We will now be meeting at Baskin-Robins (less than 2 miles from the Temple.)
8650 Genesee Avenue
Ste 104
San Diego , CA 92122
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
A Sweet Change of Plans
A BIG thank you to Jamie for informing me that the Cold Stone Creamery we planned to meet at following our Temple trip has been replaced by a cupcake shop.
We will now be meeting at Baskin-Robins (less than 2 miles from the Temple.)
8650 Genesee Avenue
Ste 104
San Diego , CA 92122
We will now be meeting at Baskin-Robins (less than 2 miles from the Temple.)
8650 Genesee Avenue
Ste 104
San Diego , CA 92122
Monday, November 15, 2010
Come to the House of the Lord
Just a reminder:
You are invited to attend a special Chapel and Endowment session
THIS, Saturday, November 20, 2010
San Diego LDS Temple
7474 Charmant Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
Chapel Session begins at 6:00 p.m. with President and Sister Sorensen, of the Temple Presidency
Endowment Session begins at 6:30 p.m.
Followed by a trip to Baskin-Robins (less than 2 miles from the Temple.)
8650 Genesee Avenue
Ste 104
San Diego , CA 92122
This Temple Trip is for any endowed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who is interested in adoption, has been, or currently is involved in the adoption process, and all adoption advocates.
I hope to see you there!!!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Adoption Books for Children
Great adoption books for children are hard to come by. Sure, you can find a list of dozens and dozens of children's books on the topic on-line, but actually finding these books in your local bookstore or library is a rarity. This fact was made more clear this month, as we contacted our local libraries and asked them to do adoption book displays for National Adoption Month. In order to create and maintain even a small display, libraries often had to combine their adoption related books with books on foster care, parenting, or in another FSA chapter, pet adoption. While all are important topics to spotlight, the demand to have resources available regarding the topic of adoption is clearly greater than what is provided.
6. Red or Blue, I Like You, Seasme Street. I found this in the dollar bins at Target.
Luckily, there are some great books that I have been blessed to find that I would recommend adding to (or as you start) your adoption library:
1. Tell Me Again About the Night I was Born, by Jamie Lee Curtis
2. God Found Us You, by Lisa Tawn Bergren
The following books never mention the word "adoption," but are all excellent at teaching the truth that we do not need to look alike to be a family or to love each other. These are not only great books for adoptive families, but for all families, to teach children to value and respect our differences.
3. A Mother for Choco, by Keiko Kasza
4. I Don't Have Your Eyes, by Carrie A. Kitze
6. Red or Blue, I Like You, Seasme Street. I found this in the dollar bins at Target.
7. The Rainbow Zebra. My mother found this at a garage sale, but I have seen it sold on Etsy sites, just google it:)
8. All the Colors of the Earth, by Sheila Hamanaka
I am a mother of a transracial family. I have two adoptive boys, and the oldest is almost three. He loves all of these books. I have been able to have very tender, heartfelt, age appropriate conversations with him about adoption, his birth mom, and his beautiful skin and curly hair as a result of reading these stories to him at bedtime. I hope they will be a blessing to your families as well.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Straight From The Heart
Service Project Update
If making donations to Straight From the Heart directly,
you can do so at 839 W. San Marcos Blvd. San Marcos, CA 92078,
Drop off times are Tuesday 9 AM -2 PM & Wed-Fri 10 AM-3 PM
If making donations to Straight From the Heart directly,
you can do so at 839 W. San Marcos Blvd. San Marcos, CA 92078,
Drop off times are Tuesday 9 AM -2 PM & Wed-Fri 10 AM-3 PM
Monday, October 4, 2010
SAVE THE DATE
Be sure to mark your calendars for all of the events taking place in November.
Adoption Training Meeting
Sponsored by LDSFS and Families Supporting Adoption
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
7:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Escondido South Stake Center
2255 Felicita Rd
Escondido, CA 92029
Jamie Pyatt, MSW, LCSW, adoption worker for LDS Family Services
will be covering the following topics:
“Infertility” and “Grief”
This meeting is for anyone who is interested in adoption, has been, or currently is involved in the adoption process, and all adoption advocates.
***For couples currently in the adoption process, these are required topics, and this class can be applied to the required hours of adoption training.
San Diego Temple Trip
Saturday, November 20, 2010
San Diego LDS Temple
7474 Charmant Dr
San Diego, CA 92122
Chapel Session begins at 6:00 p.m. with the San Diego Temple Matron, Sister Olsen
Endowment Session begins at 6:30 p.m.
Followed by a trip to Cold Stone Creamery:
4705 Clairemont Dr # B
San Diego, CA 92117
This Temple Trip is for any endowed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who is interested in adoption, has been, or currently is involved in the adoption process, and all adoption advocates.
Service Project
Throughout the entire month of November, Families Supporting Adoption, San Diego Chapter, will be collecting items to donate to Straight From the Heart, Inc., a resource center and resale store in San Marcos, CA, providing help to Foster Children and Foster Parents. We are asking for new or gently used items for children ages newborn to 5 years, such as:
Clothes, shoes, car seats, high chairs, cribs, dressers, twin bedding, crib sheets, diapers, wipes, bottles, educational toys, swings, bouncer chairs, boppy pillows, backpacks, crayons, pencils, burp cloths, bibs, diaper bags, baby carriers, hats, wash cloths, and hooded towels.
