Courtney’s skills as an attorney came in handy as she explored becoming an adoptive parent. She did her research, keeping in mind her situation as a single woman with a high-pressure job. She interviewed friends who had adopted children. She scoped out agencies that could help navigate the adoption process. And, then, she decided: yes,
Preparing Your Finances for Adoption
Money is never the primary reason people decide to adopt, nor should it be. Actually, for many it isn’t even in the equation until you sign on the dotted line with an agency or professional. Hopefully, before you make that commitment, your adoption professional has given some idea of the costs associated with your adoption.
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
Is it really my birthday today?
It’s after midnight, which means today is my 57th birthday. Growing up as an adoptee, I always celebrated my birthday without questioning it. But today, I thought… is today really my real birthday? If so, what time was I born? where was I born? who gave birth to me? who is my birth father? do
2019 SWS Welcome Home Program
A 7-day program for adoptees to experience their birth country of Korea Social Welfare Society in South Korea invites adoptees to apply for their annual Welcome Home program. The hope is to help adoptees better understand Korean culture, volunteer in their birthland, and build connections with volunteers in Korea. Details of the Program The program
Photo Album: Recognizing Grief and Loss in Adoption
I remember the day when I first met my son at the adoption agency in Seoul, South Korea. I woke up that morning feeling a range of emotions from complete anticipation, to sheer happiness, to utter anxiety. I waited nearly a year to meet my son and now I was just hours away. As I
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
Vaccinations and Internationally Adopted Children
Originally published February 9, 2016, updated May 2, 2019. With the resurgence of measles around the U.S. and worldwide and the release of even more publications that have debunked any link between vaccinations and autism, parents are discussing vaccinations more than ever with friends, family and their medical providers. So what is a parent to
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
2019 Korean Language and Culture Scholarship
Eastern Social Welfare Society (ESWS) is once again accepting applications for its Korean Language and Culture Program. ESWS has been running the scholarship program for years to help Korean adoptees learn the Korean language and gain exposure to Korean culture. By doing so, they aim to help adoptees learn and understand their heritage better and
