Orlando Adoption Network Announcements

Check out our facebook page!

2010-09-22T23:15:00.004-04:00

The Orlando Adoption Network continues to grow! For up-to-date meeting information and opportunities to connect with other families touched by adoption, check out our website and our Facebook page!

Baby due in February - she needs a family!

2010-01-14T08:53:00.000-05:00

Birth mother / KW

Due: 2/25/10 with African-American Girl

No drugs, cigs or alcohol reported

BM states BF is cooperative and we are working to secure this at this time.

APs race is not an issue but MUST be FL residents as BM is GA resident.

Totals fees $18,000 plus BM co-pay for delivery from private insurance to be paid after placement estimated about $1,000

Please contact me as soon as possible as birth mother is reviewing profiles this week.

Malinda Mosher

Malinda Mosher

Heart of Adoptions, Inc.

(813) 258-6505 x116

malinda@heartofadoptions.com

Raul Needs a Family

2010-01-14T08:46:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

Please help us find a forever family for this little guy. Please also forward and post as appropriate. Let us all work together this New Year to make this happen. Thank you!
Abandoned by his mother in Albania, Raul, along with his older sister, Antonela, was taken in by his grandmother. For the first year of Raul’s life, she struggled to care for her grandchildren with her own health and family problems. Slowly, however, she began to realize that something was “not right.” A friend directed her to a clinic for help. Clinic staff could see immediately that both children had health problems and that their grandmother had reached the end of her ability to care for them.
Soon Raul and Antonela were placed in a group home. Antonela was diagnosed with thalassemia and Raul with cerebral palsy. He was 13 months old. Group Home staff, house parents, and other volunteers began to work with Raul, as he was unable to even sit up by himself. With consistent care, he began to slowly progress. It took almost two years, but with a special donation from a volunteer and cooperation between the Pediatric Hospital and adoption agency, Raul began to receive weekly physical therapy. In a country where services for those with physical disabilities are only beginning to develop, this was a huge success!

In the last three years, Raul has made great progress. He is able to sit up independently, to army crawl, to pull himself up and walk leaning on furniture, to feed himself, and to communicate his needs/wants with gestures. He has also learned to propel himself in a wheelchair. Now, through a generous gift of a specialized walker, Raul is learning to walk. He continues to need assistance and support, but he clearly loves to be up and walking like everyone else!

Raul’s grandmother continued to faithfully visit him and his sister. Their mother has not made any contact in a long time. So, with their grandmother’s permission, the children were made available for adoption. Antonela’s miracle happened last December when she went home to Michigan with her new family.

Everyone who meets him falls in love with this little boy, thanks to his endearing personality and bright smile. Everyone involved in Raul’s care sees his great potential. Raul is waiting for a chance to reach that potential; waiting to have his greatest need filled; waiting for a family of his own.
Although Raul is thriving in the group home, he continues to wait for a special family to take him home. This month Raul may be transferred to an orphanage and be deemed "unadoptable." Please help us find a forever family for Raul.
Because many organizations are working together on behalf of Raul, we are hopeful that the international adoption fees involved will be covered by donations and grants. Also Antonela's adoptive family is open to speaking to anyone interested in their daughter's brother and to learn more about their positive adoption experiences in Albania.
Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year. Thank you for assisting us to find Raul his family.
Adoption STAR, Inc.

Albania Policies and Requirements
The following policies are based on the regulations, policies, and requirements set forth by the Albania Adoption Committee (AAC), Albania’s adoption authority.
Please note that these policies and requirements are subject to change at any point in the adoption process.
For Parents
1. Age of Parents: No less than 18 years between parent and child. Maximum age difference is 45 years. Families with parents over the age of 50 will not qualify for registration with AAC. However, in the case of older children or COP children the Committee may allow an exception.
2. Marriage (divorce): Length of marriage at application varies. No more than one previous divorce per spouse preferred.
3. Children in Family: AAC does not specifically limit the number of children that a family may already have when they apply to adopt. However, families without children are given priority in the referral process. Families with children already in the home will need to provide financial statements showing their ability to provide for additional children.
4. Single Applicants: Single adoptive applicants must be a minimum of 25 years of age.
5. Income: Family must meet USCIS guidelines for income.
6. Health of Parents: AAC is reluctant to accept an applicant with a significant medical, physiological, or psychiatric condition. If a client currently has a significant medical condition, a letter or recommendation, which describes the illness and whether the illness limits the client in any way, must be provided by the doctor who treats the client.
7. Crime history / substance abuse history: Applicants with criminal history or history of alcohol and/or substance abuse will not be accepted to the registry by AAC.
8. Gender Specification: Childless couples are not permitted to specify the sex of the child but rather must be willing to accept either sex.
9. Adoption of more than one child: Adoption of more than one unrelated child at the same time is not permitted. AAC does not allow for the adoption of a child who is pre-identified with the exception of children who are listed as special needs on the COP database with Bethany International.
10. Previous adoption / birth: Arrival of children should not be too close together; there must be a full year's difference in time of arrival of children in the family, whether by birth or adoption.
11. Travel Requirements: Both parents must travel to complete the adoption process as the adoption is finalized in Albania. One parent may leave after court if necessary. Expected length of stay is 45+ days if one trip. If two trips, first trip is 21+ days, and second trip 14-21 days.
12. Educational Requirements: HS diploma.
13. Cultural: Families will encourage activities and cultural events that promote positive Albanian heritage to the families and adopted children.
14. Post Adoption Report. The family must agree to provide six (6) Post Adoption reports. These reports are to be received in our office within two (2) weeks of arrival, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and completed by your home study agency. At least six (6) to eight (8) pictures MUST accompany all reports. Pictures MUST include one (1) of the entire family. This is required by the Albanian Adoption Committee.
15. Risk Statement: if for any reason it is necessary to break the adoption, Bethany Christian Services, Inc. will assist to seek the best interest of the child and place the child with another suitable family. Bethany will notify the Albanian Adoption Committee of this action/decision. Bethany will not take legal guardianship.
For Children Available for International Adoption
1. Age of Kids Available: Only children who are legally considered orphans by the governments of Albania and the United States will be considered for adoption. They must be under the age of 16 years. Though Bethany Albania does have an orphanage with children ages 0-6 years, children referred to families may come from any of the orphanages in Albania.
2. Abandonment: All children must be first available to the Albanian people over a period of six (6) months, after being placed on the Committee's list for adoption. After this six (6) month period, they may be available for international adoption.
3. Special Needs: Children with medical/developmental needs will be processed in the same manner as all other children.

