®

A Quarterly Newsletter from Winter 2006 Acknowledging Birth Parents In This Issue

Birth Mother's Day is held the 2nd acknowledge that adopted children Saturday in May, the day right have two mothers and the child is before Mother's Day. Mothers Day their shared link. is often one of the hardest days of the year for women who placed AFTH is holding their annual picnic their children for . Not June 4, 2006 and many families acknowledged as mothers, and use this event as an opportunity to often not remembered or acknowl- reunite with their birth parents. edge by adoptive parents, Consider sending your birthmother birthmothers are an invitation to this invisible in our socie- event. ty. Even with the shift from closed to It is wonderful to 2 Russian Adoption open ,birth AFTH is holding walk around the 4-5 Report on Holiday mothers are rarely their annual park and witness Special Events given much of a open adoption as it picnic June 4, 6 Book Reviews passing thought. 2006 many was meant to be. families use this Watching adoptive 6 Staff Anniversaries Is a woman who event as an parents and birth 6 Legislation gives birth to a child opportunity to parents sharing the 8 -9 International Program a mother, or is the reunite with their joy of the child that Updates woman who raises birth parents. they both love. 9 Tax Credit Update and nurtures that Please include a 10-11 Asian New Year Party child the mother? time and a place to 12 Upcoming Events Shouldn't the real question be why meet your birth parents, with so do we as a society feel we have many people attending this event it to choose? Why aren't both of can often be hard to find people. Insert: Spring Ed Series! these women considered mothers? Setting a time and a location helps MARCH is National Social Why is it such a threat to consider the frustration and fear that many Work Month! that birth mothers are mothers birth parents feel while trying to also? They carried their child for 9 locate the adoptive family. Our May 13, 2006 is Birth Mother months and made the ultimate welcome table is a great place to Day - Send your birth mother sacrifice so that their child would meet up with people just make sure a card acknowledging her have more opportunities than they you set a time. gift to your family, this birth were able to provide at that time in thier lives. It is time that we mothers day.

© 2006 Adoptions From The Heart. All rights reserved. Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter Adopting From Russia by Michelle Sanchez, BA, Adoption Counselor Frank and Amanda Himpsl ing" before deciding to never imagined that a pursue the adoption plan. passing comment to their social worker would In February of 2004, Frank quickly grow into an and Amanda took their first opportunity to become the trip to visit the girls in parents of three young Russia. Their initial meeting sisters from Russia. was the most rewarding However, it truly was a moment when the girls fortuitous moment for the immediately greeted them Himpsls. In April of 2004, as "mama" and "papa." Mila, Frank and Amanda Alyssa, and Rhiannon welcomed Mila age 6 instantly meshed well with years old, Alyssa age 4 Frank and Amanda, as if years old, and Rhiannon their family was always age 3 years old of the Amanda, Rhiannon, Alyssa, Frank and Mila meant to be. Though leaving Komi-Perm Region of the girls after the first trip Russia into their family. was the most difficult part of the process, they returned to Komi- For Frank and Amanda, their Often, Frank and Perm in April of 2004 to complete journey began in August of 2003 the adoption. when they applied to the AFTH Amanda are told how Russia Program. After five years of lucky the girls are. Often, Frank and Amanda are told marriage, they felt ready to build Yet, after such an how lucky the girls are. Yet, after their family through international such an amazing experience, they adoption. Russia seemed like the amazing experience, feel they are the fortunate ones. right fit for them because of the they feel they are the Naturally, they have been faced program's history and stability. The fortunate ones. with the challenges of adjustment, rich culture has long interested particularly the language barrier. them as well. At Frank and Frank and Amanda learned the Amanda's pre-adoptive counseling basics of Russian to ensure that meeting, their social worker Komi-Perm hospital after being the girls' needs were being met, but discussed the details of the removed from their birth mother's the girls have now been speaking process along with the Himpsls home due to an unsuitable living English fluently five months after hopes and expectations. When environment and insufficient care. their arrival from Russia. Sesame questioned about the number of During their extended hospital stay, Street, Mila's English as a Second children they hoped to adopt, Frank all three girls were treated for Language program at school, and and Amanda expressed their desire respiratory problems and dysten- Alyssa and Rhiannon's pre-school for two children, a baby and a tary while Mila was also treated for have worked wonders in improving toddler. As a playful afterthought, tuberculosis. After their recovery, their language skills. Frank added "Or more!" Mila, Alyssa, and Rhiannon landed in an while child The Himpsl family life seems as in In December of 2003, the Himpsls' welfare officials unsuccessfully step as if the girls had been with social worker remembered Frank's sought to find them a new home them since birth. Their lives now comment and approached them together within Russia. The Himpsl seems typical of any young family about a potential match of three girls' arduous journey then finally of five- a home filled with laughter, young sisters. A year before, Mila, brought them to Frank and music, and life and a schedule filled Alyssa, and Rhiannon (formerly Amanda. After the Himpsls were with ballet, swimming lessons, known as Margarita, Valeria, and presented with the potential match, school activities, and girl scouts. Ruselana) were placed in a they spent a few days "soul search- continued on next page

