- Birth Family Search
NPR: “I Found My Birth Mother. It Didn’t Rock My Life — And That’s OK”
This is a short narrative story about an adoptee’s experience of meeting her birth mother and her feelings about it. This story can apply to and most benefit adoptees who are wondering about an experience like this. It is important to remember that this short story is not meant to be discouraging but comes from a rather realistic point of view.
- LGBTQ+
Center for American Progress (CAP): “Welcoming All Families”
This is a report that talks about discrimination against LGBTQ foster and adoptive parents. It explains that religious exemptions allow agencies to discriminate against LGBTQ parents and how that reduces the families available to adopt, overburdens the child welfare system, and hurts the best interests of children. .
- LGBTQ+
APA: “Understanding transgender people, gender identity and gender expression”
From the American Psychological Association, this article can apply to and benefit those who would like to educate themselves about the transgender identity. The pamphlet is available in several languages. It covers common questions, recommended readings, and related resources.
- LGBTQ+
Talkspace: “6 Ways to Support the Mental Health of Your LGBTQ Loved Ones”
From TalkSpace.com, this source will most apply to and benefit those who are seeking how to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ loved ones. The article goes over 6 important tips and gives detailed explanations. The source also gives additional resources
- Mental Health
National Library of Medicine: “Discrimination and Mental Health–Related Service Use in a National Study of Asian Americans”
From the National Library of Medicine, this academic article can most apply to and benefit anyone who is interested in learning more about the association between perceived discrimination and use of mental health services. With data coming from the National Latino and Asian American Study, conclusive results indicate a need for more bilingual services and collaborations between formal service systems and community resources.
- LGBTQ+
CNN Health: “It’s Pride Month. Here’s what you need to know”
From CNN, this article can apply to and most benefit those who do not know much about Pride and why it is celebrated. The article gives an overview of who celebrates it, how it began, where the name came from, the origin of the flag, and answers the question if non-LGBTQ people can participate.
- LGBTQ+
People: “Everything You Need to Know About Pride Month”
From People Magazine, this article applies to and most benefits those who do not know much about Pride and why it is celebrated. The article gives an overview of what is pride month, what it’s symbol, why it is celebrated in June, who were the major figures involved, and gives recommendations on some easy ways to celebrate.
- LGBTQ+
Pronouns.org
Pronouns.org’s mission can apply to and most benefit those who want to learn more about the importance of pronouns or how to use them correctly. The webpage answers common questions such as “How do I use personal pronouns?” or “ How do I use Gender Inclusive Language?” The webpage also offers additional links and videos.
- Mental Health
Health Matters: “‘Death by a Thousand Cuts’: The Impacts of Microaggressions on the AAPI Community”
From Health Matters, Dr.Warren Ng’s (child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist) discussion can most apply to and benefit anyone who wants to educate themselves on how microaggressions affect the AAPI Community. In the article, Dr. Ng discusses the historical roots of microaggressions, how they can lead to physical assaults, the mental toll they take on Asian Americans, and how to be an ally.
- Mental Health
HuffPost: “How To Find A Therapist Who Focuses On Asian American Mental Health”
From the HuffPost, this article can most apply to and benefit anyone who is part of the AAPI community who is interested in finding a culturally competent therapist. The article explains the importance of finding a safe space for AAPI to share freely through real accounts and gives other recommendations on finding a right therapist. There is also a list of recommended therapist directories one could utilize.
- Mental Health
APA: “Recommendations for the Treatment of Asian-American/Pacific Islander Populations”
From the American Psychological association, this article can most apply to and benefit anyone who is part of the AAPI community or practitioners who are interested in understanding how AAPI should be treated in a mental health aspect. Sections in this guide include implications for culturally competent care, myths and misinformation, inadequacies of traditional mental health care, culture-specific views of mental health and healing, and more. There are good references to take a look at.
- Mental Health
APA: “Resources from the Ethnicity and Health in America Series”
From the American Psychological Association, this article can most apply to and benefit anyone who would like to know how national heritage months impact the health of ethnic populations. Through the Ethnicity and Health in America Series, there are resources given on stress and acculturation among Asian-Americans. There are also other AAPI Resources.
- Mental Health
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): “Asian American and Pacific Islander”
From the National Alliance on Mental Illness, this article can most apply to and benefit anyone who is interested in AAPI mental health. The source is packed with information with sections on Barriers to Mental Health Care, How to Seek Culturally Competent Care, and a resource list. There are also multiple subcategories to explore within the larger ones.
- Mental Health
Verywell Mind: “Best Mental Health Apps”
Medically reviewed and fact checked, this source lists out the best mental health apps of 2022. This source can apply to and benefit everyone. In each summary, you can review the cost, pros/cons, and a detailed description. The apps are also categorized by superlatives such as best for bipoc, best for adhd, ect. You also get an overview of what mental health apps are and their benefits.
