NOVEMBER 2010 ADOPTION STAR NEWS

November Adoption STAR NEWSLETTER

November 2010

Dear Friends,

HAPPY NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH!
Within this newsletter is an extensive list of amazing National Adoption Month activities that we are hoping you will attend. You are welcome to invite friends and family to join you as well. Spreading the word about adoption and more importantly "celebrating adoption" is the best way to spend your November.

This November, Adoption STAR is joining thousands of individuals, government agencies and child advocacy organizations across the nation in promoting the National Adoption Month 2010 Campaign. The goal of the campaign, “Answering the Call: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Be A Perfect Parent,” is to spread awareness to recruit and retain adoptive parents.

Since 1990, the nation has proclaimed November as National Adoption Month to focus attention on the children in the child welfare system waiting for placement with families. There are approximately 513,000 children currently in foster care, 114,000 who are waiting for permanent families. Of the children in need of adoption, 36 percent are African-American and 45 percent are over the age of 8. Adoption STAR works tirelessly to avoid the placement of children into the foster care system. Our unique and compassionate approach allows children to be placed immediately with adoptive parents.

Throughout the month of November, Adoption STAR is encouraging families to become adoptive parents by hosting several informational sessions at Adoption STAR’s office. See below for a list of these sessions. These meetings will provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for prospective parents to interact with real-life adoptive families, in hopes that they too will consider bringing a child into their homes.

Children want a place to call home and a loving family to call their own. This month remember that you do not have to be perfect to be a really terrific parent. Consider adoption and give a child something that every child deserves, a forever family.

For more information about the National Adoption Month 2010 Campaign or Adoption STAR, call us toll-free at 866-691-3300 or visit www.adoptionstar.com.

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH ADOPTION STAR EVENTS:
Understanding Infant Adoption Training – College of St. Rose, Albany, NY
November 06, Saturday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions.
Adoption Informational Session -- Albany area
November 08, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Being held at the Colonie Community Center - 1653 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

Adoption Informational Session -- Buffalo area
November 09, Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

A.C.E. Meeting
November 11, Thursday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
A.C.E.: Adoptee Circle of Experience is a support group for adult adoptees 18 and up. Held at the Adoption STAR office at 47 Plaza Drive in Williamsville. For more information contact Zachary@adoptionstar.com.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Troy, NY
November 11, Thursday, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Troy, NY
November 12, Friday, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood, NY
November 13, Saturday, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – SUNY Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY
November 14, Sunday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions.

Adoption Informational Session - Ohio
November 15, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
What better time to indulge in the journey of adoption than National Adoption Month! Come take this great opportunity to learn about both domestic and international adoption! Being held at 11850 Enyart Road, Loveland, OH 45140. Please call 513-697-7827 or email info@adoptionstar.com to RSVP.
Adoption Informational Session -- Rochester area
November 16, Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Being held at the JCC of Rochester - 1200 Edgewood Ave. Rochester, NY 14618. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center, Bellerose, NY
November 18, Thursday, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions.

Financial Planning for the Adoptive Family
November 18, Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm, 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville, New York.
Back by popular demand, and in celebration of National Adoption Month, this class will introduce raising an adoptive family in this economy, applying for the adoption tax credit among other benefits, and financial planning for your family’s future. Adoptive mom and financial advisor Amy Jo Lauber and adoptive father and accountant Mark Tronconi will lead. RSVP to 716-639-3900 or email info@adoptionstar.com.

The 30th Annual APC Adoption Conference
November 21, Sunday, 8:00am-5:00pm
St. Francis College, 180 Remsen St. Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hosted by the Adoptive Parents Committee, Inc.
For more information visit this link: http://adoptiveparents.org/conference.htm
Please stop by and say hello to us!!! Adoption STAR will be present at the conference with an exhibit table and will be facilitating several workshops:
10:45-11:45 am ~ Myths and Fears in Open Adoption
1:45-2:45 pm ~ Considering the Adoption of Infants At-Risk
4:15-5:15 pm ~ Exploring Transracial Adoption

The SOFIA 3rd Annual Holiday Party is right around the corner!
December 4, Saturday, 4:30 pm-8:30 pm
Fairport Community Baptist Church located at 20 E. Church Street, Fairport, NY 14450
Pot Luck Dinner gathering. Please contact Jenny Aiezza at jaiezza@frontiernet.net for suggestions for what to bring. Also each family is asked to bring an unwrapped gift to contribute to a toy drive for the Fairport Community Baptist Church. In addition, if you have children, please bring a small wrapped present for each of your children CLEARLY marked with their names. We will "secretly" collect these gifts and give them to Santa to distribute to the children.
RSVP for this event to Alison at alison75@rochester.rr.com by Friday, Nov 26. Please include the number of adults and children attending, as well as your kids' ages. This party is for waiting families as well. It is a great chance to get to know others who have been through the adoption process as well as those who are waiting for their families to grow. It is going to be a wonderful evening filled with lots of family, friends, food and fun! SOFIA stands for Supporting Our Families Interested In Adoption. It is the adoptive family support group of Adoption STAR and it is open to ALL families interested in adoption. You do not need to be affiliated with Adoption STAR to participate in SOFIA events. This event is free. Looking forward to celebrating the holidays with you!

Our LAST set of Home Study Classes for 2010 will be:
Weekend Home Study Classes – Western New York
December 10, Friday, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
AND
December 11, Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
This is the last time these classes will be held in 2010. Registered clients must complete these classes to become home study ready. Please call for location information and details. Hotel accommodations are available.

IF YOU WISH TO BEGIN THE ADOPTION PROCESS BEFORE 2011, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REGISTER NOW.

SAVE THE DATE!!!
Back by popular request is…
Shining Star ~ a very special evening dedicating to supporting the adoption of children with special needs
January 19, 2011, Wednesday, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
An evening of gourmet food stations, fine wines, extravagant gift baskets, and music to benefit Adoption STAR’s special needs adoption program.
This event is being sponsored by:
Buffalo Spree
WGRZ-TV
Creditors Interchange
Dental Wellness
TxMQ
Verizon
Key Bank
Phillips Lytle LLP
Drs. Christine and Dylan Tinnesz
Sharon and Lowell Chick

If you would like to add your name or business as a sponsor of the Shining Star event, please contact Michele Fried at michele@adoptionstar.com for more information. Thank you for supporting our work to help all children find forever families.

