Table of Contents: November 2017

Features

Adoptive Families’ 2017 Cover Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2017 Adoptive Families Cover Photo Contest! See the nine photos selected from more than 1,200 entries, and read stories from the proud parents.

AdoptUSKids: Your Helping Hand Through the Foster Adoption Process

Have you considered growing your family through adoption from U.S. foster care, but don’t know where to begin? Contact the experts at AdoptUSKids for personalized guidance and the reassurance that “you don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent.” | BY BARBARA HEREL

Personal Essays

“Let’s Play Jenga, Backward”

As a father who raised a child from birth and is now parenting older children adopted from foster care, I’ve come to see that the game and pieces may, indeed, be the same, but you have to play in an entirely different way. | BY MICHAEL SERRA

**“Three Real Families”**

When my granddaughter asked me if I was the “real” mother of her mom, whom I adopted as an infant, I found a way to help her explore family connections through biology, law, and love. | BY JUDY STIGGER, LCSW

AF Picks

2017 Gifts That Give Back

Each year, we search for companies that donate proceeds to charities that support adoption, children, or families. Choose a gift for your child or loved ones from the merchants highlighted here and your purchase will benefit children and families around the world.