There are times when I think that I want to add a disclaimer to some of my posts. Although I know some birth moms who have been mired in the birth mother victim role for decades, I am not one of them. However, I do not judge those who have been unable to successfully heal either. I know that so many different factors affect adoption healing.

The relinquishment experience, personalities and a wide variety of other factors influence how people deal with adoption issues. One way to deal with adoption issues is to deny that they exist. Another is the "woe is... more

The documentary Unlocking the Heart of Adoption will screen at the Adoption Connections Training Institute: OneWorld Neighborhood - 3rd International Conference on Post Adoption Services, February 19-21, 2007, at the Hotel Marlowe, Cambridge, Massachusetts. ACTION has begun to establish a network that will exchange ideas, knowledge, models, and resources to provide the best possible services for all members of the extended "Family of Adoption." For information and registration visit: http://www.kinnect.org/training.html#ACTION

The... more

I received an email recently from a fellow volunteer in the adoption community telling me about a petition to stop Child Protection Services and Open Adoption Fraud. The link is at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/239853836?ltl=1169514276.

The goal of this petition is to make officials aware of the fraud involved in the acquirement of federal funds for the continuing operation of municipal child protection service/social service programs, to force officials... more

The announcement of Hillary Rodham Clinton this weekend running for President has sparked my interest once again in the election and those who are campaigning interests in adoption and adoption records.

An article at http://edition.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/03/17/hillary.adopt/index.html dated March 17, 2000 quotes the first lady is quoted saying “There was a time, when adoptive parents were selected on the basis of their wealth and material possessions.... more

The ad simply read: "Wanted, home for baby boy, age one month: complete surrender."

This article details the reunion between a popular British author, Ian McEwan, and his brother. Dave Sharp, the brother of author McEwan was relinquished due to a war-time affair. The article mentions that Rose, the mother was desperate to get rid of the baby as her husband was coming home from the war on leave. Rose gave her baby to a family that answered... more

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a strong proponent of adoption search and reunions. When people discuss beginning a search with me, I try to provide as much information about the possibilities as I can. I cannot tell someone if a search is right for them or not, but I can give them a great deal of food for thought so they can decide for themselves.

Only rarely do I question someone's motivation for a search. However, the truth is there are a few situations in which a search may not be wise. Expecting that a search will magically transform your... more

Some of you may be following the recovery of the two kidnapped boys in St. Louis, MO area. I was reading an article on line at http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/01/14/boys.found.ap/index.html and through the article learned of an adoption connection.

The article states “Devlin's childhood neighbors told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that Devlin was adopted and one of six children. Sarah Sullivan described him as a quiet child in an otherwise outgoing family. He was always big for his... more

A quote from ABC News reporter Jeff Wilson, Associated Press 2006, regarding his adoptee status follows.

He was born Leslie King on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Neb. His parents were divorced when he was less than a year old, and his mother returned to her parents in Grand Rapids, where she later married Gerald R. Ford Sr. He adopted the boy and renamed him.

Ford was a high school senior when he met his biological father. He was working in a Greek restaurant, he recalled, when a man came in and stood watching.

"Finally, he walked over and... more

Searching for minors is a controversial topic. The majority of the population probably believes that it is a bad idea. However, I know of a few instances in which reunions with minors work out very well.

Generally minor searches are instigated by birth parents. Many people feel that if a birth parent is going to search for their child, they should wait until their child is grown. Until I understood how much reunions can benefit younger children, I agreed with that theory.

Some children may never want or need a reunion. For other adoptees, a reunion... more

The Mei (May) magazine is a bi-monthly publication that is wholesome and age appropriate magazine with a special emphasis on issues specific to Chinese adoptees age 7 to 14.

In every issue of Mei, there will be articles on school-related issues, seasonal crafts and health or fitness. Other features will include an advice column dedicated to personal problems and solutions and a forum in which readers will share their feelings and opinions. You’ll also find a reader profile that will highlight a unique girl and her special achievements. Mei is dedicated... more