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More on Adoption. . on this page... .
. . . . see also Read,Eat,Buy for additional links to websites on adoption. |
These definitions are quoted from 'Talking to Young Children about Adoption' by Watkins & Fisher...
'Attachment' refers to the emotional connection developed over time between parent and child.
'Bonding' refers to a now widely challenged theory that there is a biologically determined period immediately after birth when mother and infant can form an intense attachment and that if they do not, the child's later behaviour can be powerfully affected.
Most current literature on adoption suggests that certain words be used when discussing adoption, and that other words are avoided.
The following are some of the common suggestions when discussing parents ...
Use the words "birth parents" rather than "real parents" or "natural parents".
The reason being that to say children have "real parents" implies that their 'other parents' are "unreal".
Similarly, to say 'natural parents', implies that their 'other parents' are "unnatural".
Most current literature on adoption suggests that certain words be used when discussing adoption, and that other words are avoided.
The following are some of the common suggestions when discussing children...
Use the words "biological children" rather than "real children" or "natural children" or "children of your/their own".
Use of Words when discussing cultural and ethnic backgrounds
Words like 'race', 'culture' and 'ethnicity' seem to be used interchangeably by many people, and although the definitions do cross over a bit, the words do refer to different things. An attempt at explaining is as follows...
| Culture | noun | is about cultivation and relates to the physical, moral and social environment in which a person develops |
| Ethnicity | noun | has its origins in the word 'ethics' and relates to belief systems, moral conditioning, traditions, conventions, codes of behaviour etc. |
| Race | noun | has traditionally been thought of to distinguish people based on the physical characteristics of a person. Although scientists have more recently questioned the idea of different races. |
| Ethnic | adjective | relating to people of the same ethnicity |
| Cultural | adjective | relating to culture |
| Racial | adjective | relating to race |
| Nationality | noun | the status of belonging to a country due to origin, birth or naturalisation. |
| Multicultural | adjective | interest in several cultures rather than only a mainstream culture |
The following are some abbreviations often found when Australians are discussing adoption.
If you have additions or corrections please contact the website editor.
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| AACASA | Australian African Children's Aid Support Association |
| ACC | Australians Caring for Children |
| ADOC | Adoption Triangle Research Centre (ADOC is from the Dutch words) |
| AFC | Australian Families for Children |
| AICAN | Australian Inter-Country Adoption Network |
| ASIAC | Australian Society of Intercountry Aid for Children |
| Ausiopians | A term frequently used to mean Australian-Ethiopians |
| DIMA | Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs |
| DoCs | (NSW) Department of Community Services |
| ICASN | Inter-Country Adoption Support Network |
| NGO's | Non-Government Organisations |
| PARC | Post Adoption Research Centre |
| WFA | World Families Australia |
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If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email Website Editor.
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The Australian InterCountry Adoption Network (AICAN) is the national network of 17 Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) involved in intercountry adoption - Australian InterCountry Adoption Network
ASIAC NSW is a voluntary non-profit parent group. Its members are people who have adopted or are looking to adopt a child from an overseas country, and others who have a desire to support the aims of the Society - Australian Society of Intercountry Aid for Children
Provides an adoption service to families in Australia wishing to adopt children from overseas countries in need of overseas adoptive families - Australian Families for Children
Australians Caring for Children Inc is a voluntary, non-political and non-sectarian association formed in 1987 by a number of families who have adopted children from overseas, through the assistance of Australian Families for Children.
Australians Caring for Children Inc (ACC) is a non-profit association, whose main objectives are to provide support to adoptive families in Australia and to provide aid to orphaned and abandoned children in developing countries - Australians Caring for Children
Rainbow Kids - is a monthly on-line International Adoption magazine.
If you click on Articles - there is a whole host of stories, advice, news etc.
A lot of the "how to adopt" information is specifically for American families.
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If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
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If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
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If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
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If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
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If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
Breastfeeding of an adopted baby can be possible for some families, and there are links below to more information which can help you make an informed decision as to if breastfeeding might be the right decision for you and your child….
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Breastfeeding, Attachment and Adoption article, written by an Australian adoptive mum, published in the International Breastfeeding Journal.
Mother's Direct, an Australian website on breastfeeding.
Relactation Booklet, a downloadable booklet on relactation.
Adoptive Breastfeeding Resource Website, a website with articles, advice and links to other sites.
Adoptive Breastfeeding Article, an article by La Leche League Leaders
See under 'World Wide e-groups'.
AACASA members can contact Belinda if they would like to find out more information about the breast pumps available for use.
If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
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Australians Caring for Children Inc is a voluntary, non-political and non-sectarian association formed in 1987 by a number of families who have adopted children from overseas, through the assistance of Australian Families for Children.
Australians Caring for Children Inc (ACC) is a non-profit association, whose main objectives are to provide support to adoptive families in Australia and to provide aid to orphaned and abandoned children in developing countries - Post Adoption Research Centre
"Adoptee's speak out" - for ICASN adoptees - website.
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If there is a broken link or the following is incorrect or incomplete – please email me at Website Editor.
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This Australian-based website has natural products that some AACASA members have found work well with their children's hair... many Ethiopian born children find that regular (soap based) shampoos and conditioners are not suitable for their hair. These products include a detergent-free shampoo and a hydrating spray that might help.
An article highlighting some issues regarding diet. The article may be of interest to parents who are concerned about the significant increase in cholesterol levels of their children whose diet now includes high amounts of meat, milk, icecream, butter etc. Also, the effects of of products (hand and face creams and hair products) that include hormones on children. And, the effect of genetically modified foods (including wheat, rice, vegetables) and the effects of pesticides and fertilisers on the growth and health of children. Website.
This website has slides showing photos of various skin conditions that occur in babies/older kids from African and other non-European cultures.
Mystery skin problems seem to be something many parents ask each other about, and these photos may be useful for parents and also doctors who don't always know how to help.
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Some websites that offer some information about Molluscum... of course all parents should consult their doctor before choosing a method of treatment...
the center for biomedical research
about Leukosilk tape: first aid kit and supplies
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Medicare has an information sheet for parents adopting from an overseas country.
The Worldwide Orphans Foundation has an on-line website that includes information on health issues for children from Ethiopia.
Article written for newsletter of Australian Families of Children. Website.
Diagnosis: ADHD—or Is It Trauma? an article by Maia Szalavitz for MSN Health & Fitness. website
This is an American based website that has a number of factsheets on various medical issues. For example ...
transitional sleep issues,
attachment issues,
developmental milestones,
travel etc.