Voice of Love Campaign Brings Hope to South Korean Orphans

Hope for Orphans has teamed up with Onnuri English Ministry and the Mission to Promote Adoption in Korea (MPAK) to form Voice of Love, a campaign whose purpose is to be a voice for orphaned children in South Korea. There are currently 20,000 children in South Korea who are in need of adoptive families. In spite of this number, there is a quota in place that has drastically limited the number of children that can be adopted internationally. Because of this, and because domestic adoption in South Korea is not prevalent, so many children continue to wait with little hope of ever finding their forever families. If you want to learn more about how you can be a voice for these children, please click here.

What About the Birth Father?

The following article by Karla Marie Williams from "Family by Design" brings up a thought-provoking question.....What about the birthfather?  I'd love to keep the conversation going.

Adoption is chosen for a child for a variety of reasons that are perplexing to many people. The adoption plan is usually carried out by the birth mom and a caring representative at any number of agencies around the world.

As an adoptive mother, I have witnessed the beauty and complexity of adoption in my own life. I cannot imagine my life without my children and look forward to adopting again. My thirst for understanding and compassion for the birth mom has always been a hightened  6th sense.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BIRTH FATHER? Society's view of the birth father is one of absence, carelessness or invisibility. This is the way that birth fathers are portrayed by some adoption professionals, birth mothers, her family, the media and many that don't understand adoption at all. This portrayal has gone so far as to make it's way into legislation and dictate the rights of the father to the point where they are almost non-existent. Some states give the birth father a better chance and opportunity than others. When you Google adoption the first thing that comes up are agencies focusing on those wanting to adopt and birth mothers who want to seek info on making an adoption plan. It takes a long time to find up-to-date information for a birth father to get support and insight on his rights, his emotions and role in adoption. Many birth fathers feel they are encouraged to completely drop out as if they are just in the way of the situation. THIS IS HIS CHILD AS WELL, RIGHT? What about his voice? What about support?.....

To read the full article, click here:

http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=5565589417277530116&gid=137111&type=member&item=90042350&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efamilybydesignadoption%2Ecom%2Fblog%2F2012%2F01%2F18%2FFamily-by-Design-BLOG-What-About-the-Birth-Father%2Easpx&urlhash=J5GU&goback=%2Egde_137111_member_90042350

Avoiding Control Battles

Parents often become entangled in control battles with their children, leaving everyone frustrated and disconnected.  Watch as Amy Monroe encourages parents to avoid control battles by becoming proactive.

http://empoweredtoconnect.org/avoiding-control-battles/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EmpoweredToConnect+%28Empowered+To+Connect%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

For additional resources visit http://www.empoweredtoconnect.org/

Cycling for Safe Families

Save the Date!

Saturday, June 9th, 2012 in Union, IL

Adoption Tax Credit Advocacy

February 13, 2012 - The National Council For Adoption (NCFA), a longtime supporter of the adoption tax credit, joins fellow adoption and child welfare advocates in calling for the extension of the adoption tax credit for families adopting children via foster care, intercountry, or domestic infant adoption.

Since the adoption tax credit was first established in 1997, it has helped lessen the financial burden of adoption for thousands of income-qualifying American families that might not otherwise have been able to adopt.
The current maximum allowable adoption tax credit of $13,360 for all adoptive families is set to sunset on December 31, 2012. Unless Congress acts to extend or make permanent the adoption tax credit, it will revert at this time to a maximum of $6,000 for parents adopting children with special needs. No tax credit will be available to other adoptive parents.

To learn more, click here: https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/policy-priorities/adoption-tax-credit.html

Click here for you adoption Tax Credit Advocacy Kit: https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/images/stories/NCFA_Adoption_Tax_Credit_Advocacy_Kit.pdf

Webinar: Snack, Play, Love

Snack, Play, Love

The Connection Between Nutrition and Your Child's Behavior

Live Webinar

Thursday, March 22, 2012

7:00PM Central

Q&A: 8:00PM

Join Dr. Karyn Purvis as she discusses the most recent research on the impact nutrition can have on behavior. She will examine the effects certain foods may have and how small changes in diet can make a big impact on how your child feels and therefore behaves. Learn more and register.

