Adoptive parents are always looking for unique ideas and ways to thank caregivers for caring for their children whether it be foster care or orphanage care. There are protocols that should be followed though when gift giving, especially in international countries.

In Russia it can be frowned upon to give fragrances because it might be considered insulting (although some women love special perfumes and often request it from families).
It is most often customary in a two trip adoption to wait until the second trip to give gifts because it may be considered a bribe if a gift is given before …read more

Number of adoptions in 2006: 6526
From the US Department of State

The China Center for Adoption Affairs (CCAA) has issued the following new regulations for foreigners who wish to adopt children in China. These regulations become effective for all application received after May 1, 2007.

It is all over the news (okay, so I am a little late to report this) that Tyra Banks wants to adopt but is she just cashing in on the new fad or is she truly interesting in adopting?

A friend sent me this link today and I thought is was quite timely, as it is National Adoption Month. This particular list is taken from Cross-Cultural Adoption: How to Answer Questions from Family, Friends, and Community by Amy Coughlin and Caryn Abramowitz but many of the items on this list are actually for any adoption so I have adapted the commentary to my own experiences.

Guatadopt.com speaks out. Read the story here.

I was watching you as you slept tonight, wondering when you would wake up to cough or catch your breath. You have that raspy breathing that I am listening to right now in the monitor.
I am picturing you in your brand new fire engine pajamas that I ran out to get you tonight. You have grown so much in the last two months that none of your winter PJ’s fit and its cold in your room…too cold for summer pajamas, especially since you are sick. I went to the store just before dinner and got you new ones; fire engine, …read more