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Coming out Zoey: Transgender woman finds acceptance Saskatchewan Roughriders Rider Rumblings episode 32: How the CFL treats its players 5 / 5 Editor's Pick slider FSIN calls immediate action on adoption of First Nations children The FSIN is calling immediate moratorium on provincial adoptions of First Nations children into non-First Nations homes.Regina Leader-Post Updated: January 7, 2019 Share Adjust Comment Print The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is calling an immediate moratorium on provincial adoptions of First Nations children into non-First Nations homes.The request came in the form of a news release issued Monday in response to Premier Scott Moe’s apology Saskatchewan’s role in Indigenous children being seized from their birth families and relocated to non-Indigenous homes starting in the 1950s and lasting until the late 1980s.FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, who was not present for Moe’s apology at the Legislative Building, has requested to have compensation attached to apology, but the Sask.Party has long stated it would not do so.“Our First Nations children are still being ripped away from their families, communities and culture.This needs to stop immediately.This apology is empty if it is not followed through with action,” Cameron said in the release.While the FSIN, which represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan, acknowledged and welcomed the government’s apology as “a good start,” FSIN vice-chief David Pratt said the current social services system “continues to fail our children.” Pratt called “immediate reforms that will place jurisdiction and accountability into our First Nations communities.” “We will continue to fight our children and our families and we won’t stop until there is a First Nations-led child welfare system that focuses on family support, language and culture,” Cameron said.“We look forward to asserting our First Nations control over our First Nations children.” In his speech, Moe stressed the changes that have occurred in the government’s approach to child welfare since the Sixties Scoop.“What we can offer is the solemn assurance that government policies have changed.And they continue to change,” he said.“While there are still too many First Nations and Métis children in care, today we work with 17 First Nations Child and Family services agencies to deliver culturally appropriate child welfare services to vulnerable children in more than sixty First Nations communities,” Moe added.Moe said that when possible, families are kept together, supports have been strengthened to maintain connection to culture and family, efforts are made to keep siblings together, and work continues to actively recruit First Nations and Metis foster families.“And we’re providing cultural training to non-Indigenous foster families,” he said. 'We failed': Sask.Premier Moe apologizes to Sixties Scoop survivors Prime Minister Justin Trudeau coming to Regina later this week This Week's Flyers Most Read Prime Minister Justin Trudeau coming to Regina later this week Nathan Hutt identified as man who died after alleged Weyburn home invasion; second-degree murder charge ... FSIN calls immediate action on adoption of First Nations children Sask.Sixties Scoop Apology: Premier Moe's speech 'We failed': Sask.Premier Moe apologizes to Sixties Scoop survivors Walsh's cancer treatment at standstill after Sask.Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. These are external links and will open in a new window () Close share panel Child's hand holding adult's hand Image copyright Thinkstock Fewer same-sex couples who apply to adopt in Northern Ireland have a child placed with them than LGBT couples in other parts of the UK, figures obtained by BBC News NI suggest.In 2013, Northern Ireland laws changed to allow same-sex couples to adopt the first time.It was the last part of the UK to implement the change.Figures released show that since the law change in Northern Ireland, 30 same-sex couples have applied to adopt.Image caption Laws to allow same-sex couples to adopt were introduced in England and Wales in 2005 and in Scotland in 2006 Of these, two couples have had a child placed with them - a success rate of 1 in 15.During the same period in the rest of the UK, 481 same-sex couples applied to adopt.Of these, 235 couples had a child placed with them - a success rate of one in two.The figures were released by the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts under Freedom of Information rules.The lower rate in Northern Ireland could be due to the fact that adoption processes can take several years to be completed, meaning some adopters are still in the process and may have been approved, but not had a child placed with them yet, said a Department of Health spokesperson.'It was a learning curve' Civil partners Mark Nesbitt and Ciaran Connolly began the adoption process four-and-a-half years ago.They have just been approved to adopt and are now waiting a child to be placed with them."It was a learning process both of us because we were her first homosexual couple, so her it was a learning curve and us it was a learning curve as well," said Mr Nesbitt."I have friends who adopted but they adopted from London… so we thought, this might not happen or it will be harder than most straight couples."But we got talking to a lot of straight couples and they went through exactly the same as what we went through so we were treated in a way that was quite equal."It probably