<![CDATA[<font color="000000">AdoptionOnline Forum</font>]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com AdoptionOnline Forum]]> 60 Thu, 17 May 2012 13:16:52 GMT <![CDATA[Punk Rock Icon, Debbie Harry wants to adopt.]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5308431 Debbie Harry the iconic singer from the punk group Blondie, says in a recent article that she has thought about adopting children.

The singer was adopted at a young age by shop owners Richard and Catherine Harry. She has never had children but says she occasionally thought about the idea of expanding her family.

"I've thought of adoption, which I think I'd be really good at. Now that this terrible earthquake has happened in Japan, there will be lots of children needing homes."

It is unlikely that this now 65 year old pop star will ever adopt, but she does support numerous charities.

She said: "I spread myself around a lot of causes."

We wonder if she would be interested in supporting an Adoption related charity. Interested parties can try and contact her through her agent:

c/o Tenth Street Entertainment
568 Broadway, Suite 608
New York, NY 10012
USA


Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5308431 Mon, 30 May 2011 19:43:34 GMT <![CDATA[Five people in Pa. charged with plotting to sell infant]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5308264
Read the full story here.

While the overwhelming majority of adoptions are completed legally, there are unfortunately persons on all sides of the issue who may seek to take advantage of an unsuspecting couple or prospective birth mother.

If you are an adoptive parent, birthparent or adoption professional who has come across suspicious situations or has advice to share, please comment on this thread so that others can potentially avoid being taken advantage of.

Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5308264 Mon, 30 May 2011 19:24:02 GMT <![CDATA[USA continues ban on adoptions from Cambodia.]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207521
Read entire article here.

Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207521 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:59:49 GMT <![CDATA[Virginia rejects gay adoptions.]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207513                                                                

                               

RICHMOND — Despite emotional pleas by gay-rights groups, a state board overwhelmingly voted late Wednesday April 20, 2011 to continue a practice that some argue allows faith-based organizations in Virginia to discriminate in adoptions.

The State Board of Social Services’s 7 to 2 vote came after a slew of faith-based groups and adoption agencies insisted that they be able to screen prospective parents on religious or moral beliefs.

Read complete article here.

Forum: Gay and Lesbian Adoption ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207513 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:53:06 GMT <![CDATA[Arizona law gives preference to heterosexual couples.]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207509 on April 18, 2011.

Senate Bill 1188, which was sponsored by Sen. Linda Gray, R-Glendale, requires an adoption agency to give primary consideration to adoptive placement with a married man and woman, with all other criteria being equal.

Read entire article here.

Forum: Gay and Lesbian Adoption ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207509 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:49:50 GMT <![CDATA[Arizona law gives preference to heterosexual married couples.]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207502 on April 18, 2011.

Senate Bill 1188, which was sponsored by Sen. Linda Gray, R-Glendale, requires an adoption agency to give primary consideration to adoptive placement with a married man and woman, with all other criteria being equal.

Read entire article here.


Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5207502 Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:41:35 GMT <![CDATA[Adoption increasingly crosses racial, ethnic lines]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5182879 Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, a non-profit research, policy and education organization.

Read the full article in USA Today:

Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5182879 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:36:28 GMT <![CDATA[Adopting a Japanese child]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5142310
However, the recent tragedy may present some opportunities for those considering International adoption, to adopt a child from Japan.

The United States Embassy in Tokyo has some information on this subject you should read before you take the next steps.

http://japan.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-adopt.html

Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5142310 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:56:15 GMT <![CDATA[Florida law and adoption by gay couples]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5120165 Florida Gov. Rick Scott: Adoption should be by a married couple

On January 20, 2011 Gov. Rick Scott said that he doesn't have any immediate plans to change the state policy on gay adoptions (it is currently legal) but he remains opposed to it -- as does his new appointee David Wilkins, whom he named secretary of the Department of Children & Families, the agency that handles adoptions of children in state care.
Read more in the Miami Herald

Forum: Gay and Lesbian Adoption ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5120165 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 03:58:54 GMT <![CDATA[Oprah reveals she has a biological half-sister]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5120152 In late January, 2011 Oprah Winfrey told the world that she has a biological half-sister. When Oprah was young and living with her father, her mother became pregnant and placed her daughter for adoption.  This daughter was in foster homes until she was adopted at age 7.  A few years ago, she searched for her biological roots and found out Oprah is her sister. 