THANK YOU to everyone who assisted with our request to list Adoption STAR’s url: http://www.adoptionstar.com on your blogs and websites. Keep it up. Better yet, write an article on your blog or website about your beautiful adoption experience with Adoption STAR. Your assistance with our important outreach is so important and means so much! Please also drop our founder an email at michele@adoptionstar.com so she can thank you for adding us!

Are you an educator? We would love to connect with you! We are hoping you can help us to provide much needed adoption education and awareness throughout elementary, junior high, senior high, college and universities. Please email Zachary Fried at Zachary@adoptionstar.com with your name and contact information and any ideas you may have for us.

Are you in the medical profession? We would love to connect with you! We provide wonderful trainings for the medical community including trainings that allow for CEU and contact hours. Please email Michael Hill at Michael@adoptionstar.com with your name and contact information.

If you are not yet apart of the Adoption STAR family, we hope you will consider joining us. Adoption STAR will be presenting adoption informational sessions throughout Western New York, Upstate New York, New York City and Western Ohio. Check out our website calendar to find an event near you: http://www.adoptionstar.com/participate.php
Adoption STAR has helped create more than 439 forever families. Each of our children has their own special charm and we can’t help but smile when we walk through our office and see their photos on our walls. We remember their stories. They’re part of our history. To read stories from some of our STAR families and birth mothers, please visit: http://www.adoptionstar.com/agency_stories.php

If you have adopted from Adoption STAR and have not yet shared your story, please, please ADD your adoption story: (If you added your story and it has not appeared, please email michele@adoptionstar.com to resend your story.)
http://www.adoptionstar.com/agency_story.php
The adoptive family support group, Adoptive Families of the Capital Region, will be presenting to upcoming workshops for adult attendees considering adoption as well as those who have already adopted:

Adoption STAR has added a new feature to our website in honor of our 10th birthday. Please visit the home page: http://www.adoptionstar.com/index.php
On the right hand side you will see: Happy 10th Birthday Adoption STAR! Click Here for More Information! Click and you will see a series of new web pages created in honor of our 10th birthday. This section will be up for our entire 10th birthday year! Or go directly to this link:
http://www.adoptionstar.com/agency_10th.php You will see the following sections 10 Years: A Look Back; The Next 10 Years; Share Your Story; Stories and a Donate link.

Bulgaria

Adoption STAR is excited about our Bulgarian adoption program. There are many children ages 3, 4 and 5 including sibling groups available. If you are interested in considering Bulgaria as an international adoption option, please contact Lisa Geiger at 866-691-3300 or via email lisa@adoptionstar.com.

Haiti

While the U.S. Department of State reports that Haiti has reopened for adoption, the orphanages we work with feel the process is still quite slow and they are still healing emotionally and especially physically from the earthquake. We will be keeping you informed of the application process should you be interested in adopting from Haiti in the future.

In the meantime, Adoption STAR is committed to not forgetting Haiti, especially the children. Adoption STAR continues to monetary support to orphans in Haiti. AT THIS TIME ONLY MONETARY DONATIONS ARE NEEDED.

Please continue to support our continuing efforts in Haiti by making a tax- deductible donation by mailing in your check to Adoption STAR, Inc. and putting Haiti in the memo line. Please mail checks to the agency’s Williamsville, NY office. Thank you. Please share this information with family, friends, co-workers and any others you feel that can assist with these efforts.

Hungary

The Hungarian adoption program is open to all US residents residing throughout the country. Couples and singles will be considered. Healthy children ages 4 and up are available, most of Gypsy descent. Many younger children are available via sibling groups. Also those interested in adopting babies and toddlers with Down Syndrome should consider Hungary as there are many very young children with Down Syndrome in need of a forever family. For more information on adopting from Hungary, please contact Michele at 866-691-3300 or email her at michele@adoptionstar.com.

Nepal

No new applications are being taken for the Nepal adoption program.

New York State

The IAATP grant that Adoption STAR has had for several years is happy to share that several training sessions are on the calendar and are located throughout the state of NY. These FREE professional development opportunities are designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens, and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or for more information.

Ohio

If you reside in Ohio and are considering adoption, either now or in the future, we encourage you to learn more about Adoption STAR Ohio by emailing info@adoptionstar.com or by calling 513-631-6590. In addition, in honor of National Adoption Month, a free adoption informational session will be held on November 15, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Take this great opportunity to learn about both domestic and international adoption! Being held at 11850 Enyart Road, Loveland, OH 45140. Please call 513-697-7827 or email info@adoptionstar.com to RSVP.

Florida

If you reside in Florida and are considering adoption, either now or in the future, we encourage you to learn more about Adoption STAR Florida by emailing info@adoptionstar.com or by calling 954-566-6055.

Connecticut

ADOPTION STAR IS NOW CONNECTICUT APPROVED THROUGH MAY 2012. THIS MEANS THAT WE ARE AUTHORIZED TO PLACE CHILDREN FOR ADOPTION WITH CONNECTICUT FAMILIES.

Older Child Adoptions

If you wish to receive emails about older children available for adoption, please provide your full name and email address and send it to: zachary@adoptionstar.com. At least one time per month you will receive photos and information on older children who need forever families.

On-line Profiling

It is not unusual for expectant parents or their family members to search the Web for adoptive families. One of the most effective ways to reach a potential birth mother is to post your profile on the Internet. The online profiling offers expectant parents an opportunity to get-to-know some of the wonderful adoptive parents who are waiting to adopt. By posting your profile with Adoption STAR you are allowing information about yourself and your desire to adopt to be available to all expectant parents who visit the site. This is an incredible opportunity for waiting adoptive families to present themselves online in a Dear Birth Parent letter and photos.

This online profiling will offer a unique environment created for expectant parents and hopeful adoptive parents to find each other, establish relationships, and create adoption situations that meet the needs of everyone. As you know we share hard copy profiles with our birth parent clients, but often there is a birth mother who feels more comfortable by seeking out an adoptive family on her own. Your profile can be the one that makes her feel comfortable about her adoption decision.

Only Adoption STAR adoptive parent clients are eligible to participate in the online adoptive parent profiles. Fee for participation is reasonable and competitive. Rather than the typical monthly fee with other Internet adoption sites, our fee is only $99 for a three-month period. There are also no application fees or additional Internet service fees. It is also very easy to do!

Please click here to start the process by filling out our Adoptive Parents Profile Form or cut and paste this link onto your browser: http://www.adoptionstar.com/adoptiveparents_profile1_form.php
We will contact you when we receive it and we put it live on our website!

