Adoption S.T.A.R. encourages openness in adoption. Adoption S.T.A.R. believes "Open Adoption" benefits the child, the adoptive parents and birth parents.
Open adoption also known as Post Adoption Contact, represents the joining of two families based on love and trust. With an open adoption birth families and adoptive families maintain significant ongoing contact after a placement. In some cases this takes the form of sharing non-identifying information and sometimes it means the full exchange of identifying information between birth and adoptive families, if all parties are comfortable.
Open adoption can be scary for many potential adoptive parents and for prospective birth parent too. During the beginning stages of your relationship with the agency, you will be given the opportunity to learn more about open adoption and to discuss your fears and to eliminate any lingering doubts you may have about this type of adoption.
Open adoption benefits all members of the adoption triad. There are several benefits for adoptive parents, birth parents and adoptees. Here are just a few:
Open adoption provides the adoptive parents with the unique opportunity to "get to know" the birth parents of their child, enabling them to answer questions that their child might pose to them as s/he grows. The fear of an unknown birth parent returning to claim a child is gone. Birth parents become real people. Open adoption is not co-parenting; the adoptive parents are irreplaceable as Mom and Dad in the life of their child.
Open adoption also allows birth parents the peace of mind they can only get by meeting the family who will raise their child into adulthood. They have trust that the child is well. They are given the proper respect for themselves, their decision, and the important role they play in their child's life.
Most importantly, open adoption provides adopted children with the understanding of "why" they were placed for adoption and the ability to be able to contact their birth parents, should they want to. This helps with identity issues-knowing whom s/he looks like and having a sense of connectedness with biological family members. The child has a direct ongoing source of medical and other important information. And most especially, the child knows that an adoption plan was made out of love.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Twenty-Five Ways To Wait
25 Ways To “WAIT”
1. Have faith
Having faith is having confidence, trust, a conviction, a belief that you will adopt and that the process works.
2. Take adoption classes (not just the required home study classes!)
Your agency offers you optional pre-adoption classes as well as information on upcoming adoption conferences and workshops throughout the year. Pay special attention to adoption events during the month of November, National Adoption Month.
3. Look for adoption announcements and memory books
There are so many creative ways to announce that you have adopted and to record your adoption journey and your child’s arrival. You can purchase pre-made announcements or memory books or you can create your own.
4. Become familiar with adoption terminology
The agency provides you with a list of words that introduces you to adoption terminology. This education is not to be “politically correct” but rather to introduce you to important terms that you will need to know throughout the adoption process. Becoming comfortable with many of these words will prepare you to talk about adoption with your child and others in your life.
5. Build an adoption library for your child
Becoming familiar with the many adoption storybooks now available will prepare you for one day reading to your child. The gift of a book is a gift that keeps on giving.
6. Read adoption and related books
In addition to building your child’s library, begin to purchase or borrow books on adoption, parenting, etc., that will prepare you for your journey.
7. Nurture your relationship
If you have a significant other, don’t forget each other. One day you will be parents and need to build in the time for each other. Right now is the time to stay committed to date nights, spontaneous and planned trips, etc. Do not put your relationship on hold during the adoption process.
8. For those exploring domestic adoption, update your profile and update your birth parent letter
Listen to the agency staff if they provide you with suggestions to tweak your profile and even if they don’t, change it every so often… maybe a new front cover, or a new paragraph to your introductory letter?
9. Place your profile on the adoption agency website!
The agency provides you with the ability for a small fee every few months to post your profile online if you are pursuing a domestic adoption: http://www.adoptionstar.com/adoptiveparents_profile1_form.php
10. For those exploring international adoption, enroll in a language class
What language will your child be hearing or speaking when you meet? It will be a great comfort to your child if you can learn a few phrases or simple songs in their language to support them during their transition into your family. You may not learn to speak fluently but it will certainly enhance your understanding of your child’s culture.
11. Attend cultural events and learn more about your child’s culture
Join in some of the community celebrations within your child’s culture. Sign up for a cooking class and research and try recipes from your child’s country of origin.
