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.
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.