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, IF ADOPTION STAR DOES NOT HAVE A COPY OF YOUR HARD COPY PROFILE VIA A PDF (OF LESS THAN 5 MG) PLEASE IMMEDIATELY BE SURE THIS IS EMAILED TO YOUR FAMILY ADVOCATE. MANY TIMES WE DO NOT HAVE TIME TO EXPRESS MAIL YOUR PROFILE OUT AND THESE PDF PROFILES COME IN HANDY!

Our Email/Mailing List

If you would like any of your family or friends to receive our newsletter, email updates and mailings, please email Zachary@adoptionstar.com with their names, mailing addresses, and email addresses. If you are a client of Adoption STAR, we would like to remind all of you to provide the agency with updated telephone numbers (work, home, cell, pager), mailing addresses and email addresses. If you have switched jobs, left a job, moved, etc., please email Zachary with your most updated contact information!


Have you joined these groups yet?

SOFIA
There is NO membership fee! SOFIA means supporting our families interested in adoption. It is a special group. The focus is educational and social. It is for those families who are waiting to adopt and those families who have already adopted through STAR or through another entity. Please visit SOFIA by going to their NEW website at http://adoptionstar.com/sofia/

FACEBOOK
It is so easy to do. Just visit http://facebook.com/ and search for the Adoption STAR fan group. We hope to see you online!

TWITTER
Follow Adoption STAR on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/adoptionstar

BLOG
Read what has been posted on the blog, make comments or add your own articles, stories, poetry to the blog.
http://adoptionstar.blogspot.com/

Adoption STAR YAHOO Online Groups
We highly recommend that once your home study is approved that you log onto and join the Adoption STAR adoptive parent’s yahoo group. It is easy to join, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adoptionstar/ There are so many Adoption STAR clients (those who adopted and those waiting to adopt) who all have access to each other.
Another online group is the Adoption Star Parenting Site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adoptionstarparents/ for those who already adopted from Adoption STAR. Please join this group to connect with other parents about the different stages of parenthood. No agency staff are members of the online groups ~ only adoptive parent clients. Please utilize this resource to post a message, to learn from others, and especially to receive support and connect with new friends and past home study peers, etc. When you join, please list your name and your home study group’s name so others will be able to welcome you to the group.

Messages from the Adoptive Family Department for prospective adoptive families:

1. Emailing: If you wish an update on whether or not you have been profiled OR to check on the outcome of a recent profiling please CALL the agency rather than emailing us for an update. Also if you wish an update on your file to see if you are missing paperwork, etc., please contact us via telephone and not email. We receive an overwhelming amount of emails each day and cannot always get back to you timely. Also email can be lost or bounce to spam files and never be received. In addition, questions that are specific to your file and profiling are important to us and we would prefer personal contact with you.

2. Profiles: If you hoping to adopt a baby domestically and are just beginning to create your profile remember to show your family advocate a copy of your profile before you prepare several copies of it. Also a terrific way to make your profile unique is by having it “come alive” in a DVD presentation. There are two companies, both founded by adoptive parents who could help you with this project. For more information visit: http://www.littlelambvideo.com/ and http://www.customvideomemories.net/ (Adoption STAR does not receive any compensation or any portion of fees paid to any of these businesses.) As you know we request only five profiles (for expectant parents) to be kept at the agency. Be in touch with the agency to be sure we have more than one profile remaining. Often we run out of our clients' profiles and if this occurs you may lose out on being considered for potential adoption situations. We will not accept more than five profiles at one time (we just do not have the space to accommodate this.) Do not get discouraged if we ask for more profiles as it means your Family Advocate is working on your behalf to get your profiles viewed. Remember we cannot profile you without profiles, so if you have not handed in your profile and your home study is done, precious time is passing.

3. Profiling Opportunities: It is sometimes difficult for families to "hear" or "read" about available children and come to learn they can not be considered unless they are home study ready. "Home study ready" means that your home study or home study update is less than 12 months old and that no paperwork has expired such as fingerprints and child abuse clearances. It also means that we have your profile too. Without these items, we are unable to consider you for domestic adoption situations in-state or out-of-state.

4. Home Study Expiration: If your home study is coming up on expiring there is a good chance your fingerprint clearances and SCR (child abuse) clearances have already expired or will soon expire. The date of your clearances is listed in the body of your home study document. It is important to keep this up to date. Please contact the office if you need more information. We are recommending that you begin processing your update within two months before it expires so there is no lapse. Those with expired home studies (and expired SCR clearances) are unable to be considered for potential placements.

5. Second Adoptions: Many Adoption STAR families who have adopted previously from us have adopted again! If you are considering adopting again, it is important to begin the process to update your home study. We just want to remind those of you who wish to adopt again, the process does not require home study educational classes.

6. Fingerprinting: For our NY families, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services has recently implemented the use of a LiveScan digital fingerprint imaging process for the submission of fingerprints for all prospective adoptive parents and anyone in your household over the age of 18. You will receive information in your home study packet of paperwork at your initial consultation with your Adoption STAR Family Advocate including the required Fingerprint Information Form which needs to be completed and brought to the LiveScan center when fingerprints are taken. Individuals must also bring to the fingerprinting appointment appropriate forms of identification, as indicated on the back of the Fingerprint Information Form. An appointment to be fingerprinted is necessary and can be scheduled online by going to www.L1enrollment.com or by calling 1-877-472-6915. The website will list locations in your area that provide this fingerprinting service. There is no fee to be fingerprinted and the turnaround time for the results tends to be quicker than the previous fingerprinting program. Once you are fingerprinted and receive approval from both NY and FBI you do not need to be fingerprinted again! If your fingerprint clearances expire before you adopt, the agency will just need to request a summary update judgment report. We expunge records after finalization so any of our previous families who return to adopt again will need to be re-fingerprinted as we do not have the option of requesting the summary update report.

7. Waiting: Your Family Advocate understands that waiting to adopt is emotionally draining and difficult. We have a growing list of recommendations to ease your wait time. The agency’s educational credit system for both domestic and international adoptions has been created to assist you while you wait to become an adoptive parent. Adoption education is a life-long process, what better way to prepare for adoptive parenthood then to continue your adoption education! We highly recommend that once your home study is approved that you log onto and join the Adoption STAR adoptive parent’s yahoo group. Finding a creative outlet often assists with one’s wait. If you are planning to adopt domestically, there are a number of creative ways to help in your pursuit. One of those ways is to place your profile online at the Adoption STAR website. Here is a link to learn more: http://www.adoptionstar.com/adoptiveparents_profile_form.php
Another way is to arrange a training session with our staff to begin the Agency Assisted private track program and attend the special training.
And yet another way is to have your profile come alive by creating a DVD presentation. See # 2 above. These are just a few ideas to think about, and again, if you are struggling with the wait, we encourage you to contact the agency as we are here for you!

