From the Director:

We have finally heard some news from Taiwan, and will be posting soon about how the adoption process will be working there. Look on our website for more info! (www.heartsent.org) Meanwhile, I was recently asked when is the best time for a child to go back to see their birth country? I think it depends on the child, and if he/she is asking about it. A trip back can be filled with many things, depending on the age of the child and the readiness to hear and accept things about their adoption. You may have to take several trips, not just one, and plan to talk a lot with your child about what he/she wants to get out of going. They may not know, so you will have to ask in different ways, sit down with them and maybe just start talking about how it will be, what they might want to see, what they want to do there. Sometimes it is not about birth mothers at all, they just want to see this country they hear so much about! In that case, maybe taking a trip to your child's birth country can include sights and popular places that lots of people like to see when there. Other times, it is clear that your child wants to see where they came from and that means their orphanage, foster parents or home town. All can be built into your trip. Just make sure you talk enough before you go in order to understand what your child is ready for and what is wanted from the trip. And remember, they are not limited to just one trip back! Don't try to do it all in one trip. Make sure you enjoy yourselves as a family when you go, and leave more to do for next time!   Happy travels~   Val

Heartsent Adoptions, Inc. Announces a Specially Scheduled Class

The Young Adult Adoptee’s Perspective

Saturday, April 21, 2012

10-noon

This class will address many of your questions and concerns about what your adopted child would like you to know, and how adoption plays out in their lives as they get older.

Come to discuss your own questions, issues, and taboo subjects. Talk about birth parents, travel back to your child’s birth country, and how to build identity and self-esteem.

This class is being taught by Heartsent’s own Su-Yin Bickner and Tian Free

You Must Reserve Your Spot in this Popular Class!

Please make your check payable to Heartsent Adoptions, Inc. and mail to

140 Brookwood Rd. Suite 100, Orinda CA 94563

Class Fee: $50 per couple, $40 for an individual.

We are sending best wishes and prayers to our good friend, Jeremiah. Follow the blog at: www.tillGodbringsthemhome.blogspot.com   

From the Director:  Hi All! We have heard from some of you who would like to see us be able to update you more often about what is happening in adoption. For example, how new adoption laws in Taiwan are changing the adoption scene there, and also many of you are asking about taking your child back to his/her birth country and how you might best prepare for that trip. I am happy to answer your questions and share with you what my family (5 adopted children, ages 12-30) has experienced and how other Heartsent families have handled different issues along the way. Please feel free to ask! Our mission here is to help you, share advice, tips and guidelines for your different questions. Please come to our upcoming class where one my daughters will be speaking about her experiences growing up as an adopted child from China. At 20 years young, she has a lot to say! That class will be April 21st, for those of you who are local and can get here. We also hope you can read our blog comments and feel free to offer answers of your own to help our adoption community. Thanks for reading!   Val

Two Classes in Orinda this Weekend!


Heartsent Orientation, from 10-12 noon. 
Come to learn more about the adoption process and Heartsent, and hear from 2 families, 1 international and 1 domestic, who have recently brought their children home. This is a fun and informative 2 hours!


Open Adoption, What's It All About? from 1-3 pm
This class will address many of your questions and concerns about domestic adoption, including dispelling myths, defining open adoption, the process of matching, and beginning to think about post-adoption contact with the birthmother. This class is being taught by Nina Anderson, LCSW. $50/couple, $40/single. Please RSVP


Please call  925-254-8883 to RSVP We'd love to hear from you!

Heartsent Adoptions, Inc. is a full service, nonprofit, domestic and international adoption agency created to assist adopting individuals in the journey to find their heart's desire - a child to love. We believe in bringing heart to the adoption process, providing support, education and kindness to unite children and parents as permanent and loving families. We have assisted in the placement of children from the United States and around the world, and feel honored to be a part of the miracle of the creation of families.