Great Article from AFFEC Heart Gallery Adoption Agency Published April 2011

What is adoption from Foster Care? Is it for us? How do we start?

Of the estimated 424,000 children who have been separated from their birth families and placed in foster care, about 114,500 can never return to their original home. They need the nurturing and support that a permanent family can provide, and deserve a chance to grow up feeling secure and loved. That is where special needs adoption comes in. It is not so much about finding a child for a family, but instead finding the most suitable family for each waiting child.

Defining Special Needs    "Special needs" is a phrase used to classify children who, for various reasons, have a harder time finding families who are willing to adopt them. Often special needs include factors such as age, background, and physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Typically, children who have special needs have been separated from their birth families, live in foster care, are school-aged, and may have physical or mental disabilities. Some children have physical or mental conditions that require special treatment; others have emotional scars from abuse or neglect. Children may also be classified as having special needs if they are part of a sibling group that is being placed for adoption together, or members of a minority group. Every state sets its own special needs definition.

Step 1: Learn All You Can about Adoption    Do your research, search online, talk to others, and dig, dig, dig!

Step 2: Complete a Self-Assessment    Children don't need perfect parents, just one or two individuals willing to meet the unique challenges of parenting and make a lifetime commitment to caring for and nurturing their children. One of the advantages of special needs adoption is that almost any responsible adult can become an adoptive parent. Prospective parents do not have to be rich, married, under 40, highly educated, or home owners to adopt. Far more important are personal characteristics like: Foster Care and Adoption Self-Assessment Guide : The guide is not state-specific and is a useful tool to help individuals make informed decisions about fostering or adopting a child. In addition, before seriously contemplating special needs adoption, prospective parents must honestly evaluate their desire and ability to successfully parent children who have troubling pasts and uncertain futures. Many children who become available for adoption at older ages have not received the early care that kids need to develop a strong sense of security, trust, and self-esteem. Many also suffer from conditions caused by past trauma, or prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs. Children whose backgrounds include traumatic experiences, abuse, and/or neglect may exhibit symptoms of distress. Fortunately, through therapy, medication, and consistent specialized care, children can also find ways to overcome or at least better cope with many of these challenges.  Almost every child will put his or her new adoptive parents through a period of testing to see if the parents are truly committed or just waiting for an excuse to desert the child as others have before. To improve your chances of successfully adopting a child who has special needs, be prepared to offer a home environment that combines extra love, support, and attention with clear structure and consistent limit-setting. Parents should also be ready to actively advocate for their child at school, with peers, and within the community. It can be immensely helpful for parents to have a support network or belong to an adoptive parent support group.

Step 3: Decide What Type of Adoption You Want to Pursue    Even if you have already decided to adopt a child who has special needs, you must still make a number of choices about your adoption. Most importantly, you need to decide what type of child you are willing to bring into your family. What disabilities and challenges (physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral) can you comfortably handle? What age range, background, and ethnicity would fit best within your household and community? Are you open to helping your adopted child maintain contact with some of his or her birth relatives? Can you welcome a group of two or more siblings into your home? Next, you should consider whether you would rather work through a public or a private adoption agency. Though most children who have special needs become available for adoption through the public foster care system, both public and private agencies can help you locate a child or sibling group to adopt. In general, the differences between public and private agencies can be summarized as follows: Public Agencies: Charge nothing or very little for adoptions May respond more slowly to inquiries; they are more bound by current budget issues and therefore a study itself may take considerably longer or in some cases, they may not be accepting "general applicant" families Place mostly children who have special needs Typically have flexible eligibility requirements for adoptive parents Often will only help you with children with in your state Private Agencies: Usually charge more than public agencies May respond more quickly to inquiries Have access to diverse populations of available children May target specific groups of parents for adoption (based on factors such as age, race, religion, etc.) Depending on the agency (again you really need to ask lots of questions), they may help you with children on a national basis

Step 4: Investigate Ways to Cover Likely Adoption Expenses    Many agencies do not charge service fees to families who adopt children with special needs. However, you will need a home study, and because adoption is a legal process, you may need an attorney. The cost of a home study can vary from $0 to $3,000. Attorney fees and court costs can range from $1,000 to $6,000, and special needs adoptive families often incur additional costs for medical services, counseling, etc.--costs that may continue throughout the child's lifetime. Fortunately, due to federal and employer-initiated programs, parents have several options for covering the cost of special needs adoption.  How to pay for an Adoption before and after: Many loans are project- or item-specific, but some can be used for whatever the borrower wants. Two such flexible loans are home equity loans (money borrowed against the value of your house) and insurance loans (money borrowed against the value of your life insurance policies). These loans come with relatively low interest rates and a choice of payment terms. To learn more, contact a bank or mortgage broker, or your life insurance company.