Messages about Post Adoption for families who already adopted:

1. Open Adoption Contact: Just a reminder that you signed an agreement to supply the agency with photos and letters for your child's birth family whether or not the birth parents wanted an open adoption. It is imperative that you provide these photos and letters in a timely fashion. If you haven't it is not too late to do so now. It is very sad to have to inform a birth mother or a birth father that there are no photos waiting for them in their file. Even if you have not heard from the birth family, it is still important to keep to the schedule provided to you. Many of our schedules fall into the following category (but check your placement paperwork to be sure that your agreement is the same or if it requires more frequent contact): photos/letters to be sent the first two weeks after placement, one month after placement and then every month through six months after placement, then 12 months, 18 months and 24 months, and then yearly thereafter until age 18. PLEASE also remember to also include photos for Adoption STAR. We update your files with these photos, pass them around to the staff as we all love to see our babies growing up and we continuously like to update our bulletin board! Please send all photos via regular mail attention: Emma at Adoption STAR, 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221.

2. Staying Connected: Time passes so quickly and our children grow up so fast. We are working, playing, parenting... we are so busy! Even with our busy lives, we need to remember that our adoption journey has continued from waiting, to placement, to parenthood and continues forever. Adoption does not end at the placement of our children but rather it continues. What does this mean for us adoptive families? It means that your children may have unique issues due to their adoption experiences, questions about themselves and their birth families, etc. Adoption STAR can provide you with a list of professionals who provide post adoption counseling to provide you with the support and counseling necessary when dealing with unexpected special needs or other parenting issues.

3. Newsletter: This monthly email newsletter is a special way to stay connected. If you know anyone who would like to receive this newsletter, please provide us with their email address. You do not need to be associated with the agency to receive this newsletter.

4. Support groups: Adoption STAR has several support groups including online groups for you to become involved with before, during and after you have a child placed in your home. Support after adoption is encouraged and enhances the well being of the adoptive family. For more information on the agency’s support groups, visit the agency’s website.

Please stay in touch and get involved!

Your Friends at Adoption STAR

P.S. View our calendar online: http://www.adoptionstar.com/participate.php

NOVEMBER

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – College of St. Rose, Albany, NY
November 06, Saturday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Orientation Session -- Albany area
November 08, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Being held at the Colonie Community Center - 1653 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Orientation Session -- Buffalo area
November 09, Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

A.C.E. Meeting
November 11, Thursday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
A.C.E.: Adoptee Circle of Experience is a support group for adult adoptees 18 and up. Held at the Adoption STAR office at 47 Plaza Drive in Williamsville.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Troy, NY
November 11, Thursday, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Troy, NY
November 12, Friday, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood, NY
November 13, Saturday, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – SUNY Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY
November 14, Sunday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Adoption Month Information Session - Ohio
November 15, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
What better time to indulge in the journey of adoption than National Adoption Month! Come take this great opportunity to learn about both domestic and international adoption! Being held at 11850 Enyart Road, Loveland, OH 45140. Please call 513-697-7827 or email info@adoptionstar.com to RSVP.

Orientation Session -- Rochester area
November 16, Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Being held at the JCC of Rochester - 1200 Edgewood Ave. Rochester, NY 14618. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center, Bellerose, NY
November 18, Thursday, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Financial Planning for the Adoptive Family
November 18, Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Back by popular demand, this class will introduce applying for the adoption tax credit among other benefits, and financial planning for your family’s future. Adoptive mom and financial advisor Amy Jo Lauber and adoptive father and accountant Mark Tronconi will lead.

DECEMBER

Orientation Session -- Buffalo area
December 05, Sunday, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Weekend Home Study Classes - Buffalo, NY
December 10, Friday, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, Dec. 10, 6 pm - 9 pm AND Saturday, Dec. 11, 9 am - 5 pm. This is the last time these classes will be held in 2010. Registered clients must complete these classes to become homestudy ready. Please call for location information and details.
JANUARY 2011!!!
Shining STAR Fundraising Event
January 19, Wednesday, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for a fun-filled evening of gourmet food stations, wine sampling, and extravagant basket raffles. January 19, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the elegant Shea’s Theatre Lobby on Main St in downtown Buffalo. Call (716) 639-3900 or email info@adoptionstar.com for details.

Please feel free to post or forward this email as appropriate.

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Adoption STAR, Inc.
A NYS Authorized and Florida Licensed Non-Profit Adoption Agency
Hague Accredited Adoption Service Provider
STAR stands for Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources

47 Plaza Drive
Williamsville, New York 14221
Phone: 716-639-3900
Fax: 716-639-3700

2734 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Phone: 954-566-6055
Fax: 954-566-6255

11918 Foxgate Way
Cincinnati, OH 45140
Phone: 513-631-6590

Other ways to contact us:
Albany 518-391-2515
Binghamton 607-330-2158
Rochester 585-672-5227
New York City 917-470-9340
Syracuse 315-703-7511
Poughkeepsie 845-457-4883
Cleveland 216-201-9177
Miami 305-433-8531

Toll Free 866-691-3300

Confidentiality Notice:
This communication, together with any attachments hereto or links contained herein, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is confidential, privileged, or legally protected, and as such is not a public document. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, disclosure, copying, dissemination, distribution or use of this communication is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail message and delete the original and all copies of the communication, along with any attachments hereto or links herein, from your system.

Please consider the environment before printing.

October Adoption STAR NEWSLETTER

October 2010

Dear Friends,

THANK YOU to everyone who assisted with our request to list Adoption STAR’s url: http://www.adoptionstar.com on your blogs and websites.
Your assistance with our important outreach is so important and means so much! Please also drop our founder an email at michele@adoptionstar.com so she can thank you for adding us!

Are you an educator? We would love to connect with you! We are hoping you can help us to provide much needed adoption education and awareness throughout elementary, junior high, senior high, college and universities. Please email Zachary Fried at Zachary@adoptionstar.com with your name and contact information and any ideas you may have for us.

Are you in the medical profession? We would love to connect with you! We provide wonderful trainings for the medical community including trainings that allow for CEU and contact hours. Please email Michael Hill at Michael@adoptionstar.com with your name and contact information.

