BraveLove has created this short video to help expecting women and families understand the basics of how adoption works.

How Adoption Works from BraveLove on Vimeo.

Your Next Steps

To learn more about our exact process and support, reach out today. We are available 24/7. Call or Text 765-325-1110 to talk with our support specialist.

We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post How Adoption Works appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Some women decide to only share with people who they believe will support their decision; some choose to keep the adoption secret from everyone; and some tell everyone they know. Every woman’s situation and personality is different, so it’s up to you how many (or how few) people you’ll tell about your decision.

Here are a few tips for telling loved ones about your adoption plan:

Approaching Family Members

First, try telling family members or friends who you believe will best support your adoption plan. This will help you build the confidence you need to tell others who may be less understanding. You can even have someone by your side who supports your decision (like an adoption agency coordinator) when you share with the rest of your loved ones.

It’s important to remember that telling some people about an unplanned pregnancy and adoption plan at the same time may be overwhelming. So, if your pregnancy is still a secret, you could just share that information for now. If they ask how you’re going to raise this child, you may tell them you’re exploring your options — including placing your baby for adoption.

But if the opportunity presents itself and the timing seems right, feel free to tell your loved ones about your pregnancy and your intentions of pursuing adoption.

What To Expect

You may have had weeks or months to come to terms with your pregnancy, consider all of your options, and learn about adoption. However, the people you’re sharing with are hearing about all of this for the first time — but it can still be hurtful if they’re not supportive right away.

This typically happens because many people still believe that adoptions are cold and impersonal, but small agencies have changed for the better since then. So don’t be afraid to tell your loved ones what you’ve learned about adoption during your pregnancy.

Try to not take other peoples’ responses personally and to understand where they are coming from. Once your loved ones have time to digest everything you’ve told them, they may be able to discuss the situation from a less emotional place and give you support.

After You Tell Them

Having a strong support system will help you in many ways throughout your adoption journey. If you feel comfortable, share with your loved ones what led you to this decision, or invite them to be involved in your adoption plan. 

You could also tell them it would mean a lot to you if they’d attend appointments with you, help you choose an adoptive family, or be with you at the hospital when you deliver the baby. Placing your child for adoption is a selfless yet emotional decision, so having people to support you during and after your pregnancy can bring you comfort and peace of mind.

No matter whom you choose to tell about your adoption plan, remember that this is your decision. While it may be difficult to cope with loved ones who don’t agree with your choice, you know what is truly best for you and your baby.

We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Telling Others About Your Adoption Plan appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

If you’re looking for post-adoption support and resources for birth moms, we have a list of podcasts, support groups, books, and more to guide you.

Podcasts & Content

We’ve provided a podcast, video content platform, blog, and national organization that can help you find support and community during and after your placement experience. 

Twisted Sisterhood

The Twisted Sisterhood podcast is hosted by two birth moms, Ashley Mitchell and Kelsey Vander. In this podcast, Ashley and Kelsey discuss the hardships and emotions they and other birth moms have experienced. 

• instagram.com/twistedsisterhoodpodcast/
• Ashley’s Instagram: @bigtoughgirl  
• Kelsey’s Instagram: @fromanthamotha 
• https://linktr.ee/twistedsisterhoodpodcast

Knee to Knee

Ashley Mitchell, cohost of the Twisted Sisterhood podcast, founded Knee to Knee. She creates video content for women who have made a huge loving sacrifice to place their child for adoption. In Ashley’s videos, she is open and raw about her experiences and journey as a birth mom. She also provides lifting content and resources for fellow birth mothers.

• Ashley’s Instagram: @bigtoughgirl
• vimeo.com/kneetoknee 
• sitkneetoknee.com/birthmothers

The Grace Bond 

The Grace Bond is an initiative by Leah Outten, a woman who lovingly placed her daughter for adoption at the age of 16. Now an adult, and a mother to five, Leah is an advocate and spokeswoman for birth moms. 

