From
the PRESIDENTIAL
PROCLAMATION FOR NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH to local events, including
the ADOPTIVE PARENTS
COMMITTEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE (11/19/17 in NYC) there is more of a
focus on finding permanent homes for children this time of year.
During
this month, with more interest and media attention on foster care and adoption,
I get an increased number of calls from singles and couples looking to adopt.
The excitement as well as the anxiety are evident in each call as I explain the
options and provide resources to move the adoption process forward.
At
this time of year, I always mention the upcoming adoption conference noted above.
It is the largest and most comprehensive conference of its kind in the tristate
area. Workshops include the actual adoption process, living as an adoptive
family, complexities of parenting through adoption, how to talk to children
about adoption, relationships between birth and adoptive parents, medical and
psychological issues for triad members, school issues and more. Presenters
include , physicians, attorneys, social workers, clinicians, birth parents,
adoptive parents and adult adopted persons. There is also a large exhibit hall
to meet lawyers, adoption agency personnel, homestudy social workers,
clinicians and more, as well as a book store.
As
a professional and an adoptive mother, I can confirm that this conference is
invaluable. This year I am presenting sessions on the ADOPTION HOMESTUDY IN NEW
YORK AND NEW JERSEY and HOW TO ADOPT DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. Last
year, I delivered the keynote address on LIFECYCLE EVENTS OF THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY.
If
you are thinking of adopting, in the process or living as an adoptive family,
there is something here for you. If unsure of which sessions to attend or have
additional questions, email me or
drop by my exhibit table on the day of the event. I’m looking forward to
meeting you there.
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. Through her private practice and agency affiliations, she has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled expectant, birth, pre/post adoptive parents and adopted persons, as well as trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA and a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series and is currently a member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York. Her blogs and written contributions can be seen throughout the Internet, including her BLOG and as Head Writer for ADOPTION.NET She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001. You can reach her directly at EMAIL
