From a woman who finally became an adoptive mother after a decade of trying, here are a few things I wish someone had told me years ago.
Is Special Needs Adoption Right for Your Family?
Why adopt a child with medical special needs? The answers will surprise you and touch your soul.
“We Wanted to Adopt White Children”
I chose our route because I didn’t feel comfortable adopting outside our race. Six bittersweet years of motherhood have taught me to look beyond appearances.
The Second Time Around
You’ve decided you’re ready to grow your family — again. Here’s help with answering the questions you didn’t have to ask the first time you adopted.
“An Unmatched Set”
Could I love a child who doesn’t look like me? Yes. More than I’ve ever thought possible.
The Reluctant Spouse
Don’t be surprised if your mate resists adoption even as you are embracing it.
“Our Agonizing Decision to Decline a Referral”
We thought accepting a referral would be the easy part. It wasn’t.
“Raising California”
Families are forming in all sorts of ways, in a rainbow of colors, and my son through adoption is growing up right in the middle of all of it.
“More Than Skin Deep”
My attachment is so fierce, it takes my breath away.
Ask AF: Working with Two Agencies
Answers to your parenting questions.
Ask AF: A Spouse’s Reluctance About Adoption
My husband is fearful of a damaged child and of disrupting our stable lives, and he refuses to discuss adoption.
Ask AF: Is There an Adoption Watchdog Organization?
We were unhappy with the lack of disclosure, the low level of professionalism, and the lies that we were told by our adoption agency.
Daughters in Demand
Given a choice, many parents prefer to adopt girls. But should parents be allowed to select their childs sex? And how does the desire for daughters affect the adoption communityand the children themselves?
Webinar Replay: Reluctant Partner or Relatives
View the replay of the “Reluctant Partner or Relatives” webinar. Brooke Randolph, LMHC, talks prospective parents through getting on the same page with loved ones about adoption plans.
Glossary of Adoption Terms
As you work on your adoption, never hesitate to ask your social worker, attorney, or adoption agency, “What exactly do you mean by that?”
“My So-Called Friends”
The other day, I mentioned to a coworker that my husband and I were looking into international adoption. You’d have thought I said we were thinking of becoming terrorists. “What do you mean, you’re going to adopt from Russia? What about all the kids in Milwaukee who need good homes?” she demanded indignantly.
Who Can Help Gay Families Adopt?
LGBT prospective parents may face extra hurdles because of a state’s adoption law, an agency’s philosophy, or the attitude of an individual social worker.
The Basics of Choosing an Adoption Agency
When you start out choosing an adoption agency, you’ll need the answers to these common questions. Learn how to make the best decision for your family.
Should We Adopt Transracially?
For many prospective adoptive parents, “the choice” of where and how to adopt is the most difficult part. Answers to three common questions when deciding if transracial adoption is right for your family.
Parent-to-Parent: Deciding to Adopt
When did you know adoption was in your future? AF readers reflect.