12. Meet other prospective adoptive parents in person and on-line!
Your agency provides you with an established support group offering social, educational and support opportunities as well as two online groups where you will meet adoptive families in all stages of the adoption process.
13. Join an adoption support group
Involving yourself in an adoption support and social group prior to adopting will provide you with incredible new friendships, a built-in support system, and a group of people who will route for you along the way and celebrate with you when your good news is shared, and is with you even during the disappointments.
14. Find a “mentor” from the adoption community
Your agency provides you with a Mentor List upon request. You can select a Mentor based on topic-areas or experiences. Perhaps you are single and want to connect with a single adoptive parent, or you are hoping to have an open adoption and want to connect with a family already experiencing this. The individuals/couples on the Mentor List have gone through the process and can share their experiences with you.
15. Keep a journal or blog
Write your emotions down in a journal or blog. You can record your thoughts and feelings as well as some of the frustrations you will feel along the way. After you adopt this will be priceless to you.
16. Write a letter to your child
As difficult and emotional as it may sound, writing a letter to your eventual child will provide keep you focused on your goal of parenthood and remind you of all the reasons you wish to adopt. This is another keepsake that will be important to you long after your child arrives, as well as a special gift to your child one day.
17. Prepare for parenthood
Becoming an adoptive parent doesn’t happen over night but when it is time to pick up your child whether it is in your state, another state or another country, you’ll want to be sure you’re ready. Find out from the agency what you should travel with, what will be provided and what you can prepare for before “the day” arrives.
18. Identify a family physician or pediatrician
It’s never too early to look for a pediatrician or family doctor. You will want to meet the physician before your child arrives to be sure you are comfortable with them and their practice as well as to be sure they have experience with domestic/international adoptees.
19. Explore your neighborhood
Though you may have lived in your neighborhood for years, you may not have been educated on the resources important to assist you in the new role of parenthood. What resources are in your neighborhood? Have you been to the local playgrounds? Are you familiar with the closest hospital or emergency centers? Are you familiar with the school districts?
20. Investigating child care options
Whether you are going to be a working parent or not, it is recommended to pre-educate yourself on the daycare options available to you. In addition identify “babysitters” you will be comfortable leaving your child with inside and outside of your family. Just like it is important to nurture your relationship now, it is vital to build in time alone (at least one date night per week.) It is important to have a healthy relationship to be a healthy parent.
21. Safety/childproof your home
Is your house childproof? Have you:
• Installed outlet covers and plates on outlets?
• Installed smoke detectors on every level of your home?
• Used window guards, window stops or safety netting to prevent kids from falling out of windows?
• Removed window blind cords that have loops, which can cause strangulation? Bought safety tassels to replace cord loops?
• Installed doorknob covers to keep children out of dangerous rooms (bathrooms, garage, office)?
• Posted emergency numbers next to all phones?
• Installed safety latches on all cupboards and airtight containers, including refrigerators?
• Stored knives, sharp objects and heavy pans out of child’s reach?
• Stored medications, detergents, soaps, alcohol and other hazardous items out of reach?
• Used back burners when cooking, and remembered to turn handles away from counter edge?
• Equipped faucets with anti-scalding devices?
• Latched trash compactor and dishwasher?
• Ensured there is a fire extinguisher in the kitchen but not close to any heat sources?
• Made sure trashcan has lid and is inaccessible to children?
• Ensured you have a safe cupboard (filled with wooden spoons, plastic cups and lids, and other harmless items) for your child to explore while you are cooking?
• Used child safety gate to keep kids out of kitchen when you are not there?
• Ensured you have a cordless phone to remain mobile with kids around and have at least one cell phone in house for use in emergencies when there is no electricity?
22. Finish Projects
Finish those home renovation projects such as painting, refinishing furniture or even renovating your home.
23. Look for volunteer opportunities with your adoption agency or support group
Your agency is always looking for volunteers to help out in a number of ways, by volunteering for a specific event or project or by joining one of their committees! E-mail or call today to learn of ways you can get more involved.
