Comments on: National Adoption Awareness Month – tell a child’s story

By: scrapsbynobody

scrapsbynobody — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:28:17 +0000

I think the carer vs. parent label is interesting. I have four girls adopted out of a lifetime of foster care, and many, many placements. It is my opinion that they never thought of themselves as a true member of the family in most of those homes, neither did they consider their caregivers their parents. Yet they freely use the terms “Mom”, “Dad”, “sister”, and “brother”. It seems to mean nothing to them, and cheapens the reality of a forever family. I can understand in a foster/adopt situation, where the child is going to eventually join the family through adoption, but as these other children move from place to place, I think we rob them of something by asking them to call us Mom or Dad. I’m not sure what…maybe a grasp on reality?

By: Chromesthesia

Chromesthesia — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:26:44 +0000

Gah, why don’t we do that here? That sounds so useful!

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 04:09:43 +0000

I don't think they have much pull on reform since the agency represents all countries. It allows foster parents from around the world to learn more about each other and the way other countries handle things.

A couple of interesting things that I can think of off the top of my head.

The U.S. is the only country that uses the term foster PARENTS. All other countries say foster CARERS.

Other countries have much more liberal support and work leave statutes than the U.S. For instance, I believe it's Canada, allows ALL adoptive parents 18 months paid leave to be home with their new child. Wouldn't that be awesome?

By: Chromesthesia

Chromesthesia — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 03:39:03 +0000

How often do they have these conferences?
And how much power does IFCO have when it comes to reforms?

Sorry to be off topic, but I'm OBSESSED with this.