• instagram.com/thegracebond/
• facebook.com/thegracebond

BraveLove

BraveLove is a national organization that acknowledges the pain birth moms go through by making the brave decision to place their children for adoption. BraveLove shares stories written by many birth mothers. You can also find videos where birth moms discuss their experiences and stories. 

BraveLove holds both in-person and virtual events throughout the year to support women who have chosen to place their children for adoption. 

• instagram.com/joinbravelove/ 
• bravelove.org

Support Groups

While there aren’t many support groups local to Lafayette, we have included some groups and event possibilities in Indianapolis and Chicago area, as well as some virtual options.

BraveLove

You can find birth mom support events at the link below. BraveLove also hosts birth parent-focused retreats. Because it’s is a national organization, you can search for events throughout the United States. 

• bravelove.org/events 
• Go to bravelove.org/post_adoption_support and click on the bold red “varied list” to find a list of groups and retreats throughout the United States.

Adoption Support Center’s Support Group

This agency provides support groups in the Indianapolis area. 

• adoptionsupportcenter.com/birth-moms-post-placement/
• 317.255.5916 or 800.274.1084

Open Adoption, Double the Love

This is a private Facebook group comprised of all members from the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees). Members share and support one another in their open adoption journeys: facebook.com/groups/openadoptiondoublethelove.

Adoptions of Indiana

Adoptions of Indiana is an adoption agency that also facilitates a private Facebook group for birth parents. They ask that you call their office to be added to the group. 

• adoptionsofindiana.org/life-long-support/
• 317.505.0935

On Your Feet Foundation

This foundation focuses almost completely on the referral and support of birth moms. 

• onyourfeetfoundation.org
• facebook.com/groups/1410222069003975

Books & Articles

There are many reading materials (including these short articles) which you may find useful now or at some point down the road.

“Birth Parent Loss & Grief”

This two-page article by Patricia E. Roles walks through the grief process birth parents (specifically mothers) go through.

She describes the numbness and denial which may occur in the initial stage, followed by an eruption of feelings that occurs after the shock and denial start to pass. These feelings can be sadness, emptiness, anger, fear, panic, and anxiety; all are normal. Patricia concludes with the “accepting the adoption” stage. Click here to read the article.

“Choosing for One Child & Not Another”

In this two-page article based on her own experiences, Brenda Romanchik describes how to navigate an open adoption and the questions the child might have down the road. Click here to read the article.

“Grief & Open Adoption”

This article is also by Brenda Romanchik, who goes into further detail about the feelings involved with placing a child for adoption. These emotions include shock, denial, sorrow, depression, anger, guilt, acceptance, and resolution. Click here to read the article.

Looking for more post-adoption support? We can help.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Resources for Birth Moms appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

If you’re looking for post-adoption support and resources for birth fathers, here’s a list of support groups, books, articles, and videos to help you.

Support Groups

On Your Feet Foundation

While this foundation focuses mainly on assisting birth mothers, they also have a private Facebook support group for birth fathers: www.facebook.com/groups/160712467788760/.

Books & Articles

“A Birth Father Story”

In this two-page article, Paul Weber tells the story of his experiences as a birth father in a closed adoption. While he doesn’t go into many details, Paul describes his thoughts in the years after the adoption. Click here to read the article.

“Stepping Out of the Shadows: Birth Fathers Speak Out”

This article summarizes a book titled Out of the Shadows: Birth Fathers’ Stories. Author Mary Martin Mason describes the interviews she had with different birth fathers. Click here to read the article.

Ever After: Fathers & the Impact of Adoption

In this book, Gary Coles (an adoptive father) focuses on the impact adoption has on the birth fathers. You can buy the book on Amazon here.

BraveLove

While BraveLove mainly focuses on assisting birth mothers, they’ve also shared some stories from birth fathers: bravelove.org/tags/birth_father.

Videos

These videos are all under 5 minutes long and feature a birth father discussing his experiences throughout the pregnancy and adoption process. 

