Considering Adoption...A Guide to Help

Considering Adoption? Or know someone who is?

I cannot begin to tell you the countless emails, Facebook messages, etc. that I receive from prospective adoptive parents requesting information on how to begin the adoption process.

What a great idea to share information on our blog in hopes of sharing some expert “how-to-adopt” advice and heartwarming stories from the editors and readers of Adoptive Families magazine www.adoptionguide.com and other sites.

It is always a pleasure to meet with families and talk about our Adoption Journey". My last visit, was a few days ago with a physician and his wife. The visit went very well! (except for Halle-Grace leaving lots of cheerios on the floor, she did however clean up her little mess before we said goodbye - she is a cool kid for sure)!

As I continue to receive more and more requests, I wanted to share a few sites that I find trustworthy! As I stated, adoption is a journey, not a process…so hold on and enjoy the JOURNEY!

Here’s a wonderful starting place:

 * National Council For Adoption (NCFA) is an adoption advocacy nonprofit that promotes a culture of adoption through education, research, and legislative action. They have been in service for over 30 years and remain the premier non- profit adoption advocacy group. Above all, Education is KEY! My personal recommendation to anyone considering adoption…find an accredited agency! Visit NCFA’s website www.adoptioncouncil.org

Agencies under their “umbrella” are accredited!

Carolina Adoption Services

This is the agency we went through to adopt Halle-Grace

http://www.carolinaadoption.org/

And there are many more listed on the NCFA website that are wonderful agencies!

More sites, you will find helpful depending on domestic vs. international adoption http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/north-carolina-laws.html

This site will bring you up to date on adoption laws in each state (very important to know this crucial information)! Laws are different state to state, so please do your homework.

Another site that contains a wide breadth of information http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/ Great stories for pre-adoption/post adoption, etc.

Once you find an agency you feel comfortable working with, ask for references and call at least 3 families who have completed their adoption. This is more valuable than I can express!

It is always a joy to have the opportunity to share our adoption journey to our tiny miracle, Halle-Grace! I believe every child deserves a loving, permanent family and “Building families through the miracle of adoption” is a true passion of mine and I love getting inquiries seeking guidance/information, and I am more than happy to help in any way that I can!

Little Miss Magic! Thank God for the gift of Adoption!

Shannon

Bac Lieu

YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED

Bring Home the Bac Lieu Orphans

My heart breaks for these children & their forever families! 3 years ago, Halle-Grace & 44 other children were in a very similar situation. PLEASE take a minute to sign the below petition. You can also immediately send emails to your elected officials. There's POWER in numbers! Please don’t stop there; I encourage you to call your Congressman, email his constituent leader and his office in Washington, DC!

I’m almost positive that I was the most annoying individual on the planet 3 years ago for members of the USCIS/DOS in Washington, DC…but my tiny miracle was languishing in an orphanage a world away and NO one had answers for me or the other families with children in Tuyen Quang, Vietnam (TQ).

It took a movement  and the HOT HENS (my adoption support group) to bring home the TQ 44…one of those angels you know as Halle-Grace! I know one of the mothers who’s little boy has been waiting in Bac Lieu for his forever family for more than 2 years!!!! WHY? No one has answers? Again, this sounds way too familiar! It’s horrific, incredibly sad, and a shame to say the least! Can you begin to imagine the heartbreak?  I can tell you from experience, it is beyond heartbreaking! Gabriel and many others remain institutionalized!

If you are reading this and you don’t know all of the details of our adoption journey, you probably think, “Wow, she’s outspoken”! Please know I am extremely passionate about this issue and I know the torture these families are enduring…in our case, we never received an answer! To fight for your child’s life, sometimes you must be “outspoken”!  In August of 2008, I left the country to adopt Halle-Grace via Vietnamese law and wait the process out in Vietnam until our  USCIS/DOS decided to answer questions and take action.

