by Beth Hall & Gail Steinberg Racism: A belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities. A belief that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. Sexism: A prejudice or discrimination against someone on the basis of gender. Adoptism: A belief that forming a family by birth is
Continue reading »by Joni S. Mantell, LCSW There are both emotional and practical aspects to deciding whether adoption is for you. As a psychotherapist with a specialty in infertility and adoption since 1993, I have found that for most people making the emotional decision to adopt is the hardest part of this journey. Once the emotional decision
Continue reading »by Terra Trevor A Lesson for Adoptive Parents Often it takes place within a discussion on an adoption e-list. Recently it happened again at a breakout session at an adoption conference. My friend Jennifer sits down across from me and begins talking with an adoptive mother. Both Jennifer and the woman’s 11-year-old daughter are adopted
Continue reading »Historical Context of Korean Adoption The Republic of Korea (ROK) better known as South Korea is located on the Korean peninsula down from China. South Korea is bordered on the north by North Korea. It’s southern tip is only separated by a few miles of ocean from Japan. Korea is cold in the winter and
Continue reading »Historical Context of Haiti Adoption Haiti is a French and Creole speaking Latin American country located in the Greater Antilles archipelago on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic. This island of Greater Antilles was discovered by Christopher Columbus on December 5, 1492. The total area of Haiti is 27,
Continue reading »The Process Each year over 20,000 foreign-born children are adopted by families in the United States making international adoption a very viable option for prospective parents to consider. The below selected books aides in the adoption process including progressive steps of paperwork and parent education; making careful choices about an agency and an adoption professional
Continue reading »By Brenda McCreight I often feel that being the mother of 14 children is enough of a challenge. My kids present me with something to new to adapt to on a daily basis. And, the social, academic, and emotional stresses that confront my children each day makes them develop a pretty high level of adapting
Continue reading »Talking with adopted children about sensitive adoption topics may feel like a sunny Sunday stroll through a minefield. Parents may not see the explosion coming, but they sure feel its effects—and most parents scramble to do triage! But trying to pick up the pieces of an unsettling conversation is not nearly as productive as going
Continue reading »by Kelsey Stewart Every birth mother has a story that is unique. Not every woman feels the same way about what they chose to do. My journey into motherhood began over 20 years ago, and I have had many years to heal and assess what the significance of my experience has been. I have so
Continue reading »By Melissa Nilsen When I was pregnant at seventeen, I assumed for months that I would raise my baby; I would be a mom. Then after the first trimester my boyfriend became unattached to the process and to me. I thought: that’s fine, I’ll do it alone. But my teenage pregnancy was my first big
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