• Tim’s Story: Finding Out About the Unplanned Pregnancy
• Tim’s Story: The Role of a Birth Father
• Tim’s Story:  Advice to Other Birth Fathers
• Tim’s Story: The Decision-Making Process
• Tim’s Story: Open Adoption & Choosing an Adoptive Family

Looking for more post-adoption support? We can help.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Resources for Birth Fathers appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Expecting moms often don’t know where to start when it comes to choosing an adoption path and getting guidance throughout the process. But if you’re interested in creating an adoption plan for your child, we’ll walk you through everything you should expect during your pregnancy and adoption journey.

Here are the steps you’ll take to create an adoption plan:

1. Learn your options and ask any questions you have.

Whether you just found out that you’re pregnant, or you’ve been weighing your options for a while, you can text or call 765.326.1110 to speak with our Birth Family Coordinator. She can answer any questions you have about pregnancy and your options.

Many pregnant women don’t think about this, but there are other paths besides parenting and abortion. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your baby is to make the loving, selfless decision to place them for adoption and give them a more secure future. But we won’t pressure you into choosing adoption or even working with Gifts of Grace. This is your journey and decision.

2. Share your story, needs, and desires with us.

When you meet with us in our safe, welcoming office, we’ll invite you to share your story and pregnancy journey so far. Whether you know what you want for your baby, or you have no idea what to do or where to turn, our team can support and comfort you.

Our Birth Family Coordinator will also work with you to review your pregnancy and birth options, discuss your immediate and long-term goals, and understand what you want for your child. If you’re not sure whether or not you’re ready to raise a baby, we can walk through this questionnaire with you.

3. Become a client and create an adoption plan.

We know placing a child for adoption is a hard decision, but it’s one you’re making out of love and selflessness. If you choose this path for your baby, you’ll sign an agreement to become a Gifts of Grace client!

Once you’re officially partnered with us, we’ll review your needs and discuss community resources that may benefit you. These include housing expense assistance, transportation to doctor’s appointments, help in getting health insurance, and more. Having these things in place will help you form a secure adoption plan and give you peace of mind.

4. Receive ongoing support during your pregnancy.

An unplanned pregnancy can be a scary experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you already have a great support system, or you need a shoulder to cry on, our team will be here for you throughout your pregnancy and adoption journey.

Along with providing emotional support, we’ll work to understand your preferences for an adoptive family match. We’ll also discuss your desires for the future — specifically, whether or not you’d like to form a relationship with the adoptive family and/or receive post-adoption support from us.

5. Match with an adoptive family of your choice.

Our Birth Family Coordinator will present waiting families to you and help you match with the best one for your baby. This is a major decision, so take your time learning about each family and considering what you’re looking for in an adoptive couple.

No matter whom you choose, you’ll see lives change when you make the loving decision to provide a bright future for your child by placing them with a great adoptive family.

6. Meet the family and make a hospital/delivery plan.

Once you match with a waiting family, you can meet with them if you’d like. Both our Birth Family Coordinator and Adoptive Family Coordinator will help you in building a relationship, setting up communication (and boundaries), and more.

You’ll also work with our Birth Family Coordinator to develop a hospital and delivery plan, which we’ll share with the family you’ve chosen. This will help you (and the adoptive family) feel confident and make sure things go smoothly once your baby is born.

7. Deliver your baby and sign placement forms.

Once you go into labor, we’ll take you to the hospital (if you need transportation) and help you make sure your delivery plan is followed. After you deliver your baby, you and the adoptive family can spend as much time with him or her as you’d like.

Then, you and the adoptive family will sign and notarize all the required legal documents. This is usually a very emotional time for birth moms as they officially place their baby with another family, so we’ll be by your side the entire time for support.

8. Stay connected with (or say goodbye to) the adoptive family.

After your baby goes home with the adoptive family, you can continue a relationship with them and your child, if you like. Some birth moms decide to stay in touch with the family and baby so they can watch their child develop and thrive.

