Senate Bill 623, Oregon's first in the nation open records bill, will go into effect on January 1. The prior statute -- that has sealed adoption records since 1957 --will be replaced by a statute that allows adoptees and their birthparents access to their previously sealed court record when the adoptee is 18. The adoptees will gain direct access and the birthparents will need to obtain a court order, but the presumption will be in their favor. (The adoptive parents will have access without a court order throughout the adoptee's life.) The new law also clearly defines what documents will be included in the file. And, although the law is retroactive, those of us that played a role in writing the statute along with the Oregon Law Commission (OLC), recently uncovered a complication regarding the lack of uniformity in the content of the files. The new law outlines what will be in the file as of Jan. 1, but when we look back at files from adoptions 20, 30, 40+ years ago, there is little consistency as to which documents are included. So gaining access to an adoption file that's decades old could have a disappointing outcome if the contents are sparse. 

Consequently, the individual adoption agencies have the discretion to create internal practices that guide whether or not they'll provide the missing documents. Some agencies have voiced reluctance because they fear the contents of these missing documents may be insulting, upsetting or even untrue. However, those of us who participated on the OLC committee heard from a very heart-felt and articulate adult adoptee, who explained that the documents, regardless of the contents, are the birthright of the adoptee. This is their story, and it may be all they ever know of their story. He also expressed that adult adoptees have the same ability to sift through family stories and information as a non-adopted person.

At OA&FS we hold a strong value around transparency, empowerment and access to information. I am very proud to say that we will provide the documents that may be missing in the court adoption file to our clients. In the spirit of openness, we feel it is their right to have the pieces of their story so they can integrate the facets of their identity.

 

Marketing Update          

Popular web pages pump up views.

       

Not only do we closely track how many visitors come to the

OA&FS website, we also carefully watch where they go. This tells us what content resonates with our audiences, and how effective our advertising is that points to certain pages.

 Outreach News 

To educate others about open adoption and services available at our  agency, OA&FS staff conduct outreach presentations and free trainings throughout the region year-round. In doing this, they form important relationships that benefit all who receive services from OA&FS. 

•  On Oct. 4, Portland counselor Katie Woodward, presented to 25 Department of Human Services (DHS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in Tillamook, OR. The presentation focused on specific ways workers can empower high-risk parents by connecting them with OA&FS before their parental rights are terminated. These parents can proactively plan an open adoption for their child through our agency, which was hopeful news for the workers to hear. 

• On October 11 Eastern Washington counselor Marianne Harris provided an OA&FS information booth at the SNOW fall conference in Wenatchee, WA. SNOW is the School Nurse Organization of Washington and there were school nurses from all over the state in attendance.  Some school districts had many school nurses present (one from each school) while smaller school districts have only one nurse who is responsible for the entire district.  Marianne met many school nurses and provided them with brochures on open adoption and options counseling as well as business cards and DVD's.  As a group they were very receptive about the information and many said they had pregnant students who they wish would explore the open adoption option in-depth.  A few of the nurses asked for OA&FS counselors to do presentations for both staff and students in their districts.  Marianne was invited back for their spring conference which will be held in Walla Walla in March.

•  On October 14, Eugene counselor Irie Hoffman presented to 15 pregnant or parenting high school students at Willamette High School in their Young Mothers and Fathers class. These students had extremely insightful questions and perspectives. Irie presented information on OA&FS' options counseling and adoption planning services as well as referral services to other community resources.

• On Oct. 15, Portland counselor Katie Woodward, presented to 15 Department of Human Services (DHS) and Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in McMinnville, OR. The focus of the discussion was on our alternate adoption track for high-risk moms, in which they can proactively plan an open adoption for their child through our agency, before their parental rights are terminated. Many of the workers had questions about specific cases and whether this program could be accessed. They were very pleased to learn how frequently our collaborative relationship with DHS could benefit them and their clients.

• On October 28, Regional Supervisor/counselor Jan Jamieson presented information about OA&FS and open adoption as an alternative to state adoption at the Lane County Department of Human Services all-staff meeting.  Jan presented information to 75 staff members and responded to many questions.  As a result of this presentation Lane County DHS is planning to add a link on their internal resource page to the OA&FS website and resource materials.