24. Be expectant (rest, exercise, eat properly, and make plans!)
You’ll need to find ways to deal with the stress of adopting and being “in the process.” Exercise is a great stress reliever. Now may be the time to join that health club, sign up for a Yoga class. (And work with weights – your child will want and need to be held… often! Your arms and back will thank you!)
25. And last but definitely not least . . . Believe!
1. Have faith
Having faith is having confidence, trust, a conviction, a belief that you will adopt and that the process works.
2. Take adoption classes (not just the required home study classes!)
Your agency offers you optional pre-adoption classes as well as information on upcoming adoption conferences and workshops throughout the year. Pay special attention to adoption events during the month of November, National Adoption Month.
3. Look for adoption announcements and memory books
There are so many creative ways to announce that you have adopted and to record your adoption journey and your child’s arrival. You can purchase pre-made announcements or memory books or you can create your own.
4. Become familiar with adoption terminology
The agency provides you with a list of words that introduces you to adoption terminology. This education is not to be “politically correct” but rather to introduce you to important terms that you will need to know throughout the adoption process. Becoming comfortable with many of these words will prepare you to talk about adoption with your child and others in your life.
5. Build an adoption library for your child
Becoming familiar with the many adoption storybooks now available will prepare you for one day reading to your child. The gift of a book is a gift that keeps on giving.
6. Read adoption and related books
In addition to building your child’s library, begin to purchase or borrow books on adoption, parenting, etc., that will prepare you for your journey.
7. Nurture your relationship
If you have a significant other, don’t forget each other. One day you will be parents and need to build in the time for each other. Right now is the time to stay committed to date nights, spontaneous and planned trips, etc. Do not put your relationship on hold during the adoption process.
8. For those exploring domestic adoption, update your profile and update your birth parent letter
Listen to the agency staff if they provide you with suggestions to tweak your profile and even if they don’t, change it every so often… maybe a new front cover, or a new paragraph to your introductory letter?
9. Place your profile on the adoption agency website!
The agency provides you with the ability for a small fee every few months to post your profile online if you are pursuing a domestic adoption: http://www.adoptionstar.com/adoptiveparents_profile1_form.php
10. For those exploring international adoption, enroll in a language class
What language will your child be hearing or speaking when you meet? It will be a great comfort to your child if you can learn a few phrases or simple songs in their language to support them during their transition into your family. You may not learn to speak fluently but it will certainly enhance your understanding of your child’s culture.
11. Attend cultural events and learn more about your child’s culture
Join in some of the community celebrations within your child’s culture. Sign up for a cooking class and research and try recipes from your child’s country of origin.
12. Meet other prospective adoptive parents in person and on-line!
Your agency provides you with an established support group offering social, educational and support opportunities as well as two online groups where you will meet adoptive families in all stages of the adoption process.
13. Join an adoption support group
Involving yourself in an adoption support and social group prior to adopting will provide you with incredible new friendships, a built-in support system, and a group of people who will route for you along the way and celebrate with you when your good news is shared, and is with you even during the disappointments.
14. Find a “mentor” from the adoption community
Your agency provides you with a Mentor List upon request. You can select a Mentor based on topic-areas or experiences. Perhaps you are single and want to connect with a single adoptive parent, or you are hoping to have an open adoption and want to connect with a family already experiencing this. The individuals/couples on the Mentor List have gone through the process and can share their experiences with you.
15. Keep a journal or blog
Write your emotions down in a journal or blog. You can record your thoughts and feelings as well as some of the frustrations you will feel along the way. After you adopt this will be priceless to you.
16. Write a letter to your child
As difficult and emotional as it may sound, writing a letter to your eventual child will provide keep you focused on your goal of parenthood and remind you of all the reasons you wish to adopt. This is another keepsake that will be important to you long after your child arrives, as well as a special gift to your child one day.