Step 5: Selecting an Adoption Agency

  

To find as many agencies to choose from as possible:

• Visit the web, and search for adoption agencies in your state 
• Contact your State's Department of Human Services
• Look in the Yellow Pages
• Reach out to adoptive parent support groups or adoptive parents

Finding the Right Agency for You:

To find a public or private agency that is a good fit for you, your values, and your unique situation, compare information from several agencies. Before selecting an agency, take the initiative to learn more about them by interviewing agency representatives by phone or in person. For example, you may want to ask: 

• Who can adopt from the agency?
• What kinds of children does the agency place (ages, backgrounds, etc.)?
• Where do the agency's children come from, and how many are legally free for adoption?
• How long, on average, must one wait for a child? What is the time lapse between application and placement?
• What are the agency's requirements concerning forms, classes, fees, and visits?
• How much does a completed adoption cost--in total and part by part?
• Can the agency help applicants locate sources of financial aid, including subsidies?
• What are the home study requirements?
• How many (and what type of) children has the agency placed in each of the past few years?
• Have any of the agency's adoptions fallen through or disrupted in the past five years? What does the agency do to make sure that adoptions don't disrupt after placement?
• What is the agency's policy toward applicants who do not accept the first child offered?
• What services--such as parenting classes, support group activities, access to therapy and counseling, and respite care--will the agency provide before and after a child is placed in your home?
• Can the agency provide references from parents who recently adopted from the agency? (Your state's Adoption Specialist may also know if complaints have been filed against the agency.)

For a list of Oregon Adoption Agencies, click here 

Step 6: Let Your Agency Know You Are Serious about Adopting    When you call an agency to let staff there know you are interested in adopting, the person you talk to may ask a series of screening questions or simply volunteer to send literature about the agency. If you want to adopt relatively soon, find out how you can get the process started. One common first step is an orientation meeting or training session for prospective adoptive parents. At the meeting or training you will likely: Meet social workers and learn about policies and practices regarding adoption Learn what types of children are available for adoption through the agency Learn about foster care Be asked to examine your feelings about adoption, and judge if adoption is right for you Gain insight into the challenges and rewards of adoptive parenting Obtain application materials

Step 7: Complete an Adoption Application    If possible, attend an orientation session before filling out application paperwork so you are confident in the agency's ability to meet your needs. Application fees are often non-refundable, even if you decide to work through a different agency or change your mind about adopting. If you find that the application process is hard to understand, ask the agency or another adoptive parent for help. Don't let the challenges of completing forms keep you from pursuing adoption. Find out how long it will take for the agency to process your application once you have completed the forms and paid the fee. Ask when you should next expect to hear from the agency, and how you can schedule and prepare for a home study.

Step 8: Begin the Home Study Process    A home study can loosely be defined as an educational process designed to help your social worker learn more about your ability to parent and provide a stable home, to teach you about adoption and its effect on children and families, and to prepare you to parent a child whose experiences and history are very different from your own. Everyone who hopes to adopt must have a completed home study. Depending on the agency, the worker, and the prospective parents' cooperation, the process can take from two months to a year. Heart Gallery Adoption Agency Oregon Families Contact: Angela@afamilyforeverychild.org Out of Oregon Families Contact: Hannah Williamson info@afamilyforeverychild.org Items You May Need For a Home Study: Specific requirements for home studies vary by state and agency, so be sure to ask for a list of the items and information your agency needs. The following items are commonly required during the home study process: An autobiographical statement--a statement you create about your life history Certified copies of birth certificates for you, your partner, and any children Certified copy of your marriage license Certified copies of divorce decrees The death certificate of a former spouse Certified copies of the finalization or adoption decrees for any adopted children Child abuse and criminal record clearances, or a notarized statement from the police declaring that you and other adults in your home have faced no felony convictions Income verification (may include tax returns, W-2 forms, and paycheck stubs) A statement of health provided by a physician, which might include lab test results Written references from friends, employers, neighbors, etc. Finger prints At some point in the process, you may also need to pay for the home study. The cost through a public agency may be quite low or even free; other agencies typically charge between $3,000 and $4,000 for a completed study. (national average) Questions You May Be Asked: During home study meetings with your worker, you can expect to answer questions about your background, your education, your job history, your marriage, your leisure activities, your religion (particularly for religiously affiliated agencies), and your experiences with children. The goal of home studies is to help agencies locate the best home for each child it places, and make good matches between parents and children. If you have questions about your study, ask your social worker or agency.