Other birth moms know the emotional toll of seeing their baby raised by someone else will be too much, so they choose to part ways with the family and child after the adoption. That’s perfectly fine, too; we’ll respect your decision either way.

9. Receive support from Gifts of Grace (if you’d like).

Even after your pregnancy and delivery, we’ll be here for you if you’d like post-adoption support. That includes free articles and resources, support groups with other birth moms, and more. 

Many birth moms experience a wide range of emotions after placing a baby for adoption; relief, guilt, sadness, anxiety, confusion, and so on. A strong support system — whether that’s our team, your loved ones, or both — can help you process these feelings.

Ready to create an adoption plan? We’re here to help.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Creating an Adoption Plan: What to Expect appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

The following questionnaire will help you consider your finances, support systems, beliefs, and long-term goals as you decide which path to take for your child.

Here are a few things to consider when trying to decide if you’re ready to be a parent: 

Home & Emotional Support

• Who will emotionally support me during my pregnancy? Will they still support me if I decide to parent my child? 
• Do I have people in my life who can help me raise/take care of the baby?
• Where will I live if I choose to raise my child? Do I have room in my home for them?

Income & Financial Resources

• What are my financial resources and/or income? 
• What income will I need to pay for rent, formula, diapers, daycare, and baby supplies? 
• Who will help me financially? (parents, a spouse/partner, etc.)
• Do I qualify for certain resources that could help me raise my child? (WIC, government assistance, etc.)

Personal Goals & Parenting Beliefs

• What are my long-term goals for myself? How will pregnancy and parenting affect those goals? 
• What are my goals for this child? 
• What is my concept of being a good parent to a child? 
• How will I approve/disapprove of myself if I make an adoption plan?

Pros & Cons of Your Options

• What options have I considered? 
• What are the immediate and long-term consequences of those options? 
• What are the potential pros and cons for myself if I choose adoption? 
• What are the potential pros and cons for myself if I choose parenting?

Still unsure whether you should raise your child or place them for adoption?

We can help you review your options while supporting you during your entire pregnancy.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Are you ready to be a parent? appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

We want to assure you that while your child’s struggles are naturally upsetting, you’re not alone. Every baby learns the voice and heartbeat of their birth mother when they’re in the womb. Even if you provide a supportive, loving home for your adopted child, they’ll sense a “disruption” as a baby — in other words, they know they were with their birth mom but are now with someone else. This fetal trauma can impact their physical, emotional, and mental health down the road.

If your adopted child has trauma, psychological, and/or behavioral issues, these resources for struggling adoptive parents may help. We’ve provided local resources, other options, and even Facebook groups that can support you and your child.

Local Resources

Local Therapists

Vanessa Cochran, MSW, LSW at Counseling Partners 

Vanessa is a Christian but does not offer Christian counseling. She has always been supportive of her clients’ faith and clients/parents incorporating prayer and/or Scripture into sessions; she just cannot take the lead on that. 

Vanessa takes a very attachment-focused approach to therapy, involving parents as much as possible — which is wonderful for adopted children! Learn more at childandfamilypartners.org.

Wellspring Counseling Center

Wellspring Counseling provides Christian counseling with applied Biblical truth that is personally applicable and psychologically sound. Learn more at wellspringcenter.net.

Care to Change

Care to Change is a professional counseling center for your family’s life challenges. They combine Scripture, relevant experience, and proven techniques into one integrative approach to helping clients. 

Their experienced professionals have a deep educational background focused upon proven, research-based approaches for guiding people to the next step. What sets them apart is they’ve built that knowledge upon a solid foundation of Biblical truth. Learn more at caretochange.org.

Karen Cover

Karen is a Christian counselor with a focus in EMDR  (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) psychotherapy. You can reach her at 765.463.4504.

Children’s Bureau Adoption Program

The Children’s Bureau provides family-based services, support, and information for adoptive families, helping them access resources and connect with other families. Learn more by reading below and visiting childrensbureau.org/our-services/adoption. 

