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When young children learn their alphabet, they sing at the end of the song, “Now I know my ABCs”…
Well, when you finish reading this series of posts, you will be able to say that now you know your “Transracial Adoption ABCs”. You will have at least a basic knowledge of common adoption terminology, steps in the process and big issues related to transracial adoption.
I know that when we started our first adoption, there were a lot of terms that were completely foreign to me…homestudy, dossier, USCIS, referral, post-placement reports, etc. At times it almost seemed like its own language. These words are thrown around in the world of adoption frequently, but are often confusing to newcomers and first-timers.
Along with learning the words and terms, there are also many steps of the adoption process that can be confusing (even when it is not your first adoption), and as I have discussed frequently on this blog, there are many big issues surrounding transracial adoption that parents should consider before, during and after their transracial adoption.
In this series of posts, I am going to start with the letter A, and work my way to Z. For each letter I will define some adoption words and terms, explain steps in the process, address some of the big issues and provide resources and links to more information.
Through my experience of adopting seven kids and helping lots of other families with different aspects of their adoptions, I have gained a lot of knowledge and tips. So not only will I tell you what a “dossier” is, I will tell you how to get it done quickly, efficiently and as cheaply as possible. I will not simply explain to you what USCIS is and what their role is in international adoption, but I will give you tips on how to fill out forms, turn in paperwork and get it all done as quickly and easily as the process allows.
Whether you are starting your first adoption or your tenth, there should be lots of information in these posts that is informative and helpful. I will do my best to be thorough and will definitely hit all of the “biggies”, but this list will likely not be all-inclusive.
At any time, feel free to jump in and add to the list by leaving a comment (especially if you have some thoughts on the letter Z…hmmmmmmmm).
Resources…
Hmm… Z… zonked, which you will be after hours of travel if you adopt internationally?
Great idea!