- Community Connection
Adoption Identity Race Exploration (AIRE)
AIRE was created out of the need for an inclusive space for BIPOC adoptees (of all genders, identities, and experiences) to build and collaborate. AIRE also offers holistic emotional and spiritual counseling and partners with other organizations to provide consultations about programming, curriculum development, and workshop planning.
- Community Connection
Asian Girls Ignite
This nonprofit organization provides educational programs for AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) youth who want to celebrate their individual and collective power.
- Race Education
The Racial Empowerment Collaborative (REC) at Penn GSE
REC is a research, program development, and training center that brings people together to promote racial literacy and health in schools and neighborhoods. They offer a TEDMED talk which explains how racial stress impacts health and suggests what people can do to alleviate stress caused by racism.
- Race Education
National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)
This institute is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Black children and families. NBDCI engages in public discourse for local, state, and federal policies in order to amplify the strengths and needs of Black children and families.
- Mental Health
The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc.
This is an association that specializes in supporting Black psychologists and patients.
- Medical Needs
Cerebral Palsy Guide
Cerebral Palsy Guide is a resource dedicated to providing educational materials, financial resources, and support options for families affected by cerebral palsy and other birth injuries. This page specifically discusses therapies, medications, surgeries, and more, that are relevant to cerebral palsy and birth injuries.
- Medical Needs
Mesothelioma Hope
Mesothelioma Hope has long provided free mesothelioma resources about treatments, specialists, financial assistance, and more. This page particularly focuses on helping families discuss cancer diagnoses and treatments with their children. They have information about support groups, online forums, and examples of how to talk about mesothelioma with children.
- Birth Family Search
FamilyTreeDNA
FamilyTree DNA is a well known genetic testing company and is a division of Gene by Gene. According to the website “Founded in 2000, FamilyTreeDNA pioneered the field of genetic genealogy—the use of DNA testing to establish relationships between individuals and determine ancestry. As leaders in the industry, we provide advanced technology for users to gain further insight into their family history—all with a simple swab of DNA.” The company also makes an effort to protect your information. This source can apply to and most benefit adoptees who are interested in exploring their DNA.
- Birth Family Search
MyHeritage
MyHeritage is another genealogy platform. According to the website “ We search for people whose DNA matches yours: your relatives. Our DNA Matching technology reveals the percentage of DNA you share with your matches, showing you how closely related you are. You can connect with your newly found relatives to learn more about your family and discover shared ancestors.” The company also makes an effort to protect your information. This source can apply to and most benefit adoptees who are interested in exploring their DNA.
- Birth Family Search
WeGene
WeGene is a Chinese DNA company. According to the website “The WeGene Personal Genome Service test includes genetic health risk reports. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks.” The company doesn’t disclose its privacy policy. This source can apply to and most benefit Chinese adoptees who are interested in exploring their DNA.
- Birth Family Search
GEDmatch
GedMatch offers a free DNA site built for genetic genealogy research. The website mentions that it may attempt to alert you if information is needed legally. GedMatch also offers you opportunities to engage in forums, this information may also not be protected. This source can apply to and most benefit Chinese adoptees who are interested in exploring their DNA.
- Birth Family Search
China Family Search
China Family Search is a resource page for those in the Chinese adoption community interested in birth family searching. It offers information and resources for both the adoptive parent and the adoptee. This source would be a good starting point for Chinese adoptees interested in searching and their parent.
- Birth Family Search
Research-China
Research-China.org is an informational website detailing the sociopolitical circumstances of China starting from the causes of the One Child Policy up to recent happenings that affect adoption or are a direct cause of it. It features an adoptive father’s experience with his adoption and helping his daughters conduct a birth family search. This resource is for those interested in the politics behind adoption and its history.
- Birth Family Search
The Roots of Love
The Roots of Love is a Chinese adoptee family reunion project with multiple professional searchers on location. They offer free DNA testing to potential birth relatives and share birth relative contact info for free. This organization would best benefit Chinese adoptees actively searching for birth family.
- Birth Family Search
Birth Family Search Russia
Birth Family Search Russia is a organization created by by Denis M. Rybakov who is dedicated to birth searches. He has undertaken more than 600 birth family searches all over Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, and more. He is a member of the Moscow Bar Association. This source can apply to and most benefit Russian adoptees who are interested in birth family search.
