Following a suspension of intercountry adoption in April 2017, Ethiopia passed formal legislation banning intercountry adoption in January 2018.
News Brief: Council on Accreditations (COA) Officially Withdraws as Accrediting Entity
The Council on Accreditations (COA) confirmed that it will withdraw as an accrediting entity at the end of 2018.
The Paternity Test, Part 1: “I Hope It’s Them”
When our daughter was born, her birth mom listed the birth father as “unknown.” Ten years later, he found us on social media and reached out.
“Finding Peace Through the Adoptee Community”
The Chinese adoptee community moved across oceans, grew up in interracial families, and is now navigating young adulthood. We hold a special place in history—but long to know our own personal beginnings.
Ask AF: Your Older Child’s First Day Home with You
A parent-to-be who's adopting a four-year-old from foster care solicits advice about what to do that first day home and how to make it easier on the child.
How Do You Respond to “How Long Did It Take You to Adopt?”
We asked our readers: How do you respond when someone asks you how long it takes to adopt? Read the answers from adoptive parents.
32 Noteworthy Adoption Books Published in 2017
Adoption found its way into dozens of new books published in 2017, including several literary award winners and high-profile bestsellers that engage with and question adoption in complex and sometimes challenging ways.
“Our Domestic Heritage Trip to San Antonio”
A child doesn't have to be adopted internationally to need to find her roots.
“A Different Kind of Sister”
My partner and I thought long and hard about whether we wanted to adopt a second child. We decided to adopt a puppy-sister for our daughter instead.
5 Ways to Talk with Your Child About Racism
Talking about racism makes most of us uncomfortable. Still, parents of transracially adopted children should resist the urge not to talk. Here's how.
Teens Speak Out About Open Adoption
Three adolescents share their experiences with open adoption, and how they feel about their relationships with their birth family.
“A Delicate Balance”
Years after reconnecting with her son, a birth mother explores her place in his life.
“Santa’s Dilemma”
This year, we've vowed to cut back at Christmas. Well, perhaps it wasn't a vow, but at least a serious intent to try. Then again, they are children for such a short time.
Saying No to Racism
You can offer your children support—and the tools they need to fight back.
Ask AF: Explaining to a Child That His Sibling Will Be Adopted By Another Family
An expectant mother who's making an open adoption plan wonders how to explain to her child that his baby sibling will be adopted by another family. A birth mother offers advice.
“What ‘Gotcha’ Means to My Family”
While I acknowledge that the word carries only a hint of the day's complicated meaning, to me, "Gotcha" says it all.
My Four-Year-Old Told Me “You’re Not My Mom.” Is This Normal?
A mother shares that her four-year-old has said, "You're not my mom!" when angry. Fellow parents assure her this is normal and suggest different ways to respond.
Empowering Children and Teens of Color Who Face Racism
White parents do not have the experience of feeling vulnerable or targeted based on race, so telling a transracially adopted child "I know how you feel" isn't right—but silence is also not the answer. Adoptees and experts discuss how parents should speak out and take action.
Parent-to-Parent: Holiday Gifts for Your Child’s Birth Family
We asked our readers: If you'll be giving your child's birth parents a gift this holiday season, what is it and how will you give it to them? Read the answers from adoptive parents.
“My Cardiologist Opened My Heart to Adoption”
The defective structure of my physical heart ultimately led my emotional heart to pause and consider—do I try for pregnancy, or for parenthood through adoption?