Adoption Issues: December 2006

Friday, December 29, 2006

Single Parent Adoption

An increasing number of single women, sensing their biological clocks ticking, are choosing to adopt. Previous societal stigmas about low-income and/or young unwed mothers is being turned upside down by a growing group of older, well educated, professional women are pursuing adoption as a means to parenthood.

"Not unlike their married counterparts who pursue adoption, single women often pursue motherhood citing the same need and desire to love and nurture a child of their own."

Thanks to the Internet and television, resources abound for single adoptive-parents; those who intend to stay single, and those who hope to one day share their parenting experiences with a significant other. Read more online.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Reactions to China's New Adoption Laws

Now that the details are official, many are responding - some negatively - to the adoption laws that will take affect May 1st in China. One of the groups tha'’s being denied now is single parents. A decision some don't agree with.

"'..I am discouraged about not allowing singles,' [Sonja] Wendt added, 'because I feel that single parenting is just as wonderful an opportunity for a child to have a family as it is when couples adopt.'"

The changes were prompted by a dramatic increase in adoption petitions; applications nearly doubled, to more than 20,000, last year.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

China Tightens Adoption Rules

Though details haven't been confirmed yet, China acknowledges that it has made increased its adoption restrictions. Changes are said to include marital status and overall health.

"Under the new rules, only people who have been married for at least two years will be eligible to adopt... couples must have a Body Mass Index of no more than 40, and be aged 30-50."

Also restricted are people who take psychiatric medication for conditions like depression and anxiety. Read more at LasVegasSun.com.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Reactive Attachment Disorder

The book "An Unlit Path" by Deborah Hannah tells her story of life with an adopted child who has RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder). RAD is the clinical term for children who have been so abused or neglected that they're unable or unwilling to form emotional attachments.

"For children who have been severely neglected or abused, learning to love or be loved is often difficult. Learning to trust and open your heart to another is nearly impossible for some children."

The book is not meant to discourage anyone who's considering adoption. Instead, it's intended to inform potential adoptive parents of the challenges they may face when adopting children who have been abused or neglected. Read more online.

Sage Walk - featured on ABC's Brat Camp - provides a place where 13-17 year olds can get help for Adoption issues or attachment issues. Troubled teens who are experiencing behavioral or emotional participate in a variety of activities that include, group and individual therapy, academic studies, primitive camping skills, navigation and orienteering skills, service projects, goal setting workshops, and journal writing. Learn about the original Brat Camp at www.sagewalk.com.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Home for the Holidays

After enduring more than a year-long adoption process, a South Carolina couple has welcomed home their newly adopted daughter just in time for Christmas. Adopted from Guatemala, Sara Ava was just 19 weeks old when she was put in an adoption facility.

"Seventy percent of children in Guatemala are given up due to the country's extreme poverty."

Because of a thriving black market for kidnapped children, the Guatemalan government is very thorough when verifying information about potential adoptive parents. The Shrums have not only seen the process through, but have begun it again, in hopes of adopting another Guatemalan orphan. Read more at TheLancasterNews.com.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Helping Blended Families Blend During the Holidays

Creating a new family out of people who are practically strangers is incredibly challenging. The holidays can heighten feelings of anxiety, sorrow, and fear. Don Mayhew, from the Fresno Bee, offers some helpful suggestions.

"...family therapists and parenting experts say not only can the negative emotions surrounding blended families be minimized during the holidays, traditions can be enriched and relationships improved if the right steps are taken."

Explain traditions to newly adopted children. Be patient if they don't embrace the traditions right away, or if they're sad or scared during family gatherings. Read more at FresnoBee.com.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Unable to Conceive and Considering Adoption

Many couples who find themselves unable to conceive consider adoption as an alternative for becoming parents. How do you if you're ready, as a couple, to investigate adoption possibilities?

"It is important for couples to have open communication while considering adoption."

The list of topics on AllAboutLifeChallenges.com should be discussed open by couples before taking the next step. Read more at AllAboutLifeChallenges.com.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Latinos More Open to Adoption

Adoption isn't something that's culturally accepted in Latino communities. Typically, if a woman is unable to care for her child, the extended family will step in and help. But an increasing number of immigrants find themselves without that extended family, and they're beginning to seek alternatives.

"Susy Tibbitts-Hernandedz, the maternity case manager at PeaceHealth Medical Group's prenatal clinic in Eugene, said it's important for Latinas to know about [adoption] and refers those who are interested to Open Adoption & Family Service."

The adoption agency reports that the number of Latino adoptions has increased from just two in 2000 to seven last year. Read more at OregonLive.com.

Friday, December 08, 2006

Post-Adoption Depression

Though definitive numbers haven't been gathered, medical professionals are seeing more and more evidence that some adoptive parents struggle with depression shortly after the adoption process is completed.

"[Regina] Levin and other professionals say many [adoptive parents] are fragile before they turn to adoption, having suffered the grief of infertility or miscarriage... Most adoptive parents get no chance to start slowly, with a gurgly, cuddly baby. Some are overwhelmed..."

Professionals, and adoptive parents who have experienced depression, urge newly adoptive-parents to seek help if they're feeling unusually sad or despondent. Read more online.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

What is a Homestudy?

Once you've applied to adopt a child, you will be required to submit to a homestudy. The purpose of a homestudy is to evaluate your living situation, and evaluate you as a prospective parent.

"The homestudy itself is a written report of the findings of the social worker who has met with the applicants on several occasions, both individually and together. At least one meeting with occur in the applicants home."

The average homestudy takes 3 to 6 months to complete, but actual time varies based on each cases individual set of circumstances. Read more online.

Monday, December 04, 2006

"Over the Moon" Gift Idea

The children's book "Over the Moon" by Karen Katz tells the story of a mom and dad who fly to a far away place to adopt a baby girl. The book has gotten excellent reviews and is considered a great tool for introducing the idea of adoption to young children.

"My adopted daughter loved the book because she could read it herself. We both were fascinated by the illustrations and enjoyed going through the book over and over again to look for more things embedded in the pictures."

Makes an excellent gift for young children who have been adopted or who will become brothers or sisters through adoption. Learn more about the book online.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Direct Contact for International Adoptions

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Services) has international adoption email addresses for each of it's field offices.

"To locate the e-mail address for your state's field office, visit http://tinyurl.com/yn9uw9. When you find your field office, scroll down a little and you'll see specific contact information for adoption."