Post-Adoption Services

A Post Adoption Services Care Coordinator will meet with your family to determine your family’s strengths and needs. They’ll help you develop a service plan and obtain those services. 

Your Care Coordinator will also provide your family with information and resources concerning issues of adoption, parenting, advocacy, mental health services, respite, and more — as well as support through difficult times. Finally, families can connect with other adoptive families through support groups.

Riley Children’s Hospital

Does your child have a psychological or behavioral condition that needs ongoing attention? Or are they experiencing temporary challenges from stressful life events? 

Your child may benefit from an evaluation by a team of psychiatry specialists at Riley Children’s Hospital. These specialists provide diagnostic and treatment services for children of all ages. Learn more at rileychildrens.org/departments/psychiatry.

Other Options

Empowered to Connect

You can receive a study guide and other adoption and foster care resources from Dr. Karyn Purvis and other professionals. Learn more at empoweredtoconnect.org. 

Parent Intervention & Training

Debra and her experienced team of Parent Trainers offer a unique and individualized approach to applying the principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), a model developed by Drs. Karyn Purvis and David Cross at the Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University. 

They offer phone consults at $100/hour, as well as in-home interventions for $3,000 to $4,000 per few days. Learn more at child.tcu.edu/about-us/tbri. 

Mercy Multiplied

Mercy Multiplied is a free, nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to helping young women break free from life-controlling behaviors and situations, including eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, unplanned pregnancy, depression, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking. 

We hope to help every woman experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and life-transforming power. Learn more at mercymultiplied.com. 

The Haven Retreat

This is a free, four-day retreat in Utah for women who have survived sexual abuse under the age of 18 and are now over 18. Transportation to and from the airport is provided, as well as all meals. 

Participants stay in a mansion in the middle of a canyon between two mountains. Each participant receives a therapist, a case manager, and 24-hour access to therapeutic staff on call. They also have a nurse on staff 24 hours a day and security on the grounds. The program includes group and individual therapy. 

Follow-up care includes an 8-week online recovery program with live access to a group with a specialized curriculum, one-on-one access to your case manager, and a support group online. Learn more at youniquefoundation.org/the-haven-retreat. 

The Envoy Group

The Envoy Group exists to help parents, grandparents, and guardians by utilizing our knowledge and experience to educate and connect families with struggling and at-risk teens to residential and therapeutic boarding school programs that potentially best fit their needs. Learn more at theenvoygroup.com. 

Christian Boarding Schools

Christian boarding schools and counseling for troubled teenagers, rated by parents. 

Please note: Programs are based on factors like age, sex, and certain needs (therapy, additions, level of care, etc.). 

Prices range from $2,600/month to $12,000+. Please call and ask about age, price, and exclusions based on your child’s needs. Learn more at bestchristianboardingschools.com.

Facebook Groups

Parenting with Connection 

facebook.com/groups/parentingwithconnection

Parenting Kids with Anxiety

facebook.com/groups/154405114714944

We hope these resources help you, your child, and your family through these challenges. Please know that our team (and the teams from the organizations we’ve listed) are here to support children and parents while providing information, healing, and comfort.

Still have questions, or need post-adoption support?

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Resources for Struggling Adoptive Parents appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Whether you’re just starting to navigate adoption, or you’re introducing your child to adoption-friendly books and movies, our resources for adoptive parents and children can help.

