In this episode of This Week in Adoption, host Rebecca Greenspan broadcasts live from the Florida Adoption Council Conference, where she discusses key adoption topics with adoption professionals and attendees. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of early education for hopeful adoptive parents and highlights the value of having a trusted support team, including consultants and adoption-competent therapists. Guests, including attorney Ellen Kaplan and others from the adoption field, discuss topics such as the rising costs of adoption, the power dynamics between adoptive parents and agencies, and the need for authenticity in adoption profiles. Rebecca encourages hopeful adoptive parents to approach the process with hope and excitement rather than fear, reinforcing the importance of being prepared and real throughout the journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Florida Adoption Council

Ellen Kaplan Adoptions

Destiny Adoption Services

Lisa Cuffaro

Rob Harrell - Adoption Attorney & Founder of the Florida Adoption Council

Your Adoption Finance Coach

RG Adoption Finance Coaching

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

03:00 Insights from the Florida Adoption Council Conference

06:09 The Importance of Education in Adoption

08:57 Understanding Power Dynamics in Adoption

12:12 Navigating the Adoption Process

15:05 Creating Authentic Adoption Profiles

18:07 Embracing Hope in the Adoption Journey

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap, host Rebecca Greenspan interviews Damon Davis, creator of the podcast Who Am I Really? Damon shares his personal adoption story, including the emotional journey of reuniting with his biological family and the challenges of navigating relationships with both his adoptive and birth parents. He also discusses the importance of adoptees finding community, the complexities of identity, and the varied experiences of adoptees on their journeys. Damon emphasizes the need for adoptive parents to prepare for future conversations about their child's adoption, highlighting the importance of being supportive when adoptees search for their biological families. This episode provides deep insights into the emotional layers of adoption, the importance of openness, and the challenges adoptees face as they explore their identity.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Who Am I Really: An Adoptee Memoir

Who Am I…Really? Podcast

Damon Davis - Linkedin

Gift of Adoption Fund

23andme

AncestryDNA

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:55 The Journey of Adoption: Insights from Damon Davis

14:57 Common Themes in Adoptee Experiences

24:34 The Search for Identity and Biological Roots

39:43 The Role of Adoptive Parents in Storytelling

55:16 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of This Week in Adoption, host Rebecca Gruenspan shares practical advice for adoptive parents preparing to bring home their newborns. Topics include essential items for travel and temporary stays, such as portable bassinets, baby wraps, diapers, and bottles. Rebecca also discusses the benefits of staying in Airbnb’s versus hotels during the adoption process, highlighting the convenience of having laundry facilities and baby supplies. She emphasizes setting boundaries with expectant moms and offers words of encouragement for families facing challenges in their adoption journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Babyquip

New Parents Academy

www.amazon.com/baby

Airbnb

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

03:00 Preparing for Your Adopted Baby: Newborn Essentials and Sleeping Arrangements

09:30 Choosing Between Airbnb and Hotel During the Adoption Process

13:37 Using Selfies in Adoption Profiles: Dos and Don'ts

15:18 Setting Boundaries with Financial Assistance for Expectant Mothers

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap, Rebecca Gruenspan interviews Kate Papkin, a breast cancer survivor and real estate professional, who shares her emotional journey of battling cancer, infertility, and eventually adopting her daughter, Alexandra. Kate reflects on the challenges of losing her fertility at 33, navigating failed IVF and surrogacy attempts, and the strength it took to pursue adoption. Despite initial hesitancy from her husband, Sam, they found hope through the adoption process, which led to a deeper connection with their adopted daughter and a sense of completeness in their family. Kate emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in medical, professional, and personal settings, and how her mindset coaching played a crucial role in her perseverance. This episode highlights Kate’s resilience, love for her family, and the life-changing impact of adoption.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

The Parent's Report Card by Kate Papkin

Keller Williams BOLD Mindset Training Program

Mel Robins - (Mel Robins 5 second rule)

Rachel Patten - Senior Adoption Consultant at RG Adoption

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:27 Facing Breast Cancer and Fertility Challenges

04:24 Kate Papkin's Adoption Journey

08:35 Grieving and Exploring Alternative Paths

14:09 Sam's Initial Resistance to Adoption

20:15 The Power of Intention and Letter Writing

26:40 Learning About Adoption and the Home Study Process

30:31 The Strength of a Partnership and the Love of a Family

33:05 Navigating the Adoption Journey: One Step at a Time

37:00 The Power of Mindset and Self-Advocacy in Adoption

48:16 The Parents Report Card: Fostering Open Dialogues

53:42 Leading by Example: Lessons from Parenting

57:13 Gratitude and a Positive Mindset in Adoption

59:01 Sharing Your Story: Support and Inspiration

01:02:44 The Importance of Hope in the Adoption Journey

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of This Week in Adoption, host Rebecca Gruenspan shares insights from her experiences as an adoption consultant and a single mom through domestic adoption. She discusses the challenges faced by hopeful adoptive parents, highlighting a recent story of a family who experienced the tragic loss of a baby. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of emotional support during adoption, advocating for the use of adoption-competent therapists and legal counsel when needed. She also discusses practical steps for adoptive families, including choosing a home study agency and working with multiple adoption agencies. The episode closes with Rebecca encouraging listeners to keep hope alive despite setbacks and to lean on supportive resources throughout the adoption journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Diana Schimmel Episode