- Birth Family Search
Korea Adoption Services
Korea Adoption Services’s “Searching for Adoptees” webpage is for birth families searching for their biological children. For adoptees searching for their birth families, there is an additional page called “Searching for Birth Family.” KAS offers post-adoption services, too. The posted story will be translated in Korean and get posted on a Family Search board of Korean webpage as well. This source can apply to and most benefit Korean adoptees or birth families who want to search for one another.
- Birth Family Search
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Boston
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Boston’s Birth Family Search Process for Adoptee’s webpage gives steps and information on how to do a birth family search. Official paperwork in PDF format is available and a flow chart is also accessible to the public. This source can apply to and most benefit Korean adoptees who are interested in birth family search.
- Birth Family Search
International Child Search Alliance (ICSA)
The International Child Search Alliance (ICSA) is a “ all-volunteer international group of adoptees and adoptive parents founded in November 2018.” They offer reliable information and promote awareness in China of adoptees’ desire to know their birth families. This source applies to and most benefit Chinese adoptees who are interested in birth family search.
- Birth Family Search
Chilean Adoptees Worldwide
Chilean Adoptees Worldwide is a platform for Chilean Adoptees, all over the world. The organization strives to bring awareness/connect with adoptees and birth families in Chile. Birth family search is a big part of their work and offers a secure space where adoptees can upload their adoption documents. This source can apply to and most benefit Chilian adoptees, their families, and their birth families.
- Birth Family Search
23andMe
23&Me is a popular genetic testing service. The website states, “Your genetic data is analyzed, and we generate your personalized reports based on well-established scientific and medical research.” The company also makes an effort to protect your information. This source can apply to and most benefit adoptees who are interested in exploring their DNA.
- Birth Family Search
Ancestry DNA
Ancestry DNA is a popular genealogy company. According to the website “AncestryDNA® gives you much more than just the places you’re from. With clear-cut historical insights and rich geographic details, we connect you to the places in the world where your story started – and you might even discover living relatives.” The company also makes a effort to protect your information. This source can apply to and most benefit adoptees who are interested in exploring their DNA.
- LGBTQ+
Taylor & Frances: Online Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services
This is an online journal that publishes empircal knowledge and conceptual information related to sexual minorities and their social environment. It’s filled with innovative ideas and resources for the design, evaluation, and delivery for social services for these populations at all stages of life. All articles in this journal have undergone anonymous double-blind peer review.
- Adoptee Groups
CACH-ALL
This is a support group for families and adoptees in the UK who have completed international adoption. They have in-person meetups as well as social media connections.
- Adoptee Groups
Adoptiepedia
This group aims to provide adoption information for Chinese and Taiwanese adoptees as well as organize activities for adoptees such as support groups. It is based in the Netherlands and is for all Dutch speaking Chinese and Taiwanese adoptees.
- Birth Family Search
Bao Bei Hui Jia
Bao Bei Hui Jia is a Chinese birth family searching site where you can post searching posters for free. You can provide information like birthday, missing time, family seeker characterization, possible memories, etc. This site is for Chinese adoptees or adoptive parents searching on behalf of their child.
- Birth Family Search
Nanchang Project
The Nanchang Project is a program dedicated to creating a community and resources (DNA testing, searching) for Chinese adoptees searching for birth family. They provide a space to connect, educate, and support the community. This resource best benefits Chinese adoptees searching for birth family or parents searching on behalf of their children
- LGBTQ+
PFLAG NYC: API Parents & Caregivers Group
This group meets twice a month for a lunchtime discussion for API parents and caregivers whose children are part of the LGBTQ+ community. They are based in New York City but have virtual meetings on zoom. They also have an events calendar for anyone who can or wants to attend. This is a parent resource for API parents who have LGBTQ+ children.
- LGBTQ+
LGBT National Help Center: LGBT National Youth Talkline
The LGBT National Youth Talkline will most apply to and benefit LGBT youth (age 25 and younger) who need free and confidential peer-support. On the webpage you can find the talklines hours and information on what to expect on a call.
- LGBTQ+
LGBT National Help Center Call Services
The LGBT National Help Center will most apply to and benefit LGBT folks who need free and confidential peer-support and local resources. The page has the numbers of hotlines, an online peer-support chat, weekly youth chat rooms, and a list of resources that serve throughout the country.