(No stuffed animals, please)
You can bring your donated items to the training meeting on November 10th, donate them to the store directly at:
839 W. San Marcos Blvd. San Marcos, CA 92078,
or contact sandiegofsa@gmail.com
to arrange for pick-up.
National Adoption Conference from a Birth-Mom's Perspective
First let me say that I am so lucky to be involved in the Adoption community, there are so many wonderful people, and I love to hear about other adoption stories, no matter what side they come from. Although adoption for birthmothers is a completely different experience compared to the experience the adoptive couple has; the amazing thing is: we all come together for the same reason. We all come together because we all want what is best for these beautiful children; we all have a great love for adoption, and the hope, the blessings and the comfort it may bring to each of us. Although I have only met a handful of people through the world of adoption, it is such a loving community that you instantly feel a part of the adoption family.
I was lucky enough to attend the National FSA Conference for the second year in a row. I am truly impressed with the information that was provided and with the increased opportunities for birth-moms. Often in San Diego as a birth-mom, it can feel quite lonely, thinking that I am the only birth-mom around (even though I know that is not true) with that, the most influential part of the conference for me is being able to meet so many other birth-moms, and to have my support system multiply within one weekend. Having that one commonality instantly brought us all together; knowing that we all went through or is currently going through the most trying time in our life, it creates a bond that no one can deny.
There were so many great classes for everyone that may be influenced by adoption: adoptive couples, birth-moms and the new addition this year was birth-grandparents. For me the most memorable class that was offered was geared towards the adoptive couples, it was a panel of adoptees (those who have been adopted themselves). This had such an impact on me because one of the main concerns when placing my baby for adoption was how he would feel about being adopted. It was such a comfort to hear that a majority of those on the panel had confidence in their adoption story, had respect for their birth parents, and for those who had an open adoption, had a healthy relationship with their birth-parents.
In addition to this class another helpful class was for birth-moms and the healing process. The healing process starts from the very beginning of the pregnancy, it is not only after placement. Pregnancy is the preparatory phase for what placement is going to be like, and how to plan on moving forward in life. It has been more than three years since I placed my precious little boy with his family, and I am still healing and growing from my experience.
On top of all of this, my all time favorite part of the conference was being able to present. Another birth-mom (Amanda) and I got to co-present one of the birth-mom classes on “Deciding who and when to tell.” I love any opportunity I have to share my story, especially on this topic of deciding who to tell that I am a birth-mom, and that I place my baby for adoption. Although I am proud of that title, I am hesitant to share my story with everybody because I am very protective of it and hold it so near and dear to my heart. It was comforting to hear that there are many other birth-moms that feel the same way, and that there are so many ways of telling our story, and with moving forward in our lives.
I am so proud to be a birth-mom; it is an honor that I do not take lightly. I consider myself blessed for being able to attend the National Families Supporting Adoption Conference this year, and I look forward to all the experiences, blessings and new friendships that I will gain through adoption.
-Tera Miller, FSA Board Member
I was lucky enough to attend the National FSA Conference for the second year in a row. I am truly impressed with the information that was provided and with the increased opportunities for birth-moms. Often in San Diego as a birth-mom, it can feel quite lonely, thinking that I am the only birth-mom around (even though I know that is not true) with that, the most influential part of the conference for me is being able to meet so many other birth-moms, and to have my support system multiply within one weekend. Having that one commonality instantly brought us all together; knowing that we all went through or is currently going through the most trying time in our life, it creates a bond that no one can deny.
There were so many great classes for everyone that may be influenced by adoption: adoptive couples, birth-moms and the new addition this year was birth-grandparents. For me the most memorable class that was offered was geared towards the adoptive couples, it was a panel of adoptees (those who have been adopted themselves). This had such an impact on me because one of the main concerns when placing my baby for adoption was how he would feel about being adopted. It was such a comfort to hear that a majority of those on the panel had confidence in their adoption story, had respect for their birth parents, and for those who had an open adoption, had a healthy relationship with their birth-parents.
In addition to this class another helpful class was for birth-moms and the healing process. The healing process starts from the very beginning of the pregnancy, it is not only after placement. Pregnancy is the preparatory phase for what placement is going to be like, and how to plan on moving forward in life. It has been more than three years since I placed my precious little boy with his family, and I am still healing and growing from my experience.
On top of all of this, my all time favorite part of the conference was being able to present. Another birth-mom (Amanda) and I got to co-present one of the birth-mom classes on “Deciding who and when to tell.” I love any opportunity I have to share my story, especially on this topic of deciding who to tell that I am a birth-mom, and that I place my baby for adoption. Although I am proud of that title, I am hesitant to share my story with everybody because I am very protective of it and hold it so near and dear to my heart. It was comforting to hear that there are many other birth-moms that feel the same way, and that there are so many ways of telling our story, and with moving forward in our lives.