Not all families have the option to move to a third world country for an indefinite time! I am asking you to please join me in helping these waiting children and their families in any way you can. I cannot begin to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to US Congressman Patrick McHenry! He made our adoption journey a “personal” issue and he lead us through the storm! He made sure Halle-Grace and I were back on US soil well before the 2 years I was told I would live in her birth country! The Congressman scheduled a visit to meet Miss Magic (probably to witness for himself, “who is this crazy lady who fled the country”) haha! In all seriousness, he is a remarkable leader who truly cares!

Love will make you do things you never thought possible. Halle-Grace was abandoned at birth, and there was never a question in my mind…she would NOT be abandoned again! Regardless of what I had to do.  

I encourage you and ask you to please show your support! Be a part of this mission…you can help build families through the miracle of adoption! On behalf of the waiting children and their forever families, THANK YOU for your time and action in advance.   

http://www.petition2congress.com/4665/bring-home-bac-lieu-orphans/

Shannon Devine

Registration Now Available for National Adoption Conference

Registration is now available for the 2011 National Adoption Conference! 

     

"Age to Engage for Adoption"

2011 NATIONAL ADOPTION CONFERENCE

JULY 6-9, 2011

GAYLORD NATIONAL HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD 

*Early bird rate extended through Sunday, June 12, 2011*

                     

Every year during the National Council For Adoption’s (NCFA) annual conference, leaders in the field of adoption learn what is happening at the forefront of adoption policy and practice and how they can play an active role in improving and safe-guarding adoption.

NCFA is committed to producing professional, educational conferences of the highest caliber to ensure a rich learning experience that promotes best practices and sound policies in adoption and educates attendees on pertinent adoption-related research in the areas of domestic, intercountry, and adoption out of foster care. 

What’s new this year? Educational tracks that provide prospective adoptive parents with the unique opportunity to learn about the latest research on various topics surrounding adoption, as well as resources available to them pre- and post-adoption.

Partnering with NCFA as a conference sponsor gives you the perfect opportunity to showcase your company or brand before adoption agency executives, adoption service providers, adoption advocates, government officials, prospective adoptive parents, and more. Benefits include featuring your logo/link on NCFA's website, ad in the conference program, complimentary exhibitor table, tote bag item for all attendees, and recognition throughout the conference, including all conference materials, plus more form. For more information contact Lauren Koch at (703) 299-6633 or visit www.adoptioncouncil.org


Shannon Devine

The Joy of Adoption Gets Another Spotlight

Update: The article is live!!! http://thepageantplanet.com/closeup-with-mrs-international-2010-shannon-devine.html

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I was contacted last week to “share my story” with others via the Pageant Planet. I have been incredibly blessed as Mrs. International! I have had the opportunity to grace the covers of many magazines, radio shows, etc. My hope is that I have reached at least one family in need of support and encouragement!

My interview with lead journalist, Candace Howard is now complete! Stay tuned for the entire story! I’m sure she’ll include a photo or two of Miss Magic!

Thank you Candace! I appreciate your interest in highlighting my year as Mrs. International. www.thepageantplanet.com

 Until next post, remain blessed!

Shannon

Triumph Over Adversity

“Triumph over Adversity” Halle-Grace’s adoption story

reaches others with a message of hope

As Mrs. International, I continue to be overwhelmed and humbled at the unique opportunities presented that allow me to continue sharing my message of hope through our adoption story. After experiencing first hand the emotional and physical difficulties of the adoption process, I have focused my efforts this year on continuing to educate and raising awareness about the adoption journey and help others build their own families through the miracle of adoption.

Recently, a new state of the art hospital was built in the county where I grew up and my parents still call home. “Triumph over Adversity” is a unique project with sole focus on various members in the community who have overcome a form of hardship and are now thriving and inspiring others. The idea for the project was born of the understanding that people in a hospital are often in pain or fear. There is comfort in finding role models who have faced difficulties and overcome their obstacles.

Do you recognize two of the individuals selected?

Photo by Lucy Parker Photography

Halle-Grace’s adoption story was selected to give others hope! Her story is forever on the wall at Lincoln Medical Center to inspire others.

