Adoption / Foster Care: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Child Called "It"
One of the worst child abuse cases in California's history came to an end on March 5, 1973 when Dave
One of the worst child abuse cases in California's history came to an end on March 5, 1973 when Dave
Gay & Lesbian Adoption Basics
Gay adoption information for those interested in expanding their families through adoption. More and more gay and lesbian families are looking to start families through adoption.
Gay adoption information for those interested in expanding their families through adoption. More and more gay and lesbian families are looking to start families through adoption.
Love Languages
Utilizing the five love languages may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family.
Utilizing the five love languages may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family.
How Many Gay Parents?
How many children are being raised by gay parents? Read up on interesting gay parenting statistics in the United States.
How many children are being raised by gay parents? Read up on interesting gay parenting statistics in the United States.
Foster Care Basics
Basic foster care skills needed for being a foster parent that does great work with children. Information on being a foster parent, the needs of foster children, and state profiles on agencies.
Basic foster care skills needed for being a foster parent that does great work with children. Information on being a foster parent, the needs of foster children, and state profiles on agencies.
Summer Rules for Foster Children
It's important that foster parents take a moment and check on the basic summer rules for their agency. Do you have a plan for implementing summer rules in your foster home?
It's important that foster parents take a moment and check on the basic summer rules for their agency. Do you have a plan for implementing summer rules in your foster home?
Single Parent Adoption
More single woman are turning toward adoption as an option to bring children into their lives. Negative social stigma is just one of the challenges for those who choose single parent adoption.
More single woman are turning toward adoption as an option to bring children into their lives. Negative social stigma is just one of the challenges for those who choose single parent adoption.
African American Hair Care
Learn how to care for African American hair. Simple black hair care tips and steps to caring for African American hair.
Learn how to care for African American hair. Simple black hair care tips and steps to caring for African American hair.
Should I Do Foster Care?
Points to ponder while deciding on whether or not to be a foster parent. Information about fostering a child.
Points to ponder while deciding on whether or not to be a foster parent. Information about fostering a child.
African American Hair Error 3
Using the right products on African American hair is very important as it needs special care.
Using the right products on African American hair is very important as it needs special care.
What Is a Home Study?
What is an adoption home study? Why is it needed? What does an adoption home study include? Can I be better prepared for it?
What is an adoption home study? Why is it needed? What does an adoption home study include? Can I be better prepared for it?
Child Abuse Risk Factors
What are the common causes or risk factors of child abuse? Why would anyone abuse his/her own child?
What are the common causes or risk factors of child abuse? Why would anyone abuse his/her own child?
adult adoption
Is it legal to adopt an adult? Who would choose such an option? How about foreign adults seeking to be adopted into the United States? Here are some reasons for an adult adoption and some reasons why some states are against them.
Is it legal to adopt an adult? Who would choose such an option? How about foreign adults seeking to be adopted into the United States? Here are some reasons for an adult adoption and some reasons why some states are against them.
Before You Choose Adoption
When deciding whether adopting a baby or child is right, there are many questions to resolve. Consider these common issues before you answer the big one, is adoption right for you and your family?
When deciding whether adopting a baby or child is right, there are many questions to resolve. Consider these common issues before you answer the big one, is adoption right for you and your family?
Dave Pelzer
Dave Pelzer endured years of child abuse and five different foster homes. Dave Pelzer grew up and become an accomplished author and a famous foster kid.
Dave Pelzer endured years of child abuse and five different foster homes. Dave Pelzer grew up and become an accomplished author and a famous foster kid.
Ways to Help
If you are unable to do foster care at this time, what other ways can you help foster children? We have several ideas for you that will help foster children.
If you are unable to do foster care at this time, what other ways can you help foster children? We have several ideas for you that will help foster children.
The Cost of Adoption
A break down of adoption cost by type of adoption. How much does a baby adoption cost? Learn the basics to adoption with this quick lesson in adoption costs.
A break down of adoption cost by type of adoption. How much does a baby adoption cost? Learn the basics to adoption with this quick lesson in adoption costs.
African American Hair Blues
Mahisha Dellinger, founder of Curls, gives basic steps to great looking African American Hair during the summer. Learn quick tips to healthy African American Hair.
Mahisha Dellinger, founder of Curls, gives basic steps to great looking African American Hair during the summer. Learn quick tips to healthy African American Hair.
The Lost Boy
The Lost Boy chronicles David Pelzer's journey from foster home to foster home after being rescued from
The Lost Boy chronicles David Pelzer's journey from foster home to foster home after being rescued from
Why Foster Care System?
There are a number of reasons that bring children into the foster care system.
There are a number of reasons that bring children into the foster care system.
5 Minute Bonding
Fast and easy bonding activities to help build a connection between you and your foster or adopted child. Here are 10 five minute bonding activities to try at home.
Fast and easy bonding activities to help build a connection between you and your foster or adopted child. Here are 10 five minute bonding activities to try at home.
Activities for Foster Children
Ideas for things to do to help keep your foster or adoptive kids busy during breaks from school. These fun activities may save your sanity and give kids things to do this Summer.
Ideas for things to do to help keep your foster or adoptive kids busy during breaks from school. These fun activities may save your sanity and give kids things to do this Summer.
Foster Care Subsidy
What are foster care subsidies? What does the money go for and where does it come from? How should a foster care subsidy be utilized within the foster home?
What are foster care subsidies? What does the money go for and where does it come from? How should a foster care subsidy be utilized within the foster home?