• On October 30 Regional Supervisor/counselor Jan Jamieson presented information about OA&FS, all-options counseling and adoption to two Human Sexuality classes at North Eugene High School.  Combined the classes had 68 students and many thoughtful comments and inquiries about our program, process and philosophy.

• On October 30 Seattle counselor Courtney Moscariello spoke with eight new employees of Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest from clinics throughout Western Washington. Courtney provided information on adoption, openness, OA&FS services, and adoption law, while discussing many of the myths and stereotypes patients of PPGNW might have. Courtney also provided guidance on how to talk about all pregnancy options in a neutral yet supportive way.

• OA&FS materials were provided at the following conferences: Oregon School Based Health Clinic conference, the Oregon Public Health Association conference and the Oregon Statewide Family Planning Worker conference. Through these efforts, we can ensure that our current materials are always in the hands of social service workers who serve pregnant women/couples in need of options counseling. 

Gatherings 

Attending gatherings is an important way to be better equipped  and prepared for adoption. Plus you get the benefits of developing friendships within the OA&FS community!  We look forward to seeing you.

Seattle

2100 24th Ave. S.

Please RSVP to Bess at Bess@openadopt.org  ASAP so we can plan accordingly!  OA&FS will provide light beverages and snacks, but please feel free to supplement 

Portland

Date: Thursday, November 14, 6:30-8:00 pm

Topic: Transracial Adoption - Nathan, Carolyn, Emily and Maya, all teenage open adoptees through OA&FS, are insightful, fun individuals, and they look forward to talking to us about being a part of their transracial families.

Where: Portland OA&FS office, 5200 SW Macadam Ave., #250

Please RSVP to Lori Maas at lori@openadopt.org by Wednesday November 13th. 

Feel free to bring a small snack or drink to share.

Topic: Building a Healthy Relationship with Someone with Challenging Behaviors. Guest Speaker:  Mental Health Expert, Robert Noble, LMFT, M.Ed., QMHP

Please RSVP to Lori Maas at lori@openadopt.org by November 18. 

Out of State Waiting Families

Date:Wednesday, November 20, from 4:00-5:30 pm PST.  

Topic: This month's meeting will be facilitated by Eugene Counselor, Linda Kostur, and will be on the topic of coping with the wait. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions. As always, there will be time to check in generally as well about how each of you are doing.  

Teleconference Instructions: The OA&FS conference call-in room number is 530-881-1000, use participant code 252531#. Please RSVP to Lori Maas at lori@openadopt.org. 

Check out the following community events and resources    organized by other OA&FS adoptive parents in your area:

Portland

Portland Adoptive Families group will hold a potluck this month. Waiting and adoptive families are welcome to come and socialize!

When: Friday, November 15, at 6:30pm 

Where: Deb and Corey Omey's house, 2105 N Webster St, Portland, 97217.   

RSVP: uomey2@gmail.com      

Salem

Announcements

Congratulations:

• On October 2 Kata Issari and Kalei Kanuha found themselves racing to the hospital. They were waiting at their hotel in Portland when they got word that birthmother Sarina was at the hospital ready to give birth. Kata and Kalei arrived at the hospital just in time to meet their daughter Anela Roshan Kanuha-Issari. During the two months leading up to Anela's birth Kata and Kalei (who live in Hawaii) did not let a little distance keep them from forming a close connection with Portland birthmother Sarina. Through pictures, emails and phone calls Kata and Kalei stayed in regular communication with Sarina. When it was time to leave the hospital a beautiful entrustment ceremony was held. As the new moms head back to Hawaii they plan to keep birthmother Sarina a regular part of their lives and Anela's life through calls, video chatting, and regular visits.

