In regards to adoption language and what a natural mother prefers to be called I have had some interesting conversations with natural mothers who are searching and I personally have come to the conclusion that most, not all would be happy to be called anything at all by their lost child whether it be by first name, last name it simply makes no difference. Knowing that he or she and how their life has been would be more wonderful than what they could ever hope. The bottom line is that to these women I had this discussion the name one is called seems... more

Life is a book with many chapters. Some tell of tragedy, others of triumph. Some chapters are dull and ordinary, others intense and exciting. The key to being a succcess in life is to never stop on a difficult page, to never quit on a tough chapter. Champions have the courage to keep turning the pages because they know a better chapter lies ahead and nothing is impossible.

Unknown

My live is full of so much sheer goodness right now. I have had my share of trials and tribulations like everyone does. However,... more

Since March, we have quadrupled in size and the “finders” still outnumber the lookers. We held our first search workshop earlier this month and then did a Reg Day sign up. This sounds like we are going great guns! But reaching out to people who need help is not easy – in fact it may be easier to deliver the help than to persuade people to accept it.

Two women who have found relatives they lost to adoption and one who is still searching started our group. We had talked for some years about the need to have a local support group but never got beyond... more

I recently received this letter and asked for permission from the writer to post on the blog here. I thought it is a great story and expresses the importance of Reg Day.

Dear Karen and Jan,

As many of your readers know, November 18 was National Adoption Awareness Day and like a number of triad members around the country, I sat for a couple of hours at a table on Saturday afternoon with IRSS registration forms outside a popular bookstore in Salisbury.

Mostly, we answered questions from curious folks who wondered what we were doing. Before... more

On a few of the mailing lists that I belong to the press release from the Evelyn B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released earlier this month seems to have stirred an interesting discussion amongst triad members.

The following from the press release is the point of discussion is located under the recommendations of the Institute.

“A parent should be legally afforded at least a few weeks after childbirth before her adoption decision becomes irrevocable; the exact times for signing a relinquishment and for being able to revoke it should... more

I absolutely agree that in the closed adoption era things may not have been handled in the best possible way. Many, not all, may feel as if they were coerced. I wasn’t in their shoes so I can’t say if there were or not but I do believe that adoption is different today. I do believe that counseling is taking place with many of the natural mothers, and it is the natural mothers that make the choices. There are more choices available now such as closed adoption, semi open adoption, and an open adoption and it is the natural mother who can choose what she would... more

As you regular readers know, my husband and I are in the midst of the adoption process with hopes of welcoming into our home a newborn infant. We don’t know exactly when but if all works according to plan the baby will be released from the hospital and placed into our home without foster care being involved.

The reason I am bring this up is to make a point. The only way that my husband and I will have a child is through adoption. The reality is that after several failed pregnancies it is not going to happen naturally and our desire to be parents... more

The institute outlines in the press release main recommendations which include making information pressure fee decisions, their own legal representation, counseling about options which include adoption and parenting, and the impact of adoption. The Institute further recommends all states to establish legally enforceable post adoption contact agreements, the timing of relinquishment and signing of relinquishment need to be longer and informed periods, natural fathers rights should be protected more in the law and in practice.

It is also noted that... more

The Evelyn B. Donaldson Adoption Institute has conducted a research project titled Safeguarding the Rights and Well Being of Birth Parents in the Adoption Process” and found that for those who choose adoption for their infants do not have their rights and needs sufficiently addressed in US law and practice. The link to the press release that was sent out November 19th is at http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/media/20061115_study_birthparents.php and the link for the study is... more

Twice Born: Memoirs of an Adopted Daughter by Betty Jean Lifton is being reissued of the classic 1975 memoir with a new Afterward.

The following is a press release received from the editor.

In this significant and lasting account, Betty Jean Lifton, acclaimed author of several books on the psychology of the adopted, tells her own story of growing up at a time when adoptees were still in the closet. Twice Born recounts her early struggle with the loneliness and isolation of not knowing her birth parents, her identification, as a journalist... more