Prepare for Foster Care
Ideas of what someone can do if they think they'd like provide foster care to children one day. 10 easy steps of ways to prepare to work with children in need.
Ideas of what someone can do if they think they'd like provide foster care to children one day. 10 easy steps of ways to prepare to work with children in need.
Types for Gay Adoptions
What options are available for gay and lesbian adoptions? Learn about the different type of gay and lesbian adoptions that can help build a gay family.
What options are available for gay and lesbian adoptions? Learn about the different type of gay and lesbian adoptions that can help build a gay family.
Who Can Foster?
Who can be a foster parent? It's open to almost everyone. Foster parents are needed all over the world. Are you ready to be a foster parent and help a foster child?
Who can be a foster parent? It's open to almost everyone. Foster parents are needed all over the world. Are you ready to be a foster parent and help a foster child?
Affording the Cost of Adoption
One of the major reasons people don't pursue adoption is the cost of adoption, especially international adoption. Many every day people have added to their family through adoption without going flat broke. Here are a few ways to help with adoption costs
One of the major reasons people don't pursue adoption is the cost of adoption, especially international adoption. Many every day people have added to their family through adoption without going flat broke. Here are a few ways to help with adoption costs
Adoption Poems
Several poems relating to the topic of adoption written by readers. Also, consider finding a an adoption poem to use for an adoption announcement.
Several poems relating to the topic of adoption written by readers. Also, consider finding a an adoption poem to use for an adoption announcement.
What Is the Hague Convention?
What is the Hague Convention on intercountry adoption and how does it protect children? How does the Hague Convention affect the adoption process?
What is the Hague Convention on intercountry adoption and how does it protect children? How does the Hague Convention affect the adoption process?
Fostering Printable Worksheets
A large part of foster care is maintaining records and documentation. Keep track of a foster child's behavior with this printable calendar and create your own record keeping system with a binder for each foster child and a printable calendar.
A large part of foster care is maintaining records and documentation. Keep track of a foster child's behavior with this printable calendar and create your own record keeping system with a binder for each foster child and a printable calendar.
Foster Care Adoption Blogs
My top picks of family foster care blogs. Find families who do foster care adoption as well as straight family foster care. Bloggers include lesbian and gay foster parent to foster dads to foster parents of gay teens. This is a diverse group with knowledge to share.
My top picks of family foster care blogs. Find families who do foster care adoption as well as straight family foster care. Bloggers include lesbian and gay foster parent to foster dads to foster parents of gay teens. This is a diverse group with knowledge to share.
4 Tips To Stop Bullying
Deb Capone is our newest guest author on About Adoption & Foster Care. She brings us a great article featuring tips to stop bullying at school. Bullying is an adoption issue due to the fact that experts find that common causes of bullying are rooted in diversity: racial differences, differences in family formation/structure, perceived sexual orientation, learning disabilities, and religious differences. Many adoptions cross cultural and racial lines.
Deb Capone is our newest guest author on About Adoption & Foster Care. She brings us a great article featuring tips to stop bullying at school. Bullying is an adoption issue due to the fact that experts find that common causes of bullying are rooted in diversity: racial differences, differences in family formation/structure, perceived sexual orientation, learning disabilities, and religious differences. Many adoptions cross cultural and racial lines.
Confidential Intermediary
Adoption searches sometimes require the use of a Confidential Intermediary (CI). What is a CI?
Adoption searches sometimes require the use of a Confidential Intermediary (CI). What is a CI?
State Adoption Registry
Many States utilize a State adoption registry, that both the adoptee and the birth family must register with stating whether or not they are interested in an adoption reunion. Learn more about your State's adoption registry.
Many States utilize a State adoption registry, that both the adoptee and the birth family must register with stating whether or not they are interested in an adoption reunion. Learn more about your State's adoption registry.
Unwed Fathers
Legal information and how-to's for fathers to preserve their father's rights to be either a part of the adoption process or parent their child. Learn more about protecting a father's right to be a part of the adoption process.
Legal information and how-to's for fathers to preserve their father's rights to be either a part of the adoption process or parent their child. Learn more about protecting a father's right to be a part of the adoption process.
Gay Adoption Issues
Know adoption law before attempting to complete a gay adoption. It may help to prevent some issues.
Know adoption law before attempting to complete a gay adoption. It may help to prevent some issues.
Birth Mother Poems
Mother and birthmother poems about the love birth mothers have for their placed children. Also, find a listing of other birth mother adoption poems.
Mother and birthmother poems about the love birth mothers have for their placed children. Also, find a listing of other birth mother adoption poems.
Non-identifying Information
What is non-identifying information? Why is it important part of adoption records? Can I access my adoption records in order to gain my non-identifying information?
What is non-identifying information? Why is it important part of adoption records? Can I access my adoption records in order to gain my non-identifying information?
Questions About Foster Child
When a foster parent gets a call to take in a new foster child, it can be a bit overwhelming. Foster parents know they should ask certain questions, but they seem to leave our minds. Here are a list of basic questions that foster parents can ask social workers when they get a call about a foster child being placed in their home.
When a foster parent gets a call to take in a new foster child, it can be a bit overwhelming. Foster parents know they should ask certain questions, but they seem to leave our minds. Here are a list of basic questions that foster parents can ask social workers when they get a call about a foster child being placed in their home.
Adoption Grants and Loans
Adoption grants and loans may help more families cover the cost of adoption. With this help more children may find forever families.