just took a lot longer because it's new to everybody."Image copyright Getty Images Image caption The ban on same-sex marriage was overturned in the courts after the then Minister Health resisted the change He says they are now waiting excitedly to see which child they'll be matched with: "I'm excited.I'm nervous.It can't happen quick enough."EJ Havlin, the Northern Ireland Director of Adoption UK, said the way the law changed in Northern Ireland may have also delayed some adoption cases.The ban on same-sex adoption was overturned in the courts following a lengthy legal process which was resisted by the then Health Minister at Stormont, rather than passed in parliament like the rest of the UK."Whenever this legislation first came in the changes happened almost overnight, so unlike the 'bedding in' period which happened in the rest of the UK, the changes overnight meant that social services needed to get some support and training," she said."This has been a real cultural change, so it takes time that to be embedded."Ciaran Moynagh, a Belfast-based solicitor and who has represented campaigners the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland, said while adoption applications can take a long time to be approved, it was necessary to ensure the process was fair all."When it comes to people looking at adoption and there are families having children removed from them, there has to be a due process and it has to go into court," he said."The parents of that child have a right to have their voice heard and all of this has to be done in a human rights compliant process.So having a child freed adoption is quite a long process."He added that Stormont's resistance to the law change prior to the 2013 court ruling had also had impact."We have to remember the context this comes it.It's been five years but there's been a longer legal story," said Mr Moynagh."We've had to fight that right in courts.It hasn't been a legislative change brought in Northern Ireland and it hasn't been informed societal change, so that may have put a lot of people off."Related Topics Share this story sharing Top Stories France unveils crackdown on protesters People who hold unauthorised protests face prosecution under plans being drawn up by the government.7 January 2019 Saudi woman ends airport hotel standoff 7 January 2019 Kevin Spacey in court on groping charge 7 January 2019 Features Golden Globes red carpet in pictures Smashing through barriers to set up a $2bn tech firm Video The 'superwoman' midwife of the mountains Video Five questions Trump's border wall 'We risk our lives to build your beautiful homes' War-weary Syrians in Manbij wait to learn fate The concrete blocks that once protected Britain The end of Trump's love affair with generals?Video The man with 40 crocodiles in his garden Elsewhere on the BBC Lyrics quiz Have you been getting these songs wrong?Full article Lyrics quiz Feeling hot What happens to 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GOSHEN TOWNSHIP Lisa Crites knew she would be Megan's mother when she first met her nearly a quarter of a century ago.They met when Crites, a social worker, visited the home where the then 5-year-old was living.Crites was there to provide therapy to another foster child as part of her work with Personal and Family Counseling Services."Of course when you go into a family's home, you don't ignore anyone," Crites said."You don't ignore other children, especially.I introduced myself.I remember playing with her, a little game, just chatting."Megan left that family to live in a residential treatment center because of behaviors she was exhibiting after having been abused as a child, said Crites.Shortly thereafter, she got a call from the Tuscarawas County Department of Job and Family Services.Their question: Would Crites consider adopting a young girl who had no family members willing to take her?"The worker thought that she and I would be a good match," Crites said."The worker told me it was Megan, so I remembered her."An opportunity lost Crites started taking foster parenting classes.She was ready to do her final project, writing her life story, when the process was interrupted."A great aunt and uncle of Megan's had stepped forward, and said that they would be willing to take Megan into their home.Family always takes precedent in those situations.I just stepped out of the picture.I hadn't even been visiting with her because I wasn't a licensed foster parent yet.So she knew nothing it," Crites said of Megan.It was the first time Megan slipped away from her.Megan went to live with her great aunt and uncle more than 10 years.Although both Megan and Crites acknowledge there were some good aspects of their care — the couple raised her in a church, for instance, other factors were problematic."It was hard me," Megan said."I was very sheltered.There were a lot of things I felt like I wasn't able to do, like sometimes I wasn't able to go to football games or spend time with friends or do anything like that."The family placement ended when Megan was sent to a group home in New Philadelphia at age 16."She really hadn't been doing anything terribly out-of-the ordinary for average teenager, but by this time, her great aunt and uncle were in their 80s," Crites said."They were of the generation where children should be seen and not heard.