Adoption....From the eyes of a child

When adopting a child, there is always so much excitement, happiness and energy that surround the process.  Dreams come true, people become parents, and children gain a stable and loving family.  What is often overlooked is the child's perspective.

We have to go into adoption knowing that we need to focus primarily on the child's perspective.  Of course, being adopted is a big change in the child's life.  He will hopefully receive lots of love, new extended family members for support, and a sense of security and stability through the adoption. But, we need to understand that there is no happy way to get to the point of adoption. Every child's adoption has a back-story, and that back-story includes loss and grief.  The reasons that the child was available for adoption will be complex and the child may struggle with feelings of abandonment and rejection.  If the child is originally from a different country, there is the extra layer of loss of his larger cultural community and customs. We must be sensitive to this grief and loss and try to understand so that we know how to help our adopted child through the hard times he has faced in his life. The child will process these feelings throughout his lifetime and we need to educate ourselves as to how to respond in healthy and affirming ways.  We also need to know about post adoption support resources in our community that can bring a larger world view and context to the adoption experience for the child.  

Below is a two-part link that will lead you to a story from a young adopted woman's perspective.  Kristina is an unusual young woman who seems at peace with her adoption experience.  We know that every adoption story is unique and we hope you enjoy reading about Kristina's journey.

Http://hopeathomeblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/adopted-childs-perspective-on-adoption.html

http://hopeathomeblog.blogspot.com/2011/05/adopted-childs-perspective-kristina.html

Drafted by Brittany Alness, staff member of the Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC.

Disclaimer This blog and the information contained within have been prepared by Law Offices of Karen S. Law, PLC for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. This information is not intended to create, nor does receipt of it constitute an attorney-client relationship. Viewers should not act upon information found here without seeking legal counsel. All photographs shown on this web-site are depictions of clients and are not actual clients of this law firm. Copyright Karen S. Law, 2015

Adoption Law: Start to Finish

Adoption Law: Start to Finish

Sign up for this live seminar on January 27, 2015 for 9am-4:30pm!

Location:

Hilton Garden Inn Fairfax3950 Fair Ridge Dr.Fairfax, VA 22033 

Program Description

Ensure a Smooth Path to a New Life

Adoption is an emotional process for all the parties involved. Are you prepared to assist and guide your clients through this highly emotional time in their lives? Whether you represent the birth parents or the adoptive parents, our faculty will update you on the latest adoption laws, help you understand various procedures and requirements, and give you the background you need to handle adoption cases without unnecessary delays, ethical problems, or surprises. Enroll today!

• Get all the adoption assistance available for your clients, including tax credits and allowable expenses.
• Advise wisely on the differences between licensed agencies and facilitators.
• Find out what the judges are looking for in the adoption process.
• Get practical tips for home study investigations in domestic and intercountry adoptions.
• Ensure clients are adhering to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.
• Find out how the latest Supreme Court cases and adoption decisions are likely to affect your future cases.
• Avoid problems when dealing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services when adopting an international child by knowing what to expect ahead of time.
• Prepare for problems such as third-party challenges and dissolution of adoption.
• Advise clients knowledgeably with an understanding of current adoption law.
• Tackle sensitive ethical issues and other problems that are unique in adoption situations.

Who Should Attend

This basic-to-intermediate level seminar is designed for professionals who want to learn more about adoption laws and proceedings. Those who should attend include:

• Attorneys
• Paralegals
• Adoption Agency Employees
• Social Workers
• Counselors

Course Content

1. Introduction: Overview of Adoption Options
2. Parental Placement Adoptions
3. Home Study Investigations
4. Agency Adoptions
5. What the Judges are Looking for
6. Interstate Adoptions and Federal Legislation
7. Supreme Court Cases and Adoption Decisions
8. Intercountry Adoption
9. Contested Adoptions
10. Ethics

Click on the link below to register today!

http://www.nbi-sems.com/Details.aspx/R-67843ER%7C?ctname=SPKEM