while still maintaining the privacy of the birth mothers who choose to keep their adoptions closed. A version of the bill was rejected last year as a result of similar privacy concerns.
Following the approval, the bill is now advancing to the House floor.
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Adoption Feature Stories

9 Ways to Support Adoptive Parents

For waiting families, adoption is an exciting journey that will help them finally realize their dreams of parenthood — but it is also a long process that can be overwhelming, uncertain, and at times, emotionally draining.
Holding hands
 
If you are looking for ways to support a friend or family member through the ups and downs of adoption, here are some steps you can take through every stage of the adoption process:

During the Wait

The initial steps of the adoption process are often some of the busiest for families hoping to adopt, followed by what can be a long, difficult wait to find a prospective birth mother. There are several ways to show your support of your friend during this phase of the process:
Offer emotional support. One of the best things friends and family can do for hopeful parents through every step of the adoption process is to be available and offer emotional support. Let the adoptive parents know that you are there if they need someone to talk to, and allow them to share as much or as little about their adoption process as they want
Learn about adoption. There is a lot to know about adoption, and it can be overwhelming for adoptive families to dive into the topic alone. Learning about the adoption community and adoption processes will help you better understand the challenges your friend may be facing.
Offer financial resources. Adoption can be expensive, and many adoptive families look for ways to reduce adoption costs. Attend any fundraisers that the family hosts, or offer to help organize a fundraiser on their behalf.

When an Opportunity Arises

When the phone call finally comes informing the family that they have been chosen by a prospective birth mother, it is a time of excitement and celebration. When your friend shares the news that they’ve been selected for an adoption opportunity, there are some things you can do to join in the celebration and show your support:
Provide a service. Many adoptive families need to travel when it is time for the baby to be born — often at a moment’s notice. Offer to housesit or watch your friend’s other children when it is time to for them to travel to the hospital.
Host a celebration. Some families have an adoption shower when they receive an adoption opportunity to help them prepare for their new baby. Ask your friend if they’d like to have a celebration — just be understanding if they’d prefer to wait until after placement.
Help them prepare. Even if your friend is not comfortable decorating the nursery or having a baby shower, they will likely need to make some preparations before the baby is born. Offer to lend them any essentials you have on hand, like a crib, until they are ready to start purchasing baby items.

After Placement

When the adoptive parents return home with their child, they will face an entirely new set of challenges — parenting a newborn baby!
Help them adjust to life as new parents and show your support of the family they created through adoption:
Welcome them home. Leave a sweet surprise for the new family, whether it’s balloons tied to their mailbox, flowers delivered to their door, or a home-cooked meal.
Help with everyday tasks. Parenting a newborn takes a lot of time and undivided attention. Let your friends know that you are always available and willing to help wherever you’re needed. Offer to run errands or help with the new baby or the family’s other children.
Learn about adoptive parenting. Adoption is a lifelong journey that will continue to impact your friend’s life, as well as their child’s. Learn about positive adoption language, and be sensitive to all members of the adoption community and the challenges they may face.
Every new parent needs support and encouragement, regardless of how their family is created. Offering your time, emotional support and practical help throughout the process will make your friend or family member’s adoption journey that much easier — and strengthen your friendship in the process.

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General

Stop Using These 5 Negative Adoption Terms

Is she adopted?
What are your real parents like?
Are you going to give the baby up?

For anyone touched by adoption, insensitive questions and comments like these are all too common.

While certain words and phrases may seem innocent to those who are unfamiliar with and curious about adoption, this negative adoption language can be harmful for all members of the adoption triad.
big thumbs down

Here are five of the most common negative adoption terms, along with alternatives that you can use to promote a more positive and accepting view of adoption.

1. Instead of “real parents,” say “birth parents.”

The role of adoptive parents and the love they have for their children is very “real,” and the term “real parents” dismisses that. Instead, use the term “birth parents” or “birth family” when referring to a child’s biological parents — this is more respectful of both families and the important role each plays in the creation of the family.

2. Instead of “adoptive parents,” just say “parents.”

Qualifying a family as being “adoptive” implies that they are not a true family or that they are somehow second best. Instead, just say “family,” “child,” or “parents.” There’s no need to qualify it with the adjective “adoptive.”

3. Instead of “give up” or “give away,” birth mothers “choose adoption,” “place a child for adoption” or “make an adoption plan.”

Women are not “giving up” by choosing adoption. In fact, birth mothers are making a proactive, positive and selfless decision when they place their children for adoption.

4. Instead of “keeping the baby,” expectant mothers may “choose to parent.”

The term “keeping” objectifies the child and diminishes the difficult choice a woman makes when deciding between adoption and parenting. “Choosing to parent” is more respectful of women considering adoption, as well as their children.

5. Instead of “is adopted,” a person “was adopted.”

Adoption can be a very positive experience for all members of the adoption triad, and it’s something to be celebrated — but it also does not define a person’s identity. Saying a person “is adopted” suggests that adoption is their sole defining characteristic.

Instead, a person “was adopted” into a family, and now that person is a part of that family.

By using the correct vocabulary when talking about adoption, you can help spread adoption awareness and encourage others to view adoption in a more positive light.