Photo by Lucy Parker Photography

Jason was also selected after completing RAAM (Race Across America) in June of 2007 to raise awareness about the importance of Organ Donation. In September 2007, Jason became a living donor for his friend Scott Thornburg.

Photo by Lucy Parker Photography

CMC-Lincoln Art Advisory Committee entrusted Lucy Parker of Lucy Parker Photography (a great friend of mine) with the Triumph over Adversity project, their decision was based on both the quality of Lucy’s pictures and on the emotional connection that Lucy expressed to the spirit of the project. Lucy’s own life-long fight over her own birth defects gave her unique insight into Triumph over Adversity. Lucy was born premature, with only one lung. At her birth, doctors told her mother she would not live. Lucy not only lived and grew to be a thriving adult, but also fought hard to stretch her limits. Today she runs marathons with one lung and I am honored to call her my friend.

A group photo of the faces and stories that made "Triumph over Adversity" come to life.

Shannon Devine

May is National Foster Care Month!

Presidential Proclamation

National Foster Care Month

From: The White House Office of the Press Secretary

Progress in America can be measured by the opportunities we pass on to our children. For nearly half a million youth in foster care across our country, the best path to success we can give them is the chance to experience a loving home where they can feel secure and thrive. During National Foster Care Month, we renew our commitment to ensuring a brighter future for foster youth, and we celebrate the selfless individuals who make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Young people in foster care are in the system through no fault of their own, and each of our Nation’s children deserves a stable home and a devoted family. Strong support structures provide children with the environment needed to learn, grow, and reach their greatest potential. Permanence is critical to the future success of foster youth and must be a key component of foster care initiatives.

My Administration is committed to achieving security for every child and supporting adolescents in foster care as they transition to adulthood. The Permanency Innovations Initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Health and Human Services, is providing support to public-private partnerships focused on decreasing the number of children in long-term foster care. Over the next 5 years, this program will invest $100 million in new intervention strategies to help foster youth move into permanent homes, test new approaches to reducing time spent in foster care placements, and remove the most serious barriers to finding lasting, loving environments. Over 110,000 children in foster care today are waiting to be adopted. Across America, there are families who need these children as much as these children need families. I encourage those interested in adopting a child in need of a home to explore the life-changing resources available at http://www.adoptuskids.org/.

We are also investing in the health and well-being of our young people in foster care. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we have significantly increased funding for the Title IV-E adoption and foster care assistance program to provide safe and stable out-of-home care for children. As a result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act I signed into law last year, all children enrolled in foster care automatically qualify for free meals in all Department of Agriculture child nutrition programs. Additionally, beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act will require States to extend Medicaid coverage up to age 26 for all youth who have aged out of the foster care system.

As a Nation, we all have a responsibility to remain persistent in the charge to provide the best care possible for children when they cannot remain in their own homes. During National Foster Care Month, we recognize the efforts of foster families, social workers, faith-based and community organizations, and others that are improving the lives of young people in foster care across our country, and I encourage all Americans to partake in efforts to serve these children in the year ahead.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as National Foster Care Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by taking an active role in activities across our country that recognize not only these cherished children and youth, but also the commitment of so many that touch their lives at a most challenging time.


BARACK OBAMA

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Shannon Devine

National Board

Mrs. International, Shannon Devine has been officially voted on to the Board of Directors, for the National Council For Adoption.

"As a new board member, Shannon will also serve on the Development Committee. Everyone is very excited to have Shannon join us in this role."

Pamela Stevenson
Nominations Chair, http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/

NCFA Rings Opening Bell for The NASDAQ Stock Exchange

NCFA Rings Opening Bell for The NASDAQ Stock Exchange

A huge thanks to NASDAQ OMX for inviting NCFA to ring the opening bell and for helping us continue our mission to find loving and permanent homes for waiting children around the world who desire to have a loving, permanent family! Raising awareness is the key!

