All About International Adoption: What Is It and How Does it Work?

International adoption is the placement of a child from another country with a family from the United States. Countries throughout the world allow children to be adopted into the United States when they can’t be cared for in their home country.

The process of adopting a child from another country varies greatly, as it is governed by the laws of United States (both federal and state law) and the laws of the country where the child was born. However, the United States requires that every intercountry adoption follow certain procedures. Most adoptions include the following steps:

Nov

2016

Budgeting Tips for Hopeful Adoptive Parents

Adoption is not just a huge emotional investment, but a financial one as well – and if you’re a family just learning about adoption, you’re probably wondering how to start budgeting.

Nov

2016

Adoption Process for Adoptive Families – Infographic

As you know, November is National Adoption Month, and to honor this special holiday, we will be posting a new, helpful infographic every Wednesday this month. We hope these graphics will help you understand more about the adoption process and adoption in general.

Nov

2016

My Life as an Adoptee and an Adoption Specialist

American Adoptions’ Director of Social Services, Jennifer Van Gundy, shares her experience of being adopted as an infant and how it has impacted her life as a mother and a professional.

Nov

2016

All About Domestic Adoption: What Is It and How Does It Work?

November is National Adoption Month. In Massachusetts in 1976, then-Governor Mike Dukakis proclaimed Adoption Week in his state and the idea grew locally and nationally. Eventually, the entire month of November was declared Adoption Month, due to the number of events being held in most states. Today, many local, state, federal, and private organizations celebrate adoption as a way to positively build families.

One way to do this is through domestic adoption. Domestic adoption is the placement of U.S.-born infants for adoption by their birth parents. The infant’s parents legally consent to the adoption with a family they’ve chosen, usually through an adoption agency or adoption attorney.

Nov

2016

How to Talk to Kids About the Election

My first job out of college was as a Congressional intern on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. I took the job in hopes of it leading to something with journalism or public relations. What it led to was a new interest in America’s political system and a stint working for a few Members of the House of Representatives. Growing up, I had no interest in politics. But once I spent some time in Washington, I was obsessed.

Working in Washington, I learned so much, and now yearn for the excitement of an election year, because I actually understand what is happening. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of teaching my young students about the election process too. We keep it basic – voting for their favorite book or snack, and discussing why everyone can have a different opinion.

Here are some ways I teach my students and my own children about the election process:

Nov

2016

Facing Fears and Fostering Relationships – Katelyn, Matt and Marcus’ Story

Katelyn and Matt had a choice to make: in vitro fertilization or adoption.

The couple was planning a vacation to Colorado, and they decided that the long car ride would give them the perfect opportunity to talk about their options and make a decision. But when they woke up on the morning of the trip, they both knew what their answer would be.

“We both just knew it was adoption,” Katelyn says. “It was the strangest feeling. We just knew, 100 percent, that adoption was what we wanted to do.”

But while the hopeful parents were certain of their adoption decision, they also had some uncertainties that they needed to face — and some lessons to learn along the way.

Nov

2016

Adoption in the U.S. – Infographic

Nov

2016

Happy National Adoption Month!

November has finally arrived, which means it’s once again National Adoption Month! Many of our readers already know how special National Adoption Month is to members of the adoption triad – but if you’re new to the world of adoption, you can start learning about it right here.

Each year, National Adoption Month, sponsored by the Children’s Bureau, spreads adoption awareness, honors adoptive families and highlights newborns and children who are still waiting for permanent homes. Adoption Month is a great time for adoptive families, adopted children and birth parents to share their stories and celebrate the role adoption has played in their lives.

Oct

2016

Halloween Safety at Home and in the Neighborhood

Now that Halloween is just around the corner, you’re probably getting into the spooky spirit with family and friends. But whatever your plans are this year, it’s important to keep some basic safety tips in mind.

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