Written by Alexis Sullivan | Family Services Manager for International Adoption
Adoptive parents spend quite a bit of time preparing and educating themselves for the journey of adoption. It can be a long journey and having a strong support system can be extremely helpful!
However, sometimes our most supportive friends and family members may not fully understand how complex the journey is and will be. It’s important to introduce the topic of adoption and your family’s adoption in natural conversations so that it becomes a norm to discuss. If you are matched with a child, he/she is already a part of your family. Incorporate him/her into conversations and future event planning.
There are many ways that your loved ones can emotionally support your adoption process. Here are a few ideas:
1. Staying current on adoption-related events:
Adoption in the News
34% of would-be parents say they may have children sooner because of COVID-19 |
Read more |
|
A statement from the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the Council on Accreditation on potential merger |
Read more |
|
A world away: Iron Range couple’s adoption plans put on hold as pandemic plays out |
Read more |
|
Insights into post-adoption service programs for privateand intercountry adoptions (QIC•AG) |
Read more |
|
Legal victory for Native communities in Washington state child welfare case |
Read more |
|
New federal data: Fewer kids in US foster care system |
Read more |
|
Senator Wicker decries “clear and consistent bias” against intercountry adoptions at U.S. State Department |
Read more |
|
Supreme Court sets Nov. 4 to hear if Catholic agency can reject LGBTQ parents |
Read more |
|
The right match: Former Ukrainian refugee finds fit placing more than 800 children with families |
Read more |
|
USCIS extends flexibility for responding to agency requests |
Read more |
2. Engaging your family members and support system through social media accounts is a good place to start with basic adoption appropriate language and references.
| ACCURATE LANGUAGE | LESS-ACCURATE LANGUAGE |
| Birthparent/biological parent | Real parent, natural parent |
| Birth child | Own child, real child, natural child |
| My child | Adopted child, own child |
| Person/Individual who was adopted | Adopted child, own child |
| Born to unmarried parents | Illegitimate |
| Make an adoption plan, choose adoption | Give away, adopt out, give up, put up |
| To parent the baby/child | To keep the baby |
| Child in need of a family | Adoptable child/unwanted child |
| Parent | Adoptive parent |
| Child who has special needs | Handicapped child, hard to place |
| Was adopted | Is adopted |
| Choosing an adoption plan | Giving away your child |
| Finding a family to parent your child | Putting your child up for adoption |
| Parenting the baby/child | Keeping your baby |
| Confidential adoption | Closed adoption |
| Unintended pregnancy | Unwanted/problem pregnancy |
| Fully-disclosed adoption | Open adoption |
| Semi-open adoption | Open adoption |