2 Winter 2006

Books and Other Resources for Russia and Eastern European Adoption Families for Russian & When I Met You : A Russian Ukrainian Adoption (FRUA) - Adoption Story by Adrienne www.frua.org - a support group Bashista- A wonderful story with for families adopting from beautiful illustrations. An excellent Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. way for parents to share their There are local chapters in PA, adoption experience with their NJ, WV, VA, & NY. There is children at an age appropriate currently no local chapter in DE. level. AFTH price $17.00 HC

Eastern European Adoption Please To Coalition - www.eeadopt.org - The Table: EEAC operates a number of The Russian Internet mailing lists that help Cookbook provide self-help networks for by Anya Von Now, a year after the Himpsl girls' families in all stages of adoption. Bremzen - placement, this rollercoaster has Authentic changed their life completely. Russian Frank and Amanda look back with recipes wonder and amazement and the combined wish to take the ride again. with interesting facts and stories. This is not just a cookbook but To learn more about our Russia more of a cultural learning experi- Program please contact our Russia ence. AFTH price: $15.00 PB Coordinator Sam Wojinlower in the Wynnewood Office (610) 642-7200 or by e-mail [email protected] Legislation Military Families Recieve Paid Leave Act does not apply to the would establish the registry and Leave Benefits for Adopted Armed Forces.) would charge a $25 fee for people to register. The bill has been Children: On Jan. 6, the U.S. VA Bill Would Establish a referred to the Committee on Congress included an amendment Health, Welfare and Institutions. giving military families who adopt Mutual Consent Adoption paid maternity leave and guaran- Registry: A bill (HB730) that would Missouri Forbids Gays from teed health coverage for their fam- allow birthparents, birth siblings or Foster Parenting: A lesbian couple ilies when it passed the National adoptees 21 years of age or older in Missouri were denied the ability to Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to exchange identifying information be foster parents due to an for Fiscal Year 2006 (P.L.109-163). through a mutual consent registry “unwritten rule” in the Missouri The "Military Adoption Act of 2005" was introduced to the Virginia Department of Social Service. The (Sec. 593 of the NDAA) grants up General Assembly by Rep. to 21 days of paid leave to the pri- Michele McQuigg in January. ACLU has filed a suite on the cou- mary caregiver following the place- Identifying information would be ples behalf, petitioning the court to ment of a child for adoption. Prior released when a match is made in grant them foster parent status. policy provided up to $5,000 per the registry, both birthparents of a According to recent statistics year in adoption expenses, but did registered adoptee are deceased, Missouri is struggling to find homes not allow paid leave after an adop- or by court order. The Virginia for over 1,900 foster children. tion. (The Family and Medical Department of Social Services

3 Winter 2006 Social Events.... Breakfast With Santa On November 26, 2005, Brian Parents, children and grandpar- and Jackie Bucks, owners of ents were greeted by Santa, the White Christmas Chalet in and feasted on a delicious Slatington, PA held a fundraiser breakfast in the scenic and to benefit China's "Tomorrow spacious dining room while Plan", which benefits Chinese being entertained by a juggler . Brian and Jackie and musicians. Families also adopted their daughter, Jordan, had the opportunity for horse from China in December 2003 drawn wagon rides around the through AFTH. They state that property, and could choose to they feel so grateful to their cut their own Christmas tree daughters' birth country that and visit the Holiday Gift they wanted to find a way to Shoppe. give something back. The "Breakfast with Santa" The Bucks family plans to make fundraiser held at their this an annual event - join them Christmas Tree farm, seemed next year for Breakfast with like just the thing. Raising Santa to benefit the $1,700 for the Tomorrow Plan, orphanages of China. we would have to agree!

