By Randie Bencanann, LCSW One of the most anxiety-provoking and mysterious aspects of open adoption is the coming together of birth parents and adopting parents. Neither party can imagine what the other side will look or be like. How will someone choose us? Who will want my baby? How will we know what to say … Continued
By Leah Sheldon Matched with a birthmother who lives in a different state? Adoption Connection will be sure to coordinate something called ICPC. Here is what you need to know: What is ICPC? ICPC stands for “Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children.” It is an agreement among all 50 states establishing procedures for interstate … Continued
By Lynne Fingerman, MSW Last year, at our annual family picnic, we asked some of our adoptive parents to tell us what kind of advice they would give other adoptive families waiting for a match. I love their responses because they are so insightful and exactly what I tell families myself. One of the … Continued
By Randie Bencanann, LCSW On Friday, May 17, Adoption Connection of Jewish Family and Children’s Services was honored by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) for our work with LGBT families. Ellen Kahn, Director of HRC’s Family Project, came to personally present the All Children – All Families Agency Seal of Recognition*. As many of you know, … Continued
Kristy and Nate Boblitt recently were invited to prepare a talk about open adoption by LOV/CON. Adoption Connection teamed up with the Boblitts to help them complete their adoptions and we got a chance to ask them questions about the creation of their talk, and about raising healthy and happy kids. How did you get … Continued
Dear Mom, By Shankari Arcot Happy Mother’s day to each and every one of you — to mothers and mothers-to-be. Last year at this time, I had lost all hope of ever being a mother and tried to stop obsessing about being a mother and paid tribute to the mom’s in my life in my blog. … Continued
Written by Leah G. Sheldon Adoption is a life changing process, but it can be an expensive one, too. As you embark on your adoption journey, it is never too soon to begin preparing your budget, researching assistance programs, and thinking creatively about fundraising. When the time comes, it will be important to have the … Continued
By Randie Bencanann, LCSW Adoption Connection Co-director Ellen Roseman, a strong and important presence in open adoption for the past 30 years, sadly passed away this past Saturday, April 20th. Ellen will be remembered for her tireless advocacy for open adoption records and helping birthparents and adopting parents create meaningful relationships throughout their lives. While … Continued
By Kathy Bargar, LCSW, Adoption Connection Caseworker The long process of trying to have a child is over. The doctors, infertility treatments, paperwork, workshops, caseworker visits, dear birth mother letters, and countless other steps have finally culminated in the adoption of a lovely new baby. The first few days were euphoric. There was excitement and … Continued
By Kathy Bargar, LCSW, Adoption Connection Caseworker Continued from Coping with Post–Adoption Depression Finding Support for Difficult Feelings While the adoption process is almost complete, the end to the roller coaster ride may appear remote. Being a new parent is stressful in itself. I tell most of my adoptive parents that it takes anywhere from … Continued