Adoption grants and loans may help more families cover the cost of adoption. With this help more children may find forever families.
Fatima Whitbread
Fatima Whitbread is an Olympic athlete and an adoptee. She was adopted at the age of 14. Learn more about this Olympic athlete.
Fatima Whitbread is an Olympic athlete and an adoptee. She was adopted at the age of 14. Learn more about this Olympic athlete.
A Birth Mother's Story
This is the story of one birth mother making the most difficult decision of her life; to place her infant in an open adoption. Here she shares her struggles and emotions that she went through, and still goes through as a birthmother in an open adoption situation.
This is the story of one birth mother making the most difficult decision of her life; to place her infant in an open adoption. Here she shares her struggles and emotions that she went through, and still goes through as a birthmother in an open adoption situation.
Parenting with 5 Love Languages
Utilizing the 5 love languages developed by Dr. Gary Chapman, may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family. Learn some parenting ideas that fulfill the 5 love languages.
Utilizing the 5 love languages developed by Dr. Gary Chapman, may be a wonderful way to build attachment and bonding within your newly adoptive or foster family. Learn some parenting ideas that fulfill the 5 love languages.
Why Choose Open Adoption?
While it can be a tricky arraignment an open adoption is often in the child's best interest. Here are a few pros and cons to choosing an open adoption.
While it can be a tricky arraignment an open adoption is often in the child's best interest. Here are a few pros and cons to choosing an open adoption.
African American Hair Error 4
African American hair needs special care. Learn how to properly comb African American hair.
African American hair needs special care. Learn how to properly comb African American hair.
Foster Care Adoption Poems
Foster care adoption poems specifically for foster care adoption situations. Find a listing of other adoption poems.
Foster care adoption poems specifically for foster care adoption situations. Find a listing of other adoption poems.
Top Adoption Gifts
What would make a great adoption gift for someone who is an adoptive or foster parent? How about a birth parent? Try some of these ideas when needing the perfect adoption gift! Great ideas for adoption gifts for National Adoption Month, Mother's Day or Father's Day!
What would make a great adoption gift for someone who is an adoptive or foster parent? How about a birth parent? Try some of these ideas when needing the perfect adoption gift! Great ideas for adoption gifts for National Adoption Month, Mother's Day or Father's Day!
Grief and Loss in Children
Children in adoption or foster care, experience the grief and loss of their birth families and much more. Learn more about the grief and loss of foster or adopted children.
Children in adoption or foster care, experience the grief and loss of their birth families and much more. Learn more about the grief and loss of foster or adopted children.
Adoptive Parent Blogs
Find my picks for the top adoptive parent blog. Whether adopting internationally, domestically, or special needs - these families have a story to share - and they do - in their blog.
Find my picks for the top adoptive parent blog. Whether adopting internationally, domestically, or special needs - these families have a story to share - and they do - in their blog.
How to Create a Safety Plan
How to create a safety plan when children have unsafe behaviors within your home. Learn how to keep your family safe with a safety plan.
How to create a safety plan when children have unsafe behaviors within your home. Learn how to keep your family safe with a safety plan.
What Is an Adoption Subsidy?
What is an adoption subsidy? How is it determined if a child qualifies for adoption assistance?
What is an adoption subsidy? How is it determined if a child qualifies for adoption assistance?
Adoption an Option?
What are the reasons for and against placing a child for adoption? What are the pros and cons to adoption? Are there resources available to help an expectant mother parent her own child? Things to think about for both the expectant/unwed mother and expectant/unwed father.
What are the reasons for and against placing a child for adoption? What are the pros and cons to adoption? Are there resources available to help an expectant mother parent her own child? Things to think about for both the expectant/unwed mother and expectant/unwed father.
Domestic or International
Deciding between an international adoption or a domestic adoption is a big decision. What are the pros and cons of an international or a domestic adoption?
Deciding between an international adoption or a domestic adoption is a big decision. What are the pros and cons of an international or a domestic adoption?
Adopting From China
A quick walk through about the Chinese adoption requirements, which are laid out as well as information on the needed adoption paperwork.
A quick walk through about the Chinese adoption requirements, which are laid out as well as information on the needed adoption paperwork.
Seeking Custody Again
Can a parent whose rights were terminated seek custody if the child hasn't been adopted yet? An Ohio court examines the limits of terminated parental rights.
Can a parent whose rights were terminated seek custody if the child hasn't been adopted yet? An Ohio court examines the limits of terminated parental rights.
Foster Care 101
Everything you ever wanted to know about foster care, being a foster parent, or becoming a foster parent. Know that regulations differ from state to state and country to country, but the basics and needs of the children are very much the same.
Everything you ever wanted to know about foster care, being a foster parent, or becoming a foster parent. Know that regulations differ from state to state and country to country, but the basics and needs of the children are very much the same.
Foreign Adult Adoption
Can an Adult From a Foreign Country be Adopted into the United States?
Can an Adult From a Foreign Country be Adopted into the United States?
Hague Adoption Countries
The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is for the well being of all members of the adoption triad. There are several member and non-member countries of the Hague Conference are members of the Convention.
The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is for the well being of all members of the adoption triad. There are several member and non-member countries of the Hague Conference are members of the Convention.
Interracial Adoptions
Is an interracial adoption for you and your family? What are some things to consider before making your final decision on an interracial adoption?
Is an interracial adoption for you and your family? What are some things to consider before making your final decision on an interracial adoption?