17. Prepare for parenthood
Becoming an adoptive parent doesn’t happen over night but when it is time to pick up your child whether it is in your state, another state or another country, you’ll want to be sure you’re ready. Find out from the agency what you should travel with, what will be provided and what you can prepare for before “the day” arrives.
18. Identify a family physician or pediatrician
It’s never too early to look for a pediatrician or family doctor. You will want to meet the physician before your child arrives to be sure you are comfortable with them and their practice as well as to be sure they have experience with domestic/international adoptees.
19. Explore your neighborhood
Though you may have lived in your neighborhood for years, you may not have been educated on the resources important to assist you in the new role of parenthood. What resources are in your neighborhood? Have you been to the local playgrounds? Are you familiar with the closest hospital or emergency centers? Are you familiar with the school districts?
20. Investigating child care options
Whether you are going to be a working parent or not, it is recommended to pre-educate yourself on the daycare options available to you. In addition identify “babysitters” you will be comfortable leaving your child with inside and outside of your family. Just like it is important to nurture your relationship now, it is vital to build in time alone (at least one date night per week.) It is important to have a healthy relationship to be a healthy parent.
21. Safety/childproof your home
Is your house childproof? Have you:
• Installed outlet covers and plates on outlets?
• Installed smoke detectors on every level of your home?
• Used window guards, window stops or safety netting to prevent kids from falling out of windows?
• Removed window blind cords that have loops, which can cause strangulation? Bought safety tassels to replace cord loops?
• Installed doorknob covers to keep children out of dangerous rooms (bathrooms, garage, office)?
• Posted emergency numbers next to all phones?
• Installed safety latches on all cupboards and airtight containers, including refrigerators?
• Stored knives, sharp objects and heavy pans out of child’s reach?
• Stored medications, detergents, soaps, alcohol and other hazardous items out of reach?
• Used back burners when cooking, and remembered to turn handles away from counter edge?
• Equipped faucets with anti-scalding devices?
• Latched trash compactor and dishwasher?
• Ensured there is a fire extinguisher in the kitchen but not close to any heat sources?
• Made sure trashcan has lid and is inaccessible to children?
• Ensured you have a safe cupboard (filled with wooden spoons, plastic cups and lids, and other harmless items) for your child to explore while you are cooking?
• Used child safety gate to keep kids out of kitchen when you are not there?
• Ensured you have a cordless phone to remain mobile with kids around and have at least one cell phone in house for use in emergencies when there is no electricity?
22. Finish Projects
Finish those home renovation projects such as painting, refinishing furniture or even renovating your home.
23. Look for volunteer opportunities with your adoption agency or support group
Your agency is always looking for volunteers to help out in a number of ways, by volunteering for a specific event or project or by joining one of their committees! E-mail or call today to learn of ways you can get more involved.
24. Be expectant (rest, exercise, eat properly, and make plans!)
You’ll need to find ways to deal with the stress of adopting and being “in the process.” Exercise is a great stress reliever. Now may be the time to join that health club, sign up for a Yoga class. (And work with weights – your child will want and need to be held… often! Your arms and back will thank you!)
25. And last but definitely not least . . . Believe!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Adoption STAR Difference
There are differences between adoption agencies. It is important that you select an agency that you feel comfortable with and one that will provide you with the support and assistance you need.
This is your adoption journey… selecting the right agency makes all the difference.
The Adoption STAR difference:
· Our approach is very personal. You’ll never hear voicemail.
· The first step in your journey is education. We’re here to help.
· We provide both domestic and international placement options.
· We provide pre and post adoption education and support for adoptive families, birth families and adoptees (childhood through adulthood.)
· We pride ourselves on the diversity of our families.
· Our fees are consistent regardless of the infant’s race.
· Fees are based on a sliding fee scale.
· You do not pay a deposit toward your placement unless you are matched
with an expectant parent or until placement occurs.
-We are authorized and licensed in more than one state, providing
more opportunities for clients to adopt.
- You will be provided your own agency representative known as a Family Advocate that will offer you support and compassion throughout the process.
