Catholic church names new leader Apr 3, 2009
He has been a leading figure in the church in recent years, fighting a number of battles on issues such as Catholic education and Catholic adoption agencies. Criticism. (BBC News -- UK)
Madonna's African adoptions part of growing trend Apr 2, 2009
Many adoption agencies and child rights activists argue it is preferable for children to be taken care of by relatives or in their communities, with foreign adoptions allowed only as a last resort. Others say that isn't always realistic. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Madonna's mercy Apr 1, 2009
These children, taken from the protection of their families, can be left vulnerable to unscrupulous adoption agencies, who profit from the sale of children without ensuring the child is eligible for adoption, or adequately vetting the adoptive parents. Releasing children from these conditions should be a global priority. (BBC News)
Missouri senator: Gay chorale resolution rejected Apr 1, 2009
sandhouse wrote on Mar 31, 2009 4:04 PM:" FWIWThe Catholic Church is completely entitled to their opinion/dogma/philosophy on any and all issues.While I disagree with the Church on many issues, and I find the Pope's condom stand completely appalling, I will the be first to agree that the CC does an enormous amount of good.Catholic hospitals, charities, adoption agencies, relief groups all do invaluable work.That is where the strength of the CC lies in my layman's opinion. The Church's future is... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Madonna adoption scandal Mar 30, 2009
Nutt warned that international adoption could worsen the problem it sought to solve, and that the practice could be "big business" for "unscrupulous adoption agencies.". According to the British press, Mercy James's grandmother is opposed to the adoption and wants custody of the girl when she is six. (iAfrica.com)
Children's charity cool on Madonna Malawi adoption Mar 28, 2009
"Most children in orphanages have one parent still living, or have an extended family that can care for them in the absence of their parents." "Save The Children believes that international adoption should only be considered if the child is a genuine orphan, if all other alternatives in their own country have been genuinely exhausted." He warned that international adoption could actually worsen the problem it sought to solve, and said the practice could be "big business" for "unscrupulous... (Yahoo! Asia News)
Adoption worries Mar 28, 2009
He warned that international adoption could actually worsen the problem it sought to solve, and said the practice could be "big business" for "unscrupulous adoption agencies". Madonna's adoption of toddler David Banda was finalised last year. (The Age, Australia)
Adoptions of foreign children plunge Mar 8, 2009
"You have children being left in trash cans, and no one knows what to do with them," said Mr. DiFilipo, whose organization represents more than 200 nonprofit international adoption agencies, child-advocacy groups, parent support groups and medical clinics. Decreases in adoptions from and China accounted for 90 percent of the 2008 decline, said William Bistransky, a State Department official who deals with adoption and overseas citizen services. (Insight on the News)
UK Faith Diary Feb 26, 2009
The Church complains that recent legislation - such as the laws guaranteeing equal treatment for gay people that forced Catholic adoption agencies to place children with homosexual couples - seek to control people's morals as well as their behaviour. At the same time, ordinary people seem to be voting with their feet. (BBC News -- Europe)
Fire station signs say they'll take babies Feb 21, 2009
Moms can also make arrangements with adoption agencies, he said. In some cases, a family or the father may not know a young woman is pregnant. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
Is recession affecting birth rate? Feb 10, 2009
Adam Pertman, the Newton-based executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, said recent discussions with adoption agencies left him with the impression that the economic picture has now fully sunk in with prospective parents. He called the apparent change "bad news for kids in foster care who need homes.". (Marlborough Enterprise, MA)
Culture of death Feb 8, 2009
MTRICH wrote on Jan 29, 2009 10:43 PM:" Concerned1...You dont have to believe methere have been a number of stories about this in the paper recently. They also attempt to make and keep a relationship between the birth mother and the new parents when possible. I must admit I have no idea what the numbers are for kids in foster care but I know there are to many children and to few families for them around the country. I was just stating what I do know about CSS and some of the other similar... (Helena Independent Record)
Reader shares thoughts on foster care Mar 21, 2008
Senate Bill 959 would make placement of children in cohabitating households illegal, not only for DCFS but also for private adoption agencies as well. It is estimated that two million gay, lesbian, bisexual and cohabitating parents have considered adopting. (Truman Democrat, AR)
Adopting a cat hits a snag Mar 19, 2008