I am so proud to be a birth-mom; it is an honor that I do not take lightly. I consider myself blessed for being able to attend the National Families Supporting Adoption Conference this year, and I look forward to all the experiences, blessings and new friendships that I will gain through adoption.
-Tera Miller, FSA Board Member
Friday, September 17, 2010
Finding Friday
David and Dawn have been happily married for 15 years, and anxiously look forward to the blessing and opportunity of being parents. David and Dawn love to have fun, stay active, travel, and each brings many great talents to their partnership. This couple has a large extended family, including several nieces and nephews. While they cherish their roles as Aunt and Uncle, their greatest desire is to become Mom and Dad. To learn more about this great couple, and to share their information with anyone you know who may be considering adoption, please follow THIS link.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Changes to LDS Family Services Adoption Policy
LDSFS has had several policy changes regarding adoption services.
The following are applicable only for new clients as of August 1, 2010:
1. Couples must seek professional medical assessment and treatment for infertility prior to applying for an infant adoption. Documentation must be provided by a licensed medical physician.
2. A couple may apply for infant adoption if they have two of fewer children. A couple may apply for additional children through designated or special needs adoption.
The following changes are applicable with couples currently in the adoption process:
1. The Adoption Study Summary (home study) expires one year from the date of approval and must be updated with an addendum unless otherwise directed by local government regulations. a $300. fee will be charged for each Adoption Study Update. The adoption study fee will not be credited toward the placement fee.
2. When an adoptive couple transfers to another LDSFS office, a $300 fee to update the Adoptive Study Summary will be charged.
3. The Adoptive Study Summary must be completed and approved within one year of acceptance as a client or the file will be closed.
Q&A- Some questions that have already been asked about the policy change:
Q: There are women who can not have, or have been advised by a doctor not to have, children (or additional children) for reasons other than infertility, will such individuals still be able to adopt through LDSFS?
A: Yes. Such situations will be considered on a case by case bases.
Q: If a couple having no (or any number of) children has a designated adoption, will they still be required to have the medical assessment for infertility?
A: They will still need a medical assessment for the purpose of good health, but not for fertility.
***If you have any questions regarding the policy changes please e-mail us and we will forward your questions to the adoption manager for clarification.
The following are applicable only for new clients as of August 1, 2010:
1. Couples must seek professional medical assessment and treatment for infertility prior to applying for an infant adoption. Documentation must be provided by a licensed medical physician.
2. A couple may apply for infant adoption if they have two of fewer children. A couple may apply for additional children through designated or special needs adoption.
The following changes are applicable with couples currently in the adoption process:
1. The Adoption Study Summary (home study) expires one year from the date of approval and must be updated with an addendum unless otherwise directed by local government regulations. a $300. fee will be charged for each Adoption Study Update. The adoption study fee will not be credited toward the placement fee.
2. When an adoptive couple transfers to another LDSFS office, a $300 fee to update the Adoptive Study Summary will be charged.
3. The Adoptive Study Summary must be completed and approved within one year of acceptance as a client or the file will be closed.
Q&A- Some questions that have already been asked about the policy change:
Q: There are women who can not have, or have been advised by a doctor not to have, children (or additional children) for reasons other than infertility, will such individuals still be able to adopt through LDSFS?
A: Yes. Such situations will be considered on a case by case bases.
Q: If a couple having no (or any number of) children has a designated adoption, will they still be required to have the medical assessment for infertility?
A: They will still need a medical assessment for the purpose of good health, but not for fertility.
***If you have any questions regarding the policy changes please e-mail us and we will forward your questions to the adoption manager for clarification.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Adoption Training Meeting
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Del Mar Stake Center
12701 Torrey Bluff Drive
San Diego, CA 92130
We will be covering the following topics:
"San Diego County Foster Care"
and
"Foster-to-Adopt (2 yrs and under)"
This meeting is for anyone who is interested in adoption, has been, or currently is involved in the adoption process, and all adoption advocates.
***For couples currently in the adoption process, this class can be applied to the required hours of adoption training.
Monday, September 6, 2010
National FSA Conference Recap (Adoptive Parent Perspective)
I was very lucky to be able to attend the national FSA conference in Layton, UT this summer. The theme was, "Together by Divine Design." They offered a wide range of classes. I attended the following classes:
1. Raising a multi-racial family
2. FSA leadership training
3. Film: Living on the fault line: where race and family meet
4. Latent racism and racial socialization
5."Whole Story:" A panel that shared their adoption story from the perspective of the adoptive parents, birth parents, birth grandparents, and caseworkers.
6. Communication with birth parents:The Secret to a successful open adoption
7. Transracial adoption panel
8. Birth parent panel
As you can see, I was very anxious to attend every class I could about transracial adoption. I have adopted bi-racial and African American children, and will be teaching the adoption training on transracial adoption in January.
There were so many other classes touching on so many different aspect of adoption. I wish I could have attended them all.
For me, the best parts of the conference were the birth parent panel and the keynote address. Every time I have attended a meeting or conference regarding adoption, there seems to always be at least one moment where the spirit of the Lord is truly tangible and is very sacred. I felt that way during each of these events.
The Keynote address way given by former BYU football player, current BYU quarterbacks coach, and father of four adopted children, Brandon Doman.
