Reflections on 2015

There have been so many world changing events; it is sometimes hard to refocus on what is near at hand. Yet, I have continued to expand as a professional and adoptive mother.

I have enjoyed being a part of your lives, watching you begin and enlarge your families. I am still in awe of the adoption process and the strength of so many women and men who make adoption plans. I am constantly rewarded by your courage, determination and loving gift to your children.

I have enjoyed counseling those of you considering options for parenting, making an adoption plan and exploring adoptive parents for your child. These are never easy decisions: the emotions are intense and your physical and emotional stamina are inspiring. We have talked through difficult decisions, not only during your pregnancy but on how and when to gather information about your child or staying in touch directly with adoptive parents if that is your wish.

It has been a pleasure to consult with those of you looking for a route to adopt and to counsel those of you looking to enhance your everyday parenting skills. I compliment those of you who explore the many aspects of adoptive parenting, of how to enlarge your family, of the reactions of your child to living in an adoptive family, of the relationships built between birth and adoptive families and of your ability to reach out for guidance and information as your family grows.

I am grateful to those of you who have welcomed me into your home to conduct a homestudy and to help you explore what it will mean to be an adoptive parent. And I am always thrilled to return to meet your child and do the post placement visits to assist in the finalization process.

I cannot believe my girls are 24 and 28 years old. Where did the time go? I can picture vividly the first time I met these little infant girls, when they took their first steps and said their first words. I see them heading off to pre-school, all the way through to when they left for college. I have watched them become sensitive and articulate women. They know who they are and are creating independent lives, yet maintaining loving relationships with family.

I look forward to 2016 surrounded by a loving family and work that makes my life fulfilling. I wish you all a healthy, happy, successful and wondrous year. Never give up your dreams…


Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed 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 Director of the Ametz Adoption Program from March 1992 to March 2015. She is Head Writer for Adoption.net, member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and has a private practice in New York City. She was a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series and named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001. Follow or reach her at ADOPTION MAVEN BLOG or EMAIL.