Adoption And The Foster Care System
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2013-01-31/adoption-and-foster-care-system
The number of Americans adopting internationally has dropped significantly, in part because of tighter rules set by foreign governments. And child advocates point out that there are thousands of kids in need of permanent homes here in the U.S. In D.C., the Child and Family Services Agency is revamping its support networks for families, foster parents and foster children. We look at how the foster care system fits into the adoption picture.
Guests
Brenda Donald
Director, DC's Child and Family Services Agency
Comments
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International adoption INTEREST has not declined but finding simplified, streamlined instructions that are compatible to the process is near impossible. Even from lawyer to lawyer, the process can change.
Is CFS aware of the potential for any of these laws, rules, processes changing or being revised in light of real-world negative experiences?
My husband and I are planning to adopt from West Africa and have a social worker that I'm working with in the country. We live in MD. Does CFS offer assistance to residents outside of the District?
My husband and I want to begin the adoption process and would strongly consider adopting from the foster system. However, we are also concerned about costs. I wasn't able to find any information about the financial factors on the CFSA website. Also, please out line the process to adopt from foster. Thanks.
Victoria Lawson and Ms. Hembry are terrific. I still have questions about the focus on "taking every effort to reunite children with family members or even family friends". This can happen even after a child has been in your care for some time. I had one experience where based on what the Aunt told me, she was drafted. She did not come forward. I want to learn more about the Agency's policy on this and what position does this put the foster to adoption families.
Thanks and I congratulate you on all your efforts and successes in stabilizing the agency
Hello,
I work with The Barker Foundation in Bethesda, MD. Our older child adoption program, Project Wait No Longer works to place youth in the foster care system with local families. We have the ability to search for legally free children across the nation and we support families through the entire process.
The adoption process generally starts with taking PRIDE training. This is a requirement for both public and private agencies. I think this is a great training because it really prepares you for realities of children in the foster care system.
Please feel free take a look at our website, www.barkerfoundation.org and let us know if you have any questions.
I just want to note how much I appreciate what the speakers have shared. As an adoption therapist with the Center for Adoption Support and Education in the MD/VA area and adoptive parent of an adult - I want to underscore an adoptee's right to their original birth certificate, and support for open adoption. Families do need adoption-competent support to navigate these unique relationships. We will be offering a FREE webinar on open adoption relationships on Thursday, March 21. Please visit our website www.adoptionsupport.org for more information.
Those interested in adoption from foster care might want to consider the DC Foster & Youth Initiative (www.dcfyi.org ) which is the only nonprofit in the District working to place DC foster teens in adoptive homes. What's great about DCFYI is that you meet the kids in an informal setting, at one of the monthly events, along with other adults, who volunteer, mentor, host and adopt. As you get to know the kids, you decide what you might feel comfortable doing...
Hi. I called in to comment while the January 31 program was live, re HB 22 and SB 165, Adult Adoptee access to their original birth certificate for any Maryland-born adoptee. These bills are now in the Maryland House and Senate. For those who want to support this bill, you can find www.obcmaryland.org GO to BILL, there are links to the members of the committees in house and Senate, and the bills, and you can write in support. PLEASE DO. Also, for all adult adoptees, we have a monthly support group. I am the MARYLAND/DC State Representative for the AMERICAN ADOPTION CONGRESS, and am anxious to hear from anyone who is interested in this subject, and/or invite you to the support group. email address: dcmetrocub@aol.com . There you will meet others who have issues or questions, or thoughts about being an adoptee, and we would love to have you join us.
Hi. I called in to comment while the January 31 program was live, re HB 22 and SB 165, Adult Adoptee access to records. These bills are now in the Maryland House and Senate. For those who want to support this bill, you can find www.obcmaryland.org GO to BILL, there are links to the members of the committees in house and Senate, and the bills, and you can write in support. PLEASE DO. Also, for adult adoptees, we have a monthly support group. I am the MARYLAND/DC State Representative and am anxious to hear from anyone who is interested in this subject, and/or invite you to the support group. email address: dcmetrocub@aol.com . There you will meet others who have issues or questions, or thoughts about being an adoptee, and we would love to have you join us.