His address, as well as some of the other classes and handouts from the conference will be available to view soon on the national FSA website, so if you have not yet officially joined FSA, be sure to do so.
I loved meeting so many wonderful people, finding strength in each other, acquiring so many wonderful new resources to apply to FSA and to my own adoptive family, and I must say, the food was amazing!!!. I was able to learn so much more about everyone in the adoption triad and see in greater detail how the Lord is very much in support of, and so perfectly directing the marvelous work of adoption.
Oh, and I was lucky enough to get to know and spend a lot of the conference with a remarkable woman who was a writer for the church news, so that is how our little chapter got our 15 minutes of fame in this article.
Anyone is welcome to attend the conference, so please mark your calendar for next year. The conference will be at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, UT July 29th-30th, 2011.
1. Raising a multi-racial family
2. FSA leadership training
3. Film: Living on the fault line: where race and family meet
4. Latent racism and racial socialization
5."Whole Story:" A panel that shared their adoption story from the perspective of the adoptive parents, birth parents, birth grandparents, and caseworkers.
6. Communication with birth parents:The Secret to a successful open adoption
7. Transracial adoption panel
8. Birth parent panel
As you can see, I was very anxious to attend every class I could about transracial adoption. I have adopted bi-racial and African American children, and will be teaching the adoption training on transracial adoption in January.
There were so many other classes touching on so many different aspect of adoption. I wish I could have attended them all.
For me, the best parts of the conference were the birth parent panel and the keynote address. Every time I have attended a meeting or conference regarding adoption, there seems to always be at least one moment where the spirit of the Lord is truly tangible and is very sacred. I felt that way during each of these events.
The Keynote address way given by former BYU football player, current BYU quarterbacks coach, and father of four adopted children, Brandon Doman.
His address, as well as some of the other classes and handouts from the conference will be available to view soon on the national FSA website, so if you have not yet officially joined FSA, be sure to do so.
I loved meeting so many wonderful people, finding strength in each other, acquiring so many wonderful new resources to apply to FSA and to my own adoptive family, and I must say, the food was amazing!!!. I was able to learn so much more about everyone in the adoption triad and see in greater detail how the Lord is very much in support of, and so perfectly directing the marvelous work of adoption.
Oh, and I was lucky enough to get to know and spend a lot of the conference with a remarkable woman who was a writer for the church news, so that is how our little chapter got our 15 minutes of fame in this article.
Anyone is welcome to attend the conference, so please mark your calendar for next year. The conference will be at the Davis Conference Center in Layton, UT July 29th-30th, 2011.
Pass Through Funds
During our last adoption training meeting, a few questions were asked regarding "pass-through expenses."
According to LDSFS, "Adoptive couples may agree to pay pass-through expenses incurred by the birth mother during the pregnancy and up to ninety (90) days post-partum. Pass-through expenses are expenses submitted by a birth mother to the agency for reimbursement and passed-through to the adoptive couple for payment. Pass-through expenses are limited by applicable law and regulation and not to exceed $3000. Medical expenses are to be covered by the adoption fee."
If you choose to pay pass-through expenses, you will pay the full $3000. to your caseworker when you submit your final adoption fees (at the time of placement.) After 90 days, any unused part of that $3000.00 will be returned to the adoptive couple.
When searching through couple profiles, a birth parent will not see if you have offered to pay for pass-through expenses or not. However; if a birth mother requires the additional financial assistance, a caseworker will aid the birth parents in narrowing their search to couples who have stated that they are able to pay the pass-through expenses. As such, if you are able to pay the pass-through expenses, your profile becomes available to many more birth parents.
If you have any further questions about pass-through expenses, or any other adoption related topics, please e-mail us.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
WANT TO JOIN FSA BUT DON'T KNOW HOW???
You may have attended FSA meetings and/or activities, but have yet to become an official FSA member. To join the national FSA organization go to the FSA website. On the right hand side of the page, click on, "FSA member log in." On the following page click on the top right-hand corner that says, "sign-up/login." You will then automatically become even cooler than you already are, and gain access to even more wonderful resources.
If you are currently receiving e-mail updates regarding local FSA chapter meetings/events, then you are considered a member of the San Diego chapter. If you do not receive these e-mails but would like to join the local chapter and learn more about FSA, please e-mail us and we will add you to the list.
If you are currently receiving e-mail updates regarding local FSA chapter meetings/events, then you are considered a member of the San Diego chapter. If you do not receive these e-mails but would like to join the local chapter and learn more about FSA, please e-mail us and we will add you to the list.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Who Are You???
Hey Everyone. Our FSA chapter is now on FACEBOOK. We would love for you to join our Facebook group and take advantage of just another great way to participate in adoption networking & support. Also, if you have not yet become an official follower of this blog, please take a moment to do so. We would love to get to know you!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
ADOPTION TRAINING MEETING
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
7:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Del Mar Stake Center
12701 Torrey Bluff Drive
San Diego, CA 92130
We will be covering the following topics:
"Adoption: Open vs. Closed and Everywhere in Between,"
And
"The Preference Checklist."
