WHO WE ARE
Parents, educators and other professionals committed to increasing awareness in
our schools and communities of the special needs of families formed through adoption
and foster care and our children; supporting adoptive and foster families; and,
advocating for positive change.
VISION STATEMENT
We believe that children who have been adopted or are in foster care have
special concerns that need to be recognized and supported by the schools and the community.
Families created by adoption or through the foster care system are faced with
challenges that directly impact their children's ability to succeed academically and
socially. Curriculums can and must be sensitive to the language
and experience of adoption and educators can and must themselves be educated to
effectively teach our children. We believe in the possibility of a community that
is open and inclusive of all children and that this vision can best be achieved
through education and awareness.
GOALS
To advocate for adoption sensitive curriculum in the schools.
To promote educator awareness of the concerns of adoptive and foster children and
families.
To identify and make available resources that address issues of adoption and foster
care both in the schools and for the community at large.
To support adoptive and foster families through information and advocacy.
To create a public forum for the exchange of information and current research.
To provide a support group where adoptive and foster parents can share their feelings
and experiences with other parents in a safe and confidential environment.
ACTION PLAN
Establish a special collection of books and multi-media materials as a resource for
parents and professionals in at least one public library in each member community.
Identify and make available grade leveled information on adoption and foster care
for class room teachers.
Identify and purchase children's books on adoption and foster care for each
grade level for individual school libraries.
Develop a parent and child tested list of recommended books on adoption and foster
care for children, parents, educators, libraries and schools.
Present public forums on adoption for educators and the community each November,
"National Adoption Awareness Month".
Sponsor foster care awareness campaigns each May, "National Foster Care Month".
Identify, find funding for, and make available, adoption experts for teacher in
servicing.
Develop a classroom presentation program for bringing adoption awareness into individual
schools.
Contribute to current research and understanding of adoption and foster care through
projects focusing on personal experience and information gathering.
Work in partnership with other members of the adoption and foster care communities to
raise awareness and levels of service for our children, families, schools and communities.
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