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PACA – What is a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement?

Katie Zimmerman2024-03-05T18:00:05-07:00March 5, 2024|Adoption Education, Adoption Process, Domestic infant adoption, Hoping to Adopt, Learn, Open Adoption (Learn)|

This post discusses the post-adoption contact agreement ("PACA") and its use in domestic adoption. A PACA is an agreement between the parties to the adoption and sets forth the minimum contact agreed upon by the parties and how that contact will take place. This post discusses how and when these agreements are enforceable, as well as the parties to these agreements. We also share our advice to include a written PACA in every adoption, even if it may not be enforceable in the respective state, as it can still be helpful in setting expectations amongst the parties as to the type of openness in the adoption going forward. To read more about a post adoption contact agreement or PACA, click here.

Two Open Adoptions: My Personal Experiences

Aubrey Cortez2024-01-18T13:26:29-07:00January 18, 2024|Adoption Advisor, Adoption Education, Adoption is Hard, Adoption Perspectives, Domestic infant adoption, Hoping to Adopt, Learn, Open Adoption (Learn)|

In today’s blog post, Purl advisor Aubrey Cortez delves into the realm of open adoption, sharing her heartfelt personal experiences with two different open adoptions. This post is specially for prospective adoptive families, who may be contemplating their second adoption or embarking on the journey of pursuing multiple adoptions. Read more by clicking here.

The Adoption Profile: How It Is Used and How Important It Really Is

Katie Zimmerman2023-11-27T10:13:14-07:00November 27, 2023|Adoption Advisor, Adoption Education, Adoption Outreach, Adoption Profile, Domestic infant adoption, Hoping to Adopt, Learn|

It is hard for me to often express how important I (Katie: CEO/Founder of Purl) believe the adoption profile is in a domestic adoption journey. We find that many prospective adoptive families believe this is an area they can save money in their adoption process, or they think they have some design background so they can pull it off better than a professional designer. But I find typically that families that are creating their own adoption profile, or using an inexperienced profile designer, wait much longer in their adoption journey than families that have a great profile. In this blog post, we'll explain more about how the adoption profile is used in the adoption journey, in order to explain its importance in the domestic adoption journey. Click here to read more.

Resources for Talking To Your Child About Adoption

Katie Zimmerman2023-11-15T12:39:04-07:00November 14, 2023|Adoption Advisor, Adoption Education, Adoption is Hard, Adoption Perspectives, Domestic infant adoption, Learn, Open Adoption (Learn)|

As we have talked about more this National Adoption Awareness Month, we are trying to focus more on adoptees and how THEY feel about adoption, rather than continue to push the rosy narrative common of the adoptive parent and adoption professional. One thing I've (Katie: CEO/Found of Purl) found is ...

Agency vs. Direct Placement Adoptions

Janae Peterson2023-11-13T14:06:43-07:00November 13, 2023|Adoption Advisor, Adoption Education, Adoption Outreach, Adoption Process, Domestic infant adoption, Funding Your Adoption, Hoping to Adopt, Learn|

Did you know that there are typically two types of adoptions available in domestic adoption: agency adoptions and direct placement adoptions (often referred to as private or independent adoptions), and do you understand the differences? Do you understand when you might use one versus the other? Did you know that some states allow direct placement adoptions and some do not? Click here to learn more about the common types of domestic adoption.

Microaggressions: Supporting Adoptees and Promoting Resilience 

Aubrey Cortez2023-10-10T11:04:36-07:00October 10, 2023|Adoption Education, Adoption is Hard, Adoption Perspectives, Learn, Transracial Adoption (Learn)|

In today's blog post, advisor Aubrey, delves into common microaggressions adoptees could experience and offers insights on how adoptive parents can proactively equip themselves and their children to navigate these experiences with grace and understanding. Click here to learn more!

Respecting Expectant Mothers: Boundaries in Adoption

Kelcie Grace Germano2023-09-15T12:42:28-07:00September 15, 2023|Adoption Advisor, Adoption Education, Adoption is Hard, Adoption Process, Domestic infant adoption, Drug/Alcohol Exposure, Hoping to Adopt, Learn|

In this blog post, Katie Zimmerman, founder of Purl, explores a topic that's often misunderstood: the boundaries and limitations inherent in being a prospective adoptive parent. It's crucial to understand and respect that the expectant mother holds the autonomy to decide what medical information to share and your level of involvement during her pregnancy. Knowing the difference between what you can 'expect' and what you're 'entitled to' in an adoption proceeding is vital for anyone considering the path of adoption. Click here for a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this sensitive and intricate journey.

Adoption is NOT Surrogacy

Kelcie Grace Germano2023-09-15T13:02:50-07:00September 14, 2023|Adoption Advisor, Adoption Education, Adoption is Hard, Adoption Perspectives, Adoption Process, Domestic infant adoption, Drug/Alcohol Exposure, Embryo Donation/Adoption, Hoping to Adopt, Infertility, Learn|

In this article, Purl Founder, Katie Zimmerman, aims to shed light on a pervasive misconception: treating adoption as if it were surrogacy. Prospective adoptive parents, particularly those looking into domestic infant adoption, must understand that the two paths are not interchangeable, particularly when it comes to interacting with expectant mothers. This article explores the key distinctions between surrogacy and adoption to equip prospective adoptive parents with the insight they need for a respectful and ethical adoption journey. Click here to read more.

Navigating Transracial Adoption

Kelcie Grace Germano2023-08-19T11:48:16-07:00August 18, 2023|Adoption Education, Adoption Perspectives, Domestic infant adoption, Hoping to Adopt, Learn, Open Adoption (Learn), Transracial Adoption (Learn)|

Explore the complexities of transracial adoption in today's blog post, "Navigating Transracial Adoption," authored by Ramya Gruneisen. Drawing from her personal experience as a transracial adoptee, Ramya delves into the vital aspects of this journey, offering guidance to adoptive parents and families. With a background in Public Health and a commitment to educating adoption agencies, Ramya provides unique insights on creating a supportive environment and initiating crucial conversations. Join her as she shares valuable practices, emphasizing the significance of representation, community, and empathy in this sensitive process. Click here to read more.

Giving Young Adoptees Tools to Discuss Adoption (OR NOT!)

Katie Zimmerman2023-07-29T13:04:49-07:00July 28, 2023|Adoption Advisor, Adoption Education, Adoption is Hard, Adoption Perspectives, Domestic infant adoption|

As you may know, I (Katie - Founder/CEO) have two daughters that are only eight months apart in age. We are that cliché that everyone talks about, we discovered a very unexpected pregnancy after already being placed with our daughter through adoption. Before someone asks, it was not because we "relaxed and stopped trying and then it just happened". There was nothing relaxing about the adoption process or the adoption disruption we had around the time we must have conceived our younger daughter. But, we were very lucky to have become pregnant naturally after being unsuccessful in multiple rounds of fertility treatments, and we feel so lucky to have our two daughters. But having siblings through adoption - one adopted and one a biological child can present some unique situations and considerations for adoptive families, especially if they are close to the same age, or if they are of a different ethnicity. To read more about education that is necessary for our kids in these situations, click here.

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