*** For couples currently in the adoption process through LDSFS, this class can be applied to the required hours of adoption training. If adopting through another agency, please confirm with that agency if they will also accept these classes for their required training.
If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please feel free to contact us @ sandiegofsa@gmail.com.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Fun at the Fair
Thanks to everyone who helped staff the booth at the fair. We even had some help from the Colton Chapter. I can't think of a better way to spend 4th of July weekend: beautiful San Diego weather, great people watching, eating deep fried smores, and promoting adoption all at the same time!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Meet Me At The Fair
We are very excited that FSA will have an information booth at the San Diego Fair THIS WEEKEND (July 2nd-3rd.) Our booth will be located at the infield pavilion (behind the grandstand and across the infield bridge.) Our booth will be staffed by adoptive parents who have adopted through LDSFS, a foster to adopt agency, and an attorney. We will have a wealth of information to help all members of the adoption triad and friends of adoption. If you will be at the fair this weekend, be sure to stop by and say, "Hi!."
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Meet Your FSA Board
ERIN PACKARD: CHAIRPERSON
Erin is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She received a Bachelor's degree in Marriage, Family and Human Development from Brigham Young University. Erin and her hubby celebrated their 10 year anniversary this year. They are adoptive parents of two boys. Carson was born in December of 2007, and Tyler was born in January of 2010. As a mother who has experienced two very different, transracial adoptions, with varying levels of openness with birth mother's, Erin hopes that her experiences can help other's going through the adoption process.
TERA MILLER: VICE-CHAIR
Tera is a birth mom to James who was born July 31st, 2007. She has an open adoption with his family, who lives in Utah; has been able to have multiple visits, and loves the opportunities and blessings that adoption provides. She is currently attending SDSU, completing her Masters in Social Work degree, to become an adoption worker, and loves any chance she can get to be involved in the adoption world.
NICOLE DUNN: VICE-CHAIR
Nicole is a southern California native who was raised in San Diego County. She served in the Korea, Taejon mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nicole has a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Brigham Young University and a Masters of Education in Cross Cultural Teaching from National University. She and her husband, Steven, have been married since 2003. They are adoptive parents of two girls, Shannen, born in April of 2006, and Kirsten, born in August 2009. Nicole worked as an elementary school teacher for five years prior to the birth of her first daughter and enjoys being a full-time homemaker and caregiver for her daughters.
Erin is originally from St. Louis, Missouri. She received a Bachelor's degree in Marriage, Family and Human Development from Brigham Young University. Erin and her hubby celebrated their 10 year anniversary this year. They are adoptive parents of two boys. Carson was born in December of 2007, and Tyler was born in January of 2010. As a mother who has experienced two very different, transracial adoptions, with varying levels of openness with birth mother's, Erin hopes that her experiences can help other's going through the adoption process.
TERA MILLER: VICE-CHAIR
Tera is a birth mom to James who was born July 31st, 2007. She has an open adoption with his family, who lives in Utah; has been able to have multiple visits, and loves the opportunities and blessings that adoption provides. She is currently attending SDSU, completing her Masters in Social Work degree, to become an adoption worker, and loves any chance she can get to be involved in the adoption world.
NICOLE DUNN: VICE-CHAIR
Nicole is a southern California native who was raised in San Diego County. She served in the Korea, Taejon mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Nicole has a Bachelor of Science in dietetics from Brigham Young University and a Masters of Education in Cross Cultural Teaching from National University. She and her husband, Steven, have been married since 2003. They are adoptive parents of two girls, Shannen, born in April of 2006, and Kirsten, born in August 2009. Nicole worked as an elementary school teacher for five years prior to the birth of her first daughter and enjoys being a full-time homemaker and caregiver for her daughters.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Adoptive Couple Action Plan
We had a great adoption information meeting in April.
Christine Robey, the manager for adoptions for the Fountain Valley and San Diego offices, gave a great overview of the adoption process through LDSFS.
Jamie Pyatt, an adoption caseworker at LDSFS, spoke about "Placement Prep."
Erin Packard, FSA Chairperson, spoke about, "The Proactive Adoption," and "Why FSA?"
Lastly we had a great Q&A panel with Christine, Jamie, Tera Miller (birth mom) and Nicole Dunn (adoptive mom.)
One handout that we did not have available at the conference is the, "Adoptive Couple Action Plan."
This is a great list of ideas to help you "find vs. wait."
Adoptive Couple Action Plan
Preparing for an adoption is filled with lots of mixed emotions. Along with the excitement of preparing for a new addition to your family, there is also all of the stress that accompanies the unknowns. It is hoped that this list of items will help to guide you in being proactive with your preparations. Being "anxiously engaged" can actually reduce the stress by helping you to feel that you have some control over the adoption process. You may discover other items that help you in this effort. Please feel free to share your ideas with us so that we can offer them to others.