(Due to) some of her natural rebellion, they took her to court unruly behavior.At the time, she was given a probation officer and they decided to place her in the girls' group home, thought it would be best everyone."Crites knows this now, but she didn't know it when she volunteered to work at the PAL Mission group home after Megan had been placed there.Reunited by Bible study "I was doing a Bible study with the residents on how to build healthy relationships," Crites said."And the first night I went, there was Megan.""She knew who I was, but I didn't know who she was," Megan said."I came home and I said to myself, 'God put this girl in my life again a reason and I'm not going to ignore it,'" Crites said.The next day, she asked the group home director if she could be assigned to mentor Megan, since each resident was given a member of the community to work with them individually.The request was granted, providing official means Megan to visit Crites' home."When she was still at PAL Mission, that first Christmas that we really spent together, I sat down and told her the story how when she was younger, I was called and asked to consider adopting her," Crites said."I remember her looking at me and saying, 'You mean all that time, somebody really cared me and wanted me?'"I said, 'Yeah, you've always been wanted and cared for.'"Initially, Megan decided to stay in the foster-care system, living in the PAL Mission, when she turned 18 because she hadn't finished high school yet.But three months after her 18th birthday, she wanted to leave foster care.Crites helped her get apartment."Then she began to make some decisions that I couldn't really support," Crites said."I told her that I would always be here her, but that I couldn't support some of the choices she was making.We kind of drifted apart a couple of years."That was the second time Megan slipped away.An unexpected call "Then in July of 2010, she called me, said that she was expecting a child and that she wanted to get her life back together and that she wanted to have a relationship with me again.Pretty much since then, we've been together as a family."Crites helped Megan get a driver's license, finish her education and get apartment with the father of her son Kyson Malcuit, who is now 8."I was there his birth, been there ever since.We've pretty much been a family since that time," Crites said.Megan, 29, has been a home health aide five years.She and Kyson live in a New Philadelphia apartment, although they typically spend Saturdays and Sundays with Crites, and have a family dinner together in the middle of the week.They spend Christmas Eve together in Crites' house, where they open presents.Kyson will be able to go sledding, when the weather cooperates, on the five hilly acres outside the home on Ridge Road NE.That might be enough of a happy landing most people.But Megan wanted the family relationship to be official."Any kid, I think, that's been in foster care most of their lives, they want a family," she said."They want to feel that they're cared for."When I was younger, and even in some of my adult years, even when I had Kyson, I struggled a lot with feeling like I was abandoned, like nobody cared.And I think most kids in foster care probably do feel that way."Adoption becomes possible In 2016, a change in state law let Crites and Megan fulfill their wishes to be mother and daughter.Crites learned from one of her University of Akron social work students that Ohio made it legally possible adult to be adopted as long as the "child" had been in foster care at age 18.Attorney Richard Fox handled the adoption.Since Lisa's longtime friend Sylvia Argento is the administrator of Tuscarawas County probate and juvenile courts, a visiting judge was brought in to consider the adoption.The case was handled by retired Trumbull County Probate Judge Thomas Swift, who served on a state committee that promulgated the adult adoption provision.The adoption became official on Dec. 5, three days before Crites' 55th birthday.Her daughter changed her name from Megan Sue Carruthers to Megan Elizabeth Crites.Megan said she changed her middle name because she never liked the name Sue, but thinks Elizabeth is pretty.She and her mother believe their case is the first of its kind in Tuscarawas County.Although she waited most of her lifetime to have a mother, Megan believes the timing was perfect."I believe everything happens in God's time," she said."This didn't happen before because God doesn't take shortcuts.Even when I was 5, I just think God didn't want to take the shortcut."For me, to just make it official, was amazing.If anything ever would happen to me, then I know Kyson would be taken care of.""We've been a family since July of 2010," Crites said."I think it's just strengthened and grown from that time.We were both a little hesitant at first, unsure of it.Would it work?"She's my daughter.She's called me Mom.I've always said she's the daughter of my heart."Every year, actually at Christmas time, I would sit and look at the Christmas tree and reflect on the year, and kind of always ask that wish of becoming a mother someday."'You can be loved' In addition to gaining a mother and grandmother in Crites, Megan and Kyson also picked up Argento as aunt and great aunt, as she and Crites have a sisterly relationship of 30-some years.Megan said it feels like Lisa has always been her mother."We do things so much alike.We think alike.I'm just the daughter that she should have had.And everybody says that we look alike, too.Everybody says, 'You'd never know the difference.'I said, 'Good, that's the way I like it.'"The family structure makes Megan and Kyson "only" children."We are spoiled, but we don't act like it," Megan said with a laugh, sharing a family joke."We are very blessed."When