If you are not yet apart of the Adoption STAR family, we hope you will consider joining us. Adoption STAR will be presenting adoption informational sessions throughout Western New York, Upstate New York, New York City and Western Ohio. Check out our website calendar to find an event near you: http://www.adoptionstar.com/participate.php

The next adoption informational session will be held in the Buffalo area on October 3, Sunday, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Please call 716-639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

Adoption Informational Meeting -- NYC area
October 07, Thursday, 8:00 pm -10:00 pm
Adoption STAR will be speaking at WANNABE DADS AND MOMS - A support group for LGBTQ people exploring the possibilities of becoming parents through adoption. To register or for more information contact: Megan at the LGBT Community Center cmfisk@gaycenter.org or 212.620.7310 ext. 401. The event will be held at: 208 W. 13th Street NY, NY 10011

Play an Active Role in Creating Your Forever Family -- Buffalo area
October 14, Thursday, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Adoption STAR
47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221
Adoption STAR offers a personalized training on how you can adopt your baby privately with our assistance. Agency Assisted Private Track Adoption lowers your fees while giving you full agency support and more control over the adoption process. In this workshop you will be taught how to manage and market your adoption journey. We will coach you on how to write compelling and attractive advertisements to place in newspapers and websites. You are in charge of your journey and Adoption STAR’s resources are beside you. The fee for this workshop is $200 per couple or single. This is a $175 savings!
RSVP now to missy@adoptionstar.com or call her at 716-639-3900.

Please join us for our annual Fall Gathering…

Saturday, October 16th
10:30 AM
GroMoore Farms
2811 East Henrietta Rd
Rochester, NY

Free activities include... ABC's of Agriculture Maze No Left Turn Maze Kids Haunted House The Fun House for Kids Goat Petting Zoo Pumpkin Slide Fall Scenes for Photo Memories
You can also pay per activity or purchase a ($10) all inclusive wristband for the following...
Uncle Wally's Racing Pigs John Deere Express Train Ride The Black Hole Super Slide Mini Golf Tractor-Drawn Wagon Rides Duck Races Apple Chucker Trike Track Straw Crawl for the Little Ones! Tattoo Parlor (limit one per Pay One Price Pass) Pumpkin Painting (limit one per Pay One Price Pass) Snack and lunch items available for purchase.

Children are welcome to come in costume. Waiting families encouraged to attend as well! Look for the table marked Adoption STAR.

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH IS IN NOVEMBER!!!

This November, Adoption STAR will join thousands of individuals, government agencies and child advocacy organizations across the nation in promoting the National Adoption Month 2010 Campaign. The goal of the campaign, “Answering the Call: You Don’t
Have to Be Perfect to Be A Perfect Parent,” is to spread awareness to recruit and retain adoptive parents.

Since 1990, the nation has proclaimed November as National Adoption Month to focus attention on the children in the child welfare system waiting for placement with families. There are approximately 513,000 children currently in foster care, 114,000 who are waiting for permanent families. Of the children in need of adoption, 36 percent are African-American and 45 percent are over the age of 8. Adoption STAR works tirelessly to avoid the placement of children into the foster care system. Our unique and compassionate approach allows children to be placed immediately with adoptive parents.

Throughout the month of November, Adoption STAR is encouraging families to become adoptive parents by hosting several informational sessions at Adoption STAR’s office. These sessions will provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for prospective
parents to interact with real-life adoptive families, in hopes that they too will consider bringing a child into their homes.

Children want a place to call home and a loving family to call their own. This November, remember that you do not have to be perfect to be a really terrific parent. Consider adoption and give a child something that every child deserves, a forever family.

For more information about the National Adoption Month 2010 Campaign or Adoption STAR, call 716-639-3900 or visit www.adoptionstar.com.

Join us this November… There are a crazy amount of events planned!

Exploring Your Adoption Options
November 04, Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville.
This free workshop will introduce many adoption options including international, private, older child, etc. It will also provide ways to enhance your profiles with an abundance of creativity. For all those who are currently waiting to adopt! RSVP by calling 716-639-3900 or emailing info@adoptionstar.com
Adoption Informational Session -- Albany area, location TBA
November 08, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Adoption Informational Session -- Buffalo area
November 09, Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com
Adoption Information & National Adoption Month Celebration -- Ohio area
November 15, Monday, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us at 11850 Enyart Road, Loveland, Ohio to learn more about domestic and international adoption in honor of National Adoption Awareness month.

Orientation Session -- Rochester area
November 16, Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Scroll down to the end of this newsletter for more November events or visit us online to check out our events: http://www.adoptionstar.com/participate.php

SAVE THE DATE!!!
Back by popular request is…
Shining Star ~ a very special evening dedicating to supporting the adoption of children with special needs
January 19, 2011, Wednesday, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
An evening of gourmet food stations, fine wines, extravagant gift baskets, and music to benefit Adoption STAR’s special needs adoption program.
This event is being sponsored by:
Buffalo Spree
WGRZ-TV
Creditors Interchange
Dental Wellness
TxMQ
Verizon
Key Bank
Phillips Lytle LLP
Drs. Christine and Dylan Tinnesz
Sharon and Lowell Chick

If you would like to add your name or business as a sponsor of the Shining Star event, please contact Michele Fried at michele@adoptionstar.com for more information. Thank you for supporting our work to help all children find forever families.

Our next set of Home Study Classes will be held in Western New York beginning October 19. Another October start date option will be our Weekend Home Study Classes that will be held in the Albany area and are open to all registrants of Adoption STAR who reside anywhere in New York State. For those of you interested in attending this weekend series of classes, there are economical overnight accommodations available. Please contact the agency for more information.

IF YOU WISH TO BEGIN THE ADOPTION PROCESS BEFORE 2011, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REGISTER NOW.

Home Study Educational Classes – Western New York area
October 19, Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
This is the first night of a five week program preparing you for domestic or international adoption and is open to all registered Adoption STAR clients. Register today by calling 716-639-3900 or email info@adoptionstar.com.

Weekend Home Study Classes – Albany area
Friday, Oct. 29, 6 pm - 9 pm AND Saturday, Oct 30, 9 am - 5 pm. This is the last time these classes will be held in 2010. Registered clients must complete these classes to become home study ready. Located at the Carondelet Hospitality Center - 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

If you scroll down to the bottom of this email you will see an unbelievable listing of events this October and November. Please challenge yourself to identify at least one activity that you will attend. You will be happy you did! Please share them with co-workers, family and friends!

