Friday, September 19, 2014

Starting the Adoption Process

This past weekend, I presented at the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York City. One of the premier adoptive parent run organizations, this group meets monthly to offer information and support to those thinking of adopting, in the throes of the process or already parenting.

I am always amazed and pleased to see the depth and thought that goes into the decision to adopt. Going beyond the "am I ready to be a parent", prospective adoptive parents need to consider what type if child they feel most comfortable adopting, how they will create a relationship with birth parents, what background information they want vs. what they need, and how personally involved they wanted to be in the process (working with an agency or attorney).

As Director of the Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA, I created several work sheets to help prospective adoptive parents sort through the issues and interview agencies and attorneys. Hope you find them helpful.


Issues Families Consider When Starting the Process 
    
Domestic Adoption - Working with an Attorney or Agency 

International Adoption – Working with an Attorney or Agency 

10 things to Know Before Your Begin the Adoption Homestudy  

Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. She has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled adoptive parents and parents-to-be, and has trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001 and has a private practice in New York City. She is also Director of the Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA. She can be reached at theadoptionmaven@gmail.com

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