Adoption Grants and Scholarships

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

Deciding to build your family through adoption often has been preceded by other challenges such as a struggle to conceive, the expense of infertility treatments, and in some cases, this was your first choice to become a parent. Whatever the situation may be, the reality is that adoption can be costly. However, there are opportunities and resources available to those willing to go through the processes. 

How Do I Find Adoptive Parents for My Child?

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

  If you are seeking to create an adoption plan for your child, you likely have many questions and are seeking guidance and support. Adoption Choice, Inc. can walk you through the process, but if you’re just beginning your research, this article is a great place to start.    I’m Undecided About What to Do… (Read More)

Wisconsin’s Unique Adoption Law Explained

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

  Each state has unique laws surrounding adoption. This is why it is imperative that you do research about adoption in your state when you are starting the process because someone else’s experience won’t be the same as yours, particularly if they are adopting outside of Wisconsin. Be sure to reach out to an adoption… (Read More)

Adoption Choice vs. National Agencies: Building Community for Adoptive Families

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

  Adoption Choice vs. National Agencies: Building Community for Adoptive Families Creating an adoption plan for both those seeking to be parents and those making an adoption plan for their child is hard, but agencies like Adoption Choice, Inc.  make it easier, help build community, and can support your needs as you navigate this trying… (Read More)

How to Talk to Your Friends and Family about Your Adoption Journey

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

If you are seeking to build your family through adoption or are contemplating creating an adoption plan for your child, you’ve likely had conversations with your family and friends. If you haven’t, you might want to so that you can have all of the support that you need as you go through what can be… (Read More)

How Educators Can Support Adopted Children During National Adoption Awareness Month

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

If you are an educator, particularly one that works with younger students, it’s important to spend some time celebrating National Adoption Awareness Month and to remember that some things should be implemented in your processes and curriculum all the time. You are a critical person in your students’ lives in so many ways, so taking the time to support all of your students is important. 

Why Community Matters in the Adoption Journey

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

Adoption is a complicated and unique situation. There isn’t a “one size fits all” for how becoming a parent or making an adoption plan will be and because of this, anything and everything can happen. I know personally, that without a support system, my husband and I needed all the support we could get. No… (Read More)

Cultural Appropriation, Halloween, and Adoption

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

Every Halloween, we know your family is probably thinking about what to dress up as this year. Unfortunately, many people inadvertently use this holiday to exploit or inappropriately represent another culture.    What is Cultural Appropriation?  In short, cultural appropriation is representing a culture that you aren’t affiliated with. Some examples would be to dress… (Read More)

The Psychological Effects of Adoption on Birth Parents

- By Julia K. Porter, PhD

  Adoption is a complex process with feelings that can be unique situationally and some that are universal to the experience. Birth parents will feel any combination of feelings, but like any loss, they will likely go through not only the stages of grief, but also, suffer from other effects of trauma that may not… (Read More)

Questions to Ask a Potential Birth Mother

- By Angie Flannery

For prospective adoptive parents hoping to meet a birth mother, few situations are more anxiety-inducing than their first encounter. Here are some questions to ask — and some to avoid — along with insight as to what she’s thinking. The first meeting or phone call with an expectant mother considering adoption can be nerve-wracking, as… (Read More)