Zachary Fried
Intake Worker

Follow us at www.twitter.com/adoptionstar
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Adoption STAR, Inc.
A NYS Authorized and Florida Licensed Non-Profit Adoption Agency
Hague Accredited Adoption Service Provider
STAR stands for Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources

47 Plaza Drive
Williamsville, NY 14221
Phone 716-639-3900
Fax 716-639-3700

2734 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Phone 954-566-6055
Fax 954-566-6255

E-Mail zachary@adoptionstar.com
Website http://www.adoptionstar.com/

Other ways to contact us:
Albany 518-391-2515
Binghamton 607-330-2158
Rochester 585-672-5227
New York City 917-470-9340
Syracuse 315-703-7511
Poughkeepsie 845-457-4883

Toll Free 866-691-3300

BABY IS BORN AND WAITING FOR APS!!!

2009-10-14T11:57:00.003-04:00

A local attorney is attempting to place a newborn AA baby; please take a look at the information below, and pass along to anyone who might be interested. Thanks.

Birth Parent Information: Full AA baby girl born October, 2009. BM is 15 yr old, AA. No cigarette/drug/alcohol use. BM diagnosed with Depressive Disorder NOS. BF is 18 yr old, AA. BM & BF are ½ siblings (they share the same biological mother). The baby is born and beautiful. We spoke to the pediatrician personally, and he said she is healthy and everything thus far has shown no signs of her being affected by the genetic similarities between the biological parents. We have medical records that we can share with prospective adoptive parents. BM would like AA family (possibly bi-racial couple) to adopt the baby.

Type of Placement: Florida licensed agency placement.

Agency and Legal Fees:

Agency Fee - $12,000 (includes legals for TPR and BM case management) ICPC Fee - $1,500 (if needed) Costs - $750 Finalization Fee - $1,500

Counseling: If requested by the birth mother, outside counseling will be provided by a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern. Counseling costs are not expected to exceed $300.

Expectant Parent/Birth Parent Expenses:

Include what expenses are permissible, including legal limits on amount or duration of the following:

a. Out of pocket medical $1,000
b. Housing None
c. Utilities None
d. Clothing None
e. Transportation None
f. Other (please specify) None

TPR/Finalization: TPR – Florida / Finalization – Florida (included in fees above)

PLEASE SEND PROFILES OR DIRECT QUESTIONS TO:
Ashley Sutton
Adoption Caseworker
Heart of Adoptions, Inc.
1604 South Bumby Avenue
Orlando, FL 32806
Office: 407-898-8280
Fax: 407-898-8215
www.heartofadoptions.com

Meeting Schedule for next 10 months!

2009-10-14T11:53:00.005-04:00

We meet Sundays from 4-6pm; below is our upcoming schedule. If you're interested in adoption, or have been touched by adoption in any way, come see us. Also, come on out for our social in December!

October 25th
November 29th

December 4th - Social 6pm-8pm South Village Clubhouse, Avalon Park

January 24th 2010
February 28th 2010
March 21st 2010
April 25th 2010
May 23rd 2010
June 27th 2010
July 25th 2010
August 29th 2010

Next Meeting: East Chapter, Sunday September 27th

2009-09-03T16:19:00.003-04:00

Once again, it was great to see some new faces at this month's meeting. Check out the main site for information on the Orlando West Chapter, now open.