- LGBTQ+
National Coalition for LGBTQ Health
The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health’s services can most apply to and benefit everyone in the LGBTQ Community. The coalition is “committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals through federal and local advocacy, education, and research”. On the website you can explore their work regarding LGBTQ health and their resource page.
- LGBTQ+
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN is a source that can most apply to and benefit LGBTQ+ youth who are in learning environments. The organization works to activate supportive educators, uplift student-led movements, conduct extensive research, construct resources for educators, advocate for policies, and has 43 chapters in 30 states. On the webpage you can learn more about their work and recent news & blog posts.
- LGBTQ+
GSA Network
The Genders & Sexualities Alliances (GSAs)’s services can most apply to and benefit LGBTQ+ youth in the context of their communities. GSAs are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ youth and allies to fight for racial and gender justice. On the website, you can find resources on the resource page, find your GSA network, and learn more about the work they do.
- LGBTQ+
House of Rainbow
House of Rainbow’s services can most apply to and benefit LGBTQ+ people of color and faith. The organization works to combat religious homophobia and also validates LGBTQ religious individuals. It offers 1:1 support, group gatherings, and training workshops. On the website you can learn more about their services and the work they do.
- LGBTQ+
Asian Pride Project
This organization celebrates LGBTQ individuals and API families and communities through artforms. It tells the stories of LGBTQ triumphs and struggles in the API community. These artforms include short films and videos, photography and written word. This source applies to the Asian and Asian American community and the LGBTQ community. It is a source you can just scroll through and look at on your own time.
Gay Asian Pacific Islander Men of New York (GAPIMNY)
This organization was founded in 1990 and is an all-volunteer community organization with the mission to empower queer and trans Asian Pacific Islanders to craete positive change. They provide a range of programs and work in coalition with other organizations to educate and promote dialogue about race, sexuality, gender, and health. This source applies to the API and LGBTQ community.
- LGBTQ+
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN)
This organization works to advance healing justice by transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color. They have lists of community and practitioner resources including crisis hotlines, as well as a therapy directory. This source is great for all minority communities and mental health services can be filtered by city or zip code. You can also request to join the directory as well.
QMUNITY
This organization offers ten counseling sessions at a reduced cost. Free sessions are also an option for people who cannot afford the fee. They have appointments 10am-6pm Monday through Friday. The counselors have competency training in LGBTQ2SAI+ and gender-diverse related issues, however there is a waitlist. This source is great for people who are in need of therapy and with diverse counselors.
- LGBTQ+
Trikone
This is a registered non-profit organization for LGBTQ people of South Asian descent in the Bay Area (CA). It’s 100% volunteer-based and they’re always looking for volunteers. They also provide a Desi LGBTQ Helpline. They have two subgroups: Women of Trikone and Parents @ Trikone. They also have resources and events.Their mission is to unite people amd affirm their South Asian identity and sexual orientation.
- LGBTQ+
Satrang
This non-profit organization serves the South Asian LGBTQ community by promoting awareness, acceptance and empowerment through social, educational and advocacy-related events. You are able to volunteer for and attend their events and donate. They are based in Los Angeles, so this is a good organization for any LA based LGBTQ South Asians.
- LGBTQ+
Massachusetts Asian + Pacific Islanders for Health (MAP)
This organization aims to provide a safe space where API LGBTQ+ youth (ages 16-25) can come together to find support and make friends. They have drop-in centers, peer events, resources and animal-assisted therapy. They work with the Chinatown neighborhood and the greater Boston area; programs and organizations with similar objectives; school and university resource centers; as well as health centers and local businesses. This is a great resource for API LGBTQ+ individuals in the Boston area.
- LGBTQ+
National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA)
This organization empowers LGBTQ+ API and is a federation of small, volunteer-run groups across the country. They provide capacity building, advocacy, convenings and representation pledges. They also have social media accounts to connect with them (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and are based in New York.
- LGBTQ+
The Real Mama Bears
Mama Bears is a source that can apply to and benefit the LGBTQ community. The organization supports, educates, and empowers families with LGBTQ members through its programing. It offers private online communities, resources, opportunities to advocate, regional Mama Bear groups, and numerous other methods of support.
- LGBTQ+
San Francisco State University: Family Acceptance Project
From the Family Acceptance Project, this source will most apply to and benefit the LGBTQ+ community in the context of their families, cultures, or faith communities. The Family Support Model created was made to “prevent health risks, strengthen families, and build healthy futures for LGBTQ and gender diverse children and youth”. The organization is centered around research, intervention, education, and policy. You can download posters with more information on them.
