Permanency Tip of the Week: Adoption Series – Week 5 – Transracial Adoption
When a new family is created, there are inherent differences among the family members that must be openly and honestly acknowledged and addressed. This is especially true when it comes to transracial adoption. Both Adopted Persons and Adoptive Parent(s) must equally be involved in this journey of exploration, learning, and growth. For some, the journey may be more of a rollercoaster of thoughts and feelings. No matter where they are on their journey, let us be the ones to lean into these potentially challenging conversations, so that everyone involved may come out of the experience more in touch with both themselves and their families.
One of the great people I listen to and learn from as it relates to transracial adoption is April Dinwoodie – Host of the Born in June, Raised in April: What Adoption Can Teach the World! Podcast.
Permanency Success Story of the Week: “Stanford Youth Solutions Never Gave Up on Me,” said Diamond, 18
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families – Diamond grew up in and out of group homes. She had suffered abuse, neglect, and participated in risky behavior. She ran away from her group home and thought she had no other option than to live on the streets. About two years later, Diamond reappeared at her old group home, pregnant and alone. Living on the streets was a rough existence and Diamond was dealing with a lot of anger issues. She began working with Stanford Youth Solutions and was determined to succeed.
Challenged to focus on finding new solutions to old problems, Diamond learned coping skills to deescalate difficult situations with peers and family members, while understanding and managing her own feelings. The birth of her son was a real turning point in her life. Diamond didn’t want her son to grow up the way she had, without a stable home. Stanford Youth Solutions helped reconnect her with a caring family, provided necessary items for the baby and showed Diamond there were options for her to go back to school.
Diamond’s grandfather offered a safe and stable environment for her and her infant son to live. Diamond enrolled in a medical assistant program and is now managing her new life with confidence. “Stanford Youth Solutions never gave up on me,” said Diamond.
Permanency Related Articles:
Positive Childhood Experiences May Impact Long-Term Health More Than the Bad Ones
PsychCentral – When it comes to our long-term health, a new study reveals the importance of having positive childhood experiences, especially for those who have experienced significant adversity as a child. Over the last two decades, research has established a link between the number of adverse childhood events (such as death or divorce) and poor health outcomes later in life.
Now, the new study from Brigham Young University (BYU) shows that positive childhood experiences like having good neighbors, regular meals, or a caregiver you feel safe with, have the potential to negate harmful health effects caused by adverse childhood experiences… “As bad as ACEs may be, the absence of these positive childhood experiences and relationships may actually be more detrimental to lifelong health so we need more focus on increasing the positive,” Crandall said…
Crandall believes that increasing counter-ACES in the home is the easiest place to start, and she is working to educate the community about how to do this in conjunction with United Way.
Article: Child Abuse & Neglect Journal – Volume 108, October 2020, 104644
Virtual Conference 2020-21: Adopted Adults – Connections Across Generations
Rudd Adoption Research Program – Our program committee has been hard at work developing a re-imagined virtual version of the Rudd Adoption Research Program conference. We are committed to sharing the valuable content of the previously planned in-person program and are excited to share with the vision of the virtual conference. The program, Adopted Adults: Connections Across Generations, will span the 2020-21 academic year and feature both personal and professional insights that are shaping the future of adoption research, drawing heavily on the insights and work of adult adoptees themselves.
The fall 2020 portion of the program, Adopted and Fostered Adults and their Families: Intergenerational Relationships and Community Connections, will feature a dynamic group of speakers with a broad range of backgrounds. Throughout the fall, sessions will include presentations, dialogues, opportunities for networking through break-out sessions, and visual performances.
Registration for the sessions is required to receive links to the content. Through the generosity of our presenters and sponsors, there is no fee for attending.
Advancing Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion for Children & Families
Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) – Our world has changed significantly over the last several months. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the strengths and weaknesses of the systems, policies, and philosophies that shape how child welfare services are organized and delivered for populations that are vulnerable.
We all have witnessed the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on people of color and those living in poverty, as well as the recent global attention to racial inequities that persist, both within child welfare and within society at large. Now more than ever, we have significant work to do to ensure that all children and families have access to quality services and supports in their communities, bolstered by child welfare policies and practices that are intentionally focused on advancing racial justice, equity, and inclusion.
Join us online October 6-8, 2020 for the CWLA Virtual Summit: Advancing Racial Justice, Equity, and Inclusion for Children and Families. We look forward to exploring the evolution of child welfare services and the progress we’ve made; highlighting learning and innovations developed during these challenging times; discussing solutions and goals to achieve racial justice, equity, and inclusion; highlighting collaborative approaches for cross-system, cross-sector, and community engagement; and identifying system, policy, and funding changes needed for improved progress on family strengthening and child well-being…
Angels in Adoption Virtual Gala
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) – Now in its 22nd year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Angels Gala has celebrated thousands of hometown heroes and dozens of celebrities who emphasize the importance of a loving family in the life of a child.
These are challenging, uncertain times for all and CCAI knows we need to adapt fast to our changing reality to continue being a voice on Capitol Hill for children in need of families.
Now, more than ever, our community needs us. And we need you. CCAI is here to bridge the gap between congressional leaders, advocates, policy influencers, foundations, child welfare and adoption professionals, and service providers. With over 175 Members of Congress on the adoption caucus, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) is the largest bicameral, bipartisan caucus of the U.S. Congress.
5 Things People Still Get Wrong About Adoption in 2020
Adoptions with Love – We live in an advanced, modern society. Women earn more college degrees than men. Big corporations put an emphasis on diversity and acceptance in the workplace. Families can connect – and literally see one another – from opposite ends of the earth, all with a click of a button. Yet there are still many misconceptions when it comes to the world of adoption. This age-old option for women facing an unplanned pregnancy is not a radical one, yet many people hold onto dated assumptions and judgments that affect birth mothers, adoptive families, and adopted children alike…
Misconception 1: Adoption should be kept secret from a child, at least until “a certain age.” Misconception 2: Birth mothers are irresponsible/“giving up.” Misconception 3: Parents only decide to adopt after facing infertility. Misconception 4: Birth mothers move on after the adoption. Misconception 5: Birth parents can show up to “take back” their child at any time…
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