For Adoptive Parents

Books

• Adopting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck & Regina Kupecky
• The Adoption Reunion Survival Guide by Julie Bailey & Lynn Giddens 
• Adoptive After Infertility by Marilyn Crawshaw & Rachel Balen 
• Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison
• Attaching in Adoption by Deborah D. Gray 
• Born in Our Hearts by Filis Casey & Marisa Catalina Casey
• Chocolate Hair, Vanilla Care by Rory Mullen 
• The Complete Adoption Book by Laura Beauvais-Godwin & Raymond Godwin 
• The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis 
• Created to Connect: A Christian’s Guide to the Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis with Michael & Amy Moore 
• Cross-Cultural Adoption by Amy Coughlin & Caryn Abramowitz
• The Encyclopedia of Adoption by Christine Adamec & Laurie Miller 
• Falling Free by Shannan Martin
• Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson 
• Growing Up Black in White by Kevin Hoffman
• Healing Trauma through Loving Relationships by Nancy Fisher 
• In a Heartbeat by Leigh Anne & Sean Tuohy 
• In on It: What Adoptive Parents Would Like You to Know about Adoption by Elisabeth O’Toole 
• Jesus, the Gentle Parent: Christian Parenting by L. R. Knost 
• The Jonathon Letters by Michael Trout & Lori Thomas 
• No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. & Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. 
• Parenting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck & Regina Kupecky Fostering/Adoption
• Ready or Not: 30-Day Discovery for Families Growing through Foster Care and Adoption by Pam Parish
• Reclaiming Adoption by Dan Cruver, John Piper, Scotty Smith, Rick Phillips, & Jason Kovacs
• Reframing Adoption by Sharon Fox 
• Reframing Foster Care by Jason Johnson
• Search: A Handbook for Adoptees and Birthparents by Jayne Askin
• The Spirit of Adoption by Randy & Kelsey Bohlender 
• The Strength of Mercy by Jan Beazely 
• Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families by Natalie Gillespie 
• Tandem, A Devotional for Adopting with God in the Lead by Alison England 
• The Third Choice/A Woman’s Guide to Placing a Child for Adoption by Leslie Foge & Gail Mosconi 
• Thriving as an Adoptive Family by David & Renee Sanford 
• Toddler Adoption by Mary Hopkins-Best
• Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge
• Wait No More by Kelly & John Rosati
• The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. & Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. 
• The Whole Life Adoption Book by Jayne Schooler & Thomas Atwood

Movies

• America
• The Blindside
• Good Hair
• Healing Children Through Trust & Relationships (with Dr. Purvis)
• Instant Family
• Lion
• Martian Child
• October Baby
• The Odd Life of Timothy Green
• Trust-Based Parenting: Creating Lasting Changes in Your Child (with Dr. Purvis)

Websites

• Adopt Shoppe, www.etsy.com/shop/AdoptShoppe 
• AdoptED, www.adoption-education.com 
• Adoption Learning Partners, www.adoptionlearningpartners.org 
• Adoption Training Online, www.adoptiontrainingonline.com 
• Adoptive Families Circle (magazine), www.adoptivefamiliescircle.com 
• Brave Love, www.bravelove.org 
• Heart of the Matter Seminars, www.heartofthemattereducation.com/index.php/en 
• Kayla’s Braids for African-American Hair Care, www.pinterest.com/rodneykl24/kaylas-braids 
• Tapestry Books, www.tapestrybooks.com

For Children

*Please note: Media portrayals of adoption can affect each child differently. We suggest reading or watching anything prior to giving your child access to ensure you’re ready and able to address any questions your child may have.

Books

• A is for Adopted by Eileen Tucker Cosby
• Adopted and Loved Forever by Annetta Dellinger
• Beginnings: How Families Come to Be by Virginia Kroll
• A Blessing from Above by Patti Henderson
• Did My First Mother Love Me? by Kathryn Ann Miller
• God Found Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren
• How Was I Adopted by Joanna Cole
• I Wish for You by Marianne Richmond
• A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
• Oliver by Lois Wickstrom
• On The Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman
• Over the Moon by Karen Katz
• Rosie’s Family: An Adoption Story by Lori Rosove 
• Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis
• We Belong Together by Todd Parr
• Zachary’s New Home by Geraldine & Paul Blomquist

Movies

• Angels in the Outfield 
• Anne of Green Gables
• Annie
• Despicable Me
• Elf
• Hotel for Dogs
• The Jungle Book
• Kung Fun Panda
• Lilo & Stitch
• Martian Child
• Meet the Robinsons
• The Odd Life of Timothy Green
• Prince of Egypt
• The Rescuers Down Under
• Stuart Little
• Tarzan

Looking for more adoption information?