- LGBTQ+
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
The Human Rights Campaign’s services can apply to and most benefit those who are part of the queer community or those who are strong allies that want to support. The mission of the organization is to “end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.” The webpage offers information on their campaigns/projects, articles and a resource page.
- LGBTQ+
American Civil Liberties Union
ACLU (American Civil Liberites Union) can apply to and most benefit those who are part of the queer community and allies. The organization advocates for equality and has a long history of defending the LGBTQ+ community. On the website you can explore recent news, court cases, press releases, podcasts, reports, and more.
- LGBTQ+
Stand with Trans
Stand With Trans is a source that can apply to and most benefit families and youth who are transitioning. The organization serves the trans community by empowering trans youth through LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, events/workshops, and support groups. On the webpage you can find many resources that will educate, inform, and support
- LGBTQ+
Gender Spectrum
Gender Spectrum is a source for anyone who is part of the queer community or would like to understand more about it. The organization works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. On the webpage you can find online consulting, groups, and plenty of resources.
- LGBTQ+
John Hopkins Medicine: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity
From Johns Hopkins, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Equity serves patients and families who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The webpage offers resources for patients, families, students, staff, and faculty. The website is available in 31 languages through the language assistance program.
- LGBTQ+
Bi.org
Bi.org is a source that can apply to and most benefit those who are bisexual, know a loved one who is, or just want to be educated. Its mission is to “connect bi people around the world and provide accurate, accessible, scientifically-sound information about (bi)sexuality.” The webpage is a project of the Bi Foundation or the American Institute of Bisexuality. On the webpage you can explore Bi people, resources, or get involved.
- LGBTQ+
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Parents and Families/Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a source that can apply to and benefit the LGBTQ+ community. It is the “first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.” On the webpage you can find support, information, and resources. There is also the PFLAG Chapter Network that has over 400 chapters across the country with 200,000 + members.
- LGBTQ+
Free Mom Hugs
Free Mom Hugs is a source that can apply to and benefit the LGBTQ+ community. It is an organization that encourages education, visability, and conversation. On the webpage you can learn more about their education opportunities for everyone through speaking engagements, webinars, interactive discussions, and other programs. You can also search by state to find a chapter in your area.
- Mental Health
Project Lotus
The Lotus Project’s services can most apply to and benefit those who are interested in Asian American mental health advocacy. The mission is to destigmatize mental health in Asian-American communities by “tackling the model minority stereotype through culturally-relevant education for the community and the empowerment of voices.” The website features stories from the community, articles, webinars, workshops, and their podcast.
- LGBTQ+
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project’s services can apply to and most benefit LGBT youth. It is the World’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBT youth. On the website you can find support through 24/7 counselors, TrevorSpace (social community for ages 13-24), articles, and through plenty of the featured resources.
- LGBTQ+
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation)’s services can apply to and most benefit the LGBTQ community. “As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change.” It offers several programs in the entertainment, news, and digital media to accelerate LGBTQ community. GLAAD also offers a Resource list.
- LGBTQ+
It Gets Better Project
It Gets Better Project’s services can apply to and most benefit the LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. It is a nonprofit organization with a mission to “uplift, empower, and connect” the LGBTQ+ youth through sharing articles, education, and events. The website is available in several; countries and can be translated in several locations.
- LGBTQ+
Stonewall
Stonewall’s services can apply to and most benefit the LGBTQ+ community. The organization fights for freedom, equity, and potential. Their campaigns drive positive change in public attitudes and public policy. On the website information is provided, resources, workplace/school resources, and recent news.
- LGBTQ+
Outfest
Outfest’s mission can apply to and most benefit the LGBTQ+ community. It is known as, “The world’s largest LGBTQ+ film and media organization.” The organization holds several programs, projects, and events for artists with its film festivals as its focus.
- LGBTQ+
Asexual Outreach: Ace Week
From Asexual Outreach, Inc, this webpage can apply to and most benefit those who would like to educate themselves or others on what asexuality is. The organization raises awareness for asexuality theough expanding education tool resources, projects, and events. On the webpage you can learn about their campaigns, projects, and online community hub.