Adoption STAR has helped create more than 434 forever families. Each of our children has their own special charm and we can’t help but smile when we walk through our office and see their photos on our walls. We remember their stories. They’re part of our history. To read stories from some of our STAR families and birth mothers, please visit: http://www.adoptionstar.com/agency_stories.php

If you have adopted from Adoption STAR and have not yet shared your story, please, please ADD your adoption story: (If you added your story and it has not appeared, please email michele@adoptionstar.com to resend your story.)
http://www.adoptionstar.com/agency_story.php
The adoptive family support group, Adoptive Families of the Capital Region, will be presenting to upcoming workshops for adult attendees considering adoption as well as those who have already adopted:

Adoption STAR has added a new feature to our website in honor of our 10th birthday. Please visit the home page: http://www.adoptionstar.com/index.php
On the right hand side you will see: Happy 10th Birthday Adoption STAR! Click Here for More Information! Click and you will see a series of new web pages created in honor of our 10th birthday. This section will be up for our entire 10th birthday year! Or go directly to this link:
http://www.adoptionstar.com/agency_10th.php You will see the following sections 10 Years: A Look Back; The Next 10 Years; Share Your Story; Stories and a Donate link.

Bulgaria

Adoption STAR is excited about our Bulgarian adoption program. There are many children ages 3, 4 and 5 including sibling groups available. If you are interested in considering Bulgaria as an international adoption option, please contact Lisa Geiger at 866-691-3300 or via email lisa@adoptionstar.com.

Haiti

While the U.S. Department of State reports that Haiti has reopened for adoption, the orphanages we work with feel the process is still quite slow and they are still healing emotionally and especially physically from the earthquake. We will be keeping you informed of the application process should you be interested in adopting from Haiti in the future.

In the meantime, Adoption STAR is committed to not forgetting Haiti, especially the children. Adoption STAR continues to monetary support to orphans in Haiti. AT THIS TIME ONLY MONETARY DONATIONS ARE NEEDED.

Please continue to support our continuing efforts in Haiti by making a tax- deductible donation by mailing in your check to Adoption STAR, Inc. and putting Haiti in the memo line. Please mail checks to the agency’s Williamsville, NY office. Thank you. Please share this information with family, friends, co-workers and any others you feel that can assist with these efforts.

Hungary

The Hungarian adoption program is open to all US residents residing throughout the country. Couples and singles will be considered. Healthy children ages 4 and up are available, most of Gypsy descent. Many younger children are available via sibling groups. Also those interested in adopting babies and toddlers with Down Syndrome should consider Hungary as there are many very young children with Down Syndrome in need of a forever family. For more information on adopting from Hungary, please contact Michele at 866-691-3300 or email her at michele@adoptionstar.com.

Nepal

No new applications are being taken for the Nepal adoption program.

New York State

The IAATP grant that Adoption STAR has had for several years is happy to share that several training sessions are on the calendar and are located throughout the state of NY. These FREE professional development opportunities are designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens, and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or for more information.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY
October 04, Monday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – SUNY Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY
October 05, Tuesday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm

Understanding Infant Adoption Training - Lewis County General Hospital, Lowville, NY
October 20, Wednesday, 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY
October 27, Wednesday, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

Ohio

If you reside in Ohio and are considering adoption, either now or in the future, we encourage you to learn more about Adoption STAR Ohio by emailing info@adoptionstar.com or by calling 513-631-6590.

Florida

If you reside in Florida and are considering adoption, either now or in the future, we encourage you to learn more about Adoption STAR Florida by emailing info@adoptionstar.com or by calling 954-566-6055.

Connecticut

ADOPTION STAR IS NOW CONNECTICUT APPROVED THROUGH MAY 2012. THIS MEANS THAT WE ARE AUTHORIZED TO PLACE CHILDREN FOR ADOPTION WITH CONNECTICUT FAMILIES.

Older Child Adoptions

If you wish to receive emails about older children available for adoption, please provide your full name and email address and send it to: zachary@adoptionstar.com. At least one time per month you will receive photos and information on older children who need forever families.

On-line Profiling

It is not unusual for expectant parents or their family members to search the Web for adoptive families. One of the most effective ways to reach a potential birth mother is to post your profile on the Internet. The online profiling offers expectant parents an opportunity to get-to-know some of the wonderful adoptive parents who are waiting to adopt. By posting your profile with Adoption STAR you are allowing information about yourself and your desire to adopt to be available to all expectant parents who visit the site. This is an incredible opportunity for waiting adoptive families to present themselves online in a Dear Birth Parent letter and photos.

This online profiling will offer a unique environment created for expectant parents and hopeful adoptive parents to find each other, establish relationships, and create adoption situations that meet the needs of everyone. As you know we share hard copy profiles with our birth parent clients, but often there is a birth mother who feels more comfortable by seeking out an adoptive family on her own. Your profile can be the one that makes her feel comfortable about her adoption decision.

Only Adoption STAR adoptive parent clients are eligible to participate in the online adoptive parent profiles. Fee for participation is reasonable and competitive. Rather than the typical monthly fee with other Internet adoption sites, our fee is only $99 for a three-month period. There are also no application fees or additional Internet service fees. It is also very easy to do!

Please click here to start the process by filling out our Adoptive Parents Profile Form or cut and paste this link onto your browser: http://www.adoptionstar.com/adoptiveparents_profile1_form.php
We will contact you when we receive it and we put it live on our website!

IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, IF ADOPTION STAR DOES NOT HAVE A COPY OF YOUR HARD COPY PROFILE VIA A PDF (OF LESS THAN 5 MG) PLEASE IMMEDIATELY BE SURE THIS IS EMAILED TO YOUR FAMILY ADVOCATE. MANY TIMES WE DO NOT HAVE TIME TO EXPRESS MAIL YOUR PROFILE OUT AND THESE PDF PROFILES COME IN HANDY!

Our Email/Mailing List

If you would like any of your family or friends to receive our newsletter, email updates and mailings, please email Zachary@adoptionstar.com with their names, mailing addresses, and email addresses. If you are a client of Adoption STAR, we would like to remind all of you to provide the agency with updated telephone numbers (work, home, cell, pager), mailing addresses and email addresses. If you have switched jobs, left a job, moved, etc., please email Zachary with your most updated contact information!


Have you joined these groups yet?

SOFIA
There is NO membership fee! SOFIA means supporting our families interested in adoption. It is a special group. The focus is educational and social. It is for those families who are waiting to adopt and those families who have already adopted through STAR or through another entity. Please visit SOFIA by going to their website at http://www.wnysofia.com/

FACEBOOK
It is so easy to do. Just visit http://facebook.com/ and search for the Adoption STAR fan group. We hope to see you online!

