April 29, 2014

Adoption News Round-Up

Here’s a look at adoption news around the web this week, as well as some information on one of our newest situations:

Ryan Bomberger, who was conceived as the result of rape, has turned any challenges he may have faced into incredible opportunities for those around him. Now a staunch adoption advocate, “I want to dispel some of the myths that surround adoption and open people’s hearts and minds to adopt, or support adoption,” Bomberger said. “I’d like to encourage people to step in and be part of a culture that supports this beautiful and loving act.” Read more about The Radiance Foundation, a non-profit adoption organization he started, here. It’s so inspiring to see someone dedicating their life to such goodness!

Australia has announced a new government plan for adoption that is a huge, exciting breakthrough for couples looking to adopt within from outside the country. A big win for international adoption!

Three mothers are left devastated after a baby died after it was adopted and then given back to the birth mother when she regained custody.

Social media strikes again! This girl was reunited with her birth mother just three days after posting an appeal on Twitter.

Congratulations to this patient, incredible family, who are finally welcoming their three adopted daughters home after a seven-year Guatemalan adoption!

Something we should ALL pay attention to: three pitfalls to avoid when talking about race.

Nebraska has banned gay foster parents, but it looks like there could be a way through the legislation…

Amazing advice for helping to prevent child abuse, from CASA:

And here’s some information on our newest situation:

Birth Parents – Birth mother is Hispanic; Birth father is Caucasian/Hispanic
Due Date/Gender – July 6/Boy

State – California

Physical Health – Both birth parents are healthy

Mental Health – Both birth parents are healthy

Drug/Alcohol Usage – Reports no use of drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol

Other Children – One other child together who they parent

Adoptive Family – Same-sex couple, no older than 40

Type of Placement – Closed. Does not wanting future updates, but is open to meeting the child when he is a teenager.

Birth Mother Expenses – $750/month + $350 startup costs

Agency Fee: $16,000 + Birth mother expenses: $3,400 (approximate) + Legal Fee: $10,000 (OPTIONAL) = $29,400 (approximate)