National Council For Adoption Video from opening bell ceremony at The NASDAQ Stock Market! http://mktvideo.nasdaq.com/MarketSiteOpenCloseVideos/201103/mo_032211.wmv

Learn more about adoption by visiting http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/

Shannon Devine

Mrs. Internatio​nal Named Keynote Speaker for National Adoption Conference

2011 National Adoption Conference

Mrs. International named keynote speaker

I am incredibly honored and humbled to accept the invitation from the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) to serve as a keynote speaker during the National Adoption conference in Washington, DC, July 6-8th. Being Mrs. International has afforded me endless opportunities to continue my goal of raising awareness and providing hope to families across the country! I am forever grateful to both the International Pageant System and the National Council For Adoption!

Stay tuned to the blog…more exciting news is coming SOON!

To learn more about the 2011 National Adoption Conference , visit http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/

Every year at our annual conference, leaders in the field of adoption learn what is happening at the forefront of adoption policy and practice and how they can play an active role in improving and safe-guarding adoption. This year, we are adding educational tracks that provide prospective adoptive parents with the unique opportunity to learn about the latest research on various topics surrounding adoption, as well as resources available to them pre- and post-adoption.

NCFA is committed to producing professional, educational conferences of the highest caliber. We invite adoption professionals and prospective adoptive parents to join us for a 3-day learning experience that promotes best practices and sound policies in adoption and educates attendees on pertinent adoption-related research in the areas of domestic, intercountry, and adoption out of foster care.

Shannon Devine

NCFA is Now Blogging!

The National Council For Adoption is extremely excited to announce the launch of Chuck Johnson's (NCFA President & CEO) NEW BLOG https://www.adoptioncouncil.org/blog.html.   His first post entitled, “My Own Adoption Story,” is Chuck’s touching account of his own personal connection to adoption.  Here is Chuck's story....
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Welcome to our new blog! I hope this will prove to be another valuable resource for birthparents, individuals who were adopted, adoptive families, adoption allies and all those interested in learning more about adoption. I welcome your ideas for topics of future postings, questions, and other newsworthy items you think should be posted here.

When I sat down to think about what I’d write about first, I thought of nothing better than to share my own personal adoption story, which is one of the reasons that I’ve dedicated my professional life to helping children find families through adoption.

And so, here it is: My adoption story…

I was probably around 10 or 11 years old--I don’t remember my exact age. My parents called a family meeting, and my dad, uncharacteristically nervous and fumbling for words, said that he had to tell us something very important. We had no idea what he was about to say, and couldn’t imagine anything--except the very worst news--could account for his behavior.

The tension in the room quickly lifted as my dad announced that he and my aunt had been adopted at the age of two by our grandparents. My sister and I, who had both been expecting something terrible, breathed a sigh of relief.

“What’s the big deal?” I asked. “Why did you have to scare us half to death?”
 
Dad, who we affectionately called “Cappy," explained that he and his sister were abandoned as children, and later adopted by the Johnson family. My father spoke of his love for his parents (he was so devoted to them). He went on to explain two reasons for not telling us sooner: First, because he loved his adoptive family and knew that they loved him, and that his adoption made no difference in how they felt about one another; and second, because he was a little ashamed over his adoption. He went on to explain that my cousins knew about the adoption, so he wanted to tell us before we heard it from them. Although neither he nor his parents thought his adoption should make a difference, it remained an issue for some. As a child he had been taunted for it by other children, and occasionally by other members of the extended family as well.

My father and my aunt grew up in the late 1920s and 1930s, when many people were not sympathetic towards single mothers or their children. Adoption was often seen as a way of “covering” for the “shame” of an unplanned, out of wedlock birth. Although my father and aunt were born to a married couple and subsequently adopted by a well-respected married couple, at that time many people did not understand enough about adoption to approve of it.

