Mothers often spend hours creating baby books or scrapbooks for our children. A Lifebook is a special kind of baby–scrap book for adopted children. Just as a mother often writes milestones and important tid-bits of information in a child’s baby book, a lifebook is where adopted children might look for the story of their lives. There are many ways families can help children answer the important questions and understand their own unique history. “Life books, ecomaps, lifemaps, and lifepaths are all tools used by foster/adoptive parents and children’s therapists to help children of various ages understand and find ways to … Continue reading →

Questions, questions, and more questions. Adoptive parents need to focus during the transition process and get all the information they possibly can. It doesn’t matter how old your baby or child is when you become the parent, there are some basic things you want to know. Which foods does the baby or child like or dislike? If you are adopting an infant what brand of formula, and type of bottle does the baby like? What types of solid food has the baby been given? If the child is older, ask what the favorite foods are and what the problem foods … Continue reading →

The match has been made and you have received the great news that you will soon become adoptive parents. Anticipating the arrival and addition of your new family member is exciting. Depending on your situation and the child you are adopting it is important to plan for a variety of things you may need. Update Group health insurance. Health Insurance companies are required to insure pre-adoptive placements under the terms of the parents’ policy. Group health insurance companies cannot deny coverage due to a pre-existing condition and adoptive families may add a child to the plan within 30 days after … Continue reading →