China’s Tomorrow Plan

AFTH makes contributions to Hampstead Circle, Wynnewood, donations are tax deductable, a China’s “Tomorrow Plan” through- PA 19096. Please make sure that receipt will be mailed to all families out the year. The purpose of the you put China’s Tomorrow Plan in who donate to any of our charity plan is to raise funds to help over the memo of your check so that it missions. 30,000 mentally and physically can be credited to the correct handicapped children in orphan- account. If you would like to make ages in China. If you would like to a donation online you can go to our contribute to the orphanagesin Humanitarian Aid page and place a China you can send a check made donation through our PayPal sys- payable to AFTH, to AFTH, 30-31 tem. Please remember all of your

4 Winter 2006 Allentown Cookie Exchange

The Allentown office of AFTH openned their doors this past holiday season for their 2nd annual Cookie Exchange. Once again a smashing success, families from the Allentown area joined staff and Santa for food and fun. The cookies were terrific and it was nice to see so many families coming together! The staff from the Allentown office would like to thank thier families for joining in the celebration they love to see all the families and children.

Virginia Holiday Party

On December 3, 2005 AFTH VA families celebrated the holiday season with the annual gathering at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Williamsburg. Approximately 130 adults and children joined in the fun with good food, crafts for the children , and the ever popular Santa visit with lots of presents. Thanks to all who donated presents especially Steve Brodie for the wonderful toys from his store and thanks to all who helped make this a wonderful time for the children. Pittsburg Fall Festival & Holiday Party

AFTH Pittsburgh held their annual Family Fall Festival included hay rides, homemade ice cream and pumpkins for sale. Unfortunately, it was unusually cold that day, so the attendance was low. They hope to see more people next year! Their holiday party was wonderful with about 400 parents and children in attendance! They had a visit from santa and a professional puppet show. Everyone brought food to share and a wonderful time was had by all!

5 Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter Book Reviews

All reviewed books are available in our branch offices or you can order on the web by going to http://www.adoptionsfromtheheart.com/books/form.asp or by calling Heidi Gonzalez in the Wynnewood office (610) 642-7200. Adopted Teens Only: A issues like rejection, depression, secrecy, and identity Survival Guide to confusion. Highly recommended for parents of adopt- ed teens or pre-teens. AFTH Price: $20.00 PB Adolescence by Danea Gorbett - This book talks Why I Chose You: 100 about issues that directly reasons why adopting you relate to adopted teens. Through interviews with made us a family by adoptive parents and adopted Gregory Lang - A lovely teens the author has touched book with beautifully worded on subjects that are often hard text. The photos could have for teens to discuss. Touching shown a bit more diversity such subjects as: how adoptive parents feel, what but overall this is a beautiful birth parents feel, emotional issues connected to book with a beautiful search and reunios and how to talk to parents about message. AFTH Price: $12 adoption questions. AFTH price: $11.00 PB Dance & Learn Chinese Beneath the Mask With Mei Mei -This is a lively Understanding Adopted Teens and educational dance video, by Debbie Riley & John Meeks filmed in Anhui Province, with - An easy to understand book that the help of a small group of beautiful young local children covers complex topics. This book (aged 4-8). Each song is pre- is filled with many case examples sented with English, Pinyin and that are quite helpful in under- Chinese characters on-screen standing the different topics. Thre for maximum educational is a wealth of specific, concrete benefit. AFTH price $28 suggestions for dealing with Staff Anniversaries! Without our great staff AFTH would Counselor, Cherry Hill, NJ - 2 not be able to provide the service years! we do. The following staff are Lisa Lenz - Domestic Adoption celebrating anniversaries at AFTH Counselor, Pittsburgh, PA, 5 years! in December, January, February. Kathleen Burger - Office Whether they have been here a Manager, Lancaster, PA - 5 year! year, 5 years or more we want to Shannon Crone - Adoption Social say thank you, we appreciate you! Worker, Richmond, VA - 2 years! Meredith Erdman, Domestic Joan Kim - District Supervisor, Adoption Social Worker, Cherry Cherry Hill, NJ & Wynnewood, PA - Hill, NJ - 7 years! 4 years! Sam Wojnilower - International Social Worker , Wynnewood, PA - 2 years! Victoria Raffel - International