Kyson opened his presents on Christmas morning, he said, "Boy, I am loved.""And that's what we want him to feel, what I want Megan to feel," Crites said."Blood doesn't make a family," said Megan."Love does," said Crites."Being biologically related doesn't make you a parent.It's not in the DNA.It's in the heart.""She is my mom and my son's grandma," Megan said."She has taught me the meaning of unconditional love.She has shown me how to be a mature, responsible, and independent woman."She asked The Times-Reporter to share her story to let others who have been through similar experiences to know it is possible to have a real family, and to never give up."You can be loved," Megan said."You can have a family.People do care Never miss a story Choose the plan that's right you.Digital access or digital and print delivery.Subscribe Now Sign up daily e-mails () Sign up Site services Marketplace Communities Sister Publications © Copyright 2006-2019 GateHouse Media, LLC.All rights reserved • GateHouse News Original content available non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.Digital access or digital and print delivery.Learn More IFRAME: People Follow us on: use of this site constitutes acceptance of our A couple who agreed to adopt a baby were devastated after learning that the mother was never pregnant in the first place Kelly McLaughlin Dec. 10, 2018, 2:57 PM K3S/Shutterstock that they were looking a baby to adopt after they Traytes, then later said the baby was still alive, despite " after their adoption process turned out to be a hoax allegedly made up by the woman who told them they could have her baby.Matt and Laura Trayte, from Lake Forest, California, met Beth Jones, of Nickelsville, Virginia, on after a months-long attempt at adopting a child, according to the Orange County Register.Over the course of more than two months, Jones led the couple to believe she was having a baby — but now the Traytes say there was no baby to begin with.The Traytes struggled to conceive The couple had struggled to conceive their first son, Hudson, and later had difficulties when trying to have a second child.The Traytes went though multiple rounds of IVF and spent $16,000 on failed adoption services before launching the page, "A Sibling Hudson," and accompanying GoFundMe.Through the page they met several potential birth mothers who wanted to give up their babies, including Jones, who contacted the couple in September.Jones told the Traytes she had gotten pregnant in April and that she and her husband wanted to give up the baby because they couldn't afford a third child.She didn't want any money, and the Traytes and Jones decided they would have open adoption, where Jones would still be in the baby's life.Jones and Laura Trayte exchanged messages several times a day between September 13 and November 29, with the women calling the unborn child "baby girl," and exchanging thoughts pregnancy. Read more:10 things to know IVF, a popular fertility treatment Ahead of the baby's birth, Laura Trayte traveled to Virginia to meet Jones, and was sent numerous ultrasound photos.When Jones finally told the couple she was going into labor, however, the Traytes learned there was no baby.They arrived in the emergency room on November 29 to find Jones fully clothed, no baby in sight, and doctors saying the woman was being treated back pain, and not in labor.Jones later told the couple via texts that she had "lost the baby about two weeks ago" but didn't want to tell the Traytes because she was "scared."Jones has given conflicting explanations what's happened After telling the Traytes that she'd lost the baby two weeks prior, Jones later posted on that she'd actually lost the baby 13 weeks after conception.She then told investigators that she lost the baby in June.Then Jones told Southern Californian News Group that the baby was still alive, and that she would still consider letting the Traytes adopt the child."I wouldn't say I have really changed my mind on them," Jones wrote in a message to the media company."I just have to know without a doubt what's best.I'm not even sure what's best."She has yet to produce birth or death certificates the child, and the Traytes believe that there was no baby to begin with."What was her motive?"Laura said to the Orange County Register."It wasn't money.It seemed like she wanted to see us in the most emotional pain possible.She should get mental help.What else is she capable of?"Her husband added: "This is a case of pure psychological torture.It is emotional crime."The district attorney's office in Scott County, Virginia, has yet to bring charges against Jones, and investigators said it would only be possible to bring a civil suit against her because no money was exchanged.Jones' motive remains unclear — but it's not the first time such a thing has happened.In 2015, a woman was arrested deceiving a couple with a fake pregnancy in Texas.And earlier this year, a woman was arrested for allegedly faking pregnancy to scam thousands of dollars out of adoption : pregnancy deceased donor, and it's the first successful birth of its kind SEE ALSO: 10 of the most common pregnancy complications to watch out for NOW WATCH: artist from Belgium creates shadow art using everyday objects More: Pregnancy Adoption Family Hoax Get Insider In Your Inbox Like what you see here?Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get more of it.Sign-Up Popular Tennessee is giving clemency to Cyntoia Brown, a sex-trafficking victim who was sentenced to more than 50 years murder as a teenager Tennessee is giving clemency to Cyntoia Brown, a sex-trafficking victim who was sentenced to more than 50 years murder as a teenager Popular THE TRUTH ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ: The inside story of how, in just one year, Sandy the bartender became a lawmaker who triggers both parties THE TRUTH ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ: The inside story of how, in just one year, Sandy the bartender became a lawmaker who triggers both parties Popular Bill Gates warns that nobody is paying attention to this state-of-the-art scientific technology that could make inequality even worse Bill Gates warns that nobody is paying attention to this state-of-the-art scientific technology that could make inequality even worse Popular Melissa McCarthy smuggled 40 ham sandwiches into the Golden Globes to stop any stars from getting too hungry Melissa McCarthy smuggled 40 ham sandwiches into the Golden Globes to stop any stars from getting too hungry Popular A scheduling decision could be why ticket prices the College Football Playoff championship game are plummeting A scheduling decision could be why ticket prices the College Football Playoff championship game are plummeting Follow us on: Also check out: use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Sections ) Shelby Star Subscribe Now Adoption equals 11 children the Dyer family Casey White CWhiteStar Sunday Dec 23, 2018 at 8:28 AM Dec 23, 2018 at 8:28 AM The Christmas season can get a little hectic at the Dyer house, but that just comes with the territory of having 11 kids.Roy and Glenda Dyer raised five kids of their own before adopting six more and fostering countless others over the years.So when the family gets together the holidays, along with grandkids and great-grandkids, it is quite the event.�It�s a madhouse, but I sit back and I love it,� Glenda said.Roy and Glenda Dyer�s kids, Michael, Mark, Brian, Keisha, Ashley, were still growing up when they adopted Matt.His mother was someone Roy Dyer had encountered and arrested several times while on patrol with the Cleveland County Sheriff�s Office.Knowing she couldn�t take care of the baby, Roy and Glenda came to the decision to take Matt in as soon as he was born.Around 14 years later, when Matt was a teenager, the family began serving as foster parents through the Department of Social Services.They have since adopted five more children and cared 40 foster kids.�It was when the kids got grown and started marrying off and getting gone, all of a sudden we had empty house and rooms.That�s when it dawned on us,� Roy said.�It was just meant to be,� Glenda said.Joey, Katie and Alli joined the family after Matt.Roy and Glenda most recently finalized adoptions with siblings Justus and Jenny in September.Following the family path It was Roy�s service in law enforcement that brought Matt into the fold and opened the family up�to how important adoption can be.Matt has since followed in his father�s footsteps.He spent three years with the Shelby Police Department and now, like his father, serves in the Cleveland County Sheriff�s Office.Roy said seeing Matt follow his path into law enforcement has given him a sense of�pride.Though he grew up in the Dyer home, Matt believes his family history is a link he has to kids who might come from difficult family situations.It was that connection, and his biological mother�s struggle with drug addiction, that inspired Matt to become Drug Abuse Resistance Education certified.Matt now hopes to step into the D.A.R.E.program to help kids in the community.�I think my strong point is community relations and hopefully reaching kids before they get to the point where they�re doing drugs,� Matt said.�In my opinion, it�s just as important to try to steer kids into the right direction as it is catching the adults doing crime.� Matt isn�t the only child to follow in the footsteps of the parents, albeit in a completely different way.Two of Roy and Glenda's daughters have gone on to adopt children of their own, and one of their sons is currently going through the process.Matt said he and his wife plan to adopt once their two kids are a little older.�I think once people can actually see inside and see what it�s like to adopt, then they�re much more open to it,� Roy Dyer said.By the numbers Allison Clark, program manager over adoption and foster care at the Cleveland County Department of Social Services, said it isn�t uncommon to see families adopt multiple times, and their team enjoys when it happens.To Clark, repeat families show how things can go right the families and the kids who take part in the process.She said the Dyer family is example of how meaningful adoption can be.�It is wonderful to see someone open their heart to that extent,� Clark said.�They just pour everything they have into those children.� There are currently 62 children cleared adoption in Cleveland County.Only nine of those children are not in adoptive home already.Between July 2017 and June 2018, the Department of Social Services oversaw 14 adoptions in Cleveland County.The department has already finalized 16 adoptions since July of this year.�That�s wonderful,� Clark said.�What that says is we�ve identified those forever families and the courts and social workers and attorneys have worked really diligently to make sure those things are finalized.