- LGBTQ+
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World)
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) is a source that can apply to and most benefit those who who are part of the queer community. The organization supports LGBTI civil society worldwide through “advocacy and research projects, and gives grassroots movements a voice within international organizations.” The website has information about their world’s network, events, annual report, latest news, and a list of researched resources/reports.
- Mental Health
Asians Do Therapy
Asians Do Therapy, is a website that can most apply to and benefit anyone in the AAPI community who needs some motivation to start. The website is packed with testimonials (including some by famous people), tips on how to start, and guides to finding a therapist. There is also a resource page with additional recommended articles, videos, and podcasts. The website in its whole is meant to destigmatize therapy for Asians.
- Mental Health
NYU Langone Health: NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health
The NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH) is based in NYU Langone’s Section for Health Equity. Its services can most apply to and benefit anyone interested in the research and evaluation of Asian American health and health disparities. The webpage explains the sections on the background of the organization, its approach + guiding principles, research tracks, career development, and community engagement + dissemination resources.
- Mental Health
Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI)
The Asian American Health Initiative’s services can most apply to and benefit AAPI in Montgomery County. As a part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, AAHI assists with many programs, projects, and activities. Within the webpage, you can find a good resource page with documents in many languages, a mental health provider directory, and information on their many other programs
- Mental Health
Asian & Pacific Island American Health Forum (APIAHF)
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum’s services can most apply to and benefit the health of the AAPI community. Though influencing policy, mobilizing communities, and strengthening programs + organizations, the APIAHF supports the health of the AAPI community. It is the oldest and largest health advocacy org providing policy and political analysis, research, and communication strategies.
- Mental Health
National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse (NAPAFASA)
NAPAFASA* (National Asian Pacific American Families Against Substance Abuse)’s serves and works with AAPI communities on intiatives and projects addressing behavioral health in within the community. NAPAFASA is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to mental health advocacy through research, efforts at public health and policy reform, and community empowerment. The organization has AAPI community roots but also works with people from all backgrounds. They advocate for direct participation and aim to connect people with knowledge.
- Mental Health
Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS)
ACRS promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved communities – including immigrants, refugees, and American-born – by developing, providing and advocating for innovative, effective and efficient community-based multilingual and multicultural services. ACRS services are available by appointment only.
- Mental Health
Asian Pacific Community Counseling
Asian Pacific Community Counseling (APCC)’s services can apply to and especially benefit Asian Americans who live in the California area. They offer the Transcultural Wellness Center (TWC), the Supporting Community Connections (SCC), and the Family Wellness Center (FWC). These organizations for mental health are culturally and linguistically appropriately handled.
Korean American Wellness Association (KAWA)
The Korean American Wellness Association (KAWA)’s services can apply to and especially benefit Korean Americans. The website is in Korean, you can search in directories for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychotherapists. In each directory, you can search by keywords and numerous categories. In each profile, you can find info regarding specialties served, language, financial information, and contact information.
- Mental Health
HealthRIGHT 360
HealRight360’s services can apply to and benefit most in the California area. The organization offers primary medical care, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, social support & re-entry, and dental services. They also offer numerous other programs. There is an Asian American specific program called the Asian American Recovery Services (AARS) around the Bay Area.
- Mental Health
Asian Health Services
Asian Health Service (AHS)’s mission is to “ serve and advocate for the medically underserved, including the immigrant and refugee Asian community and to ensure equal acess to healthcare services regardless of income, insurance status, language, or culture.” Services can apply to and benefit most in the Oakland, CA area. AHS is a healthcare provider that offer a complete range of medical, dental, and mental health services for all ages.
- Mental Health
Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers (APCTC)
Asian Pacific Counseling and Treatment Centers ( APCTC)’s services can apply to and benefit API of all ages in the Southern California area. APCTC services are offered throughout Southern California within its seven locations. Call and talk about your needs with the cell phone numbers provided online. The website also contains a resource page.
- Mental Health
Asian American Psychological Association: AAPA Fellows
The Asian American Psychological Association advocates “on behalf of Asian Americans as well as advancing Asian American psychology”. The association is for candidates who fulfill the minimum requirements and have outstanding impact/scholarship contributions to Asian American psychology. The work done by it’s members positively impacts and supports Asian Americans psychology. Within AAPA there are 8 divisions, including one on multiracial and adopted Asian Americans which seeks to 1) connect individuals so that we might better serve our communities, and 2) develop a home and community for adopted and multiracial Asian Americans within AAPA.
