Families come in all colors and shapes and sizes. Back in the 1970’s, then-president Jimmy Carter’s Commission on the Family declared there is not just one definition for the many types of families that exist in the world, and that is certainly more true than ever today. Forty-odd years have passed since Carter’s commission, and few people question a family made up of different colors. However, because a small part of society still has the assumption that “like adopt like”, transracial adoption can cause some uncomfortable situations. Having some strategies for handling the questions that come just makes life simpler for all concerned. Though these situations can be frustrating, look at them as teachable moments which can help ease stereotypes and allow you to be an advocate for families simply as units of love. Continue reading →

Many parents dread the words, “I want to find my birth parents.” However, there is nothing wrong with wanting to know about your biological roots. We all want to know who we are, but for adopted children, unless they find birth parents, gaps often remain. This does not mean parents have done anything wrong, but adoptees must also realize that this concept may be difficult for adoptive parents. The best way for parents and adoptees alike to deal with this is through open and honest communication. Continue reading →

History and background is sometimes a sore subject with adopted children, as they may feel out of place or unsure of how their current life fits in with where they came from as they grow old enough to begin questioning these things. A life story book gives you a tool for recordkeeping as well as a place to tell the stories that will hopefully answer adoptee questions as they arise. In many cases, a life story book transforms into a beautiful collaborative work that the adoptee can also contribute to. Continue reading →

The nuclear family of a mother, father, and children  has long past being today’s modern arrangement. Financially with the cost of living in the united states, if you are married most of the time in order to sustain the costs of a family, many times it takes both individuals working and contributing families to provide for both of themselves and dependents in a household. Today it is directly proportional to a single person starting a family, it is directly proportional to sustaining their own costs along with dependent. Especially those families who electively adopt. Sometimes having relationships but remaining single is very financially responsible.  There should be absolutely no stigma for single parent adoptions for this reason. Single parents are equally equipped to adopt with the help of an adoption agency or placement partner.  We’ve outlined some key steps to start working towards your adoption application and your family. Continue reading →

The road to adoption is often a long and confusing one, leading adoptive families looking for resources to help them. One resource that is available in some states is adoption facilitators. Below, we cover what an adoption facilitator is and the benefits and drawbacks of using one. Continue reading →

Every adoption has one thing in common, no matter if it’s open or closed, domestic or international: they do involve extensive financial processes. Understanding how adoption finance works and some of the resources available to you can help you navigate these waters. Check out the list below for five helpful books about adoption finance. Continue reading →