Step 9: Attend Adoption and Parenting Classes    Public agencies commonly require pre-placement training to acquaint prospective parents with issues that can arise after a child or sibling group is placed with them. School-aged adoptees bring not only unique special needs, but also a history of life experiences that will affect their interactions with adoptive parents, new siblings, schoolmates, and others. Issues related to disability, culture, early abuse, and a child's birth family should all be discussed before a child is placed in your home. Even if your agency does not require training, learn all you can about adoption issues. The more you know, the better. In Oregon, this is Foundation Classes

Step 10: Begin Searching for a Child    If you adopt through an agency, learn how the agency will conduct a search. What criteria do they use to match children with families? Are they willing or able to search outside your immediate area for a child or youth? If you become interested in a child or youth from another state, will the agency help you to move forward with adopting the child or youth? To keep the process moving, stay in close contact with your agency and offer to help in the search process by reviewing photo listings, attending matching parties, or updating your parent profile. Please contact us for  a list of photo listing sites Nationwide-(make sure your agency will help you with children Nationwide)

Step 11: Select a Child or Sibling Group to Bring into Your Family    Before agreeing to adopt any child or sibling group, learn as much as you can about the child--including prenatal care and exposure to drugs or alcohol, birth parents' medical histories, attachments to foster families or other relatives, foster care placements, relationships with siblings, interests and talents, etc. Most agencies want adoptive parents to get to know children before agreeing to adopt. If the child has certain medical conditions or other disabilities, decide if your family is prepared to address issues that may arise from the child's situation.

Step 12: Prepare for Your Child's Arrival    Anticipate how the addition of a new family member will affect your life and plan accordingly. Depending on your situation and the child you adopt, you may need to: Update the family's insurance Get and keep a copy of the child's original birth certificate Prepare to get a new social security number and birth certificate Learn as much as you can about the child's habits and personality Keep items that tie to the child's past Make your house child-friendly Inform your other children about likely changes Negotiate an adoption assistance agreement Line up services for your child and yourself

Step 13: Bring the Child Home    When a new child is placed in your home, you will assume temporary legal custody. For a few months, while your family undergoes the inevitable adjustment period, your agency will monitor how the placement is proceeding. The monitoring period typically lasts about six months to a year. During this time, the worker may call or visit to assess how you and your child are adjusting, and to answer questions. If all goes well, at the end of the monitoring period the agency will recommend to the court that the adoption be approved.

Step 14: File a Petition to Adopt    An adoption petition is the document filed in court that initiates the legal aspect of adoption. Through the petition, adoptive parents formally request permission to adopt a specific child.

Step 15: Make it Legal: Finalize the Adoption    Your adoption is not legally complete until your newly created family goes through the finalization process. Finalization hearings usually take place within a year after a child is placed in the home. Before scheduling a hearing, check with your agency to make sure you have completed the necessary paperwork. If you are missing required documents, the finalization could be delayed. The finalization hearing is a judicial proceeding, sometimes held in the judge's chambers, during which adoptive parents are granted permanent legal custody of their adopted child. The hearing, which usually lasts only 30 to 60 minutes, is designed to establish the legality of the new family unit, and confirm that the adoptive parents are willing and able to provide for their new child.

How to Pay for an Adoption

  

Newer adoption-related foundations also offer financial assistance to those hoping to adopt. The organizations listed below (among others) allow or encourage parents who are hoping to adopt children from foster care to apply for assistance:

Brittany's HOPE Foundation

Fore Adoption Foundation

Gift of Adoption Fund    grants@giftsofadoption.org

Little Flowers Foundation

National Adoption Foundation (NAF)

Employer Assistance

Employers who offer adoption benefits may provide workers with:

• Direct cash assistance for adoption expenses
• Reimbursement of approved adoption expenses
• Paid or unpaid leave (beyond federal leave requirements established through the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993)
• Resource and referral services

To request a list of employers who provide adoption benefits or learn more about workplace adoption benefits, contact the Adoption Friendly Workplace Program, an initiative of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Call 877-777-4222, send an e-mail to:

info@adoptionfriendlyworkplace.org or click here

Military Reimbursements

Active-duty military personnel are eligible for a reimbursement of up to $2,000 per child adopted to cover one-time adoption-related costs such as application and court fees or travel expenses. No more than $5,000 can be reimbursed in any one year, and payments are only issued after adoptions are finalized.