• Wisconsin couple Jason Plowman and Jeff Crouse got the call back in August that expectant mom Hillary was interested in meeting them. Just a few short weeks later they were in Portland getting to know Hillary and spending time together. After the visit they kept close contact with Hillary texting with her every day. Then on a special Sunday morning they got a text from Hillary that she was headed to the hospital with frequent contractions. The couple was stunned since the baby was not due to be born for another 3 weeks. They stayed glued to their phones throughout the day and finally early in the morning on Monday October 14 they received word that their daughter Avery Boyd Plowman-Crouse had made her way into the world. Jeff who was out of town working hopped a flight to Portland first thing on Monday morning and Jason was close behind him. At the hospital they spent as much time as possible together. Looking out to the future Jason and Jeff are thrilled to have birth mom Hillary in their lives and look forward to sharing many more laughs and visits.

• Stacey and John Marr were thrilled to meet their son, Wesley Leland Marr on October 25!  Stacey and John radiated patience, flexibility and respect as Danielle, Wesley's birthmother, moved through her process and wishes for her hospital stay and placement. They honored Danielle with a beautiful opal necklace, representative of change, and the birthmother's dad and step-mom gifted Wesley a teddy bear and cozy blanket to take home.  Danielle, Stacey, John and Wesley all got together for a very special visit at Starbucks near the hospital on October 29.  Danielle later said she felt the visit was perfect and felt as if they all came full circle from their first and second adoption planning meetings.  All parties opened up their contact agreement at the birthmother's request and look forward to more contact in the future.    

• Marc Salazar, Ben Ash, and son Julian, experienced a loss in their family when, after caring for Alexander for four weeks, their adoption did not proceed. His birthfather unexpectedly came forward prior to the termination hearing and indicated he wished to parent and could not consent to an adoption. Extremely challenging for both families, they came together in Marc and Ben's home the day of Alexander's transition to talk about and process the events that had transpired since Alexander's birth. Ben and Marc were gracious and hospitable throughout this experience and have re-entered the OA&FS pool with hope. We wish them well as they continue their plans to add to their family. 

OA&FS News & Resources

We're thankful for the amazing 

effort put into family books. 

OA&FS would like to thank all of the prospective adoptive parents in the pool for the time, energy, and extensive effort you put into creating your family books. The books capture your lives in a thoughtful, beautiful way and the pregnant women and couples in options counseling appreciate learning about you in such a comprehensive format. Thank you!

Get ready to play -- OA&FS holiday parties are coming!

Eugene

The Eugene holiday gathering will be on December 7 from 5 to 7pm at the home of Karen Luks and Scott Rosenfeld. Karen and Scott have graciously offered to host several past holiday gatherings and have offered to open their home to our adoption community once again this year. Their address is 3662 Vine Maple Street in Eugene. We look forward to seeing you there!

The OA&FS Portland community will get together for the holidays on Sunday, December 15 from 2-4 pm. Kaye Abramowitz, (wife of board member Roy), has graciously donated space for our community to gather at the Ater Wynne offices in the Pearl District, 1331 NW Lovejoy St. Ste. 900. Presto the Magician was such a hit last year, he's coming back with his bag full of fun and tricks. We're looking forward to hearing the kids belly laugh, and visiting with everyone. 

Please join us Saturday, January 11 from 10 am to 2 pm at the 2100 building for the Seattle Holiday festivities. Xakary the Magician will make an appearance from 12:15 to 1:00 pm so don't be too late! We will also have our usual array of trucks, trains, blocks, books, and stuffed animals in our play area. This is a wonderful opportunity for families new and old to connect. Looking forward to catching up with your family!   

Adoption Related Events 

Path to Parenthood Though 

Open Adoption.  

This work group provides a place for learning and support with your process of pursuing open adoption. 

Contact: Michele Greco, Mindful Somatic Coaching, michele@michelegreco.com, 503-880-4868.

When: Friday, November 8 from 7-8:30 pm. 

Where: Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Medical Office Building 2 (501 N. Graham).  Look for NAFA signs -- park in Parking Structure 2.  

Topic: Michele Greco, a life coach and personal consultant, will present on "The Mindful Wait & Leaning Into Openness". Says Michele, "I know from personal experience that the wait is emotional and not knowing what lies ahead can be scary. I had no idea how an open adoption relationship would play out. No one does since the involved parties usually don't know each other." Michele will ease fears and present options to use as tools. This meeting will be "hands on", with participants developing ideas and strategies.