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with birth families, adoptive parents, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant women and birth parents, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Resources for Adoptive Parents & Their Children appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

Wondering how you’ll afford an addition to your family is completely normal. But fundraising for your adoption and applying for grants can help to ease some financial burden and anxiety.

Below, we’ve shared a list of resources regarding financial assistance for your adoption:

Grants for Domestic Adoption

Advocates for Adoption: Be the One

Be the One awards $500 quarterly to applicants living in Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Please mail your application to: 

9667 Searcy Ridge 

Patriot, IN 47038

Both Hands Foundation

Both Hands serves both widows and orphans while supporting adoptive families. With this service project, you’ll help a local widow by painting, cleaning, and/or landscaping her home. You and your team then work to fundraise for your adoption.

The Buescher Foundation

You can choose to send in your application by February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1.

Cade Foundation

Couples with an infertility diagnosis who are legal, permanent U.S. residents may apply for this grant. You can use your Cade Foundation grant (up to $10,000) to help with infertility treatment or domestic adoption. The grant requires a $50 nonrefundable application fee and has two grant cycles: 

• Spring: Apply by February 1; hear back by June 1; redeem your grant by July 31; receive funds on August 1.
• Fall: Apply by July 1; hear back by October 15; redeem your grant by December 31; receive funds on January 1.

Dream 4 Adoption

This is a $1,500 grant, with a $500 “welcome home” grant. Dream4Adoption currently runs two cycles per year: May 1 – September 30 and November 1 – March 31.

Gift of Adoption Fund 

Gift of Adoption offers a grant you can apply for any time for a $50 fee. The award amounts vary (up to $10,000), and the grant committee meets monthly to determine award recipients. 

This grant places precedence on awarding for relative/kinship domestic adoptions. For international adoptions, Gift of Adoption works to unite or preserve biological siblings, to prevent children from aging out, to prevent special needs children from becoming institutionalized, and to help children with life-threatening health conditions who will not receive proper medical care unless they’re adopted.

Please mail your application and $50 fee to:

Gift of Adoption Fund

Attn: Grants Manager

P.O. Box 567

Techny, IL 60082

Hands of Hope Indiana 

This matching grant awards $1,000 to $4,000 to adoptive families. Please contact:

Megan Cutshaw

Attn: Adoption Grants & Loans

P.O. Box 40

Gridley, IL 61744

Help Us Adopt

There’s no application fee for this grant, which awards $500 to $15,000 to waiting families. Please mail your application to:

Help Us Adopt

P.O. Box 787

New York, NY 10150

Due dates: Postmark your application by:

• December 7 (or online by December 14)
• March 23 (or online by March 30)
• June 8 (or online by June 15)
• September 7 (or online by September 14)

JSC Foundation

See “Requirements” to find out if you’re eligible: www.jscfoundation.org/requirements 

Katelyn’s Fund

This foundation gives a $3,000 grant, as well as $1,500 to two other families when resources allow. Higher priority is given to families with an annual income under $100,000. Applicants may be interviewed in person or via conference call. These interviews must take place before travel occurs or WITHIN 45 days of a child being domestically placed in your home and BEFORE final travel for an international placement.

Please send completed applications and materials to:

Katelyn’s Fund – Application Coordinator

1327 3rd Ave. SE

Sioux Center, IA 51250

Lifesong for Orphans

This organization strives to place children with two-parent Christian families with matching grants and other financial assistance. 

Please mail your application to:

Lifesong for Orphans

Attn: Adoption Assistance

PO Box 9

Gridley, IL 61744

Mighty Families by Adoption

Mighty Families by Adoption serves couples who cannot have (or can no longer have) biological children and who are pursuing infant domestic adoption. Families with an annual income of $80,000 or less will be prioritized for financial assistance.

​Awarded families will receive up to $20,000 for adoption-related expenses, which can include agency and/or attorney fees. Applications fill almost instantly, so be sure to apply as soon as the next one opens up!