What Is a Search Angel?
How to become an Adoption Search Angel. What to expect and not expect from Adoption Search Angels. An available listing of Angels.
How to become an Adoption Search Angel. What to expect and not expect from Adoption Search Angels. An available listing of Angels.
Russian Murder Cases
There have been several child murder cases of adopted children from Russia. Adoptive parents have snapped and their Russian adopted children murdered. Here are the quick facts on these chilling child murder cases.
There have been several child murder cases of adopted children from Russia. Adoptive parents have snapped and their Russian adopted children murdered. Here are the quick facts on these chilling child murder cases.
Respite Care
Sometimes foster parents just need a break and respite can be a great option. Find tips on how to prepare for respite weekends for foster children.
Sometimes foster parents just need a break and respite can be a great option. Find tips on how to prepare for respite weekends for foster children.
Adoptive Mother Defined
Who are adoptive mothers? What traits do they possess? What does it take to be an adoptive mother?
Who are adoptive mothers? What traits do they possess? What does it take to be an adoptive mother?
The Father Connection
The About.com Adoption forum share their thoughts on fathers and the importance of a father son relationship as well as a father daughter relationship. These are the words from forum members regarding birth, adoptive, and step fathers and their relationships.
The About.com Adoption forum share their thoughts on fathers and the importance of a father son relationship as well as a father daughter relationship. These are the words from forum members regarding birth, adoptive, and step fathers and their relationships.
PS-MAPP
PS-MAPP is just one foster parent training curriculum utilized by foster agencies to help prepare families for working with foster children and birth families.
PS-MAPP is just one foster parent training curriculum utilized by foster agencies to help prepare families for working with foster children and birth families.
Love Language Quality Time
Dr. Gary Chapman feels that there are 5 languages of love and one of the love languages is quality time. If your child seems to thrive on the Love Language Quality Time, here are a few ideas on how to build those bonds with your child with more quality time.
Dr. Gary Chapman feels that there are 5 languages of love and one of the love languages is quality time. If your child seems to thrive on the Love Language Quality Time, here are a few ideas on how to build those bonds with your child with more quality time.
Making the Decision
Deciding to become a parent is a huge decision. Is adoption a good way for you to become a parent? Who should choose adoption? Should you adopt a baby internationally or Domestically? There are many questions to consider and choices to make in the world of adoption.
Deciding to become a parent is a huge decision. Is adoption a good way for you to become a parent? Who should choose adoption? Should you adopt a baby internationally or Domestically? There are many questions to consider and choices to make in the world of adoption.
Adoption Baby Shower Game
Here are several baby shower game ideas and tips for those adoption baby shower hosts and hostesses. Many of these options may require your creative touch to ensure that these baby shower games are adoption friendly and fun.
Here are several baby shower game ideas and tips for those adoption baby shower hosts and hostesses. Many of these options may require your creative touch to ensure that these baby shower games are adoption friendly and fun.
U.S. Search Angel Listing
A listing of the About.com Adoption Search Angels. Adoption Search Angels help find members of family separated by adoption. Find a volunteer to help you with your adoption search.
A listing of the About.com Adoption Search Angels. Adoption Search Angels help find members of family separated by adoption. Find a volunteer to help you with your adoption search.
Words of Affirmation Love Language
Dr. Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages utilizes the idea that each of us have different love languages, or we give and receive love in different ways. If your child seems to thrive on the Words of Affirmation Love Language, here are a few ideas on how to build bonds with your child with different love languages.
Dr. Chapman's book, The Five Love Languages utilizes the idea that each of us have different love languages, or we give and receive love in different ways. If your child seems to thrive on the Words of Affirmation Love Language, here are a few ideas on how to build bonds with your child with different love languages.
Obtaining Non-identifying Info
A very important first step in an adoption search towards is to access your non-identifying information from your adoption records. How each State handles adoption records varies. Learn how your State handles this very important information.
A very important first step in an adoption search towards is to access your non-identifying information from your adoption records. How each State handles adoption records varies. Learn how your State handles this very important information.
Adoption Jewelry
Top adoption jewelry can be found on-line for quick adoption gifts. These items make wonderful adoption gifts for the holidays or National Adoption Month, or for your family's special adoption day.
Top adoption jewelry can be found on-line for quick adoption gifts. These items make wonderful adoption gifts for the holidays or National Adoption Month, or for your family's special adoption day.
A Mother's Love
Adoption Poem by Tom Fisher, adoptive parent. Adoption poems can be very healing for members of the adoption triad.
Adoption Poem by Tom Fisher, adoptive parent. Adoption poems can be very healing for members of the adoption triad.
How to Adopt a Foster Child
Many adoptive parents choose foster care adoption. This is a great way to help the thousands of children who wait in foster care for years. Learn the steps to a foster care adoption.
Many adoptive parents choose foster care adoption. This is a great way to help the thousands of children who wait in foster care for years. Learn the steps to a foster care adoption.
Domestic Adoption Costs
The costs involved with completing a domestic adoption.
The costs involved with completing a domestic adoption.
Discounted Airfare & Adoption
Some airlines offer varying adoption fare programs with discounted airfares to assist adoptive parents with the high cost and the need for flexibility within the ever changing world of international adoption travel. Are discounted airfares offered through adoption fare programs always the best deal for international adoption travelers?
