Forums

Newbie central! Just starting the adoption process? Trying to figure it all out? Got words of wisdom for those who are? Post questions and get advice from those who've "been there, done that."

Where the elite meet. Abrazo's proud Parents of Tomorrow orientation graduates exchange info, encouragement, grins and groans while awaiting Placement Day. (Remember: that's not "if?" but "when?!")

Returning to Abrazo for a second child? or a third? or ...? Open adoption veterans have their own questions, concerns and dreams, and now, they also have their own clubhouse in which to explore them. Welcome back, old friends!

Adoption is a road with both scenic views and detours. Failed plans are painful losses, for would-be's and bioparents alike. But take heart! Here's a safe haven for sharing sorrows, exploring risks and finding comfort in times of uncertainty and grief.

From entrustment (Placement Day) until adoption (Finalization Day), there's a whole new set of responsibilities and challenges, so look here for advice, reminders and support as you move closer to that court date, when you become a "forever family" for real.

On-line journals, sharing the progress of families-to-be in search of special little someones; updating friends and relatives nationwide; and heralding miraculous new arrivals and eagerly-awaited homecomings.

Welcome to Alumni Hall, where successful Abrazo orientation grads who joined up, gave it their all and grew their families as a result can keep in touch via their original group; no longer in-waiting, but all parents!!

Whether you're pregnant or considering placement for a child already born, you need friends who understand what you're going through. Find support and answers, here!

Got questions? Know answers? Welcome to St. Abrazo Maternity Center, where you may find anything you ever wanted to know about pregnancy, birthing and thereafter-- no Medicaid or insurance needed for admission. (But please: don't rely on this site for actual medical advice, because that's something only your doctor should provide.) And when it is time to go to the hospital for real, just remember to take Abrazo's number along with you. In case you need a hug.

Latin for "welcome person," birthparents need to know they're truly welcome in the life of the child/ren they placed. Members of Abrazo's honored birthparent sorority, make yourself at home. Share special memories. Raise burning questions. Brag on your kid/s. Ponder your future. Test drive your dreams. Whether you're a prior or present birthparent, you can find plenty of support, respect and understanding here. So come on in!

For gals on the grow. An online info swap meet for the self-improvement set. Find the latest on personal empowerment. Confidence-building. Career planning. Educational opportunities. Womens' health. Ego enhancement. Relationship management. (Plus...!) Because there's still so much more to life, beyond pregnancy/adoption. And you can get there from here!

Too often, birthfathers and adopting dads find themselves feeling somewhat left out of the adoption process-- but gathered here are fellow fathers of courage and candor. Calling all you strong, silent types: daddies matter, big time. So speak your piece and have your say. We're listening.

Being the grandparent, aunt or uncle of a child placed for adoption is never easy. Share your thoughts and feelings about what it means to support your loved one's adoption decision, finding your own place in the process, and dealing with life (and family relationships) afterwards.

Real-life reports from parents who've placed. Online diaries for those who need to explore emotions, journal journeys, mark memories, heal hurting hearts and dare to dream.

Advice and answers about child development issues of concern to all loving parents, expertly facilitated by an experienced Mom with a doctorate in Developmental Psychology.

Whether you become a parent by way of birth or adoption or marriage or other means, parenthood is a journey through life that's meant to be shared, because truly, it does take a village to raise a child. Find your way through, here.

Parenting 101, and thensome! Experienced alumni of Abrazo's adoption programs swap parenting tips, questions and concerns related to child-rearing, home life and post-adoption issues.

Whether you were already parenting before your placement occurred, or whether it's a role you've taken on since, your child's adoption may sometimes impact your parenting style in ways you may not even realize?

Support and affirmation for Abrazo's transracial homes and families of color.

Call this the End Zone for all topics paternal, the grown-up equivalent of the treehouse with the "no-girls-allowed" sign out front. There's no promise you'll keep the fairer sex out, but if you're somebody's daddy or planning-to-be, this one's for you, with no flowers or frills.

A meeting of great minds, across the adoption triad. Here, birthparents, adoptees, and adoptive families consult each other, walk a mile in each other's moccasins and share essential insights. Find common ground and (remember this tune?) "look at life from both sides, now."

Proudly presenting: the newest little members of our greater Abrazo family!

Valuable input from, for and about those who were adopted; about the choices made on their behalf; and the impact of the choices across the lifespan.

A safe zone for teens and adults who were once adopted. Feel free to launch your own blog, seek out search & reunion info, and find unconditional love and support from others who truly do understand where you're coming from-- and wherever you may be heading.

A kids-only fun zone just for Abrazo adoptees under the age of fourteen. No parents allowed--except as needed to take dictation for tiny folks who cannot type, yet!

Starring our littlest triad members, the Abrazobabes! Moms and dads, brag here about the cutest things your darlings say and do. Kids, tell the world what you think grownups need to know.

It may take awhile to fill this forum, because as brilliant as AbrazoKidz are, they may not yet have computer privileges, but for the few that do, this one's for you! Start your blog today and make it your own corner of the Forum forever.

Announcements, updates, licensing information, office gossip and news from headquarters and beyond. Orientation schedules. Reunion plans. Plus links to media coverage and adoption-related websites when relevant.

Like an old-fashioned church dinner, you're invited in with open arms, so share your favorite inspirational verses, prayers, and recipes for faith, food and fortitude. Here, hopes spring eternal and blessings abound, so visit our spiritual oasis and celebrate the power of divine intervention.

For the grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and other beloved relatives of all our adoption participants. A special place for the kinfolk to query, congregate, share and celebrate, as beautiful new family trees are grafted and grown through the miracle of adoption.

It's a virtual block party, thrown just for each forum-friendly state blest with Abrazotots, birthparents, adoptive families! Want to find some adoption neighbors closer to home? Check in, here! Just lean over the fence and post a "howdy, friend."

Questions, ideas, announcements related to this discussion board. Look for announcements and updates posted by the webmaster, and contribute your own posts as well. All are welcome!

Clients exit the rollercoaster but caseworkers ride 'til retirement! This is the world's first online comfort zone for anonymous adoption professionals. Vent. Laugh. Cry. Share. Learn. This one's for you.

An "adoption-free" zone for introductions, input and insights on anything but, of general interest to our Forum friends.

Abrazo News from bygone days

Asked & answered prayer requests, thru 2007

Topics less timely, threads less active.

You pick the holiday, we've got the topic.