- Community Connection
Adopt a Love Story: “10 Needs Adoptees Want You to Know About”
This article explains ten common needs adoptees want others to know about, like that adoption is a lifelong journey, they need to claim their identity, and more. This source can apply to and most benefit spouses of adoptees who want to understand more about an adoptee’s identity.
- Community Connection
Adoption.com: “Confessions of an Adoptee’s Dating Life”
This article gives an adoptee’s perspective on how they might view dating, goes through attachment styles, and explains their feelings. This source can apply to and most benefit other adoptees who want to know more about how their identity could affect their dating life.
- Community Connection
American Adoptions: “Your Adoption Relationships”
This source is a starting point for adoptees who want to understand their relationships. Some of these guides are about friends, reunion, attachment theory, and more. This source can apply to and most benefit adoptees seeking guidance in understanding and approaching relationships.
- Community Connection
GLADNEY Center for Adoption: “What Do Adoptees Wish People Knew about Them?”
This article explains a few things that adoptees would like others to know about them. It describes how adoptees are similar to everyone else, how they are different, and encourages people to not assume things about adoption. This source can apply to and most benefit those who don’t know much about adoption but would like to learn further about it.
- Community Connection
Psychology Today: “Adult Adoptees in Relationships: Eleven Red Flags to Avoid Future Abandonment”
This article is about red flags adoptees should avoid when searching for a relationship. The 11 red flags are explained in a sort of biased, protective stance and it is important to recognize the nuances in every relationship. This source may apply to and most benefit adoptees who are seeking a relationship, but would like some guidance to protect themselves.
- Community Connection
Considering Adoption: “Adopted Adults and Relationships – How Are They Affected?”
This article explains how people’s relationships migh be affected if they’re adopted. It gives details on how some adoptee’s emotional difficulties can affect or not affect a relationship and encourages adoptees to seek out therapy if needed. This source may apply to and most benefit adoptees who want to understand where some of their troubled feelings regarding relationships stem from.
- 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+
HRC: “How HIV Impacts LGBTQ People”
From the Human Rights Campaign, this source will most apply to and benefit those who seek to understand how HIV impacts LGBTQ People. The article gives an overview of what HIV is, how discrimination against LGBTQ ties in to HIV, how it is funded, and the work HRC is doing to move forward with current issues.
- 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
CDC: Children’s Mental Health
From the CDC, this article can most apply to and benefit parents who are interested in learning about therapy for their children. In this article, you learn what therapy is, get an overview of child mental illness, learn benefits of certain types of therapy, and a list of resources to help find a healthcare provider.
- Mental Health
Medical News Today: “8 of the best online therapy programs for kids”
From Medical News Today, this article can most apply to and benefit parents who are interested in learning about therapy for their children. This article covers some different types of child therapy and child therapy techniques, how to know if a child needs therapy, how to explain therapy to a child, how to find a child therapist, child therapy costs and options, and more.
- Mental Health
Nemours Children’s Health: “Taking Your Child to a Therapist”
From KidsHealth, this article can most apply to and benefit parents who are interested in learning about therapy for their children. In this article you can learn what therapy is, what problems they help with, how it works, and can answer other popular questions related to therapy for children.
- Mental Health
William James College: “Guide for Parents of Asian/Asian American Adolescents”
From William James College Center of Excellence for Multicultural and Global Mental Health (CMGMH), this guide will most apply to and benefit parents of Asian/Asian American Adolescents. The guide and accompanying video is available in six languages. The guide covers the history of Asian-American Discrimination in the U.S, history of Asians fighting discrimination, why it’s important to talk about it, how to talk about it, and further resources.
- 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.
- Scholarships
Great Value Colleges: “40 Great Scholarships for First-Generation College Students”
From Great Value Colleges, here is a list intended for first-generation college students who are looking for scholarships. There are 40 scholarships on this list, some may differ in terms of value or eligibility. On the webpage you can find more information and links to websites
- Scholarships
U.S. News & World Report: “Scholarships for Students With a Deceased Parent”
From USA today, this source is for students who may have lost a parent and are seeking financial support through scholarships. The article gives information on certain scholarships and explains why they are beneficial for students.
- Scholarships
Academic Related: “20 Scholarships for People Who Have Lost a Parent 2023”
From Academic Related, this source is for students who may have lost a parent and are seeking financial support through scholarships. The article gives information on certain scholarships and explains why they are beneficial for students. 20 scholarships are listed here and answers to basic questions surrounding this topic are given.
- Scholarships
Scholarshipinstitute.org: “20 Scholarships for First-Generation Students”
ScholarshipInstitute.org has a list of scholarships intended for first-generation college students. There are 20 scholarships on this list, some may differ in terms of value or eligibility. On the webpage you can find more information and links to applications.
- Scholarships
CollegeScholarships.org: “Haitian Scholarship Funding”
From Collegescholarships.org, this source gives a list of 3 scholarships that are relevant to individuals who are of Haitian descent. More information is given in their descriptions
- Scholarships
Scholarships.com: Disability Scholarships
This article gives a brief history of the Americans with Disabilities, details about scholarships, and a list of possible scholarships. Scholarships listed have a name, deadline, amount, and summary.
- Scholarships
American Adoptions: “College Scholarships for Adoptees”
This article American Adoptions article lists different scholarships available to adopted and fostered youth. The list is composed of various college based scholarships.
- Scholarships
SmartScholar: Scholarships for Chinese Students
A scholarship directory that features scholarships for Chinese Students with descriptions of the requirements, qualifications, award amount, date and links.
- Scholarships
goingmerry: “30 Valuable Scholarships for Asian American Students in 2023”
List of 30 scholarships for Asian American Students, with description that includes amount, provider, eligibility requirements, and application requirements.
