Making Adoption Connections via Craigslist

By Leah Sheldon Sara and her husband, Bradley, had recently completed their homestudy when they met up with friends for dinner to talk adoption. What came up were a recent blog about how a family found each other through Craigslist and a Huffington Post blog on the same subject. They piqued Sara’s interest, and she … Continued

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Parenting in Your 40’s

Born in ‘63 & Parenting in ’13 By Roberta Havens, MEd When I was 25, I thought by the time I was in my late forties, I would be focusing on the lives of my grown children, waiting to become a grandparent. Like many of us, I came later to marriage and raising children than … Continued

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In Just a Few Words, Describing Birth Family

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

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Understanding ICPC: Interstate Adoption

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

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The Wait: Advice from Adoptive Parents

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

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Adoption Connection Receives the HRC Seal of Recognition for Best Practices

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

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Words of Wisdom in Open Adoption

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

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A Tribute to a Birthmom

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

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4 Ways to Help Finance Adoption

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

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Remembering Ellen Roseman

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

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