Children who have disabilities may also be able to access up to $1,000 per month under the military's Program for Persons with Disabilities. Through the Exceptional Family Member Program, families with children who have special needs will be assigned to duty stations where the child's needs can be met.

Tax Credit and Exclusions

In March 2010, the adoption tax credit was updated and extended. Parents who finalize adoptions in tax year 2010 can claim up to $13,170 for each child they adopt. For adoptions finalized in 2010 and 2011, the credit is also refundable. That is, families can use the credit to offset taxes and then, if their tax liability is low, receive the balance of the credit as a refund.

Adoption Subsidies

If you adopt a U.S. child who has special needs, he or she may be eligible for a federal or state adoption subsidy (also known as adoption assistance). Adoption assistance payments are designed to help offset the short- and long-term costs associated with adopting children who need special services. In general, children adopted from the custody of state or county child welfare agencies (or private agencies under contract with the state who provide services for foster children) are eligible for adoption assistance benefits.

Benefits available through subsidy programs vary by state, but commonly include:

• Monthly cash payments--up to an amount equal to the foster care payment the state would have made if the child were still in basic family foster care
• Medical assistance--Medicaid benefits are provided through the federal program and some state programs. States must also provide health insurance for children whose parents have a signed adoption assistance agreement with the state if the children's special needs are based on a need for medical, mental health, or rehabilitative care
• Social services--post-adoption services such as respite care, counseling, day care, etc.
• Nonrecurring adoption expenses--a one-time reimbursement (up to $2,000) for adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, physical or psychological examinations, and other expenses related to the legal adoption of a child who has special needs

Before adopting a child who has special needs, ask your agency about federal and state subsidies.

 Visit the Heart Gallery Website at:  http://www.lanecountyheartgallery.org/

Thank You!

We want to give a great big "Thank You" to Kris Allen and Kelly Morgan who taught our "Adopting a Child with Special Needs" class on Thursday. Although we were few in number, the information was invaluable to the couples that attended. You can't always choose whether your child will have special needs or not; so, thank you for the great information and support that was given.

Don't forget that next month, FSA will not have a Thursday night class, but rather a Saturday afternoon Mini Conference on Saturday, May 21st from 1-4 pm at LDSFS in Renton. More information can be found under the education tab.

FSA Adoption Education this Thursday 4/21 in the Renton LDSFS or by Phone (if needed).

When:  Thursday, April 21st, 2011 from 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Where:  LDSFS Office in Renton - 220 South Third Place, Renton, WA 98057, (425) 228.0074  (Or to join by phone, contact a member of the adoption team or your caseworker to make arrangements.)

Class: Adopting a Child with Special Needs

Presenters: Kris Allen and Kelly Morgan

You were so careful when checking all the boxes, you knew what you could handle and what you couldn't.  But what happens, when years after adopting, you find out there wasn't a box for the challenge you were given.  Come and listen to two awesome moms, one with an adopted child with physical special needs and the other with two adopted children with emotional special needs, that have loved, taught, encouraged and fought for and learned a few things along the way.

FSA Alaska's Updated Blog -- Thanks Mahana!

Did you know that FSA Alaska has their own Alaska specific blog??  It was recently updated with a new focus and those living in Alaska will find it a great resource. We encourage you to follow both this blog and the Alaska FSA Blog (if you live in Alaska).

Here's what was written in the top post to give you and idea of the vision:

FSA Alaska is excited to start an online forum for the LDS Family Services and Families Supporting Adoption in Alaska. Due to how far spread out Alaska adoptive couples are, we will mostly be geared towards getting you answers and any paperwork you may need to make your adoption process go as smoothly {and quickly!} as possible. We will keep you informed of any telephone conferences that you can participate in, as well as in person orientations and meetings.

So feel free to browse the links. We are still a work in progress but we can only get better with your help! We are here to better serve you and to share our knowledge of adoption!

Save the Date for FSA Summer Beach Days -- Saturday, June 18th, 2011 and/or Saturday, June 25th, 2011

Mark your Calendar and Plan to Enjoy the Beach with FSA on Either Saturday, June 18th or Saturday, June 25th! 

• When: Saturday, June 18th (Carkeek Beach Park in Seattle).  And/Or Ocean Shores on Saturday, June 25th at 11:30am until whenever.

• Where: Both Carkeek Park in Seattle (6/18) or Ocean Shores, WA (6/25).  (Choose where to attend based on your location and preferences.  Ocean Shores has sandy beaches, but at Carkeek Park it will be low tide and there will be plenty of ocean life to view as well as a great playground.  Groups will meet up at both locations.  More details on that as the date gets closer).