Some airlines offer varying adoption fare programs with discounted airfares to assist adoptive parents with the high cost and the need for flexibility within the ever changing world of international adoption travel. Are discounted airfares offered through adoption fare programs always the best deal for international adoption travelers?
Over Shampooing
African American hair care tip, do not over shampoo. African American hair needs special hair care.
African American hair care tip, do not over shampoo. African American hair needs special hair care.
Kara's Adoption Reunion
Adoption reunions are not always a happy time. Sometimes birth family doesn't want to meet the adoptee. Sometimes an adoptee has no where else to turn.
Adoption reunions are not always a happy time. Sometimes birth family doesn't want to meet the adoptee. Sometimes an adoptee has no where else to turn.
Black Hairstyles
When I provided respite foster care for my best friend's foster children, I was completely intimidated by the upkeep of their black hairstyles. Find easy and less intimidating black hairstyles for your foster or adopted children.
When I provided respite foster care for my best friend's foster children, I was completely intimidated by the upkeep of their black hairstyles. Find easy and less intimidating black hairstyles for your foster or adopted children.
The Cottage
A woman shares some experiences from when she lived in a group home for teens.
A woman shares some experiences from when she lived in a group home for teens.
Meeting Your New Foster Child
New foster parents often struggle with that first day. Learn some tips on how to handle the first meeting and day one with your new foster child.
New foster parents often struggle with that first day. Learn some tips on how to handle the first meeting and day one with your new foster child.
Adoption Poem Angels Working
An adoption poem for children, submitted by an adoptive parent. Adoption poetry is one way many members of the adoption triad work through feelings and emotions that often accompany the subject of adoption and foster care.
An adoption poem for children, submitted by an adoptive parent. Adoption poetry is one way many members of the adoption triad work through feelings and emotions that often accompany the subject of adoption and foster care.
Incident Report Writing
Incident report writing can be intimidating, but it's easy if you remember that it's all about the facts. It's also important to know what to leave out when writing an incident report.
Incident report writing can be intimidating, but it's easy if you remember that it's all about the facts. It's also important to know what to leave out when writing an incident report.
Russia Changing Adoptions
Current problems with Russian adoptions fueled by the recent murders of adopted Russian children and changes in international adoption procedures. The Russian government is now rethinking the whole Russian adoption process and has temporarily shut down adoptions from American adoption agencies.
Current problems with Russian adoptions fueled by the recent murders of adopted Russian children and changes in international adoption procedures. The Russian government is now rethinking the whole Russian adoption process and has temporarily shut down adoptions from American adoption agencies.
Adoption Poems for Little Ones
Adoption poems that may be more appropriate for children. Find a listing of adoption poems by subject.
Adoption poems that may be more appropriate for children. Find a listing of adoption poems by subject.
Landmark Cases in Adoption Law
Eleven different court cases that have changed adoption law over the years. The following are the most persuasive adoption law cases that have affected courts across the nation.
Eleven different court cases that have changed adoption law over the years. The following are the most persuasive adoption law cases that have affected courts across the nation.
Love Language Acts of Service
According to Dr. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, we all feel love and give love to others through one of the five love languages, but we all have a primary love language in which we best feel loved. One of the love languages is acts of service.
According to Dr. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, we all feel love and give love to others through one of the five love languages, but we all have a primary love language in which we best feel loved. One of the love languages is acts of service.
Answering Questions
It's important that we teach our foster or adoptive child how to answer questions that school children can ask about being adopted or in foster care. It's also important for the kids to know how to keep things private and not to tell too much information at school. Prepare for back to school with the use of cover stories and knowing how to answer the hard questions that some school children can ask.
It's important that we teach our foster or adoptive child how to answer questions that school children can ask about being adopted or in foster care. It's also important for the kids to know how to keep things private and not to tell too much information at school. Prepare for back to school with the use of cover stories and knowing how to answer the hard questions that some school children can ask.
Gay Family
When considering adoption for a gay family, there seems to be even more decisions to make and options to keep in mind. A gay prospective adoptive parent must not only work through the adoption process, but also know what choices are available in their state or country regarding adding to a gay family through adoption.
When considering adoption for a gay family, there seems to be even more decisions to make and options to keep in mind. A gay prospective adoptive parent must not only work through the adoption process, but also know what choices are available in their state or country regarding adding to a gay family through adoption.
DNA Testing & Adoption Search
More and more adoptees are turning to a DNA test to fill in the missing blanks of their family tree. Learn more about DNA testing before you send in your test kit. Can a DNA test help with your adoption search and reunion?
More and more adoptees are turning to a DNA test to fill in the missing blanks of their family tree. Learn more about DNA testing before you send in your test kit. Can a DNA test help with your adoption search and reunion?
Birthmother's Day Propaganda?
A group of birth mothers created a holiday in 1990, known as Birthmother's Day. It occurs the Saturday before Mother's Day.
A group of birth mothers created a holiday in 1990, known as Birthmother's Day. It occurs the Saturday before Mother's Day.
Love Language Physical Touch
The 5 Love Languages includes physical touch which may be easy, but also tricky with some foster and adopted children. Learn more about the physical touch love language and how to keep everyone comfortable while meeting this one of the 5 love languages.
The 5 Love Languages includes physical touch which may be easy, but also tricky with some foster and adopted children. Learn more about the physical touch love language and how to keep everyone comfortable while meeting this one of the 5 love languages.
How to Become a Foster Parent
While each state is different in the trainings offered and requirements mandated for foster homes, the starting point is basic enough that we can come up with a quick list of steps to take toward becoming a foster parent.
