September 17, 2013

Adoption News Round-Up

Carrie Goldman, an adoptive mother who authors the ChicagoNow Portrait of an Adoption blog, continues to reflect on her family’s adoption journey which began in 2003. Her emotions are so raw and honest, and we know that adoptive parents everywhere will feel a kinship with her story. “Adoption Retrospective: The First Goodbye” tells the story of her having to leave Baby K right after meeting her, with no certainty about whether or not she would be able to adopt her.

Deborra-lee Furness, founder of National Adoption Awareness Week, executive director for the Worldwide Orphans Foundation in Australia, and wife of actor Hugh Jackman, has penned a passionate op-ed for CNN about the global adoption crisis. She and Hugh have two adopted children. She addresses many of the challenges present in inter-country adoption right now, and raises some very difficult questions, calling upon all those in the adoption world to act as advocates for the many children who have no voice. A beautiful read.

Interested in being part of a survey exploring the experiences of different adoptive families? The New York-based Donaldson Institute is taking applicants!

Tarikuwa Lema penned an incredible piece for CNN about being sold into adoption when she was 13, and the way her life developed after. Her parents were tricked into selling her for adoption by being told that they were sending her and her sisters into an educational program in the US where they would be able to come home for summers and holidays. Separated from her family, and rehomed multiple times, her nightmare is devastating. But Tarikuwa’s spirit is incredible, and her resiliency and vow to make something of her life is something we can all learn from.

This mother and daughter reunited 71 years after their adoption. They now talk twice a week, and are amazed at the similarities between themselves. What a beautiful story!