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News

Missouri Moves to Open Up Adoption Records

In the wake of the movement by many states to give adoptees access to original birth certificates, the state of Missouri has joined the conversation. A House committee voted on a bill that would help adoptees obtain their sealed information.
At present, the original records of Missouri adoptees are sealed to protect the privacy of the birth parents. Like the other states that have been discussing adoption bills, Missouri is working to provide information to the adoptees while still maintaining that privacy.
With the consent of the birth parents, adoptees would be able to access their original birth certificates and other information once they turn 18.
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New Wisconsin Law Allows Adoptees Access to Information of Deceased Birth Parents

Among the 21 bills signed into law by Wisconson Governor Scott Walker is one that may allow some adoptees to obtain the identities of their birth parents. The bill stated that if the birth parents were deceased, adoptees could have access to their basic information.
Furthermore, the new law will allow adoptees to give permission to the Adoption Search Program to give their identifying information to their birth parents. A parent or guardian of a deceased adoptee may also request access to medical records.
The law gives some adoptees an opportunity to access their medical records and information on their birth parents, provided that it does not violate the privacy or confidentiality of the birth parents.
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News

Ontario Adoptions Delayed Due to Flawed Drug Tests

Between 200 and 300 Ontario adoptions have been put on hold as a result of drug testing from the discontinued program Motherisk. Because the program has been discredited, the adoptions must now be reviewed before they can proceed.
In some cases, the children have already been placed in their adoptive homes, but they must wait for the adoption to be finalized. In other cases, the children are still waiting to be placed with their adoptive families. It is unclear how long these families will have to wait to complete their adoptions.
Currently, an independent commission is reviewing cases in the hopes to help families finish their adoptions as quickly as possible.
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Birth Parent

I Just Gave Birth: Who Do I Talk to About Adoption

If you’ve just had a baby and want to look into adoption, it’s not too late – an adoption agency can help you with everything you need to make the best decision for your child.
Young mother holding newborn baby
 
Adoption agencies are licensed, full-service adoption professionals that are equipped to guide you through every step of the process. If you reach out to an adoption agency, your personal adoption specialist will help you find a family, give you counseling and support, arrange for financial assistance, and guide you through the legal side of your adoption – all in a matter of days if necessary.

Adoption Agencies: Everything in One Place

If you’ve just given birth, you likely want to come to a decision and complete your adoption as quickly as you can. An adoption agency can ensure you make a quick but positive and informed decision by offering the following benefits:

After-Birth Adoptions: What You Need to Know

For women who have already given birth, the adoption experience is different in a few ways. If you are pursuing adoption after you’ve had your baby, keep the following in mind:

As the mother, you are the only one who can decide what the right choice for your baby is. It does not matter whether you are nine months pregnant, in the delivery room, or have already had the baby – if adoption is the best decision, you can always reach out to an adoption agency to help you make the best decision and to ensure all of your goals are met.

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News

Utah Adoption Bill Would Establish Preference for Heterosexual Couples

In response to last year’s rulings to prevent adoption discrimination based on sexual orientation, the state of Utah is currently reviewing a bill that would return favor to heterosexual couples. Utah Representative Kraig Powell has introduced the bill with the argument that children should have both a male and female parental figure.
Over the past year, homosexual and heterosexual parents have been given equal preference in Utah adoption and foster care. The new bill, if passed, would allow the state’s foster care programs to choose one family over another based purely on sexual orientation. It would not affect the proceedings of private adoptions.
After last year’s Supreme Court rulings, many states are revisiting their adoption laws. At Considering Adoption, we hope that this bill does not result in a step backward in the movement for equal adoption rights.
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General

Adoption Gift Ideas

Adoption gifts can be a great way for all members of the adoption triad to show love and appreciation for one another. Whether it’s for the holidays, birthdays, or an adoption day, here are some adoption gift ideas to help you find the perfect present for the people involved in your adoption journey.
Woman holding a present

General Adoption-Themed Gifts

Some vendors have adoption-related merchandise, often in the form of clothing or decorations, which can be a great option for anyone who has been touched by adoption. Whether you or someone you know is part of an adoption triad, these gift ideas can work for anyone.
Here are just a few examples of the kinds of adoption gifts you can find:

For more ideas about gifts specifically related to adoption, you can visit websites such as Many Hearts One Beat or AdoptShoppe.

For Birth Parents from Adoptive Families

If you are an adoptive parent, then the birth parents in your life have given you a gift beyond measure; how do you give them a gift in return? Everyone has different likes, hobbies, and tastes, so these suggestions should be treated as a springboard for ideas.
These are just a few ideas for items that you can give to a birth mother:

For Adopted Children from Birth Parents

Whether you’re looking for birthday, holiday, or adoption day gifts, you want your child to know that he or she is always in your heart.
These suggestions can give you generalized gift ideas, which you can personalize to your child’s tastes:

Adoption Shower Gifts for Families

After a family has adopted, they will usually throw an adoption shower. Sometimes families will have a shower before an adoption, but this is not usually recommended. Whenever they have their big bash, gift-givers should think of it like any other baby shower.

If you are involved in an adoption, consult your adoption specialist to be sure that your gift is appropriate for the recipient and your particular situation. No matter the occasion, there are endless gift possibilities for the adoptive parent, birth parent, or adoptee in your life.

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News

Indiana Senate Passes Bill to Open Adoption Records

The Indiana Senate approved a bill in a 43-5 vote that would allow adoptees access to currently sealed birth records. The proposed bill will now move on to the House.
If the new legislature is passed, it will affect adoptions taking place between 1941 and 1993. Currently, adoption records within this time frame are sealed, which means that adoptees cannot obtain potentially crucial information.
Those in opposition to the bill state that opening the records would infringe on the privacy of the birth mothers. Under the new bill, birth mothers would be able to indicate whether or not they were open to communicating or exchanging information.
The new bill will go into effect in 2018 if passed.
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