• Who: Anyone is welcome.  We would love to mingle with others interested in and supportive of adoption.  Hopefully some birth-parents, adoptive couples, adoptees and friends of adoption will attend!  

• Be prepared for Washington Weather.  We will hold the event rain or shine.  Plan to bring whatever you need to enjoy a day at the beach (layered clothing, umbrellas, rain gear, sunscreen, lunch, rubber boots, buckets, shovels and your beachcomber's guidebook).

•  If you live far from Ocean Shores and far from Seattle (perhaps in Northern Washington, near the Sound or in Alaska) and want to host a beach day in your area this summer, please let us know and we will gladly spread the word!   

• Contact FSA at: families.supporting.adoption@gmail.com to host a beach event closer to your home or with questions.  PS:  We are also seeking volunteers to host summer park play-dates so if you have a favorite park in your area and are willing to host a get-together in your area let us know that too.  Hope to see you soon!

Save the Date for Zions Camp - Labor Day Weekend September 1-5th, 2011

Zions Camp Entrance.

Are you free Labor Day weekend this September?  Do you love to camp? If you answered yes to these questions PLEASE come join us at the LDS Church owned ZIONS Campground in Belfair, WA for a SUPER fun weekend! To see some pics of the fun we had last year CLICK HERE.

We are in the process of gathering information regarding the number of people interested in attending.  If you have a preference for either a tent site or a communal cabin with up to 16 bunks please let us know.  Sometime in the future, we will be requiring reservations and payment to attend.  For now, Save the Date and Invite Your Friends and Family!  Please leave your comments regarding preferences below this blog post or email Families Supporting Adoption directly at: families.supporting.adoption@gmail.com.  Below are a few more details...

When: Thursday, September 1st through Monday, September 5th, 2011 (Come anytime, stay as few or as many days as your schedule allows.)

Who is invited: All adoptive applicants, families and friends.  (Birth parents are having their own retreat at ZIONS the following weekend).

Cost: It depends a bit on where you choose to sleep.  There are cabins and tent sites.  We are hoping to be in the same general area (as Zion's Camp is quite large).  The cost will likely vary between $7 - $12 a person, per night (with no charge for children under the age of 3). This would  include a campsite (or communal cabin) for your family and breakfast with FSA on Saturday morning. The rest of the weekend you will be in charge of your own food and have an open schedule to do as you please and enjoy the facilities.  There is running water (flushing toilets, sinks and showers); however, showers cost .50 cents each and can be paid for at the front office. 

What is there to do: All of the recreation at ZIONS CAMP is free, and here is a list of some of the fun things they have to offer...

• Canoeing, paddle boats and row boats
• Swimming in the lake
• Large field for sports and a basketball  court (bring soccer balls, basketballs, nets etc. or borrow from the front office)
• A HUGE tree house, and play equipment including a ROPE swing and obstacle course
• Fishing (no license required, just bring your own tackle box)
• Archery and horse shoes
• Nature walks
• Frisbee course (bring your own disks, or you can borrow them from the front office)

Additional information: 

• There is a Walmart less than 30 minutes away in case you forget something or run out of ice.
• Befair, WA does have an LDS Branch that meets Sunday morning, if you are staying over Sunday and would like more information on that just ask when you check in.  All lake activities are closed for the Sabbath as well as the front office.
• You get one arm load of firewood a day for free.  Each additional arm load does cost a small amount, but you are welcome to bring your own wood as well.
• If you have any further questions just ask!

Here is a link to their website: Zions Camp's Web Site.

Sports Court.

Mosiah's Swings.

Adoption Today -- Digital Edition Available Now!

Welcome to the full-featured digital edition of Adoption TODAY magazine
Attached is a direct link to the digital edition. View Publication Access to the digital edition is email sensitive. After opening the magazine, on page 10 you will be prompted to Register in order to view the rest of the magazine. Please enter your subscribed email address in both the User Name and Password spaces and press Enter from your keyboard.

From the toolbar at the top of the site you can access the past issues of AT by clicking on the Archive tab and choosing an issue from the cover images. You may download or print pages from any or all back issues.

If you experience any difficulty in accessing the digital edition, please contact Subscriber Services at louis@adoptinfo.net or 970-686-7412.  Thank you for your interest in Adoption TODAY magazine!