TWITTER
Follow Adoption STAR on Twitter! http://www.twitter.com/adoptionstar

BLOG
Read what has been posted on the blog, make comments or add your own articles, stories, poetry to the blog.
http://adoptionstar.blogspot.com/

Adoption STAR YAHOO Online Groups
We highly recommend that once your home study is approved that you log onto and join the Adoption STAR adoptive parent’s yahoo group. It is easy to join, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adoptionstar/ There are so many Adoption STAR clients (those who adopted and those waiting to adopt) who all have access to each other.
Another online group is the Adoption Star Parenting Site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/adoptionstarparents/ for those who already adopted from Adoption STAR. Please join this group to connect with other parents about the different stages of parenthood. No agency staff are members of the online groups ~ only adoptive parent clients. Please utilize this resource to post a message, to learn from others, and especially to receive support and connect with new friends and past home study peers, etc. When you join, please list your name and your home study group’s name so others will be able to welcome you to the group.

Messages from the Adoptive Family Department for prospective adoptive families:

1. Emailing: If you wish an update on whether or not you have been profiled OR to check on the outcome of a recent profiling please CALL the agency rather than emailing us for an update. Also if you wish an update on your file to see if you are missing paperwork, etc., please contact us via telephone and not email. We receive an overwhelming amount of emails each day and cannot always get back to you timely. Also email can be lost or bounce to spam files and never be received. In addition, questions that are specific to your file and profiling are important to us and we would prefer personal contact with you.

2. Profiles: If you hoping to adopt a baby domestically and are just beginning to create your profile and need assistance there is an online company founded by Adoption STAR adoptive parents who can assist you with the process: www.petitepublishing.com. Even if you have already created your profile and handed it in, but feel it needs a “face lift” consider Petite Publishing for this as well. Also a terrific way to make your profile unique is by having it “come alive” in a DVD presentation. There are two companies, both founded by adoptive parents who could help you with this project. For more information visit: http://www.littlelambvideo.com/ and http://www.customvideomemories.net/ (Adoption STAR does not receive any compensation or any portion of fees paid to any of these businesses.) As you know we request only five profiles (for expectant parents) to be kept at the agency. Be in touch with the agency to be sure we have more than one profile remaining. Often we run out of our clients' profiles and if this occurs you may lose out on being considered for potential adoption situations. We will not accept more than five profiles at one time (we just do not have the space to accommodate this.) Do not get discouraged if we ask for more profiles as it means your Family Advocate is working on your behalf to get your profiles viewed. Remember we cannot profile you without profiles, so if you have not handed in your profile and your home study is done, precious time is passing.

3. Profiling Opportunities: It is sometimes difficult for families to "hear" or "read" about available children and come to learn they can not be considered unless they are home study ready. "Home study ready" means that your home study or home study update is less than 12 months old and that no paperwork has expired such as fingerprints and child abuse clearances. It also means that we have your profile too. Without these items, we are unable to consider you for domestic adoption situations in-state or out-of-state.

4. Home Study Expiration: If your home study is coming up on expiring there is a good chance your fingerprint clearances and SCR (child abuse) clearances have already expired or will soon expire. The date of your clearances is listed in the body of your home study document. It is important to keep this up to date. Please contact the office if you need more information. We are recommending that you begin processing your update within two months before it expires so there is no lapse. Those with expired home studies (and expired SCR clearances) are unable to be considered for potential placements.

5. Second Adoptions: Many Adoption STAR families who have adopted previously from us have adopted again! If you are considering adopting again, it is important to begin the process to update your home study. We just want to remind those of you who wish to adopt again, the process does not require home study educational classes.

6. Fingerprinting: For our NY families, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services has recently implemented the use of a LiveScan digital fingerprint imaging process for the submission of fingerprints for all prospective adoptive parents and anyone in your household over the age of 18. You will receive information in your home study packet of paperwork at your initial consultation with your Adoption STAR Family Advocate including the required Fingerprint Information Form which needs to be completed and brought to the LiveScan center when fingerprints are taken. Individuals must also bring to the fingerprinting appointment appropriate forms of identification, as indicated on the back of the Fingerprint Information Form. An appointment to be fingerprinted is necessary and can be scheduled online by going to www.L1enrollment.com or by calling 1-877-472-6915. The website will list locations in your area that provide this fingerprinting service. There is no fee to be fingerprinted and the turnaround time for the results tends to be quicker than the previous fingerprinting program. Once you are fingerprinted and receive approval from both NY and FBI you do not need to be fingerprinted again! If your fingerprint clearances expire before you adopt, the agency will just need to request a summary update judgment report. We expunge records after finalization so any of our previous families who return to adopt again will need to be re-fingerprinted as we do not have the option of requesting the summary update report.

7. Waiting: Your Family Advocate understands that waiting to adopt is emotionally draining and difficult. We have a growing list of recommendations to ease your wait time. The agency’s educational credit system for both domestic and international adoptions has been created to assist you while you wait to become an adoptive parent. Adoption education is a life-long process, what better way to prepare for adoptive parenthood then to continue your adoption education! We highly recommend that once your home study is approved that you log onto and join the Adoption STAR adoptive parent’s yahoo group. Finding a creative outlet often assists with one’s wait. If you are planning to adopt domestically, there are a number of creative ways to help in your pursuit. One of those ways is to place your profile online at the Adoption STAR website. Here is a link to learn more: http://www.adoptionstar.com/adoptiveparents_profile_form.php
Another way is to arrange a training session with our staff to begin the Agency Assisted private track program and attend the special training.
And yet another way is to have your profile come alive by creating a DVD presentation. See # 2 above. These are just a few ideas to think about, and again, if you are struggling with the wait, we encourage you to contact the agency as we are here for you!

Messages about Post Adoption for families who already adopted:

1. Open Adoption Contact: Just a reminder that you signed an agreement to supply the agency with photos and letters for your child's birth family whether or not the birth parents wanted an open adoption. It is imperative that you provide these photos and letters in a timely fashion. If you haven't it is not too late to do so now. It is very sad to have to inform a birth mother or a birth father that there are no photos waiting for them in their file. Even if you have not heard from the birth family, it is still important to keep to the schedule provided to you. Many of our schedules fall into the following category (but check your placement paperwork to be sure that your agreement is the same or if it requires more frequent contact): photos/letters to be sent the first two weeks after placement, one month after placement and then every month through six months after placement, then 12 months, 18 months and 24 months, and then yearly thereafter until age 18. PLEASE also remember to also include photos for Adoption STAR. We update your files with these photos, pass them around to the staff as we all love to see our babies growing up and we continuously like to update our bulletin board! Please send all photos via regular mail attention: Emma at Adoption STAR, 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221.