Date
_____ Picture(s)
_____ Birth parent letter
_____ Have profile posted on website
_____ Preference checklist
_____ Hold a family fast
_____ Attend a Temple session with birth parents in mind
_____ Organize a family Temple session with birth parents in mind
_____ Send out pass along cards to family and friends
_____ Make and distribute fridge magnets similar to pass along cards
_____ Contact immediate and extended family members to see how they can help
_____ Attend ward council and talk with Church committees regarding your desire to adopt
_____ Talk to your doctor's office personnel (OB/GYN, Pediatrician, and Family Practitioner) to inform birth parents of adoptive possibilities
_____ Contact friends
_____ Talk to your caseworker about taking an adult birth mother into your home
_____ Volunteer to help with a birth mother's needs
_____ Check with government foster care and adoption services
_____ Join and attend FSA meeting and activities
_____ Take or Retake adoption classes
_____ Apply to be an LDS Family Services Agency office volunteer
_____ Present about adoption at community, school. and/or church settings
_____ Send a letter explaining adoption and your desire to adopt to friends and family
_____ Send reminder letters at least quarterly
_____ Talk to one person per week about adoption and your desire to adopt
_____ Volunteer to mentor a new adoptive applicant through the adoption process
_____ Include desires to adopt and adoption updates in regular/holiday correspondence
_____ Develop your own postcard/ad
_____ Post your own postcard/ad at supermarkets, libraries, and other public areas
_____ Make additional copies of profile, collage, and letters to birth parents to provide leads
_____ Consider posting your profile on other websites for a fee
_____ Add a link to your adoption profile as your e-mail signature
_____ Ask friends and family to post a link to your adoption profile to their blogs or social
networking sites.
_____ Hold an adoption fundraiser
Thank you to all who participated in and attended the meeting. We hope it was a valuable use of your time.
Christine Robey, the manager for adoptions for the Fountain Valley and San Diego offices, gave a great overview of the adoption process through LDSFS.
Jamie Pyatt, an adoption caseworker at LDSFS, spoke about "Placement Prep."
Erin Packard, FSA Chairperson, spoke about, "The Proactive Adoption," and "Why FSA?"
Lastly we had a great Q&A panel with Christine, Jamie, Tera Miller (birth mom) and Nicole Dunn (adoptive mom.)
One handout that we did not have available at the conference is the, "Adoptive Couple Action Plan."
This is a great list of ideas to help you "find vs. wait."
Adoptive Couple Action Plan
Preparing for an adoption is filled with lots of mixed emotions. Along with the excitement of preparing for a new addition to your family, there is also all of the stress that accompanies the unknowns. It is hoped that this list of items will help to guide you in being proactive with your preparations. Being "anxiously engaged" can actually reduce the stress by helping you to feel that you have some control over the adoption process. You may discover other items that help you in this effort. Please feel free to share your ideas with us so that we can offer them to others.
Date
_____ Picture(s)
_____ Birth parent letter
_____ Have profile posted on website
_____ Preference checklist
_____ Hold a family fast
_____ Attend a Temple session with birth parents in mind
_____ Organize a family Temple session with birth parents in mind
_____ Send out pass along cards to family and friends
_____ Make and distribute fridge magnets similar to pass along cards
_____ Contact immediate and extended family members to see how they can help
_____ Attend ward council and talk with Church committees regarding your desire to adopt
_____ Talk to your doctor's office personnel (OB/GYN, Pediatrician, and Family Practitioner) to inform birth parents of adoptive possibilities
_____ Contact friends
_____ Talk to your caseworker about taking an adult birth mother into your home
_____ Volunteer to help with a birth mother's needs
_____ Check with government foster care and adoption services
_____ Join and attend FSA meeting and activities
_____ Take or Retake adoption classes
_____ Apply to be an LDS Family Services Agency office volunteer
_____ Present about adoption at community, school. and/or church settings
_____ Send a letter explaining adoption and your desire to adopt to friends and family
_____ Send reminder letters at least quarterly
_____ Talk to one person per week about adoption and your desire to adopt
_____ Volunteer to mentor a new adoptive applicant through the adoption process
_____ Include desires to adopt and adoption updates in regular/holiday correspondence
_____ Develop your own postcard/ad
_____ Post your own postcard/ad at supermarkets, libraries, and other public areas
_____ Make additional copies of profile, collage, and letters to birth parents to provide leads
_____ Consider posting your profile on other websites for a fee
_____ Add a link to your adoption profile as your e-mail signature
_____ Ask friends and family to post a link to your adoption profile to their blogs or social
networking sites.
_____ Hold an adoption fundraiser
Thank you to all who participated in and attended the meeting. We hope it was a valuable use of your time.
Calling All Couples
The San Diego FSA Blog would like to help you spread the word about your desire to adopt. We will start spotlighting couples each week for "Finding Friday."
Likewise, if you have been blessed with a placement, finalization, or sealing in 2010, we would love to share the good news on our blog.
If you would like to be a part of "Finding Friday," or have some great adoption news to share, please contact us at sandiegofsa@gmail.com.
Likewise, if you have been blessed with a placement, finalization, or sealing in 2010, we would love to share the good news on our blog.
If you would like to be a part of "Finding Friday," or have some great adoption news to share, please contact us at sandiegofsa@gmail.com.
Together By Divine Design
Families Supporting Adoption
2010 National Conference
July 30 - 31st
Davis Conference Center
Layton, UT
www.regonline.com/2010_fsa_conference
Registration is $35.00 before July 1st and $40.00 afterwards.