While each state is different in the trainings offered and requirements mandated for foster homes, the starting point is basic enough that we can come up with a quick list of steps to take toward becoming a foster parent.
Toddlers & Preschoolers
They may be cute, but are you sure you're ready to accept more than one baby or toddler foster placement at a time?
They may be cute, but are you sure you're ready to accept more than one baby or toddler foster placement at a time?
My Reunion Story
The story of when I found out I had a big sister.
The story of when I found out I had a big sister.
What Is a Safety Plan?
What is a safety plan and why are they used within foster homes? Learn some of the reasons why foster and adoptive families implement a safety plan.
What is a safety plan and why are they used within foster homes? Learn some of the reasons why foster and adoptive families implement a safety plan.
Incident Report Form Printable Worksheet
Example of an incident report form for foster and adoptive parents. Use this incident report form when attempting effective written documentation for foster or adoptive record keeping.
Example of an incident report form for foster and adoptive parents. Use this incident report form when attempting effective written documentation for foster or adoptive record keeping.
Children Raised to Be Gay?
Is homosexuality a nature or nurture issue? Learn more about gay parenting issues, myths, and concerns.
Is homosexuality a nature or nurture issue? Learn more about gay parenting issues, myths, and concerns.
All About Dave Pelzer
A page full of information about David Pelzer and links to some book reviews on his work. David Pelzer endured child abuse from his mother and spent several years in the foster care system.
A page full of information about David Pelzer and links to some book reviews on his work. David Pelzer endured child abuse from his mother and spent several years in the foster care system.
Step Parent Adoption
Learn the basic steps to completing a step parent adoption. Contacting an adoption lawyer is a good first step as each State handles step parent adoptions differently.
Learn the basic steps to completing a step parent adoption. Contacting an adoption lawyer is a good first step as each State handles step parent adoptions differently.
Establishing You as a Parent
When adopting an older child, establishing yourself as a parent can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first time parent or a younger person. Here are some tips to help.
When adopting an older child, establishing yourself as a parent can be a daunting task, especially if you are a first time parent or a younger person. Here are some tips to help.
Adoption Poems for Apars
Adoption poems about adoptive parents, mostly written while waiting for an adoption finalization or waiting for an adoption referral. Find a listing of other adoption poems.
Adoption poems about adoptive parents, mostly written while waiting for an adoption finalization or waiting for an adoption referral. Find a listing of other adoption poems.
Until Forever
Adoption poem by adoptive parent, Tom Fisher. Adoption Poems can be very healing for members of the adoption triad.
Adoption poem by adoptive parent, Tom Fisher. Adoption Poems can be very healing for members of the adoption triad.
Preparing Your Children
How to prepare your children for foster care as well as welcome new foster and adopted children into your family.
How to prepare your children for foster care as well as welcome new foster and adopted children into your family.
Importance of Physical Touch
While we know that physical touch is very important to the health and development of infants and babies. Is physical touch still important to older children?
While we know that physical touch is very important to the health and development of infants and babies. Is physical touch still important to older children?
Foster Parent Challenges
Thoughts on how foster care can be challenging including links to more resources on how to deal with the challenges.
Thoughts on how foster care can be challenging including links to more resources on how to deal with the challenges.
What Is a CASA?
CASA volunteers or court appointed special advocates, speak out for children. These volunteers are everyday citizens who take time to advocate for children in court.
CASA volunteers or court appointed special advocates, speak out for children. These volunteers are everyday citizens who take time to advocate for children in court.
Starting the Adoption Process
Before you take the first steps into the adoption process you may want to understand a bit of the adoption lingo that you will hear. What is an adoption homestudy? What is a dossier? How should I choose my adoption agency? There is a lot to consider when diving into the adoption process of an international or domestic adoption.
Before you take the first steps into the adoption process you may want to understand a bit of the adoption lingo that you will hear. What is an adoption homestudy? What is a dossier? How should I choose my adoption agency? There is a lot to consider when diving into the adoption process of an international or domestic adoption.
Adoption Fundraising
Here are a few adoption fundraising ideas I've seen around. What worked for you and your family? Please share your ideas and we can expand this list together to help other families grow.
Here are a few adoption fundraising ideas I've seen around. What worked for you and your family? Please share your ideas and we can expand this list together to help other families grow.
I-600A
Information on your first form to be filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service when starting your international adoption process.
Information on your first form to be filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service when starting your international adoption process.
Reasons to Re-Adopt
Should an adoptive parent worry about re-adopting an internaionally adopted child? There are pros to re-adopting a child, even if it's not necessary for your state.
Should an adoptive parent worry about re-adopting an internaionally adopted child? There are pros to re-adopting a child, even if it's not necessary for your state.
African American Hair Tip 2
Do not under condition African American hair. African American hair needs special care.
Do not under condition African American hair. African American hair needs special care.
Adoption Law by State
United State adoption law for the adoption of children as well as adoption search. Find the adoption law for your state.
United State adoption law for the adoption of children as well as adoption search. Find the adoption law for your state.
Setting Up a Bedroom
Being prepared for foster parenting is very important. Find a listing of basic clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and toys for setting up a room for an older child adoption or foster care placement. Learn how to prepare for foster parenting or adoptive parenting.
Being prepared for foster parenting is very important. Find a listing of basic clothing, bedding, hygiene products, and toys for setting up a room for an older child adoption or foster care placement. Learn how to prepare for foster parenting or adoptive parenting.