6 Winter 2006 Congratulations to families who have recently adopted! Allen & Tracy Nanette Daughters from Kazakhstan

Matthew & Heather Douglas & Brenda Deborah Sons from Kazakhstan

Daughters from China Daughters from the Patrick & Bridget USA Kenneth & Melanie Kevin & Renee John & Christine Sons from Lithuania William & Melissa Nathan & Erin Kimberly Keith & Kimberly Edward & Stephanie (2 Ed & Tammy Jeffrey & Christina boys!) Michael & Luann George & Donna Marc & Jennifer James & Natalie Daniel & Jacqueline Sons from Ukraine Kevin & Darlene Andrew & Margaret Arthur & Alisha Christopher & Kristina Heather Philip & Nancy Donna Thomas & Melissa Jeffrey & Debbie

Sons from the USA Daughters from India

Dianne Ranjana & Kasturi Dwight & Donna Purvi & Bhavyesh Mike & Barbara Matthew & Patricia Sons from Guatemala Mattew & Natalie Jason & April Antonio & Kelly Brian & Albina Kevin & Elizabeth Frank & Kim Luis & Birgit Paul & Dorneth Gregory & Lisa Christopher & Amy Kenneth & Jennifer Andries & Karen Thomas & Danielle Ivan & Michelle Stephen & Deborah Daughters from John & Laura Guatemala Stephen & Kimberly Jason & Nicole (Twins!) Brenda Kevin & Teresa Tyeese Lisa

7 Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter Program Updates VIETNAM - We are still We have recently added a new awaiting our license from Guatemala attorney to help Vietnam but we are hope- increase the number of full that we will hear some- referrals and also be able to thing in early March. There place children in the 2-6 year have been a few dossier old range. We are very excited changes, one of which is a to be able to work with him and new document that look forward to continuing to pertains to the child. improve our working relation- Families will now be ship with our current attorneys. matched and have to accept their match prior to RUSSIA - AFTH is pleased to dossier submission to the announce the opening of its Vietnamese government. Russia Networking Program! Our facilitators, Sandy and AFTH is now partnering with Paul will be traveling to Vietnam on March 9, to obtain Children of the World Adoption Agency, Inc. (of New matches for our first families and upon their approval York) in placing Russian children in adoptive homes. submit their dossiers. Travel will be one trip for Boys and girls from Moscow and St. Petersburg can be approximately two and a half weeks. Families should adopted at as young as 12-24 months of age. Married join our listserve to keep themselves updated on any couples and single women are eligible to apply to the new information. program.

CHINA - China continues to be a very steady and UKRAINE - The transfer of adoption in Ukraine to a reliable program. Travel permission are taking a bit new ministry was made official in December, followed longer to come in. Please remember to be refingerprint- by a law giving the NAC authority to continue to process ed if it has been longer than 15 months since your adoptions until the new ministry is organized. It is approval. You can check your I797-C or I171H to get the expected that the transition will be completed by June dates that they expire. and AFTH's in-country contacts advise that the govern- ment is committed to making positive changes in the GUATEMALA - In 2005 Adoptions From The Heart adoption process with as little as possible matched 84 Guatemalan children with families, and and they are optimistic about the future of international completed placements for 67 of those children. The adoption in Ukraine. Families who have completed remainder of the placements will occur in the first part adoptions are urged not to jeopardize the process for of this year. future families by failing to file the required annual reports with the Ukrainian Consulate. If you have We would like to encourage those of you waiting on a questions regarding post-placement requirements or referral to consider traveling to Guatemala to sign your the adoption process is Ukraine, contact Terry Petrone, Power of Attorney document. This is making a big dif- the Ukraine Adoption Coordinator via e-mail at ference in the time frame of the adoption process in [email protected] or by phone at the Cherry Hill office. Guatemala. One the average it saves 1 to 1 1/2 months in the process. You will only need to be in Guatemala LITHUANIA - The government of Lithuania held for a day to sign the document. accreditation hearings for foreign agencies in September and we are pleased to announce that The Ortega law that was presented to the Guatemalan Adoptions From the Heart is one of only two U.S. Congress last year is still in the court system, the third adoption agencies successfully accredited by the vote has been suspended and no new information has government of Lithuania. One family completed been provided at this time. AFTH continues to take adoption of two children in September and the process applications and process adoptions as usual. went very smoothly. It continues to be a long wait to

