Monday, November 7, 2016

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH 2016

Every November the United States celebrates adoptees, birth and adoptive families, professionals, government officials and advocacy groups call attention to building and strengthening families through adoption. The White House issues an annual Proclamation.

Over 30 years, I have observed adoptees struggle with decisions made on their behalf, while watching singles, couples, extended families and communities embrace children as they join families through adoption. 

Some of the conversation during this month is public. Your children may here varying view on adoption. Young children may misinterpret these views or begin to repeat what they hear. Older children may ask more questions or internally process what they are hearing. Take advantage of this month’s awareness of adoption and talk to your child. And, as they grow, children will continue to hear comments from the outside world, balanced against what you are telling them and how you answer their questions.  They deserve to know their history.

It has been my privilege to be part of so many adoptive journeys - from counseling birth parents to conducting adoptive homestudies for prospective parents, and helping adoptees, birth and adoptive parents and their extended families grapple with adoption and its impact on their lives. 

To my daughters, who joined my family through adoption - you made parenting a journey I will cherish forever. I love you both dearly. To their birth mothers – thank you for your amazing gift. I will never forget you and see you reflected in my daughters’ talents and individual characters everyday.

Adoption has and will remain an important part of who I am personally and professionally. It made my dream come true. But, while I believe each day, the world is more accepting of adoption, we still have a long way to go for total acceptance.

To the thousands of birth and adoptive families that have allowed me to be part of their journey, I am forever grateful. To those whom I will assist in the future, I look forward to our work together to make your dreams come true.

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 of JCCA from March 1992 to March 2015, was Head Writer for Adoption.net, a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series She is currectly a member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York, where she has a private practice specializing in adoption and adoptive parenting. She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001. Follow or reach her at ADOPTION MAVEN BLOG or EMAIL.