- Mental Health
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA): “Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders”
The ADAA (Anxiety & Depression Association of America) can be a valuable source for everyone with its mission to “prevent, treat, and cure anxiety disorders and depression.” It also has a webpage dedicated to Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. On this resource page, you can find yearly trending articles, infographics, ADAA member relevant resources, and AAPI provider directories.
- Community Connection
Adopt A New Beginning: “Support Groups for Adoptive Families”
The Support for Adoptive Families, Birth Families, and Adoptees is part of the New Beginning community. The community provides multiple types of support groups including those for adoptive moms, adoptive dads, adult adoptees 25+, and youth adoptees 8-13 years old. As of now ¾ of the support groups are currently being held over Zoom even though the group is based in Boise, Idaho.
- Community Connection
NACAC: “The Value of Adoption Groups: Supporting Parents, Supporting Kids, Supporting Families”
An article by the North American Council on Adoptable Children that explains the role a support group can play in the lives of adopted children, their families, and parents. The article also covers how support groups can form and explains five different types of groups.
- Mental Health
Mental Health America: “Black and African American Communities and Mental Health”
Mental Health America is a resource “driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all.” The site includes statistics and examples on what Black and African American people face in regards to mental health.
- Mental Health
Counseling Directory: “Family therapy”
An article and a search engine combined, this resource addresses what family therapy is, what it can help, what occurs during it, and what systemic family therapy is. At the end of the page, users are able to search by what type of session they are looking for (online vs in person), as well as filter by zip code, town, and country.
- Mental Health
Chris Massman (LMFT): “What to Look for in a Family Therapist”
This article provides an introduction to family therapy and offers advice for qualities to look for in a therapist, in therapy sessions, and how to make the best of it.
- Race Education
The Guardian: “Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race”
“A first person account by British journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge on the ways structural racism prevails today but how some white people refuse to see it. She explains why she will no longer be discussing this with people who won’t listen. The author talks about how people must first acknowledge that they benefit from structural racism and understand that color blindness is not the solution.”
- Race Education
The Guardian: “Confronting racism is not about the needs and feelings of white people”
“Short first person account by Ijeoma Oluo on how the discussion of racism needs to center around the voices of those who are marginalized.
“
Time: “The Realities of Raising a Kid of a Different Race”
“An article written by an adoptive mother on what every parent should know about transracial adoptions. This article is applicable to adoptees but centers around the Black adoptee experience growing up in a white household.”
- Media
NCFA: “How Adoption Will Be Impacted If Congress Passes These Four Bills in 2022”
“An article written in January on the four proposed bills (from 2022) that Congress was set to vote on regarding different adoption issues.”
- Media
Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Adoption and School”
“Landing page with links and resources for dealing with awkward questions/challenging classroom assignments when adoptees start schools.”
- Race Education
The Conversation: “Explainer: what is casual racism?”
“An explanation of everyday and more subtle forms of racism and the microaggressions that racial minorities face.”
- Race Education
NPR: “How ‘Ching Chong’ Became The Go-To Slur For Mocking East Asians”
A short article on the history and prevalence of a racist slur used against Asian people.
- Race Education
Vice: “Why People Still Laugh at Asian Accents: An Investigation”
“An explanation of the racism involved when people mock Asian accents, and the way Asian accents are still laughed at today.”
- Race Education
BBC: “The pervasive problem of ‘linguistic racism'”
“An examination of the privileges native English speakers (and English speakers with a native accent) hold from a native English speaker’s perspective.”
- Race Education
NPR: “Want to have better conversations about racism with your parents? Here’s how”
“An NPR article from the perspective of a biracial person with a white mother and father from West Africa.
It explains how to have more complex, understanding discussions about racism with your parents.”
- Race Education
NMAAHC: “Being Antiracist”
This article explains the ways in which racism exists (individual, interpersonal, institutional, etc.). It also provides simple exercises for people to engage with and examine their own perspective.
- Race Education
Dear Asian Youth: “Mocking an Asian Accent is Never Funny”
“First person piece on why mocking an Asian accent is never funny from the website DearAsianYouth.
This article talks about how mocking accents contributes to racism.”
- Race Education
Vox: “What exactly is a microaggression?”
“This article describes microaggressions and how they go beyond everyday slights or remarks, as well as the negative impact they have.”
- Media
NCFA: “Post-Adoption Services Acknowledging and Dealing with Loss”
“An article on the way Loss, Rejection, Guilt/Shame, Grief, Identity, Intimacy, and Mastery/Control, all impact the adoptee experience.”
- LGBTQ+
NCFA: “Resources for Being an LGBTQ-Friendly Agency”
Same-sex headed families are increasingly becoming a part of the adoption community, so this is a short resource list of resources for being an LGBTQ-friendly agency.
- Media
The New York Times: “Deportation a ‘Death Sentence’ to Adoptees After a Lifetime in the U.S.”
“An article on the lives lived by adult Korean adoptees deported back to Korea after US adoptive parents failed to attain citizenship for them. It talks about a problem that the US needs to urgently address: adoptees from abroad who never attained American citizenship.