 * Practical tools anyone can use right now

 * Make small changes for big results

* Current scientific research

* A certificate for 1 credit hour is available after successful completion of a post test

REGISTER HERE:

http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/catalog/webinars/snack-play-love.cfm?utm_source=jcicsspl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=jcicsspl

Submit your questions for Dr. Purvis HERE: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EM3T8TST2
 or by tweeting them to @adoptiontweet using #snackplaylove

Sponsored by:

36th Annual Child Welfare Symposium

Registration for the 36th Annual Child Welfare Symposium is now open! 

 

The 36^th Annual Child Welfare Symposium will be held in New York City, April 16 – 18, 2012 at the Conference Center, 130 E.59th Street, NY, NY 10022.

 

Every year the Symposium brings together 200 professionals in the fields of child welfare, adoption and orphan care for three days of information gathering, idea sharing and networking. All those with an interest in ensuring that children live, grow and flourish in a permanent, safe and loving family are invited to attend.

 

This year's symposium is filled with new speakers and new session topics . As always, the Symposium will cover the topics that matter the most to all of us, including post-adoption nutrition, the future of international adoption, and the changing media landscape.

 

Speakers include Rita Soronen, Executive Director of the Dave Thomas Foundation, Kathleen Strottman, Executive Director of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and Ambassador Susan Jacob from the U.S. Department of State.

 

If you have any questions regarding the Symposium, please contact them at (703) 535-8045 or symposium@jointcouncil.org. For questions regarding sponsorships, exhibiting at the Symposium or advertising in the Symposium Program Guide, please contact Lisa Aramony at lisa.a@jointcouncil.org.

 

Russian Intercountry Adoption Update

Below is an important update from The Joint Council on International Children's Services (www.jointcouncil.org) regarding adoptions from Russia.

 

 

Over the last week there have been various news reports that Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to suspend adoptions to the United States until the previously signed bi-lateral agreement between the United States and Russia is ratified by the Russian Duma. However, it is Joint Council’s understanding there are currently no plans for a country-wide suspension of adoptions to the United States.  No US or Russian officials have confirmed the recent media coverage.  Further, adoption can only be officially suspended by order of the Russian president or State Duma.  There have been very isolated reports of some regions and/or judges temporarily suspending adoptions until the bi-lateral agreement is ratified by the Duma.  These reports are limited and unconfirmed at this time.

 

Joint Council remains optimistic that the Duma will ratify the Bilateral Agreement in the spring, following the national elections. Prospective adoptive parents should consult with their adoption services provider regarding any in-process adoptions.  Joint Council is working to achieve a clear understanding of the situation and will publish appropriate and confirmed information as it is available. 

"Discipline for Success" for Foster Parents & Foster Children

Discipline for Success

For Foster Parents & Foster Children

Hosted by

Kim's Black Belt Academy

February 25th from 1:00-3:30pm,

5 South Spring Street, Elgin, Illinois 60120

847-695-5434

This 2 1/2 hour Class is to teach youth and foster parents the importance of children’s growth, respecting themselves, and how to apply those qualities to others. Our campaign is for all, but focuses more on youth in foster care to strengthen during a critical time of social development and feeling accepted within their self...

Help with:

Bullying * Self-Control *Authority * Self-Respect Discipline

Dealing with Strangers * Confidence * Fitness

Please wear comfortable clothing.

Foster parents will receive 2.5 credit hours towards renewal of their license.

Please RSVP to Colleen Woolwine at 847-888-7635 or Colleen.Woolwine@illinois.gov

Intercountry Adoption Survey

Please read the following important message from Joint Council. This is a unique opportunity for your voice be heard!

As we announced yesterday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has released a survey the results of which will  inform U.S. government policy makers on adoptive families’ experiences when interacting with U.S. government officials during the intercountry adoption process. The survey seeks to collect responses from adoptive families, potential adoptive families and adoption service providers.   This survey respresents a unique opportunity for the adoption community to share their experiences and express their opinions regarding the services provided by the U.S. government. We strongly encourage all Joint Council supporters who have adopted internationally or who have facilitated intercountry adoptions to participate in the survey and to encourage others to do so as well.   In my five years at Joint Council, I have fielded innumerable calls and emails requesting assistance during interactions with our government. Some of those calls expressed postive experiences, but the vast majority were problems needing resolution. Please use this opportunity to share your experiences directly with a key U.S. government policy maker, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.   Adoptive parent or prospective adoptive parent, please use the following link:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Surveyonintercountryadoptionparents   Adoption Service Providers, please use the following link:   https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Surveyonintercountryadoptionasp

Best Wishes,     Tom DiFilipo

New Book: 10 Things You Need to Know About Older Child Adoption

Mother-Daughter Team Advocates with Fasten Your Sweet Belt: 10 Things You Need to Know About Older Child Adoption

Raleigh, NC: What happened when an ordinary couple welcomed three siblings ages 7, 12 and 14 from Uganda into their North Carolina home? Life became full of trials and miraculous triumphs, and the author soon discovered that while there were many resources for infant adoption, she could find no practical tools to help her with the challenge of parenting her older adopted children.