2. Staying Connected: Time passes so quickly and our children grow up so fast. We are working, playing, parenting... we are so busy! Even with our busy lives, we need to remember that our adoption journey has continued from waiting, to placement, to parenthood and continues forever. Adoption does not end at the placement of our children but rather it continues. What does this mean for us adoptive families? It means that your children may have unique issues due to their adoption experiences, questions about themselves and their birth families, etc. Adoption STAR can provide you with a list of professionals who provide post adoption counseling to provide you with the support and counseling necessary when dealing with unexpected special needs or other parenting issues.

3. Newsletter: This monthly email newsletter is a special way to stay connected. If you know anyone who would like to receive this newsletter, please provide us with their email address. You do not need to be associated with the agency to receive this newsletter.

4. Support groups: Adoption STAR has several support groups including online groups for you to become involved with before, during and after you have a child placed in your home. Support after adoption is encouraged and enhances the well being of the adoptive family. For more information on the agency’s support groups, visit the agency’s website.

Please stay in touch and get involved!

Your Friends at Adoption STAR

P.S. View our calendar online: http://www.adoptionstar.com/participate.php

OCTOBER

Orientation Session -- Buffalo area
October 03, Sunday, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY
October 04, Monday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – SUNY Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY
October 05, Tuesday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Adoption Informational Meeting - NYC area
October 07, Thursday, 8:00 pm -10:00 pm
Adoption STAR will be speaking at WANNABE DADS AND MOMS - A support group for LGBTQ people exploring the possibilities of becoming parents through adoption. To register or for more information contact: Megan at the LGBT Community Center cmfisk@gaycenter.org or 212.620.7310 ext. 401. The event will be held at: 208 W. 13th Street NY, NY 10011

Private Track Training
October 14, Thursday, 6:30 pm
Explore the option of another way of finding a placement in Private Adoption! Meet others looking into the same avenue, ask questions, and gain a wealth of knowledge. Being held at a reduced rate of $200. Held at 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221. Please call (866) 691-3300 or email missy@adoptionstar.com for details or to RSVP.
Home Study Educational Classes
October 19, Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
This five week program prepares you for domestic or international adoption and is open to all registered Adoption STAR clients. Register today by calling 639.3900 or email info@adoptionstar.com.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training - Lewis County General Hospital, Lowville, NY
October 20, Wednesday, 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Fall Gathering Halloween Bash
October 16, Saturday, 10:30 am
GroMoore Farms, 2811 East Henrietta Rd, Rochester. Fun family activities for all ages. Children may come in costume.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY
October 27, Wednesday, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Weekend Home Study Classes - Albany, NY
October 29, Friday, 6:00 pm - 9:00
Friday, Oct. 29, 6 pm - 9 pm AND Saturday, Oct 30, 9 am - 5 pm. This is the last time these classes will be held in 2010. Registered clients must complete these classes to become homestudy ready. Located at the Carondelet Hospitality Center - 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110.

NOVEMBER

Exploring Your Adoption Options
November 04, Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This free workshop will introduce many adoption options including international, private, older child, etc. It will also provide ways to enhance your profiles with an abundance of creativity. For all those who are currently waiting to adopt! RSVP by calling (716) 639-3900 or emailing info@adoptionstar.com

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – College of St. Rose, Albany, NY
November 06, Saturday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Orientation Session -- Albany area
November 08, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Orientation Session -- Buffalo area
November 09, Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

A.C.E. Meeting
November 11, Thursday, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
A.C.E.: Adoptee Circle of Experience is a support group for adult adoptees 18 and up. Held at the Adoption STAR office at 47 Plaza Drive in Williamsville.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Troy, NY
November 11, Thursday, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing, Troy, NY
November 12, Friday, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – SUNY Rockland Community College, Suffern, NY
November 14, Sunday, 8:00 am - 12:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Adoption Month Information Session - Ohio
November 15, Monday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
What better time to indulge in the journey of adoption than National Adoption Month! Come take this great opportunity to learn about both domestic and international adoption! Being held at 11850 Enyart Road, Loveland, OH 45140. Please call 513-697-7827 or email info@adoptionstar.com to RSVP.
Orientation Session -- Rochester area
November 16, Tuesday, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Understanding Infant Adoption Training – Queens Children’s Psychiatric Center, Bellerose, NY
November 18, Thursday, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
This FREE professional development opportunity is designed to help health care and helping professionals serving pregnant women, teens and men discuss adoption as an option with patients and clients who are not sure that they are able to parent the child. Contact hours and CEUs are available for attendees. Meal provided. For more information or to register for this training, please go to www.iaatp.com. Please contact Michael Hill at 716-639-3900 or at michael@adoptionstar.com with questions or concerns.

Financial Planning for the Adoptive Family
November 18, Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Back by popular demand, this class will introduce applying for the adoption tax credit among other benefits, and financial planning for your family’s future. Adoptive mom and financial advisor Amy Jo Lauber and adoptive father and accountant Mark Tronconi will lead.

DECEMBER

Orientation Session -- Buffalo area
December 05, Sunday, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Join us for this free orientation session to learn more about adoption and the Adoption STAR Agency. 47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville. Please call to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Weekend Home Study Classes - Buffalo, NY
December 10, Friday, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday, Dec. 10, 6 pm - 9 pm AND Saturday, Dec. 11, 9 am - 5 pm. This is the last time these classes will be held in 2010. Registered clients must complete these classes to become homestudy ready. Please call for location information and details.


JANUARY 2011!!!

Shining STAR Fundraising Event
January 19, Wednesday, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for a fun-filled evening of gourmet food stations, wine sampling, and extravagant basket raffles. January 19, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the elegant Shea’s Theatre Lobby on Main St in downtown Buffalo. Call (716) 639-3900 or email info@adoptionstar.com for details.

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Adoption STAR, Inc.
A NYS Authorized and Florida Licensed Non-Profit Adoption Agency
Hague Accredited Adoption Service Provider
STAR stands for Support, Training, Advocacy and Resources

47 Plaza Drive
Williamsville, New York 14221
Phone: 716-639-3900
Fax: 716-639-3700

2734 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Phone: 954-566-6055
Fax: 954-566-6255

11918 Foxgate Way
Cincinnati, OH 45140
Phone: 513-631-6590

Other ways to contact us:
Albany 518-391-2515
Binghamton 607-330-2158
Rochester 585-672-5227
New York City 917-470-9340
Syracuse 315-703-7511
Poughkeepsie 845-457-4883
Cleveland 216-201-9177
Miami 305-433-8531

Toll Free 866-691-3300