National Council For Adoption

05/07/2021

A Forever Home: Stacey's Story

In anticipation of Mother’s Day, NCFA Office Assistant Stacey reflects on some of the most poignant moments in her journey to motherhood through adoption, and her desire for all children to have a loving, permanent home.
https://vimeo.com/495846111

Learn more about adoption at adoptioncouncil.org

05/06/2021

New guest post from Laura Tuzzio sharing her perspective on how being a birth mother shaped the way she parents. Thank you for your openness and honesty to inspire and educate the adoption community and all parents! Read it at https://adoptioncouncil.org/article/being-a-birth-mom-changed-the-way-i-parent

#birthmomvoice #birthmothersspeak #mothersday #adoption #lifeafterplacement #adoption

New guest post from Laura Tuzzio sharing her perspective on how being a birth mother shaped the way she parents. Thank you for your openness and honesty to inspire and educate the adoption community and all parents! Read it at https://adoptioncouncil.org/article/being-a-birth-mom-changed-the-way-i-parent

#birthmomvoice #birthmothersspeak #mothersday #adoption #lifeafterplacement #adoption

05/05/2021

Holding grief and gratitude during AAPI Heritage Month in 2021. Read our new blog post at https://adoptioncouncil.org/blog/ncfa-stands-with-the-asian-american-community/

Holding grief and gratitude during AAPI Heritage Month in 2021. Read our new blog post at https://adoptioncouncil.org/blog/ncfa-stands-with-the-asian-american-community/

05/04/2021

USCIS has issued a call for public comment on policies and procedures that impact intercountry adoption processes. Adoptive parents, adoption professionals, and adopted individuals are all invited to share their experiences and offer suggestions for improvements.

The May 19th deadline for comments is quickly approaching! Visit adoptioncouncil.org/advocacy to learn more and give your input to USCIS.

#internationaladoption #intercountryadoption #adoptionadvocacy

USCIS has issued a call for public comment on policies and procedures that impact intercountry adoption processes. Adoptive parents, adoption professionals, and adopted individuals are all invited to share their experiences and offer suggestions for improvements.

The May 19th deadline for comments is quickly approaching! Visit adoptioncouncil.org/advocacy to learn more and give your input to USCIS.

#internationaladoption #intercountryadoption #adoptionadvocacy

05/04/2021

Our friends at BraveLove are hosting in-person and virtual events this Saturday to honor Birth Mother's Day! #birthmothersday #allmoms

05/03/2021

The Future of Adoption from Foster Care: A Call for Collaboration - National Council For Adoption

America’s foster care system is in crisis. Despite real efforts to effect change, over 120,000 children remain in the system awaiting a permanent family through adoption. Finding the right families requires innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships. In this issue of the #AdoptionAdvocate, we highlight the work of private agencies Lifeline Children's Services and The Barker Adoption Foundation who are successfully partnering with the public sector to achieve better outcomes for kids in the foster care system. Their experiences and guidance can serve as a springboard for more agencies to expand their services into this critical area of work. #NationalFosterCareMonth

Read more: https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/the-future-of-adoption-from-foster-care-a-call-for-collaboration/

America’s foster care system is in crisis. Despite real efforts to effect change, over 120,000 children remain in the system awaiting a permanent family through adoption. Finding the right families requires innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships. In this issue of the Adoption Advocate...

04/30/2021

Are you looking forward to a special day in May? Head to the link to get started hosting your own online fundraiser that will help us move closer to a world in which all children, everywhere, have a loving, permanent family.
https://www.facebook.com/fund/AdoptionCouncil/

Are you looking forward to a special day in May? Head to the link to get started hosting your own online fundraiser that will help us move closer to a world in which all children, everywhere, have a loving, permanent family.
https://www.facebook.com/fund/AdoptionCouncil/

04/30/2021

53 years of marriage and 100 foster daughters: ‘We made our home a home for everybody'

As we anticipate the start of #nationalfostercaremonth tomorrow, we celebrate and honor amazing individuals like Al and Ann whose selfless love and care made a difference in the lives of so many children.

The family is remarkable, mostly because they don’t think they did anything special.