Our next meeting is Sunday September 27th...email for details!

Jackie

Next meeting Sunday August 30th

2009-08-10T12:10:00.003-04:00

It's been great to see some new families! If you're considering adoption, or just want to share your adoption stories in a casual environment, please join us!

Sunday August 30th, 4 to 6 pm
Avalon Church in Avalon Park

Next Meeting: Sunday July 26th!

2009-07-07T12:17:00.002-04:00

It was great to see new members last month! If your family has been touched by adoption, and you'd like to meet in a casual atmosphere (with snacks and childcare), contact us for directions!

Sunday, July 26th
4-6 pm
Avalon Park, East Orlando

Next Support Group Meeting: Sunday June 28th!

2009-06-23T00:56:00.002-04:00

We'll be meeting from 4-6 pm this Sunday, June 28th at Avalon Church on Tanja King Blvd.

Child care and snacks will be provided.

Email for more information!
Jackie
jackie@chrisandjackie.com

"These boys deserve so much more than I can give them"

2009-06-09T13:09:00.001-04:00

"Six years after adopting two boys, Michelle Brau was still unable to form a bond with them. Now they're in a new home. She may have suffered a condition many still don't understand: post-adoption depression."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/family-and-relationships/these-boys-deserve-so-much-more-than-i-can-give-them/article1174325/

"Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America"

2009-05-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

Fifth Third Bank has been named to the "Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America" list released today by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The Bank ranked in the top 10 in the state of Ohio for adoption assistance offered to employees.

Adoption benefits have been offered to full-time employees of the Bank since 1999. Employees receive up to $5,000 of financial assistance and as much as six days of medical leave, which runs concurrent to current Family Medical Leave Act entitlements.

http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/05-01-2009/0005017384&EDATE=
Chris

Would-be parents turn to foster kids as adoption costs rise

2009-04-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

“The recession has pushed the high cost of private adoptions out of reach for many prospective parents, prompting more of them to look into adopting hard-to-place foster children.”

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-04-26-adoption_N.htm

Chris

Netherlands places limits on adoption of children....FROM the US

2009-04-22T16:14:00.000-04:00

So I guess my question would be…..under what circumstances are American infants being adopted TO other countries?
Chris

“The Dutch government said Wednesday it would make it more difficult to adopt American children, who formed the third largest group of foreign adoptions in the Netherlands last year.
From a total of 767 foreign adoptions last year, 56 were of American children -- the third largest group after China and Haiti.”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g2-M-kYml7bNRXjXMDIUQEHCe0cg

Free Paths to Parenthood Conference in Orlando, Florida

2009-04-21T02:39:00.002-04:00

This looks to be sponsored by the infertility industry, but it might be of interest to Orlando families looking to adopt; the raffles crack me up:

On Sunday, May 17, 2009, the 5th Annual Paths To Parenthood Conference, providing free information on fertility and family-building, will be held at the Marriott World Center Orlando from 9am-4pm. Internationally known speakers will present the latest information on topics involving having a baby and building your family, including: Infertility Causes and Treatment Options, Adoption, and How to Finance Your Family Building.
...
The Conference Benefit Raffle includes two full IVF Cycles plus fertility medications, and two Adoption Home Studies plus other services and prizes to win, value totaling over $35,000. Raffle tickets holders do not have to be present to win.
...
For information or to register for the Paths to Parenthood Conference or the Benefit Raffle, visit: http://www.PathsToParenthood.org or call 321.397.3868.

http://www.prlog.org/10220196-free-paths-to-parenthood-conference-in-orlando-florida.html

Chris

The East Orlando Adoption Network

2009-04-20T00:45:00.000-04:00

The East Orlando Adoption Network was created to help families meet others who are involved in the world of adoption. We are made up of families in all stages of the adoption process.

We have monthly meetings where families can ask questions, share experiences or just listen to others in a supportive environment. We have informal get-togethers when families want to connect with each other. We also have a google group where members can post questions or links to important information.

The joy of the adoption process is well-known by anyone who has been through it. Unfortunately, it can also be quite complicated and overwhelming. The finalization is just the first of many unique challenges in raising an adopted child.

The network is made up of families who have experienced both international and domestic adoption. Some children were adopted from family members, and others found their Mom and Dad through the foster care system. There are parents who have adopted older children as well as families with a mix of both biological and adopted children. Some parents have chosen to have open adoption arrangements and others have traditional closed adoptions.

While experienced families can be a great resource to those just starting out, families that are new to the adoption process may be more up-to-date on recent law changes and other developments in the world of adoption and parenting. Because each family’s journey is unique, everyone has their own set of experiences to share.

Our goal is for the network to serve as a source of strength, comfort, support, and information. Wherever you are in the adoption process, talking with other adoptive families can be invaluable.

There’s no secret formula. We meet, we talk, we share and we connect, and we would love to have you join us on our journey. Please join us each month. Call/email for directions!

Jackie Carroll
407-282-4054
jackie@chrisandjackie.com