An Intern's Point of View

We have a few interns leaving us in the upcoming weeks. We’ve asked each to share their experiences, what they have learned and what will stay with them as they move forward.

Katie spent much time working with a Freddie Mac Foundation Wednesday’s Child Coordinator. She is an international studies at a local university.

Interning at the National Adoption Center/ Adoption Center of Delaware Valley has taught me things about domestic adoption and working for a non-profit. First and foremost, what a child needs comes before anything. In most cases what a child needs is a loving caring home. But, it goes beyond that. [While the Center is not ultimately responsible for matching, as we recruit we keep certain things in mind. ed.] The people here try to match the children to the right family. If there is a family that really wants to adopt a child and is qualified, but maybe works odd hours where the only time they’ll see the kid is on the weekends, it is not going to be a good match. These kids need somebody who is going to be around and interact with them on a constant basis.

Children also need fun. This is especially true when it comes to children in foster care; this is what NAC helps to promote in its recruiter sessions. During a Wednesday’s Child taping, I was able to see one kid go go-karting. The teenager enjoyed it so much, and it was a definite pleasure to see him be so elated about the experience.

Working at NAC has definitely been a fun and worthwhile experience. The people who work here are very patient and supportive, which is something you need to be in this line of work. They take the time and tell you step-by-step what needs to be done and how it needs to be done. It is a very efficient way of teaching people.

Health Care Reform's Potential Impact on Adoption

As you've no doubt noticed, health care reform in the US passed a major hurdle last night. As part of the bill there are two items of importance to our community. The first is increased support for maternal health care. Healthier moms mean healthier babies! So this is good news for all concerned.

The second is this: "Expanding the Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Program. Increases the adoption tax credit and adoption assistance exclusion by $1,000, makes the credit refundable, and extends the credit through 2011. The enhancements are effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2009."

While adoption from the foster care costs little to nothing, this will hopefully encourage more people to seek out adoption in the first place. It will certainly help those who are adopting dometically from non-foster care sources too. Will this help sway your choice?

We Need Your Help

We need your help, please! Adoption Center of Delaware Valley needs donation contributions for our upcoming Match Parties as gifts for attending children who are still searching for their forever family. We will have about 130 children from ages ranging from 8-18. We need items to include in a gift bag for each child. Items can include anything from summer items (beach towels, hats, sunblock lotion, etc.), school supplies (books, pens, folders, etc.), gift cards (food, clothes, accessories, VISA, etc.), tickets (amusement park, movie theater, sports game, etc). Monetary donations are also welcomed.

In existence since 1972, the Adoption Center of Delaware Valley expands adoption opportunities for children living in foster care throughout the Delaware Valley (Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware), and is a resource to families and agencies who seek the permanency of caring homes for children. The Center has helped find families for more than 21,000 children. Our annual matching events bring waiting children and youth together with prospective adoptive families for a fun-filled day of guided interactions which serve as a catalyst in the cultivation of permanent life-long connections.

Please contact Sheina Martinez, Adoption Coordinator for any items you can provide at 215-735-9988 ext 311 or smartinez@adopt.org. Any donations are tax deductible!

2010 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader Award

Do you know an outstanding young person who spent time in the foster care system and whose perseverance, resilience and contribution to the community made him or her an inspiration to others?

If so, please nominate that person for a 2010 FosterClub Outstanding Young Leader Award.

For the third year, the FosterClub, a national network for young people in foster care, will honor100 of them for their success in overcoming ”challenging circumstances and are now finding different ways to give back to their community and disprove negative stereotypes about young people in foster care.”

Nominees must be aged 16-24 as of May 1, 2010 and must have spent some time in foster care. Young people can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone they know.

Deadline is March 15, 2010.

Further information and nomination form here.

Married Parents Needed?

The Arizona House of Representatives approved legislation on Feb. 23 that would give married couples preference in adoptions. The measure, which supporters argue is in the best interests of children, now goes to the state Senate for consideration. Opponents of the 35-22 vote on HB 2148 said research shows that the children of single parents do very well and that, if enacted into law, the bill could undermine the permanency prospects of some children in foster care – especially those with special needs. Critics also characterized the legislation as a covert means of discriminating against prospective gay and lesbian parents, since only heterosexuals can legally marry in Arizona.

What do you think of this Legislation? Is it discriminative?