Since then, much has changed in our attitudes about adoption, and I’d like to think that the National Council For Adoption has played a role in some of those positive changes. Today, many more people understand that birthparents make a difficult, loving, and often self-sacrificial choice in order to ensure a bright future for their children. The best interests of children are kept at the forefront of all adoption counseling and decision-making. My son, who was adopted at age two just like my father, takes genuine pride in his adoption. Whether at school or in the neighborhood, he has found countless opportunities to share his adoption story without reservation with friends and strangers alike.

My father passed away two years ago, and one memory of him stands out clearly in my mind (I believe it illustrates just how far we’ve come in the past 80 years): I took my then 79-year old father to hear Michael Reagan, who was adopted by the late President Ronald Reagan, share his own adoption story. After the speech, my dad darted to the front of the room and waited in line to talk with Michael Reagan. My dad introduced himself to Mr. Reagan by saying, “I’m adopted, just like you...!” I smiled quietly, content in knowing that my dad had reached a place where he could be proud of his adoption story. After all, he had watched for decades as I worked hard on behalf of orphans, and he had a grandson and granddaughter join our family through adoption. (Photo, above: Me, Michael Reagan, Dad)

This year, NCFA is celebrating 31 years of helping children find permanent and loving families, affirming birthparents in their adoption decisions, and providing resources to adoptive families. We’ve helped shape the current culture of adoption in the United States. Our work is not complete until every child in this world has a loving, permanent family of their own.

Adoption is not simply my personal vocation: it is the thread that ties my family together. For me, adoption is love.
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I encourage you to add Chuck’s blog to your RSS feed so that you can receive updates when he posts a new blog. Happy reading from your friends at NCFA! Also... "like" NCFA on Facebook & follow us on Twitter!
 
Shannon Devine

Love Knows NO Borders

After 3 VERY LONG years, Saigon Skye (also known as Phan) is FINALLY home with her forever family! What a testimony of determination and love!

Saigon Skye and her forever family left Vietnam and arrived home this past weekend in America.

Jodi (Phan’s mother) was the first familiar face (TQ mom) I met in Vietnam back in August, 2008. Phan & Halle-Grace lived in the same orphanage. Jodi and her husband were so gracious to send us photos and even a video of Little Miss Magic just days before we met our tiny miracle face to face.

Saigon Skye (Phan) has been on my mind and heart for all of these years! Red tape separated this family for 3 years, but they never gave up hope! Words cannot express my joy! She is FINALLY home with her forever family! God has a way of knowing when people belong together! NEVER give up on your dreams of building your family!

http://web.me.com/jodimarkoff/Nobordersforus.com/nobordersforus.com/nobordersforus.com.html

Finally, there is a happy ending! HALLELUJAH!

Shannon Devine

Save the Date! The National Council For Adoption Conference is back!

July 6-8, 2011 in Washington, D.C.

Every year at the National Council For Adoption (NCFA) annual conference, leaders in the field of adoption learn what is happening at the forefront of adoption policy and practice and how they can play an active role in improving and safe-guarding adoption. This year, we are adding educational tracks that provide prospective adoptive parents the unique opportunity to learn about the latest research on various topics surrounding adoption, as well as resources available to them pre- and post-adoption.

NCFA is committed to producing professional, educational conferences of the highest caliber!

Adoption professionals and prospective adoptive parents (PAP) are invited to join us for a 3-day learning experience that promotes best practices and sound policies in adoption and educates attendees on pertinent adoption-related research in the areas of domestic, inter country, and adoption out of foster care.

Here's a tentative list of topics you can expect to learn more about during the conference:

* Adoption Agency Management
* Birthparent Support
* Domestic Adoption
* Domestic Adoption Programs in Foreign Countries
* Foster Care
* Humanitarian Aid Collaboration
* Parenting children with Special Needs
* Post-Adoption Services
* Public vs. Private Adoption
* Risk Management

Here's an sneak peek to the list of topics that caught my attention immediately:

* Adoption Ethics
* Adoptive & Foster Parent Support
* Advocacy and Public Policy
* Intercountry Adoption
* Legislative Issues Impacting Adoption
* Hague Convention
* Race, Culture, and Diversity in Adoption

REGISTRATION IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN EARLY MARCH 2011.

