Chapter 9 – Ongoing Partnerships
Summary
“ [This is] the condition in which most of us begin: ignorant, isolated, and alienated from people who are unlike us. We are strangers who communicate differently, have difference cultures, eat different foods, enjoy different music, and see the world from different points of view. We are socialized [...]

 Like Julie, I am moved and saddened by the case of the adoptive mom sending her son back to his homeland because of attachment difficulties.  I have tried numerous times to be fair — to put myself in her shoes, to "try on" the emotions she may have encountered as she contemplated her next move(s). [...]

I’ve watched the development of Artyem Saviliev’s story with deep sorrow and concern–both for Artyem and for all the families whose children wait in Russia.  Please pray much for all those involved in and affected by this tragedy.  In addition to prayer,Joint Council suggests several others ways you can support adoptive families and children waiting [...]

 There are times when my now 6-year old daughter desperately needs assurance. This often manifests itself in a question either about love ("Will you always love me?") or in a question about commitment ("If bad guys stole me, would you come find me?"). While she is very easily passified with my sincere and genuine answers [...]

 Joint Council is pleased to confirm that the Adoption Tax Credit (ATC), which was scheduled to expire in 2010, was extended for one-year (through December 31, 2011). The highlights of the ATC are;

The maximum credit was increased from $12,150 to $13,170,
The ATC is now retroactive to January 1, 2010. This represents a potential increase of $1,000 for adoptive families.
The ATC was made refundable. If a [...]