“There are books discussing psychological issues in older adoptees, but I needed practical, every day advice about how to cleave these children into our family,” says Jodi Jackson Tucker, the author.

Inspired by her adoptive daughter’s insights about her experience, Tucker decided to collaborate with her to pen a book on older child adoption. “We want to help other kids and families on this journey,” Tucker said.

Using humor and no nonsense advice, the book chronicles ten important lessons the author has learned about parenting older adoptive children, and concludes with a sweet memoir by her daughter, Agnes, 15, complete with advice for others like her.

Today, Jodi and Agnes Tucker are speaking at conferences about their experiences to encourage older orphan adoption and to ease children’s acclimation into life with a family. Their book, published by Outskirts Press for $13.95, is available at amazon.com and barnesandnobles.com.

What people are saying about Fasten Your Sweet Belt:

"Jodi Jackson Tucker is wise and winsome, as vivacious as she is insightful. This book reflects all of that and more from a woman and her daughter who know intimately both the challenges and the beauty of adoption." - Jedd Medefind, President, Christian Alliance for Orphans


"If you are an adoptive or prospective adoptive parent looking for a book that will help you navigate the waters of an older child adoption, Fasten Your Sweet Belt should be your go-to book. Jodi Jackson Tucker and her daughter Agnes have provided an insightful and compelling look at the journey that adoption is. Read it more than once."


- Dan Cruver, Director, Together for Adoption




“I devoured your incredible book. I laughed and sobbed as I read your amazing, touching story. And then just when I caught my breath, I read your daughter’s portion. What a treasure she is. Her willingness to share her gifts with the world is simply remarkable.”


- Sandy Crane, adoption social worker


“You had insight that I haven't found in other books. Going into adoption is a scary process and we never know what will happen. You kept that fact real and also showed what a gift these children have been, making all the struggles worth it! I loved Agnes' point of view, she wrote very well and was so honest.”


– Mary K, contemplating adoption "This is what I'm thankful for today: this book on older child adoption. I opened it to see the dedication page. Then I thought I'd just glance at the introduction. Well 1 hour, 143 pages and half a box of tissues later - this book was 'church' for me today. The Tucker family is such a blessing!!!!!"


– Jennifer B, grandmother


“I just read Fasten your Sweet Belt. It was a wonderful book! I highly recommend it to anyone considering older child adoption or those who have already welcomed a non-baby into the house! - Michelle Caldwell, adoptive parent From Amazon.com Reader Reviews: This book is a MUST READ for anyone considering older child adoption, those who are in the process, and those who have already brought their children home. I found this book to be full of wisdom and encouragement. What makes this book different from the more "clinical" adoption books is that it is written by a mother who is still in the trenches. The real life examples make it easy to relate the book to what is happening in your home. Jodi's honesty about those things she wished she had done differently leaves room for me to feel like I am not the only adoptive mom who isn't perfect! I find that very encouraging. Even though our oldest adopted son came home over two years ago and our newest addition has been home 7 months, this book is still very applicable. I found a lot of information to help me better understand my adopted teen, in particular.

Available at www.amazon.com, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.fastenyoursweetbelt.com/

Adoption Fundraising Event

If you were at our pot-luck gathering last November, you'll remember Deanna & Rob Sader, a family from Willow Creek that shared their adoption story. Deanna began a journey learning about children with Down Syndrom when their first daughter was born. Through her research and advocacy she discovered an organization called Reece's Rainbow that helps children with D.S. and other special needs, find forever families. Last July, thanks to Reece's Rainbow, Deanna and Rob were able to adopt their daughter Lucy, who was born in Ukraine. As Deanna & Rob prayed about the possibility of another adoption, God lead them back to the Reece's Rainbow web site and to a little girl named "Charity". Now they are on their way to adopting her!


Here's how you can help. With $16,000 to raise, the Sader's are having a fundraising event to help defray their adoption expenses. For a $10 minimum donation, you will be entered into a drawing for 4 round-trip airline tickets anywhere in the continental US and 3 nights in a Hyatt hotel. You will be entered once for every $10 donation you make. All donations are tax deductible.

