Learn more about the adoption process.
Your Family’s Adoption Profile in 10 steps
The family profile is one of the most important pieces of your adoption journey. It is, after all, the primary way a prospective adoptive family is chosen by expectant parents considering an adoption plan for their child. From experience, we know it is key to be yourself and to represent your family authentically. But that is often easier said than done! If you are struggling to get your profile started, or if you have presented to many adoption situations without getting picked, here are 10 practical tips to make your family profile more authentic and dynamic:
Adoption and Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia? October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dyslexia is a language-based, specific reading learning disability that disrupts how the brain processes written language, and makes it more difficult to learn to read, write and spell. Dyslexics have trouble breaking ...
The Adoption Home Study Process in Arizona
Since Purl Adoption Advisory is based in Arizona, we are contacted by a lot of prospective adoptive families interested in domestic infant adoption that live in Arizona. We advise families on the adoption process and beginning the AZ home study process required to adopt a non-relative child. The home study process in Arizona is different from other state's processes as Arizona requires that all Arizona families be certified by the Arizona courts in order to be approved to adopt a child. Arizona also requires that a licensed agency conduct the home study, rather than an independent social worker allowed in some other states. The agency who conducts the home study evaluation and writes up a written home study report will also include a written recommendation to the Arizona court to approve (or disapprove) a family for an adoption certification. Therefore, there is an added step in an Arizona home study process for domestic adoption where they must be certified by a court. This added step can also increase the length of time it takes to become home study approved/certified to adopt in Arizona. Click here to read more about the home study process in Arizona.
The Basics of the Domestic Infant Adoption Process
In today’s post, we share the basic steps of the domestic infant adoption process. We outline the essential steps prospective adoptive parents must take to adopt in the US, providing a simple roadmap for navigating this complex journey. In this article, we remind readers that it is crucial to approach this journey with thorough research, emotional readiness, and a commitment to ethical practices, ensuring a smooth and successful adoption experience for the entire adoption triad.
The Journey of Adoptive Breastfeeding: Benefits, Challenges, and Insights
In today's post, Purl Adoption Advisor, Kelcie Grace, delves into adoptive breastfeeding. She explores the complexities of inducing lactation, the challenges and rewards it brings, and offers reputable resources for adoptive parents considering this option. Kelcie Grace acknowledges that adoptive breastfeeding can evoke a range of opinions and emotions from those in the adoption triad. In this article, she reminds readers that it is crucial to approach this journey with professional guidance to safeguard the health and well-being of both the parent and child, as well as considerations and communications with the child’s birth parent. Click here to read more.
Mother’s Day as an Adoptive Family
This blog post discusses the emotions for so many surrounding Mother's Day, and specficially how to honor a birth mother surrounding Mother's Day and Birth Mother's Day. This post includes suggestions on cards and gifts to honor a birth mother in domestic adoption on Mother's Day. Click here to read more.
An Anonymous Letter from An Adoptive Mom to Her Parents
Adoption is hard, and sometimes it is hard in ways you didn't prepare for. Many of the adoptive families we work with at Purl spend countless hours preparing for the adoption process and life after adoption, but sometimes the obstacles post-adoption cannot be predicted no matter the education and preparation. Will your extended family welcome the child through adoption and love the child through adoption as if it were a child to whom you gave birth? In today's heartbreaking post, an anonymous Adoptive Mom shares a poignant letter to her parents after learning post-adoption that her family was not as accepting of their children as they were to other grandchildren who joined the family biologically. We hope this post helps you to analyze your entire support system as you pursue adoption and prepare for this possibility. Click here to read more.
PACA – What is a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement?
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
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
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
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 ...
Agency vs. Direct Placement Adoptions
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
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
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
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
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!)
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.
Problems in Domestic Adoption and Purl Filling a HUGE Gap
What a week it has been! Please excuse the rant that follows as I (Katie - CEO/Founder) share some of my frustrations about the current state of the world of domestic infant adoption. Whether it be recently explaining to an agency director why I won't recommend their licensed adoption agency that routinely ships the expectant mothers they work with across lines to their "adoption friendly" state, or having to justify the work that Purl is doing as an adoption advisor in a sea of unethical adoption professionals, I'm frankly exhausted and questioning why I make the huge effort to do the work I do. Today I candidly some of my thoughts on the problems with the current state of domestic adoption and explain again what Purl is doing to fill the HUGE gaps caused by other adoption professionals. Click here to read more.
