Adoption Advocate No. 140
Choosing an Adoption Professional
Authored By: Kristen Hamilton and Ryan Hanlon
While much has changed since NCFA’s founding 40 years ago, there are timeless topics that will always be part of adoption. In celebration of our 40th Anniversary, we’re revisiting the most popular Adoption Advocates and looking at what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what might be coming next in adoption.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate No. 131
The Role of Pre-Placement Medical Review in Contemporary Adoptions: Setting Expectations, Assessing a Child’s Needs, and Supporting Successful Family Formation
Authored By: Dana Johnson, MD, PhD
In May’s issue of the Adoption Advocate, Dr. Dana Johnson—a leader in adoption medicine for over 30 years—explores the essential role pediatric healthcare providers play in assessing the medical, developmental, emotional, and behavioral health of children waiting to be adopted. As health challenges have become more and more common among waiting children, it is crucial that prospective adoptive parents are counseled about the unique issues a child may face and that they are well prepared to meet that child’s needs long-term.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate No. 120
Empowering Adoptive Parents to Successfully Navigate the Pathways of Parenting
Authored By: Kimberly Harrell, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, ACS
Pre-adoption preparation can give parents the tools to successfully navigate their unique parenting challenges. In June's Adoption Advocate, licensed professional counselor Kimberly Harrell proposes three ways that adoption professionals can successfully prepare parents for the journey ahead, giving them the recipe for empowered parenting.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate. No. 106
How Adoption Professionals Can Support Prospective Parents Moving from Infertility Treatment to Adoption
Authored By: RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
When prospective parents facing infertility choose to stop medical treatment and pursue the option of adoption, they often carry with them the pain, fear, and stress of infertility. RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association collected thoughts from adoptive parents who had previously explored medical treatment. In the April issue of NCFA's Adoption Advocate, we discuss these parents' experiences and present some ideas for adoption professionals to consider in order to best serve prospective adoptive parents who have experienced infertility.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate No. 102
Supporting Families Waiting to Adopt
Authored By: Kimberly Harrell
The wait can be difficult for many individuals and families hoping to adopt. In the December 2016 issue of NCFA's Adoption Advocate, Kimberly Harrell emphasizes the responsibility of adoption professionals to support those who are waiting, understand the journey they are on, and provide opportunities for education, connectedness, and empowerment as they wait to grow their families through adoption.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate No. 74
Choosing an Adoption Agency
Authored By: Chuck Johnson
Adoption agencies have ethical and professional obligations to both expectant parents considering adoption and prospective adoptive parents. In the August issue of NCFA's Adoption Advocate, "Choosing an Adoption Agency," NCFA president and CEO Chuck Johnson lists some considerations and questions for expectant parents and families to consider as they begin to research potential agencies.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate No. 54
Preparing Older Children for Adoption
Authored By: Rhonda Jarema
NCFA’s December 2012 issue of the Adoption Advocate, “Preparing Older Children for Adoption” by Rhonda Jarema of Nightlight, gives insight to the perspective of older adopted children and suggestions for prospective adoptive parents. It is helpful to prepare for and minimize the changes wrought by adoption as much as possible. Significant changes should be made as gradually as possible.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate No. 49
Adoption Resources for Americans Living Abroad
Authored By: Melissa Blauvelt
Many Americans residing outside the U.S. that are interested in adopting, including women and men serving in the military, may find it more challenging to find both information about adoption and support throughout the process. The July 2012 issue of NCFA's Adoption Advocate, "Adoption Resources for Americans Living Abroad" by Melissa Blauvelt, provides guidance and suggestions for members of the U.S. military and other American citizens living abroad.
Continue ReadingAdoption Advocate No. 36
Avoiding Adoption Scams
Authored By: Hal Kaufman
The June 2011 issue of the Adoption Advocate addresses potential adoption scams faced by prospective adoptive parents. The Advocate includes information about possible scams, warning signs, resources, and ways to avoid being the victim of adoption fraud.
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