Considering an adoption search and reunion as an adult adopted person? Here are a few options for you as you get started. With adoption search and reunion stories popping up in the media recently, as in the hit TV show This is Us or movies like Lion, adult adoptees may find themselves considering (most likely … Continued
by Ellen G. A touching reflection on one family’s adoption journey – written following their son’s 10th birthday. Authored by an Adoption Connection parent. Some families might come to the decision to adopt as a natural idea that was their first choice and no other options have to be pursued. Others arrive at the adoption threshold … Continued
As families gather during the holidays, our thoughts are with birth parents – sending you peace, love and good will. The holidays can be a difficult time for some individuals and families as they gather together and take stock of the year and what has been gained and what has been lost. Sometimes the absence of a … Continued
The holidays can be stressful enough, but can be especially hard for parents waiting to adopt a baby. For many among us, including those waiting and hoping to become parents, the holiday season does not lead to automatic cheer, joy or peace. The season, with its emphasis on children and family, can bring loneliness and … Continued
By Shaun Featherstone Like many first time dads, I am about to celebrate my first Father’s Day — as an actual bone fide adoptive parent. Perhaps unlike many, since I am part of a same sex couple, I will be sharing the day’s honors and adulations with my husband. We joyfully welcomed a gorgeous, goofy … Continued
By Rachel Herndon, MSW Our Family Coalition Night Out Gala Since Adoption Connection is based in San Francisco, we’re lucky to have many opportunities to participate in local events sponsored by LGBTQ organizations. On a recent Friday night in May, Rachel Herndon, Director of Birthparent Services at Adoption Connection attended the 2oth Anniversary Night Out Gala, … Continued
By Tara Noone, MSW Naming a baby is so elemental and so often the first mark of parenthood—of course people have really big feelings about it. At Adoption Connection’s Preparation for Adoption workshops, few topics set people wanting to be parents more on edge than the naming question… Whose “right” is it to name this … Continued
“Am I black?” My seven year old daughter asked me this last summer. We had just returned from our annual week at a social justice-oriented camp run by our faith community and this summer the focus was on the Black Lives Matter movement. The director and counselors are amazing, creating a safe forum where challenging, … Continued
By Tara Noone, MSW When I think of National Adoption Month the word “family” comes to mind. Its definition has changed significantly for me through the years, becoming broader to include relatives gained through biology, marriage, adoption, and friendship. Celebrating the spectrum of family models that exist in our society not only validates them, but … Continued
By Rachel Herndon, LCSW Everything is going smoothly. The birth family and adoptive family are communicating about the birth, ongoing contact, and even baby names! And then suddenly there’s an unintended hiccup, tears are shed by both families, and there is confusion and hurt feelings. Can the adoption be saved? Even in adoptions where there is … Continued