Wayfinder Family Services
Post adoption resource webpage by Wayfinder Family Services. Lilliput offers support groups, classes, and social events for families in 19 counties throughout Northern California. Lists out post-adoption service locations and lists out some thoughts in how post-adoption services can help
Adoption STAR: “Scholarship Opportunities”
Adoption STAR offers four unique scholarship opportunities for adoptees, and other members of the adoption triad. The four include: 1) the Adoption STAR Academic Scholarship Program 2) Adoption STAR Scholarship for LGBTQ+ Prospective Adoptive Parents 3) Shining Star Scholarship for the Adoption of Children with Special Needs and 4) Parenthood For Me Medical Scholarship. All of the criteria for each scholarship can be found here.
- Scholarships
Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption: “FRUA’s Annual Scholarship Program for HS Seniors, College & Vocational Students”
Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption offers three different scholarships. In order to access required qualifications and submit your application, a current family membership with FRUA is required.
- Community Connection
Adoption Family Support Network (AFSN): Post Adoption Support
The Adoptive Family Support Group gives adoptive parents access to a community of people who can provide answers and share experiences. One resource they offer is a list of different support groups available to parents in Michigan filtered by county. Another is a calendar with different events occurring during the month and a description.
- Medical Needs
Family Resource Center on Disabilities
The Family Resource Center is dedicated to “Providing Parents of Children with Disabilities with Information, Training, and Assistance.” Their resource page contains 20 categories on varying subjects for parents of children with disabilities and is available in Spanish.
- Community Connection
Gladney Center for Adoption: Adoption Forums
Adoption Forum is an online community forum containing many different threads relating to various aspects of adoptions. Larger categories include adoptive parents, foster care, special needs, adult adoptees, and more. Each category contains multiple subcategories where people can interact with each other and ask/answer questions.
- Community Connection
Capital Adoptive Families Alliance (CAFA): Support Groups
Capital Adoptive Family Alliance (CAFA) provides a page on the importance of support groups and links to their own support group. The CAFA Support Group offers general support to parents and caregivers raising their adoptive (or soon to be adoptive) children. The support group meetings are free, parent-led, and meet every 4th Thursday.
- Medical Needs
Love Without Boundaries: “Adopting a Child With Special Needs”
Love Without Boundaries’s website contains reference information about common special needs including craniofacial conditions, digestive system conditions, infectious diseases, and more. On the website there is also a family stories page, a resource page (extra packed with info with more information on medical resources and post adoption resources), and a page for the adoption process.
- Medical Needs
No Hands But Ours
No Hands But Ours focuses on the children currently being abandoned in China with special medical needs. The organization contains resources for those in the process of adopting a child from China, already home with their adopted child, or just researching special needs. It was founded and is maintained by adoptive parents that specifically focus on special needs adoption from China. The website comprises information regarding specific special needs, family stories, resources (such as before travel and the first year at home) and also opportunities to connect locally and virtually.
- Medical Needs
Utah’s Adoption Connection: Children with Special Needs
This is digital Lending Library allows prospective adoptive families, foster parents, and adoptive parents to rent books for free. Users can check out up to three items at a time for up to six weeks. Within the Children with Special Needs category there are further categories focused on specific special needs, as well as other categories on general adoption, children’s titles, for parenting, for professionals, and LBGTQ focus.
- Medical Needs
RainbowKids: “Special Needs in Children”
Rainbow Kids Adoption & Child Welfare Advocacy section on special needs is a resource for families considering special needs adoption. With thirteen main categories, each has subcategories that explains different information and considerations for adoptive parents. The site itself also houses a list of children waiting to be adopted that prospective parents may visit after creating an account.
- Adoptee Groups
Adoptees for Justice
“Adoptees For Justice is an intercountry adoptee-led organization whose mission is to educate, empower, and organize transracial and transnational adoptee communities to achieve just and humane adoption, immigration, and restorative justice systems. We envision a world where every person thrives in a safe and supportive environment in which communities of color, immigrants, and adoptees are liberated from all forces of injustice, with full citizenship for all. Our first project is to educate, organize and advocate for an Adoptee Citizenship Act that is inclusive of all adoptees.”
- Birth Family Search
International Child Search Alliance (ICSA)
ICSA is an all-volunteer international group of adoptees and adoptive parents offering multiple sources of information to help adoptees from China search for their birth families. Advice is given on ‘Getting Started’, ‘Hiring a Searcher’, ‘Birth Parents Searching for Children’, and more. There is also How-To-Guides that include DNA testing, using the app WeChat, Joining a Province Search, visiting the CCCWA, and more.