FSA Board Meeting Thursday, April 7th 7-8:30 pm

If you are on the Western Washington FSA Board (or want to be) we would love to have you join us this Thursday, April7th from 7-8:30 PM in the Renton LDSFS Office.  You are also welcome to join by phone.  We are actively seeking help especially related to planning fun FSA events where we can meet to get to know each other, be advocates for adoption and provide our kids with opportunities to meet other children who are adopted.  If you'd like to join the call (even if just for a bit) email our chapter to find out how at:  families.supporting.adoption@gmail.com.

Tawnia is Heading to "The Last Frontier"

Did you know that our LDSFS office also supports those living in Alaska. They are officially part of our FSA Chapter (although we are hoping that soon their FSA program will grow and that they will have their own Alaskan version).

Tawnia Singleton, MS, LMHC  will be in Alaska from April 7th -9th, 2011 and hopes to meet with Adoptive Applicants and anyone interested in becoming involved with FSA Alaska. If you would like to set up an appointment with Tawnia please contact her directly at 425-228-0074 or via email at:singletonta@ldsfamilyservices.org.

You may also contact Elder Tolman (LDSFS Church Service Missionary in Alaska) for additional information at: tolmanwa@ldsfamilyservices.org.

Two Legally Free (Washington State) Children Looking to Join Their Forever Families

1.  This little boy, who is 6.5 years-old and in the 1st grade, (pictured in the photo below on the right of his siblings) is legally free if you are interested or know someone that might be.  (Tawnia has access to the placement information.  The little boy's State Caseworkers are hopeful that his new adoptive family will be willing to retain sibling contact and the current adoptive parents of the little boy's 3 younger siblings are receptive to continued sibling contact.)  The little boy would not have to go to a couple who are currently foster licensed.  He is available and the adoptive family would work with the State, but they would do a transition.  He would also come with adoption support money. They are specifically looking for an LDS home so that all of the children will have the same faith.

2.  Also, there is a 12 – 13 year-old little girl that has been in the system and is looking for a LDS home; she is baptized and has been in an LDS home until recently. 

If you are interested in either situation, please let me know.  Tawnia Singleton, MS, LMHC

SingletonTA@ldsfamilyservices.org

 

Like to Plan Parties and Community Events -- FSA Needs You!

Are you grateful for adoption and want to share your talents? Our Western Washington Chapter is looking for Board Members who are interested in helping as Outreach Coordinator and Activities Supervisor.

The Outreach Coordinator plans events in the community teaching others about the positive aspects of adoption. (An example of a past events was setting up an FSA booth at the Mariners Game on Adoption night).

The Activities Supervisor would work with Zone Leaders to plan fun FSA events in various areas throughout Western Washington. (Such as play dates, family picnics, girls nights out, BBQ's, Camping Trips, Mariner's Game Outings etc).

Both are great ways you can learn more about adoption and help others to learn more. We all have a role to play in keeping adoption as an option. Please consider helping. Even if you can only manage one event, your help will have a significant impact on the positive image of adoption. Please consider supporting Families Supporting Adoption. Email FSA and tell us how you can help at: families.supporting.adoption@gmail.com.

The Minnesota / Texas Adoption Research Project (MTARP) -- A study regarding the effects of openness in adoption

Do you wonder if openness is adoption is a good idea?  The UMass Amherst Department of Psychology conducted the Minnesota / Texas Adoption Research Project (MTARP) which is a longitudinal research study that focuses on the consequences of variations in openness in adoption arrangements for all members of the adoptive kinship network: birthmothers, adoptive parents, and adopted children, and for the relationships within these family systems. The project was begun in the mid-1980's and contains some very interesting findings.  

To view the study in it's entirety CLICK HERE.

Here is a brief sample of a few of their findings:

• Birthmothers in fully disclosed adoptions had lower adoption-related grief and loss than those in confidential adoption.

• When birthmothers' level of openness was controlled, as satisfaction with openness increased, birthmothers' current global level of grief decreased. 

• Looking longitudinally, we found that higher degrees of perceived compatibility maintained from middle childhood to adolescence were associated with higher degrees of psychosocial engagement (defined as adolescents' active use of inner resources to interact positively with others in family, peer, and community contexts) and attachment to parents and lower problem behavior.

• Adolescents demonstrating integrated adoptive identity had coherent, integrated narratives in which adoptive identity was highly salient and viewed positively. For example, one teen said, "When I was little I worried I was placed because she didn't want me. Now I know I was placed because she cared enough." 

• When compared to parents in confidential adoptions, those in fully disclosed adoptions generally reported higher levels of acknowledgment of the adoption, more empathy toward the birthparents and child, stronger sense of permanence in the relationship with their child as projected into the future, and less fear that the birthmother might try to reclaim her child.

