Features
Open Adoption: A Reference Guide for Families
Openness brings great benefits to all involved, as well as some unique dilemmas. Addressing them requires flexibility, sensitivity to the birth family, and confidence in yourself as parents. Consult this guide to learn how to make it work for your family.
Raising a Child of Color in America—While White
Our country is far from a “post-racial” society, despite what many would have you believe. For your transracially adopted child to grow up feeling supported and safe, you must be able to call out racism and stand up against injustice. Here’s how to start.
Putting Your Feelings on Paper
The innovative Therapeutic Writing program is helping adoptive parents explore the many complex emotions that can accompany infertility and adoption. Learn how it works, and find some writing exercises to try on your own.
Personal Essays
“Letting Our Story Soar“
A mother and daughter used a fictional character to talk about race, identity, and the realities of adoption—and found they’d written the children’s book Paloma the Possible.
“Paying My Respects to My Son’s Birth Mother”
When her son’s birth mother died, this mom decided it was time to open their closed foster adoption and meet his other family…even if that meant crashing a wake.
“What Do Religious Beliefs Have to Do With Parenting?“
One adoptive parent wonders, why should belief in a higher being matter when it comes to fitness to adopt or parenting skills?
“The Whole Journey“
“Our son’s birth mother chose us when making the painful decision—raise a child or finish high school. Now she’d invited us to her graduation. So, no matter how difficult the trip, we vowed to be there.”
News
Cost and Timing of Adoptions in 2013-2014
Each year, Adoptive Families polls newly formed adoptive families across the country. Here are the average expenses and timelines reported by more than 1,300 families who completed adoptions in 2013 or 2014.
Improving College Graduation Rates for Foster Children
Proposed Law Would Make Tax Credit Refundable
State Adoption Laws Update
International Adoption at Lowest Level Since 1982
Davion’s Forever Family
Foster Youth Becomes Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen
Deportation Delayed for Adam Crapser
The Experts
Expanding a Picky Eater’s Palate
An adoption medicine expert explains how to encourage kids to try new foods, while letting them feel safe at the dinner table.
Departments
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Thank You to This Issue’s Sponsors:
America’s Christian Credit Union
Children’s Connections Inc.
Independent Adoption Center
Adoption By Shepherd Care
Bethany Christian Services
Cleveland Clinic Children’s
National Background Check, Incorporated
World Links International Adoption Agency