- Mental Health
African Diaspora Mental Health Association (ADMH)
The African Diaspora Mental Health Association is an outpatient mental health clinic, registered and licensed in the state of Massachusetts. They offer many different mental health services including individual therapy, family therapy, bilingual services, couples therapy, and more. Resources for children, adults, and seniors can all be found here.
- Mental Health
Safe Space Africa
Mental health educational products and therapy services for Africans on the continent and diaspora.
- Mental Health
Black Mental Wellness
The mission of Black Mental Wellness, Corp. is to provide access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, to highlight and increase the diversity of mental health professionals, and to decrease the mental health stigma in the Black community. Their services include culturally inclusive mental health and wellness training, workshops specific to youth and children, and webinars on multiple different topics.
- Adoptee Groups
Adoption Mosaic
“Adoption Mosaic’s vision is to build bridges with adoption communities for forward-thinking dialogue on adoption-related topics while offering support and education to those who are learning what it means to be a part of the adoption constellation.
The Adoption Mosaic mission is to connect, honor, and serve the adoption constellation through innovation in education, practices, and support services.”
- Media
AdoptUSKids: “Florida post-adoption support”
“A landing page for post-adoption support services available to families who live in Florida.”
- Race Education
NACAC: “Transracial Adoption: Love is Just the Beginning”
“A first person perspective by Deb Reisner (North American Council on Adoptable Children member), mother to a family with a blend of African American, Native American, Latino, and European American races and cultures. She details the importance of listening to her children about their experiences with racism and family methods of externalizing racism.”
- Adoptee Groups
Adoptee Mentoring Society
Adoptee Mentoring Society is an online mentorship community that values adoptee power, intersectionality, and a healing community. They offer online group meetings between adoptees, and 1:1 mentorship. Prices range from $10-$55 per session.
- Adoptee Groups
Sisters of China
“Sisters of China is a community organization dedicated to uniting female-identifying Chinese adoptees of all ages across the world by providing them a safe space to share their stories, discuss their challenges, and celebrate their heritage.
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- Adoptee Groups
Adoptees of South America + Extended Latin Americas (ASA)
The group is a peer-centered group for adult adoptees from various regions of South America + the Extended Latin Americas. Their mission is to provide adoptees with spaces for connections, support, and encouragement at every step of their journey. Adoptees can connect through monthly Zoom calls and a private Facebook group.
- Adoptee Groups
Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington (AAAW)
Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington is a group dedicated to providing support to Asian adult adoptees in the state of Washington.They provide a welcoming community to new and current participants, a mentorship program for youth adoptees called the Adoptee Mentorship Program (AMP), educational opportunities for Asian/Pacific Islander adoptees, awareness of issues adoptees face, and allyship to adoptees of different nationalities and communities.
- Adoptee Groups
Korean Adoptees of Chicago (KAtCH)
This organization is for Korean adoptees in Chicago and is a private Facebook group. They offer community activities and is for adult Korean adoptees. They help provide services that support or are led by the Korean adoptee community.
- Adoptee Groups
Filipino Adoptees Network (FAN)
This is a network for Filipino adoptees dedicated to supporting, educating and promoting cultural awareness on adoption issues and preserving Filipino heritage. They are based in New York and host group events.
- Adoptee Groups
Sejong Cultural Education
This is a group for Korean adoptees of all ages and aims to foster a sense of Korean identity in adoptees. It is located in New York and offers three events. The Sejong camp for 6-16 year-olds, a Korea trip and a virtual gala.
- Adoptee Groups
Sae Jong Camp
This is a summer camp for Korean American children to explore their Korean American identities, learn about their Korean heritage and create friendships. It is located in Michigan and is a 6 day summer camp.
- Adoptee Groups
Kamp Kimchee
This is an inclusive Korean family camp that focuses on self-esteem, family education and identity. It is a one week camp for adoptees aged 4 years to 12th grade and their families. It is located in Minnesota.
- Adoptee Groups
Parents of Latin American Children: La Semana Family Culture Camp
This is a day camp for children adopted from Latin American countries. It is based in Minnesota and serves K-senior teens. They have different cultural activities as well as camp activities such as rock climbing and archery.
