Whether you are looking to build your family through adoption, are in the middle of the adoption process or living as part of an adoptive family, there is always something more to learn.
For anyone who doesn’t know I adopted twice and as I raised my girls, there were days when I was parenting just like everyone else and adoption didn't come up. On other days, I found adoption ever present: from my kids asking questions, to figuring out how to do a school assignment (like a family tree or genogram), to answering questions or to deciding what information to share with others.
I was fortunate in that I not only knew other adoptive parents, but through my work, I was connected to colleagues and resources regarding adoption. Over the years, my professional and personal experiences familiarized me with a variety of situations. Clients still call me for all sorts of advice and recommendations for local resources. I always recommend that they contact the Adoptive Parents Committee. This group of relentless and energetic parents, at all stages of the adoption process, have historically held monthly meetings in several locations in the NY Metropolitan area as well as an annual all-day conference. I have loved providing expertise to them when needed and with meeting families at their meetings. Even COVID could not slow them down.
On the weekend before Thanksgiving this year due to the pandemic, the conference will be held on November 21 & 22 through ZOOM. There will be sessions for those beginning to explore adoption, in the process of adopting or living as adoptive parents and families.
You do not have to
attend the full conference, as once signed-up, you will have 2-day live access,
as well as, recorded sessions of all the events. REGISTER. For the full schedule go to:
I hope to see some of you at my Workshop on Homestudy for New York and New Jersey. For those of you who are past that stage, and already starting the actual process, know I am here if you need me.
So, whether you are taking the plunge of building your family through adoption or experiencing the challenges and joys of parenting, it is always helpful to hear of other people’s experiences on their journey and to learn something new.
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 the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood, She is currently on the Adoption Professional Advisory Council of HelpUSAdopt , a member of the Advisory Board of the Family Equality Council 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.
