Summary: <br> You don’t have to adopt or foster a kid to help kids in the system. There is so much need. You can volunteer. Especially for older kids, you can provide scholarships or skills training… Don’t forget these children in your communities. Just think about some way you or your family can contribute. It can even be as simple as taking a meal to a foster family.<br> Audrey Monke<br> In Episode 61, for November’s National Adoption Month, I’m chatting with Anne Driscoll, owner of Branches Books & Gifts in Oakhurst, California. We talk about our families’ experiences with adoption and share advice for prospective adoptive parents.<br> Big Ideas<br> <br> <br> * We compare and contrast international adoption and domestic foster care adoption. Which route to take depends on many factors, including the family’s preferences, composition, and timing.<br> * Many view the adoption process as a path to parenthood. For others, it is a way to offer assistance to children in need. For all adoptive parents, it’s an emotional road and involves a lot of preparation, vetting, and waiting.<br> * Advice for prospective adoptive parents:<br> <br> * Be honest about what you can handle.<br> * Identify what strengths you have to pair with child’s needs.<br> * Be gentle with yourself.<br> * Expect many highs and lows.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> * Volunteer Opportunities:<br> <br> * Independent Living Programs (ILP) for foster kids as they age out of the system<br> * Teaching skills (cooking, financial management, hobbies, auto care, etc.)<br> * Become a <a href="http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.6350721/k.112A/What_Does_It_Mean_To_Be_a_CASA_Volunteer.htm">CASA – Co</a><a href="http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.6350721/k.112A/What_Does_It_Mean_To_Be_a_CASA_Volunteer.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urt Appointed Special Advocates </a><br> <br> <br> <br> There are many ways to help!<br> <br> Quotes<br> Anne: “It’s a huge decision, not to be taken lightly because no matter what the scenario, there is still a sense of loss because they are not with their biological parents. There is a visceral emotion tied to it which you have to be aware of.”<br> Anne: “When you see (your child) succeeding and feeling good about themselves and hopefully starting to heal, it is the most rewarding thing ever.<br> Audrey: “It has been one of my life’s greatest joys and also one of my biggest challenges.”<br> Audrey and Anne: “We both love our kids dearly and they are such incredible human beings – so resilient, amazing and strong. They are going to do great things. It has been a privilege to have them in our families.”<br> Audrey: “The more years in, the better things get!”<br> Links<br> <a href="https://www.heartbeatinternational.org/national-adoption-awareness-month" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Adoption Month. 2018 theme is: “In Their Own Words: Lifting Up Youth Voices.”</a><br> <a href="https://people.com/parents/hoda-kotb-talks-emotional-adoption-age-52-after-cancer-left-her-unable-to-conceive/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Today’s Hoda Kotb Opens Up about her adoption</a><br> <a href="https://www.nightlight.org/2013/05/20-things-adopted-kids-wish-their-adoptive-parents-knew/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">20 Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge</a><br> <a href="http://empoweredtoconnect.org/book/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis </a>(recommended for all parents)<br> <a href="http://empoweredtoconnect.org/the-whole-brain-child/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Whole-Brain Child</a> and <a href="http://sunshine-parenting.com/2018/01/09/ep-20-yes-brain-tina-payne-bryson-phd/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Yes Brain</a> by Tina Payne Bryson and Dan Siegel<br> <a href="http://www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.6350721/k."></a>
