Birth Families An Internet Resource Guide for Birth Parents Impacted by Adoption

Birth Parents Many of the websites contained in this project provide information for birth parents who may be searching for answers regarding whether or not adoption is the right decision for them. Birth parents should be cautioned that many websites are adoption businesses, therefore while some supportive information is provided to birth parents the primary client is the adoptive parent. While birth parents are an important part of the adoption triad, there is a lack of supportive resources for them.

National Resource: The Child Welfare Information Gateway ◦ The overall strengths of this website are how easy it is to navigate, the attention to ethics, culture and birth father issues. Also, the information provided appears accurate and empirically supported through the many links to additional resources. The website, because it is a national resource, is helpful for providing general information but would not meet the needs of someone seeking specific information regarding adoption resources within their own community.

National Resource: Adoption.com or Adoption.org ◦ Both links provide the same information. ◦ A wide range of supportive information is provided to birth parents on this website. The majority of the information appears to be provided by other birth parents, therefore the information is less empirically based than other resources. This information may appeal to birth parents who feel alone in their adoption journey. Information is provided for both birth mothers and fathers. The website also provides resources for those seeking information in Ohio.

National Resource: National Council on Adoption ◦ This website offers very general information for birth parents. A good resource list is provided on a variety of topics related to adoption. The most significant aspect of the website is information which was provided regarding a resource for additional counseling. cil.org/for-birthparents/for- birthparents.html cil.org/for-birthparents/for- birthparents.html

National Resource: iChooseAdoption.org ◦ This website can be accessed through the National Council on Adoption web page. This website provides answers to frequently asked questions, as well as additional information for birth fathers, birth families and friends of mothers who choose to pursue adoption for their child. Testimonials and additional adoption resources are provided.

National Resource: Birth Mother Resources courtesy of AdoptionServices.org ◦ This resource provides information to mothers regardless of their decision to raise their child or make an adoption plan for their child. It covers issues related to pregnancy, emotional issues birth parents face, help with choosing an adoption agency and an adoptive family, as well as information regarding support groups. A unique feature is this website provides information regarding child safety, domestic violence and safe haven laws. Legal issues for birth family members are addressed. Search and reunion information is also provided.

National Resource: Adoption Services ◦ This resource provides financial, nutritional, medical and emotional support for birth mothers. The organization claims to do this free of charge regardless of the decision the birth mother makes regarding parenting or adoption. rvices.org/index.htm rvices.org/index.htm

National Resource: Adoptions Together Birth Parent Blog ◦ While this resource does not contain empirically based information because it is set up as a blog for birth parents, it may be helpful for those seeking information regarding the emotional aspect of making an adoption decision. blog.com/ blog.com/

National Resource: Adoption Resources ◦ This website is for a private, non-profit organization. The best part of this website is that it contains a comprehensive list of birth parent rights. It also walks birth parents through the adoption process and discusses frequently asked questions. arents/Overview/tabid/166/Default.aspx arents/Overview/tabid/166/Default.aspx

National Resource: Forever Families Through Adoption ◦ This website is for a private adoption agency. The website provides information regarding the adoption process and includes birth father information. The website offers foster care and adoption services and one of the strengths is the positive way birth parents are portrayed to adoptive parents. n.org/index.php n.org/index.php

National Resource: Pact an adoption alliance ◦ This is a non-profit organization which serves children of color. This website offers educational resources regarding transracial adoptions. Profiles written by birth parents provide a more personal touch. The organization acknowledges that birth parents are the most under-supported members of the adoption triad.

National Resource: Adopting.org ◦ This website includes information for birth family support, birth father information, information regarding grief, loss and shame as these issues relate to the adoption experience of birth parents, and information about open adoptions.

National Resource: American Adoption Congress ◦ This website provides information regarding legislation, education and resources related to adoption reform. Grief and loss, best practices in adoption, and search and reunion are topics the website explores. Most importantly, information is provided regarding reading material which would benefit birth parents. g/mission.php g/mission.php

Birth Parents and Child Welfare: RISE Magazine ◦ While this resource is not specific to adoption, information can be found for birth parents whose children were permanently removed and placed for adoption through the child welfare system. This is an advocacy resource for birth parents. ne.org/index.html ne.org/index.html

Local Resource: Adoption Network Cleveland ◦ This website outlines supportive services for birth parents and families, including groups which meet locally. Also helpful is information provided regarding a helpline which can be accessed for those seeking additional information.

Summary: While all of these websites provide information for birth parents the focus of each of the websites may differ. Some of the websites listed were developed for the purpose of providing information while others are specifically aimed at recruitment of birth parents for adoption organizations. Each website listed has some benefit for birth parents but birth parent must be cognizant of the intent of the website when gathering information. There were very few resources aimed specifically at the provision of supportive services for birth parents.

Created by: Melissa Flick Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Case Western Reserve University February 25, 2012