2011 is a Great Year for Adoption in Oklahoma and Arkansas

FSA in Oklahoma / Arkansas wishes all of you who are friends of adoption a very happy new year!
Are you hoping to adopt?  Have you already adopted?  Have you placed a child for adoption?  Are you considering adoption?  Are you adopted?  Are you a big fan of adoption?  If you can answer yes to any of these questions, Families Supporting Adoption is for you.

Here are some new year's goals we can all make to support adoption:

1. Be sensitive to all parties involved in the adoptive process.  Birthparents (both biological mothers AND fathers); adoptive parents; infertile couples; couples waiting to adopt; and children who have been adopted all need a lot of love, understanding, encouragement, and support.  Ask them about their experiences with sensitivity and treat them in a non-judgmental way.  In truth, all of their experiences are unique and cannot be lumped together or stereotyped. 
2. Don't be shy about sharing positive adoption experiences.  Sometimes it seems like the only stories that make the news are telling us about the things that can go wrong with adoption.  The real fact is that only a small number of adoptions are contested and that the vast majority go smoothly and are wonderful, inspiring experiences for everyone involved. 
3. Find creative ways to support and encourage adoption.  Get in touch with your local DES and learn more about foster care. Volunteer to talk about your adoption experiences at a church, school, or work meeting.  Throw an adoption shower for a couple who has been placed with a child.  Organize a celebration for a birthmom who has just placed or is planning on placing a child to supply her needs for new clothes and college supplies.

You may never know who the people are in your life who have already been touched by adoption.   Best wishes and success to all of you and your families.