Adoption Correspondence
In semi-open adoptions, families send yearly updates to birth parents. Here are some of our best ideas!
One of the most important aspects of the post-adoption process is correspondence. Because we facilitate semi-open adoptions, birth mothers have the opportunity to watch their child grow up through pictures and letters. It brings incredible peace and joy to a birth mother, knowing her child is being raised in a loving, Christian family.
You will send sharing sheets and pictures to the agency for the first six months of your baby’s life. After that, you will send an update and pictures around your child’s birthday until they are 18 years old.
All updates are sent to my attention here at the agency. This allows your child’s birthmother to be part of your child’s life in a safe way, with the agency as the facilitator of all contact, unless otherwise indicated.
I talk to birth mothers every day, and receiving these glimpses into the lives of the child they placed for adoption means so much to them. Being timely and descriptive in your updates is a small way to say thank you to the woman who lovingly chose your family as adoptive parents.
Sincerely,
Kristin
Gifts to Send
0-6 months
- Sharing sheets
- Close-up photographs of your baby
1-18 years old
- A letter outlining your child’s year
- Favorite foods
- Milestones
- Vacations
- School subjects
- Funny phrases
- Whatever else you would like her to know!
- Pictures, lots of pictures! Family pictures are great as well.
- Some families even create beautiful hardbound photo books for their birth mother. This is not required, but what a beautiful keepsake for her to have!
When to Send It
A correspondence agreement means you will send pictures and a letter:
- Once a month for the six months
- Once a year (At child’s birthday) until your child is 18
Where To Send It
Please e-mail your pictures, sharing sheets, etc. to:
correspondence@opendooradoption.org
Gifts can be mailed to
Open Door Adoption Agency
218 E. Jackson Street
Thomasville, GA 31792
Post Adoption Care
Whether you’re adopting domestically or internationally, we’re here to provide you with great resources.
The Best Adoption Post-Placement Care
At An Open Door, our desire is for you to experience the best adoption possible. Maybe you’re a first-time parent to a newborn adopted in Georgia or you’re helping an international child make the transition to a new life and family in America. Whatever your needs, these are the best resources we can recommend.
GA Center for Resources & Support
The Georgia Center locates resources and support services for adoptive and foster families post-placement in order to reduce the incidence of disruption and dissolutions in Georgia. The Center coordinates with many resources around the state, including:
Resource Advisors
Advisors who can assist you in your search for support
Training
Free training for adoptive and foster parents
Lending Library
A collection of books, magazines, videos, articles & DVD’s covering a variety of pre and post-adoption issues
Adoptive and Foster Family Network
Opportunities to participate in existing support groups
www.gacrs.org
1 (866) 272-7368
Counseling & Therapy
If you feel the need for counseling or therapy for your family or child, we recommend finding a therapist versed in adoption. You may also begin exploring online resources such as:
Empowered to Connect
Developed by Karyn Purvis and her team of researchers and staff at Texas Christian University, the Empowered to Connect website offers online resources. Visit site
ChildTrauma.org
Developed by attachment specialist Dr. Bruce Perry of the Child Trauma Academy. Articles and resources for parents of children who have experienced trauma. Visit site
Dr. Deborah D. Gray
Dr. Deborah D. Gray is an attachment specialist who has written many books that provide information and resources for foster and adopting parents. Click the link provided to view and purchase some of her written work. View Books
The Theraplay Institute
Find therapists worldwide certified in Theraplay. “Theraplay is a child and family therapy for building and enhancing attachment, self-esteem, trust in others, and joyful engagement. It is based on the natural patterns of playful, healthy interaction between parent and child and is personal, physical, and fun.” Visit site
Circle of Security
“The Circle of Security is a relationship based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children.” Visit site
Adoption Nutrition
Some adopted children may appear healthy, but be deficient in key nutrients that are essential for future growth and brain development. Adoption Nutrition is a website by the Spoon Foundation with all the information you need to meet your new child’s nutritional needs, including country-specific recipes!