Top Adoption Announcements
If you don't have time to make your adoption announcements yourself, take what little time you have and check out the following websites. There are plenty of different designs offered, from photo adoption announcements to printed cards.
If you don't have time to make your adoption announcements yourself, take what little time you have and check out the following websites. There are plenty of different designs offered, from photo adoption announcements to printed cards.
Adoption Poem The Promise
Adoption poems can help heal wounds. Here a birth mother shares feelings through an adoption poem written for her two sons that were adopted 11 years ago.
Adoption poems can help heal wounds. Here a birth mother shares feelings through an adoption poem written for her two sons that were adopted 11 years ago.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Because of Winn-Dixie is a beautiful story that will invoke childhood memories of summer fun and friends.
Because of Winn-Dixie is a beautiful story that will invoke childhood memories of summer fun and friends.
Ponytails & AA Hair Care
Pig tails or ponytails are cute, but can cause damage to African American Hair. Learn a few quick tips to keep your child's african american hair looking great.
Pig tails or ponytails are cute, but can cause damage to African American Hair. Learn a few quick tips to keep your child's african american hair looking great.
Summer Fun
Remember when we were kids and summer fun meant nothing fancy or expensive? Summer is the perfect time to teach foster or adoptive kids some great summer fun activities that they may have been missing out on.
Remember when we were kids and summer fun meant nothing fancy or expensive? Summer is the perfect time to teach foster or adoptive kids some great summer fun activities that they may have been missing out on.
Foster Kids Fighting
What do you do when foster kids fight? How can you establish peace within your foster home and deal with all the kids fighting? Here are 10 ideas to help when foster kids fight.
What do you do when foster kids fight? How can you establish peace within your foster home and deal with all the kids fighting? Here are 10 ideas to help when foster kids fight.
Angelina Jolie
Information on famous adoptive parent, Angelina Jolie. Not only is she a popular film star, but a humanitarian who does good work across the globe to help make life better for children. Angelina Jolie is also in a relationship with Brad Pitt, they have a child together.
Information on famous adoptive parent, Angelina Jolie. Not only is she a popular film star, but a humanitarian who does good work across the globe to help make life better for children. Angelina Jolie is also in a relationship with Brad Pitt, they have a child together.
Best Interests of the Child
: What Does the Term âBest Interests of the Childâ Mean? We have heard the term numerous times, especially
: What Does the Term âBest Interests of the Childâ Mean? We have heard the term numerous times, especially
Foster Child & Family Vacation
Plan a needed break this summer with a family vacation, but should foster children go with you? Consider these points when deciding whether to include a foster child in your family vacation plans this summer.
Plan a needed break this summer with a family vacation, but should foster children go with you? Consider these points when deciding whether to include a foster child in your family vacation plans this summer.
Movie Review: I Am Sam
Sam Dawson (Sean Penn) and his daughter Lucy Diamond Dawson (Dakota Fanning) have a great life together
Sam Dawson (Sean Penn) and his daughter Lucy Diamond Dawson (Dakota Fanning) have a great life together
What Is Operation Babylift?
What is operation babylift? Why was operation babylift such a controversy? Learn more about one of the final acts in the Vietnam War and the role President Ford played.
What is operation babylift? Why was operation babylift such a controversy? Learn more about one of the final acts in the Vietnam War and the role President Ford played.
Adoption Baby Shower
An adoption baby shower is a great way to welcome a new child into the family. Learn more about hosting an adoption baby shower and how to make the event special for the whole family.
An adoption baby shower is a great way to welcome a new child into the family. Learn more about hosting an adoption baby shower and how to make the event special for the whole family.
Welcome Party
Most every new parent, especially moms, look forward to their baby shower. But what about adoptive parents who are adopting a child older than an infant? That's when the host or hostess would throw an adoption welcome party. Learn more about hosting the perfect welcome party.
Most every new parent, especially moms, look forward to their baby shower. But what about adoptive parents who are adopting a child older than an infant? That's when the host or hostess would throw an adoption welcome party. Learn more about hosting the perfect welcome party.
Teasing and Gay Parents
Children being teased by peers, is this a good enough reason for being against homosexual parents? Gay adoption issues, myths, and concerns about homosexual parents.
Children being teased by peers, is this a good enough reason for being against homosexual parents? Gay adoption issues, myths, and concerns about homosexual parents.
What About a Gay Foster Parent?
Can a Gay or Lesbian Become a Foster Parent? What are the concerns with a gay foster parent? More gay parenting myths, issues, and concerns.
Can a Gay or Lesbian Become a Foster Parent? What are the concerns with a gay foster parent? More gay parenting myths, issues, and concerns.
Russian Murder Cases II
The number of Russian children murder cases by adoptive parents continue to rise. There have been 16 cases of adopted children from Russia being murdered by their adoptive parents. Here are the quick facts on these chilling cases.
The number of Russian children murder cases by adoptive parents continue to rise. There have been 16 cases of adopted children from Russia being murdered by their adoptive parents. Here are the quick facts on these chilling cases.
Prayer Request
The following article is a list of needs to keep in our prayers when we consider foster children, their families, and the foster families and workers that serve them.
The following article is a list of needs to keep in our prayers when we consider foster children, their families, and the foster families and workers that serve them.