Diana C. Schimmel - Adoption Attorney⁠

Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

03:35 Story of a Family's Loss and Lessons Learned

08:15 The Importance of Getting Up Again After a Fall Through

17:40 Finding a Home Study Agency

20:04 The Role of an Adoption Attorney

23:29 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan interviews Kelly Ellison, a social entrepreneur and founder of Your Adoption Finance Coach, Seed Coach, and COO of Vesta, a family-building benefits company. Kelly shares insights from her 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and how her personal adoption journey led her to create services to help prospective adoptive families navigate the financial challenges of adoption. She discusses the importance of planning and budgeting for adoption, dispels common financial misconceptions, and highlights the benefits of employer-supported family-building programs. Kelly also emphasizes the importance of perseverance throughout the adoption process and shares practical steps for families to prepare financially. This episode is filled with actionable tips for making adoption more affordable and less overwhelming.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Your Adoption Finance Coach

WIN Fertility

Vesta For Families

Seed Coach - Fertility Financial Guidance

Rita Soronen - President + CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation

Adoption Finance Coaching

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

02:14 The Financial Challenges of Adoption

08:17 Harnessing Employer Benefits for Adoption

22:47 Financial Preparation for Adoption

29:39 Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan

33:48 Debunking Adoption Financial Myths

34:17 Understanding Adoption Funding

37:19 Demystifying the Adoption Tax Credit

41:48 Applying for Grants

48:41 Employer Benefits

54:51 The Evolving Landscape of Adoption and Fertility Support

58:14 Fortitude: The Key to Navigating the Adoption Journey

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of This Week in Adoption, Rebecca Gruenspan explores the critical topic of birth parent rights in the adoption process. She discusses the importance of ensuring birth mothers have the right to choose what happens with their child, the necessity of legal counsel, and the significance of counseling and support services. Rebecca also addresses the ethical complexities in adoption, including the risks of coercion and the rise of adoption disruptions due to scams. She encourages adoptive parents to thoroughly vet agencies and remain committed to their promises in open adoptions. Additionally, Rebecca suggests translating adoption profiles into Spanish when working with Hispanic birth mothers to ensure they fully understand the process. This episode is a call for awareness, diligence, and compassion in navigating the adoption journey.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

Ashley Johnson - Adoption Choices of Oklahoma

Department of Children’s Services

Translation Services for Adoption Profiles: https://gengo.com/ & https://www.rev.com/

⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap

Chapters

00:00 Birth Parent Rights

05:16 The Importance of Options Counseling

11:27 The Role of Legal Counsel

13:44 Upholding Communication Agreements

15:38 Beware of Adoption Scams

17:12 The Rising Costs of Adoption

18:46 Translating Profiles for Hispanic Birth Parents

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the Adoption Roadmap podcast, host Rebecca Gruenspan speaks with Tamika Swint, the founder and executive director of Styles for Kids, an organization dedicated to providing haircare education and services to transracial adoptive and foster families. Tamika shares her inspiring journey, starting from a simple hair braiding class to creating a nationwide movement that supports Black children's cultural identity through haircare. The conversation covers the significance of hair in the Black community, the challenges white adoptive parents face in managing their Black children’s hair, and the importance of the recently passed haircare bill in Illinois. Tamika also emphasizes the need for education, community support, and advocacy to ensure that every child’s haircare needs are met, fostering self-esteem and cultural pride.

Important Links mentioned in Today's Episode

⁠Stylez 4 Kids⁠

⁠Tamekia Swint - IG⁠

⁠Jockey Being Family - Support For Adoptive Families⁠

⁠The Haircare Bill (HB 5097)⁠

⁠Adoption Center of Illinois⁠

⁠Hairitage Talks Podcast⁠

⁠Your Hair is Your Crown - Tamekia's Children's Book⁠

⁠Lucrece Bundy Episode of the Adoption Roadmap Podcast⁠

⁠⁠RG Adoption Consulting⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠The Adoption Roadmap⁠

Chapters

02:23 - Styles for Kids: Comprehensive Hair Care Services and Education

06:06 - The Inspiration Behind Styles for Kids

14:11 - Challenges Faced by White Adoptive Parents in Managing Textured Hair

18:42 - Resources and Educational Tools Provided by Styles for Kids

24:15 - The Hair Care Bill in Illinois

28:03 - Advocating for Children's Hair Care Needs

29:56- The Impact of Hair Care on Self-Image and Identity

32:13 - Common Misconceptions and Mistakes in Hair Care for Black Children

33:34 - Cultural Significance of Hair in the African American Community

34:59 - The Importance of Connection to Culture and Pride in Hair Care

41:28 - Tips and Resources for Hair Care in Transracial Adoptive Families

49:29 - A Memorable Success Story: Changing Lives Through Hair Care Education

Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday mornings. If you like what you hear, I'd appreciate a follow and 5-star rating & review!

THANK YOU!

For questions about adoption, episode suggestions or to appear as a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, email

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠support@rgadoptionconsulting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