Your Family’s Adoption Profile in 10 steps
The family profile is one of the most important pieces of your adoption journey. It is, after all, the primary way a prospective adoptive family is chosen by expectant parents considering an adoption plan for their child. From experience, we know it is key to be yourself and to represent your family authentically. But that is often easier said than done! If you are struggling to get your profile started, or if you have presented to many adoption situations without getting picked, here are 10 practical tips to make your family profile more authentic and dynamic:
Adoption and Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia? October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Dyslexia is a language-based, specific reading learning disability that disrupts how the brain processes written language, and makes it more difficult to learn to read, write and spell. Dyslexics have trouble breaking ...
The Adoption Home Study Process in Arizona
Since Purl Adoption Advisory is based in Arizona, we are contacted by a lot of prospective adoptive families interested in domestic infant adoption that live in Arizona. We advise families on the adoption process and beginning the AZ home study process required to adopt a non-relative child. The home study process in Arizona is different from other state's processes as Arizona requires that all Arizona families be certified by the Arizona courts in order to be approved to adopt a child. Arizona also requires that a licensed agency conduct the home study, rather than an independent social worker allowed in some other states. The agency who conducts the home study evaluation and writes up a written home study report will also include a written recommendation to the Arizona court to approve (or disapprove) a family for an adoption certification. Therefore, there is an added step in an Arizona home study process for domestic adoption where they must be certified by a court. This added step can also increase the length of time it takes to become home study approved/certified to adopt in Arizona. Click here to read more about the home study process in Arizona.
The Basics of the Domestic Infant Adoption Process
In today’s post, we share the basic steps of the domestic infant adoption process. We outline the essential steps prospective adoptive parents must take to adopt in the US, providing a simple roadmap for navigating this complex journey. In this article, we remind readers that it is crucial to approach this journey with thorough research, emotional readiness, and a commitment to ethical practices, ensuring a smooth and successful adoption experience for the entire adoption triad.
The Journey of Adoptive Breastfeeding: Benefits, Challenges, and Insights
In today's post, Purl Adoption Advisor, Kelcie Grace, delves into adoptive breastfeeding. She explores the complexities of inducing lactation, the challenges and rewards it brings, and offers reputable resources for adoptive parents considering this option. Kelcie Grace acknowledges that adoptive breastfeeding can evoke a range of opinions and emotions from those in the adoption triad. In this article, she reminds readers that it is crucial to approach this journey with professional guidance to safeguard the health and well-being of both the parent and child, as well as considerations and communications with the child’s birth parent. Click here to read more.
Mother’s Day as an Adoptive Family
This blog post discusses the emotions for so many surrounding Mother's Day, and specficially how to honor a birth mother surrounding Mother's Day and Birth Mother's Day. This post includes suggestions on cards and gifts to honor a birth mother in domestic adoption on Mother's Day. Click here to read more.
An Anonymous Letter from An Adoptive Mom to Her Parents
Adoption is hard, and sometimes it is hard in ways you didn't prepare for. Many of the adoptive families we work with at Purl spend countless hours preparing for the adoption process and life after adoption, but sometimes the obstacles post-adoption cannot be predicted no matter the education and preparation. Will your extended family welcome the child through adoption and love the child through adoption as if it were a child to whom you gave birth? In today's heartbreaking post, an anonymous Adoptive Mom shares a poignant letter to her parents after learning post-adoption that her family was not as accepting of their children as they were to other grandchildren who joined the family biologically. We hope this post helps you to analyze your entire support system as you pursue adoption and prepare for this possibility. Click here to read more.
PACA – What is a Post-Adoption Contact Agreement?
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
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
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
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 ...
Agency vs. Direct Placement Adoptions
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
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
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
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
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!)
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.
Problems in Domestic Adoption and Purl Filling a HUGE Gap
What a week it has been! Please excuse the rant that follows as I (Katie - CEO/Founder) share some of my frustrations about the current state of the world of domestic infant adoption. Whether it be recently explaining to an agency director why I won't recommend their licensed adoption agency that routinely ships the expectant mothers they work with across lines to their "adoption friendly" state, or having to justify the work that Purl is doing as an adoption advisor in a sea of unethical adoption professionals, I'm frankly exhausted and questioning why I make the huge effort to do the work I do. Today I candidly some of my thoughts on the problems with the current state of domestic adoption and explain again what Purl is doing to fill the HUGE gaps caused by other adoption professionals. Click here to read more.