Russian Adoption Problems
Mike and Tanya Mulligan, an adoptive couple that adopted 3 children from Russia have strong feelings about Russian adoption problems. The following is an email interview about their opinions on Russian adoption and Russian adoption problems.
Mike and Tanya Mulligan, an adoptive couple that adopted 3 children from Russia have strong feelings about Russian adoption problems. The following is an email interview about their opinions on Russian adoption and Russian adoption problems.
Tangled Heart Necklace
A beautiful necklace that would make a great gift for any member of the adoption triad. The net proceeds go to a charity that supports children who age out of the foster care system. The fund is administered by the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA).
A beautiful necklace that would make a great gift for any member of the adoption triad. The net proceeds go to a charity that supports children who age out of the foster care system. The fund is administered by the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA).
Getting Started with Domestic
The very basics steps needed toward completing a domestic child adoption. Adopting a child is a huge step. Get information that you need to formulate your adoption questions and gain answers about a child adoption.
The very basics steps needed toward completing a domestic child adoption. Adopting a child is a huge step. Get information that you need to formulate your adoption questions and gain answers about a child adoption.
National Ban on Gay Fostering
How Many Children Would Be Displaced and How Much Money Lost if National Ban on Gay Foster Parents? Gay parenting myths, issues, and concerns.
How Many Children Would Be Displaced and How Much Money Lost if National Ban on Gay Foster Parents? Gay parenting myths, issues, and concerns.
Find Someone
Many are interested in how to find someone separated by adoption and foster care. Here are a few resources to help find someone.
Many are interested in how to find someone separated by adoption and foster care. Here are a few resources to help find someone.
Child Behavior Problems
Dealing with child behavior problems is one of the issues faced by adoptive parents. Many children suffer from behavior problems. Gain some ideas on how to handle them and protect your family.
Dealing with child behavior problems is one of the issues faced by adoptive parents. Many children suffer from behavior problems. Gain some ideas on how to handle them and protect your family.
Where to Go for Help
A list for mothers with an unexpected pregnancy of places to turn to within most communities for help. Most of these are easily found in most local yellow pages. These are helpful places to go for the expectant fathers as well. Be informed!
A list for mothers with an unexpected pregnancy of places to turn to within most communities for help. Most of these are easily found in most local yellow pages. These are helpful places to go for the expectant fathers as well. Be informed!
Ways to Help Children Grieve
We may feel helpless when our children are grieving a loss. Here are different ways to help our foster or adopted children with grieving.
We may feel helpless when our children are grieving a loss. Here are different ways to help our foster or adopted children with grieving.
What Does Foster Mean?
A quick review of the nurturing and heartfelt experiences that go along with fostering a child entails.
A quick review of the nurturing and heartfelt experiences that go along with fostering a child entails.
Love Language Gifts
Dr. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages feels that every person has an "emotional tank." When
Dr. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages feels that every person has an "emotional tank." When
Home with New Foster Child
One of the most often asked questions I get hit with after teaching a new batch of foster and adoptive
One of the most often asked questions I get hit with after teaching a new batch of foster and adoptive
Best Lifebook Ideas
Ideas on what to include and how to balance the good and the bad for your foster or adopted child's lifebook.
Ideas on what to include and how to balance the good and the bad for your foster or adopted child's lifebook.
Destroying a Marriage
If we don't do our best and be good partners in fostering, foster care can hurt a marriage. A tongue-in-cheek top ten list for all foster parents.
If we don't do our best and be good partners in fostering, foster care can hurt a marriage. A tongue-in-cheek top ten list for all foster parents.
Placing/Birth Parent Blogs
Many parents enjoy sharing their adoption story through an adoption blog. Birth parents are no different. Here is a listing of top birth parent adoption blogs. Get the other side of the adoption journey - read a birth parent's adoption blog.
Many parents enjoy sharing their adoption story through an adoption blog. Birth parents are no different. Here is a listing of top birth parent adoption blogs. Get the other side of the adoption journey - read a birth parent's adoption blog.
Birth Parent Adoption Reunion
What are some things to consider before trying to find your placed child for an adoption reunion? I asked our adoption forum for some ideas on adoption reunion and this is what they had to say about trying to find the adopted child.
What are some things to consider before trying to find your placed child for an adoption reunion? I asked our adoption forum for some ideas on adoption reunion and this is what they had to say about trying to find the adopted child.
Baby or Older Child Adoption
Not every prospective adoptive parent is about the cute babies that are available for adoption. Some prefer an older child adoption. Learn a few reasons why.
Not every prospective adoptive parent is about the cute babies that are available for adoption. Some prefer an older child adoption. Learn a few reasons why.
Mother's Day?
Which day to celebrate - Birth mother's Day or Mother's Day? Another birth mom shares her opinion.
Which day to celebrate - Birth mother's Day or Mother's Day? Another birth mom shares her opinion.
Homosexuals and Molestation
When it comes to adoption and the homosexual parent, this question haunts many, but what are the facts? Gay adoption issues and myths addressed in a series of FAQ's about the homosexual parent.
When it comes to adoption and the homosexual parent, this question haunts many, but what are the facts? Gay adoption issues and myths addressed in a series of FAQ's about the homosexual parent.
An Orphan’s Prayer
Adoption poetry has been very therapeutic for adoptive families. Here an adoptive mother shares an adoption poem about an orphan waiting for her adoptive mother.
Adoption poetry has been very therapeutic for adoptive families. Here an adoptive mother shares an adoption poem about an orphan waiting for her adoptive mother.