8 Winter 2006 referral due to the fact that current- November. Dr. Irina was delighted from the orphanage we currently work ly many orphaned children in to see so many families at the with. We will however continue to Lithuania are in foster homes and reception held for her in the accept families who have a designat- the current government policies Wynnewood office on the afternoon ed child to adopt. Kala Lilani has just favors keeping children in before the Gala. When she comes returned from a trip to India where we Lithuanian foster homes over back next year we will need to find are looking into new orphanages to allowing them to be adopted by a larger room to accommodate all work with. foreigners. of the parents and children. Thank you to all of the adoptive parents KAZAKHSTAN- The last three who have been vigilant about their months of 2005 were very busy for post-placement reports. If your the Kazakhstan program with eight annual report is due or overdue, families completing adoptions and please get it done as soon as pos- all of the families in process sible and send to Terry Petrone, re-doing paperwork to comply with Kazakhstan Adoption Coordinator, new regulations. In an effort to at the agency's Cherry Hill office. better prepare families for travel The biggest threat to the future of and the adoption process in international adoptions from Kazakhstan, families who have Eastern Europe is the failure of submitted their dossiers and are families to comply with reporting waiting to travel will be invited to requirements. Any questions quarterly meetings with the agency regarding post-placement reports program manager and the in-coun- or the Kazakhstan program can be try team coordinator. The first of directed to Terry Petrone via e-mail these meetings was held in at [email protected] or by phone at Adoption Tax Credit October and was very well attend- the Cherry Hill office. ed. Dr. Irina, the orphanage direc- Increased in 2005 tor from Kostanai, and Dr. INDIA - We are currently not The maximum amount of the Galimzhanov, an official from the accepting new applications for fami- adoption expense tax credit was Ministry of Education in lies who do not have a designated once again increased. Parents who Kazakhstan, were guests at the child to adopt due to long wait times finalized an adoption during 2005 AFTH 20th anniversary Gala in and problems receiving assignments can claim up to $10,630 on their federal income tax returns. The credit phases out for taxpayers whose adjusted gross incomes are Got E-mail? greater than $159,450 and is unavailable to taxpayers with AGI’s To have monthly adoption program updates sent to you, send an e- above $199,450. Talk to your tax mail with the word "subscribe" in the subject line to the appropriate accountant to see if you are eligible email address: to recieve this credit, or go to the IRS website to learn more about Guatemala . [email protected] Publication 968. Vietnam [email protected] China ...... [email protected] Lithuania . . . . [email protected] Ukraine . . [email protected] Kazakhstan [email protected] India ...... [email protected]

9 Winter 2006 Asian New Year Party 2006 Celebrating the Year of the Dog

Music, dance and special performances brought the sights, sounds and spectacles of Chinese New Year and TET to the Valley Forge Convention Center. Nine hundred parents and children joined us in celebrating the year of the Dog. With a smaller space, the party seemed more intimate even though there was roughly the same number of families as years past.

The Lee Ming Simplified Chinese School from Montgomery County put on a spectacular show with dancing and music from different regions of China. We heard the Chinese Violin (with only 2 strings) and saw dancers of all ages. It was quite a site. We regret that performers from the Vietnamese Language School in DE cancelled their performance due to a scheduling conflict; we hope to have them perform next year. The Main Line Chinese School in Radnor, PA performed at the end of the party giving us an amazing yo-yo demonstration, and fan dance a musical performance and of course, no Chinese New Year Celebration is quite complete without the traditional lion dance to chase away evil and usher in a year of good luck!