04/29/2021

#tbt to this 2011 issue of the Adoption Advocate that offers timeless insights and guidance for adoptive parents. Available at https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/adoption-advocate-no-42/

#tbt to this 2011 issue of the Adoption Advocate that offers timeless insights and guidance for adoptive parents. Available at https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/adoption-advocate-no-42/

04/28/2021

Head over to adoptioncouncil.org/conference/schedule to check out the full lineup of session topics and speakers including the keynote plenary, Dr. Tina Bryson, NY Times Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Founder/Executive Director of The Center for Connection & Play Strong Institute! While you're there, get registered today to take advantage of the best rates on this year's all virtual national adoption conference! #socialworkce #adoption #yesbrain #powerofshowingup #adoptionconference

Head over to adoptioncouncil.org/conference/schedule to check out the full lineup of session topics and speakers including the keynote plenary, Dr. Tina Bryson, NY Times Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Founder/Executive Director of The Center for Connection & Play Strong Institute! While you're there, get registered today to take advantage of the best rates on this year's all virtual national adoption conference! #socialworkce #adoption #yesbrain #powerofshowingup #adoptionconference

04/27/2021

We are excited to introduce you to NCFA's newest team member, Elise Lowe! She recently joined the staff as the Adoption Education Manager and we are so glad to welcome her to NCFA! Enjoy getting to know a little bit more about Elise -

Tell us about your job at NCFA - what do you do and what are you most excited about?
I manage the educational offerings for our organization, which includes developing new content for NCFA’s webinars and trainings, as well as coordinating our monthly Adoption Advocate publication. I am most excited about connecting professionals to relevant and helpful resources as they serve families and children.

You’ve worked in the field of adoption for quite a while now. What is something you would want more people to understand and appreciate about adoption?
One thing that is so important to understand and appreciate, is the courage and strength of all of those involved in the adoption process- birth parents, adoptive parents and the children and youth themselves. My most valuable lessons, I’ve learned not through a course or textbook, but from the adopted individuals and families that allowed me into their stories. It’s really been such a joy to be a part of this community!

Who inspires you and why?
Dr. Karyn Purvis, how she devoted her life’s work to children from hard places has been a personal inspiration.

Do you have a favorite drink/snack to have at work? Coffee is a must! Chocolate-covered almonds.

Outside of adoption-related content, what books would you recommend?
I'm currently enjoying reading, “The Autobiography of George Muller” and “Margin” by Dr. Richard Swenson.

Thanks for sharing Elise, we are so glad you're here!

We are excited to introduce you to NCFA's newest team member, Elise Lowe! She recently joined the staff as the Adoption Education Manager and we are so glad to welcome her to NCFA! Enjoy getting to know a little bit more about Elise -

Tell us about your job at NCFA - what do you do and what are you most excited about?
I manage the educational offerings for our organization, which includes developing new content for NCFA’s webinars and trainings, as well as coordinating our monthly Adoption Advocate publication. I am most excited about connecting professionals to relevant and helpful resources as they serve families and children.

You’ve worked in the field of adoption for quite a while now. What is something you would want more people to understand and appreciate about adoption?
One thing that is so important to understand and appreciate, is the courage and strength of all of those involved in the adoption process- birth parents, adoptive parents and the children and youth themselves. My most valuable lessons, I’ve learned not through a course or textbook, but from the adopted individuals and families that allowed me into their stories. It’s really been such a joy to be a part of this community!

Who inspires you and why?
Dr. Karyn Purvis, how she devoted her life’s work to children from hard places has been a personal inspiration.

Do you have a favorite drink/snack to have at work? Coffee is a must! Chocolate-covered almonds.

Outside of adoption-related content, what books would you recommend?
I'm currently enjoying reading, “The Autobiography of George Muller” and “Margin” by Dr. Richard Swenson.

Thanks for sharing Elise, we are so glad you're here!

04/22/2021

Registration for the nation's leading training conference for adoption professionals is now open! From the convenience of your home or office, you can earn up to 12 CE credits through an affordable, engaging virtual conference experience. Join us on September 21-23 to equip yourself and your team, for improved practice and effective leadership. Learn more and register at https://adoptioncouncil.org/conference/about

#socialworkce #adoptionconference #adoptionagencies #adoptionattorneys

Registration for the nation's leading training conference for adoption professionals is now open! From the convenience of your home or office, you can earn up to 12 CE credits through an affordable, engaging virtual conference experience. Join us on September 21-23 to equip yourself and your team, for improved practice and effective leadership. Learn more and register at https://adoptioncouncil.org/conference/about