“
- Media
Vox: “Why adoption isn’t a replacement for abortion rights”
“When the leaked draft on Roe v. Wade was released, many people argued adoption would be able to replace abortion. This article discusses the shortcomings of this argument and rhetoric. Also, it details the long term consequences for birth parents and also adoptees as a result of separation.
“
- Media
American Adoptions: “The Truth About Adopted Adults and Relationship Issues”
“An article explaining that although not many studies have been conducted on adoptees and trauma, many adoptees feel they have relationship issues tracing back to their adoption.”
- Media
NCFA: “Using Accurate Adoption Language”
” A short, introductory article on word replacement suggestions for words relating to adoption. Instead of words that may be considered inaccurate or inadequate, this article offers alternatives.
“
- Racial Identity
HuffPost: “10 Things Adoptees Want You to Know”
“An article written by an adoptee on the 10 things adoptees want you to know. While 10 things does not cover everything, the author touches on many relevant aspects and experiences that adoptees have.
“
- Racial Identity
Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition New York: “Racism and Microaggressions in Transracial Adoption”
“This page discusses racism and microaggressions that can be found in transracial adoption. It is part of a broader resource page on the above topic located on the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of NY website.
“
- Media
NPR: “‘Am I Asian Enough?’ Adoptees Struggle To Make Sense Of Spike In Anti-Asian Violence”
In this NPR article, adoptee voices take center, and different adoptees explain their complex feelings regarding anti-Asian violence and the different ways in which they are affected.
- Media
The New York Times Magazine: “Why a Generation of Adoptees Is Returning to South Korea”
“A NYT article where a Korean adoptee explores the reasons and ways for South Korean adoptees to return to their birthplace. In addition to the article, there are 994 comments that provide anecdotes and first hand experiences and questions by adoptive parents and adoptees.
“
- Media
Vox: “Genes aren’t destiny, and other things I’ve learned from being adopted”
An adoptee speaks candidly about their experience being adopted, dealing with other people’s expectations, and the ways in which birth family connection is powerful, but not everything.
- Media
NPR: “Growing Up ‘White,’ Transracial Adoptee Learned To Be Black”
7 min listen and article on NPR, a Black, transracial adoptee reflects on his identity and experiences growing in life with white parents and white privilege.
- Media
BuzzFeed News: “What A Black Woman Wishes Her Adoptive White Parents Knew”
An essay from the first person perspective of a Black transracial adoptee. The author discusses the racial dynamics in a family with transracial adoption.
- Media
Considering Adoption: “5 Things the Spouse of an Adoptee Should Know”
This brief article by Considering Adoption touches on five different things spouses need to know and recognize. While not incredibly complicated or detailed, this article is a good place to start.
- Media
NCFA: Stories
“The National Council for Adoption provides articles for and from adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, and expecting parents. “
- Racial Identity
NPR: “The Parenting Dilemmas Of Transracial Adoption”
“This article touches on color blind parenting and how parents must acknowledge we don’t live in a colorblind society. It is a 37 minute listen on NPR and a short summary is provided.
“
- Media
Time: “My White Adoptive Parents Struggled to See Me as Korean. Would They Have Understood My Anger at the Rise in Anti-Asian Violence?”
An article in Time magazine about a Korean American adoptee’s thoughts on the title of “adoptee” and the racial dynamics in transracial adoptions.
- Media
Los Angeles Times: “‘I’m not allowed to feel those things’: How adoptees experience anti-Asian hate”
A New York Times article on the complex ways Asian adoptees experience anti-Asian hate and racism as a result of their unique identity. Many adoptees in the article speak of how they felt tied to both cultures and/or neither.
- Adoptee Groups
American Adoptions: “How to Find Adoptee Support Groups”
An article by American Adoptions that support groups for adoptees, international adoptee support groups, support groups for adoptees of color, and for foster care adoptee support groups
- Media
Adoption Surrogacy Choices of Colorado: “Understanding an Adult Adoptee’s Emotions”
This blog discusses the contradicting emotions some adoptees may face. It provides an introduction to the complex feelings adoptees can experience.
- Media
The Guardian: “Stories of transracial adoptees must be heard – even uncomfortable ones”
Korean-American adoptee Nicole Chung touches on the way adoptees are expected to fit into the framework of white supremacy and which emotions are considered acceptable for adoptees to have. She discusses her own experience with the phrase “a good adoptee.”
- Media
NPR: “Adoptees express their fear, anger and insight on race during social unrest”
A news article that spotlights adoptees of all backgrounds and adopted families, as they explain how their identity has been shaped by social unrest and the ways it has impacted their family dynamic.
- Media
Healthline: “The Best Adoptee Blogs of the Year”
A list of different adoptees, their blogs, and what each one focuses on
- Media
The New York Times: “IDENTITY: When Parents Adopt a Child and a Whole Other Culture”
A New York Times article on how adoptee identity is a complex issue that is unique for each adoptee. It discusses how parents are not only adopting a child, but also their child’s culture.
- Mental Health
Finding and Working with Adoption Competent Therapists
An article on approaches to therapy, finding the right therapist, and knowing how to work with them.