What do you think of this story?

Adoptive parents, does this make you want to stay in contact with your child's birth family?

If you are adopted, does it inspire you to seek out your roots?

How do you think this impacts the opinion about adoption in the general public?

Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5120152 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 03:49:32 GMT <![CDATA[Introduction]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5120026
Did this happen to you during your adoption journey? If so, how did you deal with it?  Did you just give your reluctant partner time? Did you visit adoption support groups or talk to families who already adopted? Did you try and educate your family and address their fears or concerns?

Is it happening to you now? Talk about your specific issues here and get support and advice from people who have already traveled that road.

Forum: Addressing Concerns of Hesitant Spouse, Partner or Family Member ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5120026 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 02:22:22 GMT <![CDATA[Foreign adoptions by Americans hit 15-year low]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5118376 David Crary, a writer for the Associated Press reported on Monday January 31, 2010 that the number of foreign children adopted by Americans fell by 13 percent last year, reaching the lowest level since 1995 due in large part to a virtual halt to adoptions from Guatemala because of corruption problems.

Read the complete article, then share your thoughts.

Forum: Current Issues and News ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5118376 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 03:04:05 GMT <![CDATA[Things to do while you wait.]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5118368 Some Things to Do While Waiting For Your Baby:

  • Seek support from other people adopting either through local support groups or or online forums such as this one.
  • Take a class in newborn care.
  • Take an infant/child CPR & First Aid class.
  • Read about open adoption, parenting and general infant/child care.
  • Talk to your employer and start planning for time away from the office if necessary.
  • Research and select baby furniture (it can take months to order).
  • Research car seats and strollers, with an eye towards a purchase.
  • If you have purchased a car seat already, learn how to install it, then get it checked by a car seat specialist. They are harder to put in correctly that you might think. Often your local police department can help you.
  • Research and select a pediatrician.
  • Select names for each gender (this is a common question from potential birthfamilies).
  • Discuss and research discipline styles/techniques.
  • Research and select a childcare provider (if you are going to work).
  • Research new parenting techniques i.e., baby massage, using sign language, etc.
  • Make some reheatable quick meals and store in the freezer.
  • Research baby announcements, do-it-yourself or order?
  • Start a life book of your adoption journey for your child.
  • Discuss and make decisions about new wills, life insurance and a guardian for your child.
  • Research and request forms to add your new baby to your health insurance plan.
  • Research any parental/family leave policies with your employer.
  • Research and decide about adoptive breastfeeding.
  • Research and decide about cord blood banking.
  • Research and purchase new baby/brother/sister books for the older sibling(s), if applicable.
  • Discuss what type of new baby/welcome home celebration you want to have.
  • Research and learn how to prevent SIDS.
  • Prepare a first aid kit specifically for children (consult your pediatrician or the Red Cross).
  • If you are adopting a child internationally you may want to read about the child’s culture, as well as some common foods in the area or even learn a few phrases in the child’s native language.
  • If you are single and adopting, you may want to read some books about single parenting. Your support system of friends and family may need to be extra strong if you have made this parenting choice.
  • Gay and Lesbian couples may want to read some books geared to your unique circumstances as well.
  • Tidy up your closets and storage space.
  • Prepare the nursery.
  • Talk to your friends and family about open adoption.
  • Start a journal or blog about your adoption journey.
  • Take advantage of special opportunities with your current family.

Forum: Waiting...Waiting... ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5118368 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 02:58:16 GMT <![CDATA[Rules and Conduct]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5116503

The Adoption Online Forum was created for all people touched by adoption: parents, hopeful parents, adoptees, birth parents, and adoption professionals. We support and encourage open and honest discussions about anything related to adoption.

With this purpose in mind, we really have only ONE simple rule. We insist that all members demonstrate respect for one another when engaging in our discussion forum and chat. We believe it is possible to discuss and even disagree in a civil and polite manner and will not tolerate behavior to the contrary.

If we find that any member is using derogatory language, personal insults, foul language, or otherwise harassing another user, ONE warning will be issued. If the conduct continues, the offending members account will be deleted and will be permanently banned from this site.

Thank you,
AdoptionOnline.com

Forum: Welcome and Guidelines ]]> http://forums.adoptiononline.com/post?id=5116503 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 01:43:46 GMT