Some adoptive families have come to us with questions and concerns about the recent outbreak that has affected newborn babies in other countries – the Zika virus. To help you understand the Zika virus and whether it has an impact on American Adoptions, we have …
24
May
2016
Will My Child Hate Me? An Expectant Mother’s Fear
It is not uncommon when considering adoption to wonder if your child will resent you for choosing adoption. While not uncommon, the thought of your child one day hating you for placing them for adoption is a terrifying one – leaving you to wonder if adoption really is your best option.
11
Apr
2016
Fostering Positive Relationships with Birth Parents – The First Year
My name is Michelle Downard and I am a birth mother working with American Adoptions. I chose adoption for my son Ryan who turned 18 this year (February 2016). I have been handling pictures and letters and …
24
Mar
2016
Announcing Your Adoption
So you’ve made the decision to adopt. You’re over-the-moon excited and you simply cannot wait to tell the world about the amazing journey you’re beginning. But it has to be perfect.
What is the perfect way to announce your adoption journey? Well we don’t just have one perfect way, we have several! (But really, any way you announce your adoption journey is perfect in our eyes.)
10
Mar
2016
With Love and Gratitude: Tips for writing a Dear Birth Parent letter
The Dear Birth Parent letter is a one-page snapshot of your life and the life you hope to give a child. It is an opportunity for you to put into words your love and longing, your desire to raise a family. It is, by far, the most read section of any Adoptive Family Profile, and it is one of the hardest things for families to write. Thankfully, we’ve got it down to a science.
3
Mar
2016
Sorry, But You Can’t Really Volunteer to Cuddle Babies
Woman and BabyAfter a news story went viral last month – which implies that agencies across the country are in need of baby cuddlers – American Adoptions, and many other agencies, have received calls and inquiries from well-meaning volunteers hoping to cuddle babies. However, the article is incredibly misleading and fails to mention that what the agency is really in need of are interim caregivers, which is a far cry from a simple cuddle sesh.
14
Jan
2016
Is Transracial Adoption Right for Your Family?
Parenting children across racial lines brings with it new challenges and joys. Parents must educate and immerse themselves in their child’s culture. They must be prepared to respond to prying questions from friends, family, and …
1
Jan
2016
Happy New Year from American Adoptions!
Today, we hope you all look forward with hope and joy, peace and happiness to the New Year. We want to thank all of you for reading our blog and newsletter and for sharing your thoughts. In the coming year, we look forward to expanding our services and continuing to work toward improvements for adoptive families and birth parents alike.
1
Dec
2015
2015’s Most Adoption-Friendly Workplaces
Each year, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption publishes the 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list, recognizing employers who support adoption and provide competitive adoption benefits to their employees. See which companies made this year’s list, and find tools and resources to encourage your employer to offer adoption benefits.
6
Nov
2015
5 Frequently Asked Adoption Questions
National Adoption Month is all about spreading adoption awareness. Brush up on the basics and do your part to educate others by sharing these five commonly asked adoption questions.
State laws dictate who can adopt. In general, any single adult …