- We don’t make promises about time frames or about adopting. We believe in the sharing of honest and helpful communication.
- We view our relationship with our clients as life-long, just like parenthood. Our adoptive families and children are connected with us into the future and are provided with post adoption educational opportunities and support.
· Support groups and our mentoring program keep you linked to other adoptive families. This is another learning and sharing
opportunity for you.
· Our professional staff is knowledgeable and passionate about adoption.
We invite you to make all the difference…
Choose an agency that works in the best interest of children…
Join the Adoption S.T.A.R. family!
This is your adoption journey… selecting the right agency makes all the difference.
The Adoption STAR difference:
· Our approach is very personal. You’ll never hear voicemail.
· The first step in your journey is education. We’re here to help.
· We provide both domestic and international placement options.
· We provide pre and post adoption education and support for adoptive families, birth families and adoptees (childhood through adulthood.)
· We pride ourselves on the diversity of our families.
· Our fees are consistent regardless of the infant’s race.
· Fees are based on a sliding fee scale.
· You do not pay a deposit toward your placement unless you are matched
with an expectant parent or until placement occurs.
-We are authorized and licensed in more than one state, providing
more opportunities for clients to adopt.
- You will be provided your own agency representative known as a Family Advocate that will offer you support and compassion throughout the process.
- We don’t make promises about time frames or about adopting. We believe in the sharing of honest and helpful communication.
- We view our relationship with our clients as life-long, just like parenthood. Our adoptive families and children are connected with us into the future and are provided with post adoption educational opportunities and support.
· Support groups and our mentoring program keep you linked to other adoptive families. This is another learning and sharing
opportunity for you.
· Our professional staff is knowledgeable and passionate about adoption.
We invite you to make all the difference…
Choose an agency that works in the best interest of children…
Join the Adoption S.T.A.R. family!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Providing a special home for two boys
NIAGARA FALLS—Belinda Rowles, 45, recently attended a special picnic in the Niagara Falls Boulevard area, sponsored by the nonprofit, state-authorized adoption agency Adoption STAR, which stands for Support, Training, Advocacy, Resources. Rowles had fun with her family, which includes her two adopted sons, Hunter and Malachi, who both have Down syndrome.
This inspiring and loving mom knows all about support, training, advocacy and resources.
Tell us about your childhood?
I grew up in the City of Tonawanda. I’m one of four children. I have two older brothers, John and Jim Maacks, and a younger sister, Sandy McKee. My father, the late Donald Maacks, worked at the Chevy Forge plant in the Town of Tonawanda. When my sister was old enough, my mom, Kay Maacks, took a job at Kenmore Mercy Hospital as a nurse’s aide. I graduated from Tonawanda Senior High School in 1983, majoring in secretarial studies.
In my 20s, I went through the Jamestown Community College business program and got my secretarial degree and later took a home course for medical transcription. I worked as a receptionist for an Amherst HMO, Health Care Plan, for a few years in the late 1980s to early 1990s, in the pediatric suite.
How’d you get to Niagara County?
I moved to Niagara Falls when I met my husband, a postal clerk at the LaSalle Post Office. I met my awesome husband, Rodney Rowles, in 1991.My sister and brother-in-law, Donnie McKee, introduced us. I think my brother-in-law wanted his best friend to be in the family.
I’ve always loved children and couldn’t wait to be a mom. I married my husband in 1993, and after several “losses” and infertility treatments, we decided to adopt. We registered with Niagara County Social Services to be adoptive parents. After waiting four long years, we finally found our son Hunter. He has Down syndrome and was placed with us when he was 13 months old.
How has that worked out?
He’s our pride and joy. When Hunter, now 10, was 7 years old we decided to adopt again. This time, we went through a private adoption agency, Adoption STAR.
Another special-needs child?
I’ve always had a heart for special-needs children and after having Hunter in our lives, we decided we wanted to adopt another Down syndrome child. We registered with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and were matched with our son Malachi in two months. He was placed with us at the age of six weeks. He’s now 2z.