Here's how to donate:

1. Click on the Sader family blog: http://the21stchromosomeablessingindesguise.blogspot.com/2012/02/get-away-giveaway-for-charity.html

2. Click on the Reece's Rainbow badge in the right column to make your donation.

3. After the donation is made, go back to the Sader family blog and post in the comment section the amount of your donation. This will let them know how many times to enter you into the drawing.

The fundraiser will run until the end of February, and the winner will be picked on March 1st.

If you are able, I hope you'll join me in supporting the Sader family!

Child Sponsorship in Ethiopia

LifeSong for Orphans is excited to share with you the Lifesong Ethiopia Child Sponsorship program that has just launched!

For just $19/month, you can sponsor one of the kids at the Adami Tulu School and ensure that they get the incredible education, spiritual mentoring and food that they need to break the cycle of poverty. Many of these kids are already orphans; all are vulnerable children sitting on the razor’s edge of extreme poverty that can rip families apart and create orphans for life.

There are 189 children at the Adami Tulu School and thankfully as of today, 45 have already been sponsored!

You are invited to connect your heart with one of remaining 144 students...

Students like...

Abonesh - Age 5

Habtamu - Age 4

Abanezer - Age 4

Head over to the Adami Tulu website to see the 144 students who still need sponsorhip and

how YOU can join this exciting opportunity!

http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/

Monthly Pot-Luck at Willow Creek

Join Adoptive, Foster and Safe Families
at our
Monthly Pot-Luck Gathering

* Sunday, February 19th, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

* Willow Creek Community Church (So. Barrington), room F150 (the 2 yr. old Promiseland room)
Come for a time of community and connecting with other adoptive, foster and Safe Families.  We will also be welcoming those who are considering opening their home to a child.  Together we will explore how we can all make a difference in the life of a child in crisis, and learn how Willow Creek supports these families.

* This month, pizza & beverages will be provided.  Please bring a side salad or dessert to share.

* Childcare is provided if you r.s.v.p. to vcministry127@gmail.com with the number of children and their ages.
 

Raising Kids With Compassion

Below is a thoughtful article from Empowered to Connect.  http://www.empoweredtoconnect.org/

 

Compassion is the Answer. What’s the Question?

by: Amy Monroe

I’ve been talking with a lot of moms lately and many of them are struggling with their kids.  I get it.  There are days I struggle too.  The issues we face vary from the small, frustrating and everyday, to the big, infuriating and out-of-control.  But no matter what the issue or challenge, the one thing I constantly remind them of, and the one thing I have to constantly remind myself of, is the need to see my kids with eyes of compassion…and to approach each and every interaction with them compassionately.

Now I know as soon as I say this, some will think I am advocating that we should “feel sorry” for our kids or that we should be permissive and let misbehavior slide because of their history or where they came from.  Nothing, absolutely nothing, could be farther from the truth.  Compassion is not pity or even sympathy, and it never means that we allow what’s less than best for our kids to become good enough.  Instead, compassion involves empathy; but true compassion is so much more than just a feeling.

We focused on this all-important subject of compassion in Chapter 2 of Created To Connect, where we talked about true compassion being essential for adoptive and foster parents to be all that God has called us to be in the lives and healing journeys of our kids......

To read the full article, click here: http://empoweredtoconnect.org/compassion-is-the-answer-whats-the-question/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EmpoweredToConnect+%28Empowered+To+Connect%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail

Positive Parenting Classes at Willow Creek

Positive Parenting: Empowering your kids to make good decisions.  When our kids are very young, we as parents make all the decisions for them. As they grow older, our role is to help them to make good decisions for themselves. learn how to equip your kids to make wise decisions today and into their future.


Date: Mondays, February 6 & 20 
Time: 7–9 p.m.,
Location: Willow Creek Community Church, Blue Sky 2 room (downstairs under main lobby)
Teacher: Beth Racine, Relational Consultant

Classes are free of charge.

Dinner is available from Harvest Food Court from 5:30-6.45pm. Adult meals for $4.00 and kids' meals for $2.50.
The Monday night children's program, Oasis, is a fun, safe environment for infants through grade 5 kids. Oasis requires separate registration.

To register for the classes, click here: https://classes.willowcreek.org/default.aspx?page=3258&profile=5588&eventid=5588&pageid=3242&sort=Date&pprofile=9