This content was originally published by Creating a Family, the national infertility education and support nonprofit. We talk a lot about adopting an older child or teen from foster care, but what is the experience really like? We asked a mom who adopted a 16-year-old from foster care to share her real experience—both the good
Young Couple Enthusiastically Adopts Five Siblings
Miranda and Brian planned to adopt internationally through Children’s Home Society. Then they found out they were too young to fulfill the age requirement for the international program and decided to become foster parents until they turned 25. Just after becoming licensed, they provided weekend respite care for a sibling group of four. The children
Five Reasons to Consider an Adoption Medicine Clinic Assessment for Your Adopted or Fostered Child
The Adoption Medicine Clinic at the University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive child wellness assessment for children who have experienced early adversity. With a team consisting of a pediatrician or nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, and child psychologist, the assessment includes a medical, developmental, and mental health screening. 1. Children in foster care and those adopted
George and Jami Edwards: Giving Back through Birthday Celebrations
To customers at Dave and Buster’s in Edina, Minnesota who saw a group of kids playing arcade games and eating pizza and cake, it probably looked like a typical birthday party. And, they would be right. It was a typical birthday party — which is exactly what George and Jami Edwards hoped for when they
Free Webinar on Find Foster Families Day
For a second year, Adoption is Love Fund is organizing Find Foster Families Day on October 8, 2019. This comes three days after the community awareness and celebration event, the Fostering is Love Walk. Both events are focused on bringing attention to the need for foster families. On an average day in 2018, there were
Considering Concurrent Planning: Is It Right for You?
This content was originally published by North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) Concurrent planning makes a promise to a child: When you enter foster care you will be placed with only one family and that family will see you through reunification with your family, or if reunification is not safe or possible, the foster
Helping New Foster Kids Transition Into Your Family
This content was originally published by Creating a Family, the national infertility education and support nonprofit. Foster children who come to your home have likely endured a great deal of loss and hurt before coming through your front door. Helping new foster kids transition into your family can be challenging for everyone, as you try
Caring for Minnesota’s Most Vulnerable for Over Three Decades
When Karen Broback received a call about a newborn who had been exposed to meth and amphetamines, she didn’t hesitate. Karen, a licensed foster care provider, cared for the infant for two and half months. Children who form secure attachments in infancy are more likely to have healthy relationships throughout their life. Healthy brain development
Coping with Fear of the Unknown When Adopting
This content was originally published by Creating a Family, the national infertility education and support nonprofit. When most of us think about becoming a parent, we dream of a healthy child. We may not expect perfection, but sure hope that our child does not have significant special needs. So how do you cope with the
A Whirlwind Adoption
A rush to finalize before a teen turns 18 On a cold Thursday in January, Jeff received the call that started a flurry of events to adopt his fourth son. He had been home study approved for about a year and a half and was specifically waiting for a teen who needed a family. “When