National Adoption Foundation

This organization awards families quarterly with $500 to $2,000 grants. You can apply online by clicking here.

Sacred Selections

Sacred Selections is a nonprofit organization that provides the financial means to fund adoptions for Christian couples committed to opening their hearts and lives for children in need of loving homes. 

Please mail your application to:

Sacred Selections

4144 Shores Road

Murfreesboro, TN 37128

Show Hope

This organization awards $5,000 to families hoping to adopt. There’s no application fee, and you can apply online as long as your home study or home study update is complete.

Show Hope gives grants each quarter, so please apply by March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.

Grants for Special Needs Adoption

Brittany’s Hope

This program asks recipient families to raise half of their total grant amount to help future families bring their child home. You can reach this goal through tax-deductible donations from family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, or individuals from your community. Brittany’s Hope provides each family with a set of customized fundraising tools that will help them to meet their goal. You can apply for this grant at any time.

Golden Dawn

This organization helps families of faith adopt babies with special needs and other hard-to-place children. There’s a $20 application fee, but you can apply anytime for an award of up to $2,000.

Other Helpful Resources

• Adoption Tax Credit 
• Affording Adoption
• North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
• 15 Adoption Fundraising Ideas

Our professionals can walk you through the adoption process while helping you apply for financial assistance.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Financial Assistance for Your Adoption appeared first on Gifts of Grace.

In this post, we’ll share an overview of FASD, diagnoses on the spectrum, what could cause FASD, and behavior and/or learning symptoms to watch out for.

FASD: An Overview

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a group of birth defects that can occur when a baby’s mother drinks alcohol while pregnant. FASD itself is not a diagnosis, but rather an umbrella term for various diagnoses.

Symptoms in children may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities. Specific FASD symptoms will vary based on the individual.

Prenatal alcohol exposure won’t always result in an FASD, but babies who do develop the condition will have permanent, lifelong brain damage. Children with an FASD have smaller-than-average brains, with an impaired frontal lobe, corpus callosum, cerebellum, hippocampus, and basal ganglia.

Diagnoses on the FASD Spectrum

There are a few syndromes and disorders on the FASD spectrum, including:

• FAS: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (10-20 percent of children on the spectrum). This diagnosis requires three facial abnormalities: narrow eye openings, a smooth area between the lip and the nose (vs. the normal ridge), and a thin upper lip.
• PFAS: Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• ARND: Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (most common on the spectrum)
• ARBD: Alcohol-Related Birth Defects

Please visit this website to learn more about each diagnosis.

Factors that Could Cause FASD

Your child’s disorder may be the result of:

• Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of the pregnant mother (Binge drinking is especially harmful to her baby.)
• Timing of exposure
• The resiliency of the fetus
• The mother’s metabolism and diet 

FASD Behavior & Learning Symptoms

Here are a few signs to watch for if your adopted child has an FASD:

• Poor impulse control
• Lack of control over emotions
• Difficulty learning from consequences
• Hyperactivity/Impulsiveness (ADHD)
• Inappropriate friendliness with strangers
• Poor judgment and decision-making
• Difficulty with abstract concepts
• Inability to manage money
• Sleep difficulties
• Stubbornness
• Difficulty with the passage of time
• Passivity
• Fearlessness (high-risk behaviors)
• Poor self-image
• Depression and/or anxiety
• Irritability
• Attention and/or memory deficits
• Sensory processing issues
• Immature social behavior
• Difficulty in school (often manifests around 4th grade)

Intervention Options

While there’s currently no cure or specific treatment for FASD, there are things you can do to reduce some of the effects and help your child achieve a better quality of life. These intervention options include:

• Helping your child early on with walking, talking, and socializing
• Working with a family counselor, special ed teacher, speech therapist, and a physical or occupational therapist
• Addressing health issues, such as vision problems or heart abnormalities
• And more

We offer education and ongoing support for adoptive parents — even after they bring baby home.

Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.

For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The post Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): What You Need to Know appeared first on Gifts of Grace.