Thanks to feedback from previous years we added some games for older children and new crafts, next year we will be adding even more. Our photographer was offering a free photo in a fun frame, with the purchase of a portrait package, and there were plenty of new book titles for both Vietnam and China along with new cultural items for sale.

We understand that the staging area was very crowd- ed this year and people had a hard time seeing over parents standing. Next year we will remind families to please sit or kneel so that people behind them can see. Unfortunately we cannot use staging due to liability issues involved with kids dancing on the stage in between performances. We hope that by reminding families to sit or kneel we can afford everyone the opportunity to enjoy these great performances.

We would like to thank all the families who attend this event; it is you that makes it special. Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Happy New Year! - Chinese) Chuc Mung Nam Moi! (Happy New Year -Vietnamese)

10 Winter 2006

Books Still Available From the Party!

Good Luck Life: The essential Composed against neutral backgrounds, these por- Guide to Chinese American traits capture the girls’ inner lives, away from their often bleak surroundings. The images show an Celebrations and Culture by almost endless range of expressions: small faces Rosemary Gong - From festivals, filled with longing and hope, joy and sadness, humor red egg and ginger parties, birth- and mischief, defiance and despair. A beautiful book. days, weddings, funerals and all the AFTH Price: $25.00 little tidbits in between, this book has it all. Rosemary Gong has included Elmer’s Colors by David McKee authentic recipes for festivals and special foods & Animal Colors by Brian that are made for specific seasons through out the year. Highly recommended for anyone with an Wildsmith (Vietnamese interest in Chinese culture, AFTH Price $ 12.00 Editions) - These Board books are brightly colored and fun. Mei Mei Little Sister: Portraits Elmers Colours is in both English from a Chinese Orphanage by and Vietnamese, while animal colors is written in Vietnamese. Richard Bowen, Intro by Amy This book is easy to follow though Tan - Richard Bowen founder as it shows real animals in their of Half the Sky Foundation, true colors- red parrot, pink flamingo, orange butter- which seeks to enrich the lives fly, yellow snake, green frogs, white swans, blue of children living in Chinese parakeets, gray elephant, brown bears and black orphanages put together a seals. AFTH price for both $14.00 beautful book that is sometimes haunting but also full of beauty and hope.

11 WYNNEWOOD, PA OFFICE CENTRAL JERSEY OFFICE Conferences 30-31 Hampstead Circle 1 Bethany Road, Ste 81, Bldg 6 Wynnewood, PA 19096 Hazlet, NJ 07730 610.642.7200 732.335.8883

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA OFFICE DELAWARE OFFICE NASW – PA Annual conference 2212 Union Blvd 18-A Trolley Square March 2-4, 2006, Allentown, PA 18109 Wilmington, DE 610.432.2384 302.658.8883 Radisson Hotel Valley Forge, King of Prussia, PA. HARRISBURG, PA OFFICE VIRGINIA OFFICE “the Next 50 Years” 4331 North Front Street 870 Greenbriar Circle Ste 401 Harrisburg, PA 17110 Chesapeake, VA 23321 JCICS 717.232.1787 757.361.0008 2006 Annual Medical Institute and Conference LANCASTER, PA OFFICE WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE 1525 Oregon Pike, Suite 402 PO Box 2057 April 27-30, 2006 Lancaster, PA 17601 Beaver, West Virginia “Creating a Better World for Children”, 717.399.7766 304.763.5400 Hyatt Regency capitol Hill, Washington, DC PITTSBURGH, PA OFFICE CONNECTICUT OFFICE 206 Main St. Ste 3 Local Staff: 800.355.5500 Families without Borders, Greensburg, PA 15601 or contact our Lancaster office St. John’s University, 724.853.6533 NEW YORK Oct 2006 SOUTH JERSEY OFFICE 451 Woodland Avenue PO Box 209 New York, NY Northville, NY 12134 For adoptive parents and professionals. Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 856.665.5655 518.863.8455 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.adoptionsfromtheheart.org Is Our Mailing List Current? Do you wish to be removed from future mailings? Are you receiving more than one copy? Are your name and address incorrect? Please let us know by e-mailing [email protected].

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Winter 2006

Adoption News is a publication of Adoptions From The Heart, a private, non-profit, licensed agency.