On March 7, 2016 the US Supreme Court ruled that a Judgment of Adoption entered in one state must be recognized and respected in any other state in the country. Between 2002 and 2004 a woman who was identified as E.L. gave birth to three children, a single birth and a twin birth. She was […]

In an open adoption, everyone involved in the process knows the identity and location of everyone else. A birthmother will have regular communication with adoptive parents before the adoption and this can typically continue after the placement, in the form of letters, birthday cards, e-mails, telephone calls and visitation. An open adoption can provide both […]

You know that you want to adopt a child. Your next decision—should you adopt domestically (within the United States) or internationally. Here are some of the key issues to consider. The Cost Cost used to be much more of a consideration when deciding whether to adopt in the United States or through a foreign country, […]

When you adopt a child, you hope that the life you give that child will be as normal as possible. For some adoptive parents, talking to your adopted child about their being adopted can jeopardize that sense of normality, but experts say it’s essential for the well-being of your child. Chances are pretty good that […]

New Jersey Adoption Rates Stabilizing Adoption officials in New Jersey say there is cause for optimism, based on statistics gathered by the non-profit agency Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ). Though the number of children reported as adopted in the state actually decreased from 2012 to 2013, Cecilia Zalkind, executive director of ACNJ, said […]

Telling Your Child that He or She is Adopted At some point, your child may look in the mirror and conclude that he/she doesn’t look anything like you or your spouse, and come to you with the question “why”? If that happens, you have waited too long to disclose to them that they are adopted. […]

The Don’ts of Being an Adoptive Parent When you have adopted a child, whether as an infant, toddler or teenager, whether domestically or internationally, whether through an open or closed process, the joy you experience can lead you to engage in some behaviors that may be detrimental to your adopted child or to your relationship […]

Supreme Court Decision Regarding Same Sex Marriage The recent decision of the Supreme Court of the United States establishing that same sex couples have a constitutionally protected right to marry has a direct and beneficial effect on children. Specifically, the decision recognizes the dignity of all families and provides for the protection of children who […]

How to Work Most Effectively with Prospective Birthparents When you adopt a child from a foreign country, in addition to the legal issues specifically related to making the child a member of your family, you may also be required to “re-adopt” the child once you return to the United States. Whether or not you must […]

Foster Children Struggle to Find Academic Opportunity In a recent study, researchers found more than 4,000 college age youth who were either still in foster c are or had recently left the state’s foster care system. The study also found that less than one in four of those young adults were taking any college classes. […]