There will be several wonderful breakout session throughout the conference covering a variety of topics for birth parents, adoptees, adoptive couples, and grandparents. Just a few of the session topics include:
Infertility
Ask a birth parent panel
Birth father panel
Trans-racial adoption
Grief process for birth grandparents
Foster care
Open adoption
Closed adoption
Adoption law
Telling your children your adoption story
Adoption advocacy
Special needs
For more information, visit the national FSA blog at:
http://familiessupportingadoption.blogspot.com/
2010 National Conference
July 30 - 31st
Davis Conference Center
Layton, UT
www.regonline.com/2010_fsa_conference
Registration is $35.00 before July 1st and $40.00 afterwards.
There will be several wonderful breakout session throughout the conference covering a variety of topics for birth parents, adoptees, adoptive couples, and grandparents. Just a few of the session topics include:
Infertility
Ask a birth parent panel
Birth father panel
Trans-racial adoption
Grief process for birth grandparents
Foster care
Open adoption
Closed adoption
Adoption law
Telling your children your adoption story
Adoption advocacy
Special needs
For more information, visit the national FSA blog at:
http://familiessupportingadoption.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
LDS Family Services and Families Supporting Adoption invite you to attend an,
Adoption Information Meeting
Saturday, April 10, 2010
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Carlsbad Stake Center
1981 Chestnut Avenue
Adoption Information Meeting
Saturday, April 10, 2010
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Carlsbad Stake Center
1981 Chestnut Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
We will discuss several aspects of the adoption process, as well as provide a Q&A panel, including adoptive parents, a birth mother, and LDSFS social workers.
This meeting is for anyone who is interested in adoption, has been, or currently is involved in the adoption process, and all adoption advocates.
We will discuss several aspects of the adoption process, as well as provide a Q&A panel, including adoptive parents, a birth mother, and LDSFS social workers.
This meeting is for anyone who is interested in adoption, has been, or currently is involved in the adoption process, and all adoption advocates.
If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please feel free to contact Erin Packard at sandiegofsa@gmail.com.
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Adoption Tax Credit
NCFA is pleased to release Adoption Advocate No. 21 entitled, “Tax Benefits for Adoption: The Adoption Tax Credit." This Adoption Advocate is a practical guide to the adoption tax credit. It includes a full explanation of and examples of how to apply the tax credit, as well as information on: the history of the tax credit; current status of the credit; and pending legislation to extend the tax credit. Please feel free to copy, distribute, or link to this publication. Click Here to read Adoption Advocate No. 21.
You can contact NCFA by mail, phone, fax, and e-mail: National Council For Adoption 225 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314 703-299-6633 (Phone) 703-299-6004 (fax) www.adoptioncouncil.orgncfa@adoptioncouncil.org
Angels Foster Family Network
I recently received an e-mail from an adoptive parent named Katrina. Her family is currently adopting a baby from San Diego County through an agency called Angels Foster Family Network, and Katrina was kind enough to share some information about the process.
First, Katrina clarifies that, "Angels is a Foster Agency only." "These babies are not up for adoption yet, but about 50% of them do end up being placed for adoption. Once a baby has been in your home for at least 6 months they can stay with the foster family if they wish to adopt them, unless they are being reunified with their biological parents."
As far as placement time is concerned, Katrina says that, "One of the couples we went to training with did end up adopting their first placement. One of the couples went through 3 really difficult sibling sets that all went home and we had two other placements before we got this baby. We were lucky because they were very short placements. The 1st was only 5 days and she was 19 months old and the second was 1 month and she was 10 months old. The little one we are adopting right now was with us for 2 years before we know we would be able to adopt her. She actually went and spent weekends with her bio parents after living with us for over 18 months. I was also the one who visited with these parents every week for 5 hours with her. So, the mind set really needs to be that you are just loving and taking care of a baby until the courts decide what to do with them."
As many of you who have taken the foster parent training courses have learned, "Some of these babies have been severely abused." Katrina expressed that, "It can be hard to sit in a room with someone that hurt their child and know that they could go back to live with them. Last month there was a baby that had 21 broken bones. Our baby was taken away because her father had been shaking her. Angels does not take severe causes where they think the child won't be capable of normal life but some of these children have had a very rough start."
Katrina also noted that their is a financial assistance when going through the county, "It cost nothing after you are certified (which I think cost around $200.00) The State pays you. They pay $380.00/month plus gas and if the child is adopted, the State pays for everything and your child receives medicare and a monthly stipend until they reach 18."
"You can also be specific with Angels. You can say you only want an infant up to 6 months old, or that you are willing to take a sib set that has a 2 year old and a baby. You can say you want only a certain race or sex too."
It is very important to note that ,"Angels does not allow you to be involved with any other agencies at the time you are licensed with them."
Katrina concluded her e-mail by acknowledging that this is just one of many ways to unite families, and that people should prayerfully consider if this is the right choice for them.