I don't want you to miss this opportunity. Visit www.adoptioncouncil.org/events for more information.

Make plans TODAY to Build your family through the Miracle of Adoption!

Until next post, remain blessed!

Shannon

The Mystery of Risk

“Risk is not destiny.” – Dr. Ira Chasnoff

Medical Risk Assessment and Intervention Techniques for Internationally Adopted Children- A Webinar for Parents and Adoption Professionals.

The title probably sounds a bit intimidating/overwhelming (?) however, I cannot stress the importance of being educated on every aspect of the adoption journey.

I receive many inquiries weekly from prospective adoptive parent(s). I love that you feel comfortable enough to share the joy of your journey, and even your struggles! When we work together, we can move mountains! There were many, MANY times along the journey to Halle-Grace I questioned/screamed, "WHY is this happening? I just want to give this little girl the best life I possibly can! WHY?" The answer is now so crystal clear! God was preparing me to HELP others! The webinar below will be an incredible resource and opportunity to hear from experts in the field of adoption!

As Mrs International, an adoption advocate, a mother blessed through the miracle of adoption, and a National Spokesperson for the National Council For Adoption (NCFA), I am so thrilled to share this opportunity with you, our loyal readers.

NCFA is pleased to announce a 2.5 credit hour webinar, The Mystery of Risk, designed for adoption professionals and parents considering domestic, foster care, and inter country adoption.

- Understand how to assess risk at the time of your referral of a child.
- Learn to recognize behavioral difficulties and intervention strategies.
- Gain insight into diagnoses and suggestions on appropriate pre- and post-adoption services.
- Understand the importance of birth history and signs of distress.
- Hear real life case studies.
- Hague-compliant training.
- Receive 2.5 CEU hours from the National Council For Adoption, fully accredited by The Catholic University of America, School of Social Work.
- Interactive polling with real-time results and plenty of time for questions and answers!

When: Wednesday, February 2nd...1:30-4:00pm, Eastern Standard Time (12:30-3:00pm Central Standard Time, 11:30-2:00pm Mountain Time, 10:30-1:00pm Pacific Coast Time)

About the Lead Presenter:

Dr. Ira Chasnoff, MD is the President of Children's Research Triangle, a not-for-profit organization that works with high-risk children and their families. He is one of the nation's leading researchers in the field of child development and the effects of alcohol and drug use on the newborn infant and child. He is the author of eight critically acclaimed books that explore how biological and environmental factors impact the development of substance-exposed children. In 2002, Dr. Chasnoff's organization was selected by the Center for Disease Control as one of the five national centers for research into innovative treatment for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. “I think there is a need for helping parents and adoption professionals understand normal child behavior as well as how and when to know when behavior moves beyond what is perceived as “normal” and how to manage behavioral difficulties." - Dr. Chasnoff

The webinar will be moderated by Chuck Johnson, President and CEO, National Council For Adoption. “The importance of understanding behavioral patterns in children who might have been prenatally exposed to drugs as well as intervention techniques that can help children and families thrive in their new environments is critical. In our opinion, Dr. Chasnoff is one of the leading experts in this field of medicine as well an advocate of adoption.” - Chuck Johnson

Registration is now open!

For more information, please e-mail webinars@adoptioncouncil.org

Until next post, remain blessed & don't forget to WEAR RED next Friday!

Shannon Devine

Adoptive Families

I love reading Adoptive Families, a leading adoption information source for families before, during, and after adoption. It’s jam packed with information for families who are thinking about adopting, in the process of an adoption, post adoption…and so on.

I wanted to share the below links, regardless of where you are along your journey, I think you too will find the information helpful.

Pre-adoption information meetings
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/calendar.php?cal=pre

Post-adoption Family Events
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/calendar.php?cal=post

Culture and Heritage Events
http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/calendar.php?cal=camp

Shannon Devine