Since older cats are often more difficult for pet adoption agencies to place, it would seem an owner like Vanlandingham would be in hot demand. At 53, he is a lifelong bachelor who owns his own home and works in computer science in state government. (News & Observer)
Averting crises Mar 9, 2008
If a woman does not want to raise the child, the center will refer her to adoption agencies. The center also provides referrals to women to help them find housing, employment and education, Walker said. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Shariah II: Integrating Islam into the West Feb 15, 2008
It has also banned Roman Catholic adoption agencies in Britain for not selecting same-sex couples as potential foster parents. Under the banner of free speech, secular Italian leftists recently prevented Pope Benedict XVI from addressing La Sapienza University in Rome on the subject of rational enquiry. (International Herald Tribune)
As adoptees seek roots, states unsealing records Feb 13, 2008
Thomas Atwood, president of the council, which represents adoption agencies, says birth mothers were promised privacy and if that promise is broken, fewer women will choose adoption over abortion ... She says some companies charge thousands of dollars to search records and some adoption agencies charge $400 to $500 for non-identifying information about birth parents, such as age, medical history, ethnicity and religion. (USA Today)
181 comments Feb 12, 2008
The Archbishop of Canterbury supports his partially pro-Sharia law position by citing the inherent inequity which e 00004000 nsues when Catholic adoption agencies discriminate against gay couples ... James James, New JerseyFeb 11, 2008 @ 08:30 AM"The Archbishop of Canterbury supports his partially pro-Sharia law position by citing the inherent inequity which ensues when Catholic adoption agencies discriminate against gay couples.". (Human Events Online)
New adoption Feb 11, 2008
Like Kollmann and Wall, many Americans are considering domestic adoptions of babies and foster-care children because of growing waits, restrictions and uncertainties in adopting abroad, according to a USA TODAY survey of a dozen of the nation's largest adoption agencies ... "The interest is there in domestic adoptions, but the supply of babies is not," says Paul Placek, a consultant to the National Council for Adoption, which represents adoption agencies. (USA Today -- News)
Fewer foreign children adopted Feb 11, 2008
A USA TODAY survey of a dozen large adoption agencies found an increase from 2006 to 2007 in inquiries, home studies or placements of U.S.-born children. "The pendulum has shifted," says Joan Jaeger of The Cradle, an Illinois agency. (USA Today)
Full text: The Archbishop of Canterbury's speech Feb 8, 2008
As such, this is not only an issue about Islam but about other faith groups, including Orthodox Judaism; and indeed it spills over into some of the questions which have surfaced sharply in the last twelve months about the right of religious believers in general to opt out of certain legal provisions - as in the problems around Roman Catholic adoption agencies which emerged in relation to the Sexual Orientation Regulations last spring. This lecture will not attempt a detailed discussion of the... (Guardian Unlimited)
USA Makes Adoption Harder Feb 6, 2008
American adoption agencies (charging a fee) worked with Guatemalan adoption brokers (also charging a fee) to match willing couples with the right children ... American adoption agencies (charging a fee) worked with Guatemalan adoption brokers (also charging a fee) to match willing couples with the right children. (Townhall.com)
Pitt DSS seeking fee for adoptees Feb 3, 2008
The law, which went into effect Jan. 1, says adoption agencies can now help adopted adults obtain health information about their birth parents, or even find them if there is written consent from both parties. After analyzing the cost of providing the service, officials from the county's Department of Social Services have determined an application fee of $400 and hourly fee of $85 would be appropriate. (The Daily Reflector)
Young, pregnant & informed Jan 27, 2008
Open adoption is primarily what most adoption agencies have used in recent years, Burton said. However, she added, what is best for a girl is an individual matter, and the home will work diligently to foster each personal decision. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Adoption Placement Coordinators Jan 23, 2008
There are two types of adoption agencies: public and private ... Another way that private adoption agencies vary widely is in the fees they charge for their services. (Suite101.com)
Group to offer adoption, foster care information Jan 17, 2008
North Carolina adoption agencies process about 1,200 adoptions each year, she said. Wilkins said the informational meeting will encourage prospective parents to ask questions about adopting or fostering a child. (The Daily Reflector)
Study Focuses on Interracial Adoption Jan 15, 2008