- Scholarships
Haiti Scholarships
From Haiti Scholarships, an organization geared towards Haitian Scholars who currently live in Haiti, this source gives some scholarship resources to Haitians who live in the U.S. There are about 5 sources to read about.
- 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.
- Scholarships
Bankrate: “The 9 best scholarship search engines”
This article ranks the 9 best scholarship search engines and includes short summaries on them. While none are adoption specific, they can be useful in finding scholarships that are.
- Scholarships
Considering Adoption: “Scholarships for Adoptees”
Considering Adoption is a resource for prospective parents. Their article links different college scholarships for international adoptees and youth adopted from foster care.
- Scholarships
Holt International: “Holt Adoptee Scholarship Contest”
The Holt Adoptee Scholarship Contest is open to all adoptees (domestic or international) who plan to or are currently in higher education. Applicants could be awarded up to $500. Scholarship applications are centered around a question or theme relating to the adoptee experience.
- Scholarships
UMPS CARE Charities: All-Star College Scholarship
For in-coming college freshmen, the UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship is for children adopted later in life (at or after 13) to provide increase opportunities for advanced education. Each year one student will be selected to recieve a scholarship of up tp $10, 000 annually to go towards tuition, books, and other college-related expenses.
- Scholarships
Also-Known-As: Adoptee Excellence Scholarship
The Also-Known-As Adoptee Excellence Scholarship known as the All Star Scholarship is open to graduating or current undergraduate international adoptees “who demonstrate the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and civic engagement. We seek candidates who have used their adoption story and formative youth experiences to lead, serve, and pursue a life of purpose and significance, both individually and for their communities.”
- Scholarships
Asian Pacific Fund: Apply for Scholarships
The Asian Pacific Fund offers a wide range of scholarships with varying recipient amounts and qualifications.
- Scholarships
Family Resource Center on Disabilities: “Scholarships”
The Family Resource Center on Disabilities offers this list of scholarships that are available for “people with disabilities and come from foundations, organizations, or a broad range of other committed providers. The scholarships are open to all college students with disabilities, including students with learning disabilities.”
College Consensus: “35 Scholarships for Students with Disabilities”
College Consensus offers a list of 35 scholarships for students with disabilities. An applicant will generally need proof of a disability before they can find scholarships, financial aid for students with disabilities, or anything offering free tuition. The nature of disability plays a strong role in what kind of aid will be available.
- Scholarships
Scholarships360: “Top 75 Scholarships for Disabled Students in September 2023”
Scholarships360 lists 79 scholarships for disabled students in 2023, and a majority are college related. The descriptions include the title, amount, deadline, and application link.
- Community Connection
Heart of Adoptions, Incorporated: Support Groups
Heart of Adoptions is a private adoption agency designed to help create families through adoption. They offer a list of various support groups and accompanying descriptions, alongside ways to contact the groups.
- Community Connection
Adoption Support Alliance: Connection Groups
The Adoption Support Alliance brings together adoptive families from across the Charlotte region. They offer six groups, within three categories: therapist-led, community-led, or a mix of support and education known as support-ucation. Session donations of $20 are suggested, but all groups are “Pay What You Can” and members are encouraged to participate only whenever possible.
- Adoptee Groups
Considering Adoption: “Adoptee Support Groups”
A list of adoptee support groups that includes subcategories of general adoptee support groups, international adoptee support groups, foster care adoptee support groups, and person of color (POC) adoptee support groups. The article also includes various other adoptee support and resources.
- Mental Health
North American Council on Adoptable Children: “Therapy Plays an Important Role in Adoptive Families’ Lives”
This article discusses the important role family therapy plays in adoptive families’ lives. It describes why therapy is important, and urges the reader to choose a therapist that is right for them.
- Mental Health
No Hands But Ours: “Preparing for Adoption: A Family Therapist’s Perspective”
An article on preparing for adoption by Ashley Yeager, a family therapist and Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner. She incorporates a spiritual feel, and explains different steps for prospective adoptive parents to take.
- Mental Health
OnlineTherapy: “Marriage and Family Therapist Online”
An article and search directory, this source discusses the decision to find a marriage and family therapist online and also links to a directory that allows users to filter by state. It is possible to search through 50 states and view profiles listing: years of experience, language, specialization, and bios.
- Mental Health
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: “Adoption”
This article explains how adoption, and the attitudes surrounding it have changed over the years. It explains different reasonings behind the decision to adopt, and how adoptive parents, like biological parents, love their children and want the best for them. The difference is that adopted children face different challenges that family therapy can help resolve or manage.
- 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 Seattle Times: “Adoption across races: ‘I know my parents love me, but they don’t love my people’”
“Adoptee Angela Tucker discusses how she felt like a racial impostor growing up. She explains that she may have looked Black, but didn’t feel that way.”
- 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.”
- Media
NCFA: “Being a Birth Mom Changed the Way I Parent”
A birth mom reflects on giving up her first daughter to adoption, and giving birth to two children after.
- Media
Creating a Family: “Helping Your Adopted Child Handle Adoption Microaggressions”
“Short article that identifies different variations of microaggressions that are particular to adoption. It also teaches strategies to instill confidence and coping strategies for children when handling microaggressions.”
- 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.
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- 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.
“
- Media
American Adoptions: “4 Unique Challenges Faced By Transracial Adoptees”
“An article on American Adoptions that examines 4 challenges that many adoptees will have to face (also included in race education).”
- Media
Adoption Associates: “Openness in Adoption”
“A short article offering suggestions mainly to prospective adoptive parents, but also current adoptive parents. It includes topics such as birth families, the search and reunion process, and maintaining openness.”
- 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. “
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
