I just read a really interesting article about transracial adoptions (or rather, the policy against transracial adoptions) in the British foster care system. What do you think?
Archive for January, 2011
British Struggling with Transracial Adoption Issues
January 25, 2011Martin Luther King Day and International Adoption
January 17, 2011 The sermon at church yesterday was focused on some of the principles that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for. During that 20 or 30 minutes, I was struck by how parts of it are relevant to the state of international adoptions today–not in terms of race, (even though it is, of course!) but in terms of human rights.
Our pastor spoke of two particular evils that Dr. King fought against and that we all need to continue to fight against: Intolerance and Indifference. He pointed out that these are really just two sides of the same coin and here is how I see them playing out in the area of international adoption. (more…)
Amazing Brains!
January 12, 2011I watched a story on Nightline last night that talked about individuals who have healed from traumatic brain injuries. (video is here and a text summary is here) While this piece was spurred by the Tuscon tragedy and Rep. Giffords’ injuries, its main focus was really on our brains’ incredible capacity to heal and re-work itself after injuries.
I found the topic to be incredibly hopeful for those of us parenting or working with kids who had less than optimal experiences early in life. In Because They Waited we talk about the neurological consequences of neglect, deprivation, chaos or abuse early in life. We also spend a great deal of time talking about how to really put the “use it or lose it” concept into practice in our every day life.
Those of you who have completed Because They Waited will likely find the Nightline piece encouraging and a boost to your own efforts to promote positive brain development through your everyday life. If you haven’t yet completed Because They Waited, I’d encourage you to use it to learn more about brain development and children who have spent time in less than optimal care before entering their homes.