Jacobson believes that adoption agencies can help educate potential parents about the issues that their family may face. "Some adoption agencies are better than others," Jacobson said ... "Some have had conferences and speakers come in and speak to parents about the experience that their children will have. My recommendation to adoption agencies would be that they ought to have seminars where they tell the parent this is what our experience has been, this is what your child is going to go... (The Daily Universe, UT)
Maternity leave for students? Jan 11, 2008
And DB - while pretty little white kids get snapped up by adoption agencies, little DARKIE children are generally ignored and left to ROT in foster care. I m SO happy to know that you aren t in fact, a sanctimonious moron who doesn t have a compassionate bone in your entire body, but really care about pregnant teens and their children. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Renewed US concerns about Vietnamese adoptions leave American parents in limbo Jan 6, 2008
Too many American adoption agencies have been licensed in Vietnam, and the demand for babies is greater than the supply, he said. Vietnamese law requires that foreign adoption agencies make humanitarian contributions to orphanages. (International Herald Tribune)
OH, BABY! EVERYONE WANTS IT Dec 28, 2007
" She also wants to make movies. But for now, babies. Everybody's into babies. Jennifer's having babies, Halle's having a baby, Aguilera's having a baby, Jessica Alba's having a baby, Nicole Richie's having a baby, keen tween Jamie Lynn's having a baby. So who's next to have a baby? Ellen DeGeneres. Clearly this future Mother of the Year has had it up to here with dogs. Also cats, neighbors, Anne Heche and animal adoption agencies. So, what's left? However, Ellen says she isn't up to carrying... (New York Post -- Gossip)
State of Arizona doing it right Dec 28, 2007
wrote on Dec 27, 2007 11:55 PM:" No one is going to eliminate citizenship from someone like your GF. But by making babies legal citizens only if one or both of its parents are citizens, the incentive for dropping anchor babies is eliminated. Further, why should I sympathize with a father or mother who is deported and can't find a way to take their children with them. If they can't see it in their hearts to take them back to that EVIL MEXICO (which even they don't think it is but I like sarcasm)... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Strangers, then sisters Dec 24, 2007
Because the laws pertaining to adoption and the protection of participants were not as progressive and comprehensive as they presently are, it was possible for adoption agencies, in this instance the most prominent Jewish agency in New York City, to never advise adoptive parents of the existence of a twin sibling. Neither the Scheins nor Bernsteins had any knowledge that they could have adopted both girls. (Boston Globe)
Adopting Caution Dec 17, 2007
Nowadays, adoption agencies like Brookline's China Adoption With Love Inc. routinely lead large groups of parents to China to pick up their new children ... "There is no question at all that there is a rise in the number of international adoption agencies that are sending doctors with their clients," says Adam Pertman, executive director of the New York-based Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute and the author of Adoption Nation. (Boston Globe)
Bowie State University Dec 12, 2007
This degree prepares students for jobs in places such as juvenile correctional institutions, children's hospitals, day care centers, schools, social welfare agencies and adoption agencies. The school also offers a rare doctoral degree program in education leadership. (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
Foreign adoptions on decline for U.S. Dec 1, 2007
One consequence, adoption agencies say, is that the waiting time to complete an adoption from China has more than doubled to 24 months or more ... Russian authorities suspended the operations of all foreign-adoption agencies for several months earlier this year and have been reaccrediting them only gradually. (AZCentral -- News)
Obese man granted 2nd adoption hearing Nov 30, 2007
Gloria Hochman, spokeswoman for the National Adoption Center in Philadelphia, said weight problems are becoming more commonly considered by adoption agencies. But she said she didn't know of any agencies with written policies prohibiting adoption by obese people. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
Adoption: An awesome gift' Nov 27, 2007
Some adoptions go faster than others, and there are many different adoption agencies. More adoptions are now open adoptions, where the birth parents still see the child, and the adoptive parents can get in touch with the birth parents, especially if a genetic medical problem arises. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Click here to read the story. Nov 16, 2007
Build collaboration among local adoption agencies, courts and advocacy groups. 513,000: Approximate number of children in foster care in the United States. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Study backs open adoption records Nov 12, 2007
Nationwide, one of the major foes of open records is the National Council for Adoption, which represents many religiously affiliated adoption agencies. Its president, Thomas Atwood, says any reconnection between an adopted adult and a birthparent should be by mutual consent which is the policy in most states. (USA Today)
