Adoption Support: A Must-Have for Adoptive & Birth Families

If you're a regular reader of my Exploring Adoption blog, you know that I'm a big advocate for getting connected with a community of support -- whether you're an adopted person, a birth/first parent, or an adoptive parent.

I was recently a guest on "Mornings With Scott & Sam" on KCMS Spirit 105.3 in Seattle. We discussed some different ways people can seek support and ways those who have a heart for supporting others can create a support network in their community or church. I invite you to listen to the 9 minute interview (scroll to the bottom of the screen at the Spirit 105.3 site and click the Play button).

I'll send a free copy of my book, The Adoption Network, to the first five people who listen to the interview and comment (at the bottom of this post) about something you learned and/or critique the interview. I'm always trying to improve my speaking skills, and I appreciate your suggestions!

Comments

[Gracie]

Sweet! It appears I am the first to comment! I enjoyed your interview and felt like it gave a nice rounded picture of the whole adoption scene. You pointed out that not all people are to legally adopt, but perhaps there are other venues to be an influential "parent" in the lives of children. That seems like an important thing to consider from the start.

I also appreciated your comments on your personal experience both with adoption and starting a support network. I loved the resource library idea! From previous life experiences, I have come to know and appreciate how valuable support is, and I am looking forward to exploring how we might get an adoption support network going in our area.

It is good to hear someone speak on their personal experience with open adoption, especially since there are so many negative connotations associated with it. My husband and I are currently foster parents and we are looking into doing an open adoption with our foster son. We are also in the process of an international adoption.

One thing that I would have craved if this interview had been my initial introduction to the world of adoption is more info on where I could go for more information...this blog for example. In our adoption journey, I have found that I am so hungry for whatever information I can find on the subject, and while I am grateful you have books out there, some internet contact to fill the craving in the meantime might help to spur people on! :)

P.S. Since I just ordered the Adoption Network book, would it be possible to get your other one? If not, I'll just give it to a friend! Thanks!

[Leigh Stevens]

Laura,
Wonderful interview! I loved how you emphasized that not everyone is called to adopt, but God has a part for everyone in caring for orphans. I think thats the message He wants to get out to the "church"! We all have a responsibility to help these children find permanent homes, and this starts by educating the community and church about our role in coming together and supporting families that are being called to adopt!

[Sam]

Interesting interview - maybe it's just me, but it's unusual to hear an interview that focuses not on the individuals (parents, children) involved, but the process of coming to the decision to adopt.

Thank you for being very frank about potential problems as well - I think you mentioned attachment, potential drug addiction, and FAS. You helped paint a very realistic picture of adoption; I think that's something that adoptive parents really need to hear... believe it or not, this actually helps lower barriers, because too often I think prospective parents hear "Oh, everything will be wonderful!" Human nature being what it was, we doubt that... so open talk about potential problems, at least in my experience, is actually reassuring to a lot of prospective parents :-)

I liked your answer to the "Should everyone adopt" question. God gives us the desires of our hearts; that calling and desire differs from person to person, though. It's hard to get that across sometimes.

Since I'm working to help our church start an adoption ministry, I really appreciated your answer about how to start an adoption ministry - particularly the "starting small" comments. Our current plans sound a lot like what you described, so it's nice to think that the road we're traveling down is the same one that others have chosen as well.