The Minnesota / Texas Adoption Research Project (MTARP) was begun by Harold Grotevant, Ph.D., the Rudd Family Foundation Chair in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and Ruth G. McRoy, Ph.D., Research Professor and the Ruby Lee Piester Centennial Professor Emerita at the University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work.  Again the study can be viewed at the following link: http://www.psych.umass.edu/adoption/

North West Regional Conference - Which was Held in November 2010

In November, it was our Chapter's honor to host the 2010 Northwest Regional FSA Conference, held in Federal Way, Washington . Two days full of training, education support, and socializing brought close to 150 members together from all over the region including Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Idaho.  

Prospective and current adoptive applicants, along with adoptive parents and birth parents alike, joined together to celebrate adoption.  Education courses were offered on a variety of topics such as: adopting special needs children and children from Foster Care, legal aspects of adoption, and networking.  Birth parents had the opportunity to gather together and share experiences and learn from each other as well. 

The fireside opened the eyes of those who attended to ways of overcoming adversity in adoption while the key note broadcast, from National FSA Conference in July, reminded everyone of what a miracle adoption can be.

With over 500 hours of service, from 25 different volunteers, our conference was a HUGE success!  Thank you to all those who helped pull it off, we couldn’t have done it without your help! 

Are you a Sports Fan? Please, Help our Chapter Join a Community Team!

American Fork FSA Baseball Team

As part of our FSA Chapter's efforts toward outreach, we want to join a community softball or baseball recreation league.  But, we have no idea where to start. Would you be interested in helping us create a team?  Here is a link to the  blog post about the American Fork Chapter's experience:  Team Adoption (American Fork Chapter)

We could have a children's team, COED or a male only team.  (I'm probably saying this all wrong since I know nothing about sports, but you get the idea I hope!)  Clearly we need someone with some sports background but anyone could get it started.  We could do just one team or a few in different locations. Players could include a variety of people such as expectant parents, adoptive parents, children, adoptees, birth parents, LDSFS staff, and friends of adoption etc. 

If you are interested in helping set this up or interested in playing please us know.  Contact us at Families Supporting Adoption Western WA Chapter.

The American Fork FSA banner on display during their game.

Postive Adoption Conversations (An Adoptive Family Guide)

This is a great resource for anyone involved with adoption.  The guide contains information on a variety of topics relating to communicating regarding adoption.  Topics include:

• Positive Adoption Talks at Every Age
• Explaining Birth Parents and Birth Siblings
• Talking with Friends and Family
• Exploring Tough Topics
• Answering Questions at School

We highly recommend taking a look at this well designed guide.  If you would like to view it, please email families.supporting.adoption@gmail.com to request a copy.

Or, you can try this link:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=gmail&attid=0.1&thid=12ee3ba7d981cdfe&mt=application/pdf&url=https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui%3D2%26ik%3D5d5ff3d0df%26view%3Datt%26th%3D12ee3ba7d981cdfe%26attid%3D0.1%26disp%3Dattd%26zw&sig=AHIEtbRwXNL5vR8DoVMPyQ_5h3n0qDqxHQ&pli=1

Info on the Adoption Tax Credit

Dear Adoption Advocates,

In light of recent changes to the adoption tax credit brought about by both the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and by the extension of the "Bush era" tax cuts, NCFA is proud to re-release Adoption Advocate No. 21, "Tax Benefits for Adoption:  The Adoption Tax Credit."  This version includes up-to-date information and is a useful tool for families and professionals in understanding the impacts of the adoption tax credit.

Click here to download Adoption Advocate No. 21.

Sincerely,

Chuck Johnson

President and CEO

OR Housebill 2904- Together We Can Make a Difference

In 2 days, a group of interested people will meet to discuss a House Bill about adoption that could potentially affect us all. OR House Bill 2904 was written to supposedly ‘protect’ birth mothers and expectant mothers. As written the bill will not pass, due to opposition but, the Birthmother behind the bill has said, "We are looking forward to the larger task of developing a bill for the next session. This bill will address other issues in HB 2904 (information, legal services, remedies) as well as other important issues including father's rights and the enforceability of open adoption agreements." If a bill such as OR Housebill 2904 is passed, it will change adoption from the current law in a few really big key ways and in a lot of little ways. Here are the key points that were proposed:

~HB 2904 would have required that a mandatory time period of 8 days pass after the birth before a birthparent can relinquish the child for adoption.
The 8 days cannot be waived and the verbiage used in the bill clearly states that the child cannot be placed in the adoptive home prior to relinquishment.