#socialworkce #adoptionconference #adoptionagencies #adoptionattorneys

04/08/2021

Introduced last week by Representatives Smucker, Bacon, and Moore, The Improving Adoption Outcomes and Affordability Act would authorize the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to award grants to state or local governments, public or private adoption agencies, and faith-based organizations for the purpose of enhancing medical support services and mental health resources for mothers considering adoption. NCFA supports H.R. 2375 and encourages you to contact your Representatives about co-sponsoring this bill. You can find your Representative's information https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Introduced last week by Representatives Smucker, Bacon, and Moore, The Improving Adoption Outcomes and Affordability Act would authorize the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to award grants to state or local governments, public or private adoption agencies, and faith-based organizations for the purpose of enhancing medical support services and mental health resources for mothers considering adoption. NCFA supports H.R. 2375 and encourages you to contact your Representatives about co-sponsoring this bill. You can find your Representative's information https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

04/05/2021

Birth Mom Experiences in Open Adoption - National Council For Adoption

Choosing an #openadoption is just the first step in a lifelong journey for birth mothers. In this issue of the #AdoptionAdvocate written by BraveLove three birth moms share their stories and offer advice and encouragement to fellow and future birth moms for navigating their own open adoption. Their unique experiences offer valuable insights and inspiration to the whole adoption community.

Read it here: https://adoptioncouncil.org/publications/birth-mom-experiences-in-open-adoption/

Choosing an open adoption is just the first step in a lifelong journey for birth mothers. In this issue of the Adoption Advocate, three birthmoms share their stories and offer advice and encouragement to fellow and future birth moms for navigating their own open adoption. Their unique experiences of...

04/02/2021

NCFA stands for the right of every child, everywhere, to thrive in a permanent, loving family. There are children and youth with autism who are waiting for adoption in the U.S. and around the world. You may be the family they need. Learn more about special needs adoption through our free webinar at https://adoption.mclms.net/en/package/4932/course/10074/view
#specialneedsadoption #worldautismawarenessday

NCFA stands for the right of every child, everywhere, to thrive in a permanent, loving family. There are children and youth with autism who are waiting for adoption in the U.S. and around the world. You may be the family they need. Learn more about special needs adoption through our free webinar at https://adoption.mclms.net/en/package/4932/course/10074/view
#specialneedsadoption #worldautismawarenessday

03/31/2021

Couple adopts 7 siblings in foster care after parents die in car crash

"I think they didn’t quite trust that we were real. Like maybe we were going to go away,” Pam said. “I think it’s so hard to trust when so much has been taken from your life."

“I can’t explain it — I just knew I was supposed to be their mom.”

03/30/2021

NCFA strongly supports the bi-partisan efforts to remedy the citizenship issue for international adoptees who were adopted by American citizens. All of these children/individuals entered the U.S. legally with a clear path to citizenship, but many American families were confused by the complicated visa issuance process that allowed some to become citizens upon entry in the U.S. while others were required to complete additional steps in order for their children to become U.S. citizens. The result has been many thousands of adoptees who are entitled to U.S. citizen unknowingly without it. The Adoptee Citizenship Act will remedy this unintended consequence by recognizing that citizenship that was inherently promised to them when they were legally brought to the U.S. for the purpose of being adopted by an American citizen.

https://www.blunt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/blunt-hirono-collins-klobuchar-murkowski-duckworth-introduce-adoptee-citizenship-act-of-2021

NCFA strongly supports the bi-partisan efforts to remedy the citizenship issue for international adoptees who were adopted by American citizens. All of these children/individuals entered the U.S. legally with a clear path to citizenship, but many American families were confused by the complicated visa issuance process that allowed some to become citizens upon entry in the U.S. while others were required to complete additional steps in order for their children to become U.S. citizens. The result has been many thousands of adoptees who are entitled to U.S. citizen unknowingly without it. The Adoptee Citizenship Act will remedy this unintended consequence by recognizing that citizenship that was inherently promised to them when they were legally brought to the U.S. for the purpose of being adopted by an American citizen.

https://www.blunt.senate.gov/news/press-releases/blunt-hirono-collins-klobuchar-murkowski-duckworth-introduce-adoptee-citizenship-act-of-2021

03/29/2021

https://adoptioncouncil.org/ncfa-family-membership/

Prospective adoptive parents need clear information, reliable resources, and access to experts to help them make good decisions. NCFA and Your Adoption Finance Coach Academy, are teaming up to offer an affordable option that meets those needs and supports individuals in the adoption process.

Sign up by April 9th to be part of the first YAFC Academy orientation on April 13th!

https://adoptioncouncil.org/ncfa-family-membership/

Prospective adoptive parents need clear information, reliable resources, and access to experts to help them make good decisions. NCFA and Your Adoption Finance Coach Academy, are teaming up to offer an affordable option that meets those needs and supports individuals in the adoption process.

Sign up by April 9th to be part of the first YAFC Academy orientation on April 13th!