Why these kids?
My husband and I both feel that every child deserves a loving, stable home regardless of race or disability. We’re strong advocates for our children and want the very best for them. I developed a heart for the special-needs population after working from from 1999 to 2001 at a not-for-profit agency, Opportunities Unlimited Day Habilitation Center, in Niagara Falls.
Tell us what your life’s like?
There are challenges in raising special-needs children, like health issues, having to modify family vacation to accommodate them, a therapist in and out of your house, and so on.
Why take that on?
The rewards far outweigh the challenges, such as seeing your child reach a milestone earlier than expected, the first time you hear ‘I love you,’ the extra special hugs and the unconditional love.
Anything else you’d like to say about adopting special-needs children?
Not every day is easy—but it never is with a typical child either. There are so many children out there waiting for “forever families.” If more families would consider adopting, this would be accomplished. It only takes a loving, caring family to be able to share your love with a child, who needs you—and wants to be needed.
By Louise Continelli
BUFFALO NEWS STAFF REPORTER
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/qa/article237109.ece
This inspiring and loving mom knows all about support, training, advocacy and resources.
Tell us about your childhood?
I grew up in the City of Tonawanda. I’m one of four children. I have two older brothers, John and Jim Maacks, and a younger sister, Sandy McKee. My father, the late Donald Maacks, worked at the Chevy Forge plant in the Town of Tonawanda. When my sister was old enough, my mom, Kay Maacks, took a job at Kenmore Mercy Hospital as a nurse’s aide. I graduated from Tonawanda Senior High School in 1983, majoring in secretarial studies.
In my 20s, I went through the Jamestown Community College business program and got my secretarial degree and later took a home course for medical transcription. I worked as a receptionist for an Amherst HMO, Health Care Plan, for a few years in the late 1980s to early 1990s, in the pediatric suite.
How’d you get to Niagara County?
I moved to Niagara Falls when I met my husband, a postal clerk at the LaSalle Post Office. I met my awesome husband, Rodney Rowles, in 1991.My sister and brother-in-law, Donnie McKee, introduced us. I think my brother-in-law wanted his best friend to be in the family.
I’ve always loved children and couldn’t wait to be a mom. I married my husband in 1993, and after several “losses” and infertility treatments, we decided to adopt. We registered with Niagara County Social Services to be adoptive parents. After waiting four long years, we finally found our son Hunter. He has Down syndrome and was placed with us when he was 13 months old.
How has that worked out?
He’s our pride and joy. When Hunter, now 10, was 7 years old we decided to adopt again. This time, we went through a private adoption agency, Adoption STAR.
Another special-needs child?
I’ve always had a heart for special-needs children and after having Hunter in our lives, we decided we wanted to adopt another Down syndrome child. We registered with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and were matched with our son Malachi in two months. He was placed with us at the age of six weeks. He’s now 2z.
Why these kids?
My husband and I both feel that every child deserves a loving, stable home regardless of race or disability. We’re strong advocates for our children and want the very best for them. I developed a heart for the special-needs population after working from from 1999 to 2001 at a not-for-profit agency, Opportunities Unlimited Day Habilitation Center, in Niagara Falls.
Tell us what your life’s like?
There are challenges in raising special-needs children, like health issues, having to modify family vacation to accommodate them, a therapist in and out of your house, and so on.
Why take that on?
The rewards far outweigh the challenges, such as seeing your child reach a milestone earlier than expected, the first time you hear ‘I love you,’ the extra special hugs and the unconditional love.
Anything else you’d like to say about adopting special-needs children?
Not every day is easy—but it never is with a typical child either. There are so many children out there waiting for “forever families.” If more families would consider adopting, this would be accomplished. It only takes a loving, caring family to be able to share your love with a child, who needs you—and wants to be needed.
By Louise Continelli
BUFFALO NEWS STAFF REPORTER
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-county/qa/article237109.ece
Sunday, October 31, 2010
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.
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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
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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/
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!
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.
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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.
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
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.
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
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/
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!
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
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