(Currently, there is no mandatory waiting period and a birthparent can relinquish whenever they want to after the birth of their child, typically this is done when discharged from the hospital anywhere from 2-5 days after the birth. The birthparent is free to relinquish whenever they want to- as in 1 day, 5 days, 20 days 68 days, etc after the birth. If they need more time to decide whether or not they want to relinquish, the current law ALREADY allows them ‘all the time in the world’

~HB 2904 would have required that mandatory counseling take place 3 times before placement and 3 times after placement.
Each birthparent must attend their counseling sessions and the bill states that the birth parent must participate in the counseling session. The bill also specifically states what must be discussed at the sessions- parenting options, and that if the counseling sessions are not met and participation in the session is not adequate, then the adoption process cannot proceed. Adequate participation is not defined in the bill. The expense of the counseling sessions will be the financial burden of the adoptive couple, the agency and/or the state.

(Currently, the law requires that 3 pre and 3 post placement counseling sessions be offered to birthparents. The birthparent can choose whether or not they want to attend, at the cost of the agency and/or adoptive couple. The current law ALREADY provides all the needed opportunities for birthparents to receive guidance and information concerning all resources for all parenting options and this is ALREADY fully discussed with any birth parent considering adoption via an agency/facilitator/attorney.)


~HB 2904 would have required a 30 day mandatory revocation period after relinquishment.
This means that after signing the relinquishment papers, the birthparent has 30 days to change their mind, aka revoke their relinquishment signature. This 30 day period cannot be waived, in other words a birthparent has to wait the 30 days and cannot say that they waive their right to change their mind.

(Currently, a birthparent ALREADY has until the adoption is final to change their mind and can revoke their relinquishment signature- in OR it typically takes 6 mos to finalize an adoption. There is a form that can be signed that waives the right to change your mind, a certificate of irrevocably, and IF that is signed, then there is no revocation period. This means that typically birthparents sign the relinquishment form and then choose to sign the form that says in a fancy way “I refuse the right to change my mind later on”.)


~HB 2904 would have required that each birth parent consult with an attorney prior to relinquishment. This cannot be waived.
The bill states what will be discussed at the consultation – parenting options. If the consults don’t take place, than the adoption process cannot proceed. The consult is at the expense of the adoptive couple, the agency and/or the state.

(Currently, birthparents are ALREADY have the right to consult with an attorney as many times as they want to, at the expense of the agency or the adoptive couple, and it is common practice to make sure this offer to consult with an attorney is understood by all birthparents.)


~HB 2904 states that a fund would have been generated from the state and from adoptive family petitions to help cover the fiscal costs of these new requirements.
This will raise the cost of adoption in Oregon, not only for adoptive couple but for the Department of Human Services and the tax payers of the state of Oregon.

(Currently, there is no state adoption fund to meet birth parent expenses above what is ALREADY covered and offered to any expecting parent via DHS services, WIC services, Oregon Health Plan medical services, etc. Agencies and Adoptive couples ALREADY cover the birth parent expenses – each situational cost being individually unique.)

To read the bill in its entirety you can go HERE.

If a bill such as this passes, it will effectively affect a mother’s right to choose and could affect the adoptive parents’ ability to bond with their OR adopted child.

The passing of a bill such as this would be a huge step back for adoption. It would make adoptions in the state of OR virtually impossible (or at least extremely difficult) for Birthparents from OR AND adoptive couples FROM ANY STATE adopting an OR child.
Thankfully, the bill will not go forward as written, but with the impending meeting, anyone who has an affiliation with adoption should be paying attention.
So whether you live in OR or not, your opinion matters.

This is not over yet. If you would like to know how this impending meeting plays out and whether a new house bill will be written, check back for further updates.

Together we can make a difference for adoption.

Thank you to mrs. r for her use of the bill definition. You can find her blog post in its entirety here.

Need Education Hours???

Join us for May's Mini Conference! You'll receive 3 of your 10 required hours and learn great things in the process.

Saturday, May 21st, 2011 1:00 - 4:00 pm
"Bridging the Gap Between Birthmoms and Adoptive Couples"
Working Together to Make a Positive Adoption Experience

Session #1 The Positive Side of Open
Session #2 Chatting with Birthmoms
Session #3 Understanding Your Birthmom

You can find more detailed information on the Education page of this blog.

Save the Date for the National FSA Conference in Utah

2011 National FSA Conference Dates in Utah: Friday, August 12th &  Saturday, August 13th, 2011.

Friday Morning Keynote Speaker: Sister Julie Beck!

Conference Theme: Rooted in Love.