What To Do With Used Baby Clothes Nov 11, 2007
Run a google search for orphanages and adoption agencies and you would know that there are children as young as infants who are no where near as fortunate as your child. Donating to the nearby orphange or shelter for single mothers is a praiseworthy charity act that will bring blessings to your family. (Suite101.com)
'Puppy mill' investigation brings more dogs to shelters' doorsteps Nov 9, 2007
An additional 25 to 40 dogs were expected to land at other Triangle shelters and adoption agencies late Thursday. Some could be available for adoption as early as next week. (News & Observer)
Prohibiting Female Infanticide Nov 7, 2007
What the Qur'an says about the killing of baby girls and gender bias. Muhammad (pbuh) abolished the practice of female infanticide, overturning a prevalent cultural norm by the verse. (Suite101.com)
Hepatitis cases in Minn. may prompt warning for adoptive families Nov 7, 2007
International adoption agencies frequently encourage new parents to be vaccinated because children from developing countries come with higher risks of infections ... She said there was no timeline set for making such a recommendation, which would not be binding but would probably be passed along to adoptive parents by the international adoption agencies. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Did they plot to steal Africa's orphans of war? Nov 4, 2007
Bona fide adoption agencies working in Africa are likely to feel the impact. In France, 30,000 couples have been cleared to adopt, but only 3,000 adoptions take place each year. (Guardian Unlimited)
Answering the call Nov 3, 2007
Pairing those birth parents with adoptive families is what adoption agencies and Social Services departments seek to do. t's not always easy for a mother to do; it's a sacrifice, but it's what's best for the child, Woodward said. (Lenoir News Topic, NC)
Guardian wins Stonewall media award Nov 2, 2007
Mr Johnson was recognised for fighting, while education secretary, to include adoption agencies in regulations banning discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Ms Eagle, described by Stonewall as the only openly lesbian MP, was honoured for keeping the government "on the right path" on gay issues. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Aid groups: many 'Darfur orphans' targeted by French charity to go overseas had parents Nov 1, 2007
Established French aid and adoption agencies had raised questions about Zoe's Ark could legally organize adoption of children from Darfur, and alerted French judicial authorities, according to French newspaper reports. The French Foreign Ministry in August warned families to be careful. (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
Chad: Children's Case Won't Hinder Aid Oct 31, 2007
Established French aid and adoption agencies raised questions about how the group could legally organize adoption of children from Darfur, and alerted French judicial authorities, according to French newspaper reports. The French Foreign Ministry in August warned families to be careful about involvement in the group's operation. (CBS News -- World)
Adoptions From Guatemala Getting Tougher Oct 29, 2007
Lax regulation is one of the reasons adoption agencies have seen interest in Guatemalan babies skyrocket. While other countries tighten their guidelines - South Korea won't consider single parents, China even dictates how much a parent can weigh - the Guatemalan government has little oversight and virtually no rules. (CBS News)
Dr. Lewis F. Boddie, 94; pioneering physician, promoter of adoption Oct 27, 2007
Boddie saw the despair of young mothers and the dismal futures facing babies, and he began volunteering with child welfare and adoption agencies. "My dad, being raised in such a loving household . . . felt that was something every child deserved," said another of Boddie's daughters, Margaret Boddie Lewis of San Francisco. (Los Angeles Times)
Ellen saga calls for some sense Oct 26, 2007
Mary wrote on Oct 25, 2007 12:54 PM:" Except, when the 11 year old gets hurt by the dog and the family sues, they will sue the adoption agency, not Ellen. So, adoption agencies have to make sure what is happening, that is their job. Ellen took it upon herself to do something that she was not allowed to do. She didn't call them and tell them what she was doing, she just did it. The rules in place, though "over the top", are there for reasons. If the family wants to adopt a dog, let them go... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
I am too pregnant, convicted adoption scammer says Oct 25, 2007
The Richmond resident was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of violating a condition of her parole that bars her from contacting adoption agencies. Adoption facilitators in Los Angeles and North Carolina said Mays called them in recent weeks seeking to place her unborn child. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Woman who served prison time for adoption scam arrested again Oct 24, 2007