"The thing about Angels is that sooner or later you will be able to adopt a baby. There is one family that tells their story where it took them 10 times. I guess you just really have to rely on faith that the one Heavenly Father wants you to have you will end up with. "
If you would like to learn more about Angels Foster Family Network, you can visit their website at http://www.angelsfoster.com/.
Angels will also be holding an orientation meeting this week on Wednesday, March, 3rd, (and the first Wednesday of each succeeding month) for anyone interested in learning more about joining Angels. The contact person is Annika (619) 283-8100 x 221
Likewise, if you have any questions for Katrina, she would be happy to help. She can be contacted at skmorrisss@yahoo.com.
First, Katrina clarifies that, "Angels is a Foster Agency only." "These babies are not up for adoption yet, but about 50% of them do end up being placed for adoption. Once a baby has been in your home for at least 6 months they can stay with the foster family if they wish to adopt them, unless they are being reunified with their biological parents."
As far as placement time is concerned, Katrina says that, "One of the couples we went to training with did end up adopting their first placement. One of the couples went through 3 really difficult sibling sets that all went home and we had two other placements before we got this baby. We were lucky because they were very short placements. The 1st was only 5 days and she was 19 months old and the second was 1 month and she was 10 months old. The little one we are adopting right now was with us for 2 years before we know we would be able to adopt her. She actually went and spent weekends with her bio parents after living with us for over 18 months. I was also the one who visited with these parents every week for 5 hours with her. So, the mind set really needs to be that you are just loving and taking care of a baby until the courts decide what to do with them."
As many of you who have taken the foster parent training courses have learned, "Some of these babies have been severely abused." Katrina expressed that, "It can be hard to sit in a room with someone that hurt their child and know that they could go back to live with them. Last month there was a baby that had 21 broken bones. Our baby was taken away because her father had been shaking her. Angels does not take severe causes where they think the child won't be capable of normal life but some of these children have had a very rough start."
Katrina also noted that their is a financial assistance when going through the county, "It cost nothing after you are certified (which I think cost around $200.00) The State pays you. They pay $380.00/month plus gas and if the child is adopted, the State pays for everything and your child receives medicare and a monthly stipend until they reach 18."
"You can also be specific with Angels. You can say you only want an infant up to 6 months old, or that you are willing to take a sib set that has a 2 year old and a baby. You can say you want only a certain race or sex too."
It is very important to note that ,"Angels does not allow you to be involved with any other agencies at the time you are licensed with them."
Katrina concluded her e-mail by acknowledging that this is just one of many ways to unite families, and that people should prayerfully consider if this is the right choice for them.
"The thing about Angels is that sooner or later you will be able to adopt a baby. There is one family that tells their story where it took them 10 times. I guess you just really have to rely on faith that the one Heavenly Father wants you to have you will end up with. "
If you would like to learn more about Angels Foster Family Network, you can visit their website at http://www.angelsfoster.com/.
Angels will also be holding an orientation meeting this week on Wednesday, March, 3rd, (and the first Wednesday of each succeeding month) for anyone interested in learning more about joining Angels. The contact person is Annika (619) 283-8100 x 221
Likewise, if you have any questions for Katrina, she would be happy to help. She can be contacted at skmorrisss@yahoo.com.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Adoption Fundraising
Although adoption through LDSFS is much more affordable than adoption through other private agencies, it is still not cheap. A great way to help meet your financial obligations regarding your adoption is to have a fundraiser. An adoption fundraiser accomplishes three important tasks: 1. You raise the money required for your adoption.
2. You spread the word about your adoption.3. You stay busy and are proactive during your adoption process.
For our first adoption, my husband and I had a yard sale. We asked our family and ward members to donate items to sell. The fundraiser quickly took on a life of its own. We had so many donations that we had to extend the yard sale to a second weekend and still had several items remaining that we donated to a local church. Knowing that the funds were going toward our adoption, people were less prone to haggle and some paid more than the asking price.
Moreover, by the end of the fundraiser, our ward family, and many members of our community knew that we were adopting. The fundraiser was a financial and networking success.
For our second, and current adoption, we had a craft/bake sale. We asked for donations through mass e-mail, our community blog, Craigslist, and Relief Society newsletter. People donated homemade jewelry, aprons, hats, scarves, hair bows, ornaments, blankets, burp cloths, pottery, photo books, magnets, wall decor, cookies, breads, jam, etc. We set up shop on a Saturday afternoon outside a local Albertson's grocery store (with their permission.)
Once again the ward, our family, and community rallied around us and the fundraiser was a success. We earned needed funds and everyone learned that we were adopting again.
As before, we still had several items remaining after the fundraiser so we continue to sell them via our personal blog and Craigslist.
We also had a tab on our blog in which people could donate to our adoption fund via PayPal.
I know of another couple that had a donation link on their website, and a chart showing how much more money they needed to reach their goal. They asked everyone they knew to donate one dollar to their adoption fund.
The Internet is filled with great ideas for adoption fundraisers. If you have participated in an adoption fundraiser or have any ideas, please post a comment.
When people learn that you are in the process of adopting they are eager to help, but don't know how. An adoption fundraiser allows your family and friends to participate in, and learn more about the adoption process, helps you meet your financial obligations, and allows you to be an active participant in your own adoption.
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