The 36-year-old Mays was free on parole until Tuesday when she was arrested and booked on suspicion of violating a condition of her parole that bars her from contacting adoption agencies. Her arrest comes after people who facilitate adoptions in Los Angeles and North Carolina said they had been contacted by her in recent weeks. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Rudd 'discriminating against gays' Oct 23, 2007
"You need to have some discretion within the state adoption agencies to take care of those circumstances,'' he said. "So that's why I say these things are properly left within the discretion of the state governments. "The view is that, therefore, discretion should be allowed within state and territory jurisdictions to handle those circumstances.'' Pressed by reporters to confirm whether he believed such adoption should only occur in special circumstances, Mr Rudd said: "That is my view and... (NEWS.com.au)
Gay adoption tribunal appeal due Oct 22, 2007
Earlier this year, when the government came under fire for legislation that prevented Catholic adoption agencies from discrimination against gay couples, it got strong support from a number of MPs. Ministers said any dilution of the legislation would render equality for gay people pointless. (BBC News -- UK)
No-kill shelter for cats is among award finalists Oct 15, 2007
Strays brought to the shelter are vaccinated, spayed or neutered and placed for adoption in central San Joaquin Valley homes or pet adoption agencies elsewhere in California. To learn more about The Cat House on the Kings, go to www. (Fresno Bee)
Adoption Crackdown Puts Family In Limbo Oct 11, 2007
Where it has gone horribly awry has been in the actual implementation of it," said Kevin Kruetner, chief writer for the blog . Kruetner, of Wisconsin, has adopted two children from Guatemala. He travels there every year and has become an advocate for safe, legal adoption. In those travels, he and others like him have reported unscrupulous adoption agencies and have tried to call attention to poor practices. Because Guatemala is such a poor country with limited resources, those complaints have... (Tampa Bay Online, FL -- News)
Letters to the editor Oct 3, 2007
We have adoption agencies for women who don't want their children or cannot provide proper care ... As for rape victims, there are adoption agencies to take the child. (Anchorage Daily News)
American adoptions of Guatemalan infants under scrutiny Oct 1, 2007
Because the process is controversial, adoption agencies discourage parents from leaving the hotels with the babies ... U.S.-based adoption agencies that employ the lawyers said they follow the rules ... The pact, which takes effect in Guatemala in January, requires the country to create a central agency to review adoption requests, make referrals, oversee foster homes and accredit adoption agencies. (AZCentral -- News)
Birthright is 25 years old Sep 28, 2007
Since 1982, Birthright of Rolla has been offering services including pregnancy testing, counseling, donating newborn starter sets, free formula and baby food on request, referrals to community resources, loaning baby clothes up to 24 months and maternity clothes and providing information on maternity and adoption agencies. Our main service is pregnancy testing, Director Sally Henson said. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
Maternity home to open in county Sep 25, 2007
"There are a couple of faith-based adoption agencies that we will refer them to.". The women, if they choose to parent, will stay at the maternity home until the baby is six weeks old. (Sealy News, TX)
UK Christians Worry About Implications of New Equality Laws Sep 24, 2007
Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops unsuccessfully lobbied for exemptions for Christian adoption agencies. Jonathan Bartley, co-director of Ekklesia, a liberal-leaning Christian think tank, said churches had nothing to fear from the new proposals. (CNSnews.com)
Alumnus awarded scholarship to study in Africa Sep 24, 2007
"Over the course of his time at GW, Don worked at soup kitchens, undersourced D.C. public schools and international adoption agencies when he wasn't already interning or working elsewhere," Wasserman said. While at GW, Goodson also managed to find the time to make a memorable impression on his professors as well. (GW Hatchet, Washington DC)
Wide Horizons for Children Appoints Dr. Tsegaye Berhe as Director for African Programs Sep 17, 2007
"Being able to give hundreds of Ethiopian children a hopeful future makes me truly happy, but the need extends beyond Ethiopia. I am hopeful we can soon make an impact on the lives of many needy children throughout Africa." Dr. Tsegaye is currently Chair of the Network of Adoption Agencies in Ethiopia, a group of governmental departments and private agencies that meet regularly to provide oversight for issues of child welfare. Prior to working with WHFC Dr. Tsegaye had over 30 years of... (PR Newswire)
Why adopting in Guatemala is getting harder Sep 12, 2007
Critics, including adoption agencies and Guatemalan lawyers, say that tighter regulations will leave thousands of babies without safe homes in this Central American nation, in which 80 percent of residents live in poverty and the infant-mortality rate is one of the highest in the hemisphere. But many others say that more restrictions on the process is crucial to the children's well-being. (Christian Science Monitor)