� Not slowing down Over his years as a father, Roy has been known lugging along a video camera and documenting the lives of all 11 kids, from holidays to losing their first teeth to getting their drivers� licenses.A collection of nearly 180 DVDs in the Dyer home documents the special moments in the lives of their children.Though the kids despised the camera at the time, Roy said their oldest children are now excited to look back at the memories the family has shared over the years.�Now when they come over at Christmas or Thanksgiving, the first thing they want to do is pull out the videos,� he said.The whole family gets a chance to come together during the holidays, with Roy and Glenda�s adopted and biological kids spanning decades in age.Though they are now in their late 60s, Roy and Glenda both say they want to continue helping kids as long as they can.In addition to their adopted kids still at home, the couple�currently houses two foster children.�A lot of people when they get older and they get close to retirement age, they get to thinking wanting to retire and do and do and do and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.That ain�t ever been us,� Roy said.�We just still enjoy having kids around.� Choose the plan that's right you.Digital access or digital and print delivery.Subscribe Now Sign up daily e-mails () Sign up Reader Services Advertising News © Copyright 2006-2019 GateHouse Media, LLC.All rights reserved • GateHouse News Original content available non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.Digital access or digital and print delivery.Learn More Skip to main content GOV.UK uses cookies to make the site simpler.Find out more about cookies GOV.UK Search Search Search Menu 1.Home 2.Parenting, childcare and children's services 3.Adoption, fostering and surrogacy Press release Thousands more families to benefit from the Adoption Support Fund £12million boost to support adoptive families bringing total investment to almost £150million since it was first introduced Published 23 December 2018 From: Department Education and The Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP Adoptive family Thousands more adoptive families and special guardians are set to benefit from additional support after special fund was increased by £12million – taking the total investment to £149million since 2015.Over 35,000 families have already benefitted from the Adoption Support Fund, which has provided things like cognitive therapy, play and music therapy, and family support sessions.This much needed therapeutic support can help children come to terms with their difficulties – giving them the confidence to build strong relationships with their new family.This latest additional funding means that the Adoption Support Fund has grown every year since its introduction in 2015 – with the £40million available next year double the original investment of £18million, underlining the Government’s determination to support adoptive families as they settle in to their new lives.Education Secretary Damian Hinds said: Spending quality time with family is one of the most important parts of Christmas, and adoptive parents, along with foster carers and kinship carers, provide loving, stable homes so many vulnerable children and young people.Thousands of families have had their lives transformed by adoption, but there are still too many children waiting to be adopted.I want those thinking adoption and existing adoptive parents to know there is specialist support in place to help families as they adjust to their new lives together.We have seen how life-changing the fund can be and this extra funding will continue to support thousands of children who have experienced trauma and adoptive families as they settle in to their new homes.Sue Armstrong-Brown Chief Executive of Adoption UK said: This is fantastic news adoptive parents across England.I’m pleased that the government heard our recent message, delivered directly to the Children’s Minister by adoptive parents, that more support was needed.Adopters told the minister that many had received life-changing therapeutic support through the Adoption Support Fund.This support makes all the difference to families parenting some of the country’s most vulnerable children - in many cases it has been the one thing that held the family together and prevented the child returning to care.It’s vital that this support is safeguarded into the future, and I’m delighted that additional £12million has been allocated to support adoptive families.Andrew Christie, Chair of the Adoption and Special Guardianship Leadership Board said: I am delighted that additional £12million has been put into the Adoption Support Fund.This will enable thousands more families to get access to the support they need to ensure that their children thrive.Adopters and special guardians have told me that access to therapeutic support helps them understand the impact that trauma, abuse and neglect has had on their children and how they can provide them with the support they need.It is making a huge difference to the lives of thousands of families.Adoption plays a crucial role in providing support some of our most vulnerable children, alongside Special Guardianship, foster care and residential care.The new National Stability Forum Children’s Social Care, which held its second meeting in December, brings together system leaders to focus on looked after children’s outcomes and sense of belonging, regardless of type of setting or legal order.This was a key commitment made in the Government’s publication Fostering Better Outcomes earlier in the year, which set out our aspirations a high quality fostering system.In January, we will be supporting Fostering Network’s revised Foster Carer Charter, with an ambition a Charter to be in place in every fostering service across the UK.The agreement between fostering services and their foster carers will provide children with the best possible care and is an important step towards foster carers receiving the support and respect they deserve.Share this page Published 23 December 2018 Explore the topic Is this page useful?Maybe Yes this page is useful No this page is not useful Is there anything wrong with this page?Thank you your feedback Close Help us improve GOV.UK Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.What were you doing? What went wrong? () Send Close Help us improve GOV.UK To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more your visit today.We’ll send you a link to a feedback form.It will take only 2 minutes to fill in.Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.Email address () Send me the survey Don’t have email address?Prepare EU Exit Services and information Departments and policy Support links Open Government Licence where otherwise stated © Crown copyright #publisher alternate IFRAME: Entrepreneur - eu edition Video Podcasts Start A Business Subscribe Books Leadership What I Learned Leadership, as a CEO Who Became Adoptive Parent The parallels between the two roles taught me three great life lessons.Next Article Add to Queue What I Learned Leadership, as a CEO Who Became Adoptive Parent Image credit: Claudiad | Getty Images Brad Hillier Brad Hillier Guest Writer CEO, Re-Bath January 7, 2019 8 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.Here's something intriguing I recently learned: The characteristics of being a CEO and adoptive parent are actually strikingly similar.Both require massive amounts of energy, the ability to balance multiple priorities and the ability to work well and empathize with others.Related: Coaching and Parenting Have Similar Goals But It's a Big Mistake to Do Them the Same Way As a married man and hard-working father of three, I had constantly juggled balancing my home life with my professional career.As the CEO of a company which now operates in 150 cities across the country, I learned long ago that parenting multiple kids can pose quite the challenge to my ongoing lessons in leadership.Then I upped that challenge: In 2017 my wife and I expanded our family through adoption, and it was the lessons I learned through that experience that really set me up leadership success.Image credit: Re-Bath Alison and I always planned on having four children; however, after having our third biological child, we decided that we would adopt our fourth.At a church service, we were reminded of the overwhelming number of kids that need foster and adoptive parents.In fact, this has been ongoing, even increasing, issue, with The Economist in 2017 reporting on a shocking number of children -- 428,000 in 2015 -- in the U.S. foster care system -- up from 397,000 in 2012.Though our biological kids were teenagers at that point, we decided to begin the parenting process all over again.That process began quite suddenly: We were on our way home from a trip when our agency called to see if we would look after a 7-year-old girl the weekend.Faith was in foster care, but not eligible for adoption.Yet, when they dropped her off, her foster parents told us that they would not be coming back to pick her up.We were pretty overwhelmed at that moment, but instantly fell in love with this little girl, who rocked our lives.The Department of Child Services then called to see if we would keep her and convert our status to foster parents.Faith has been with us ever since, and after a little over a year of being foster parents, on Sept. 28, 2017, we became her adoptive parents.We recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of that watershed event and now can’t imagine our family without her.Nor can I, as a business owner, imagine not drawing from the lessons life and leadership that being adoptive dad have taught me: Build authentic relationships.It’s tempting in the world of business to always think the bottom line, profits and short-term goals.Yet while these are priorities CEOs should always keep in mind, parenting and adopting a child taught me that real long-term success depends on building relationships -- and that begins with trust.Parents and professional leaders build trust with others by having honest conversations and following through on their promises.When I was a foster parent my now-adoptive daughter, I took the time needed to build a strong foundation a true parent-child relationship, which doesn't necessarily develop as smoothly as one with a biological child.Related: 5 Ways to Balance Leadership and Parenthood This process is similar in many ways to my responsibilities as a CEO.For example, when I reached out to a successful franchisee trying to convince him to expand to a second city, he turned me down flat.In hindsight, I believe this happened because our relationship wasn't strong enough me to make that ask.So, I set out to fix things.And, after a few months of intentionally working on the relationship, I saw the franchisee expand to that second city and plan to expand into a third.As a result of those expansions, his business has grown to over $10 million a year.We've both benefited from the trust I built with this man.The lesson?Taking the time to earn each other’s trust allowed this franchisee to take a risk and plan future growth.If you work to build trust relationships with your colleagues and your clients just as you do with your children -- especially adopted child coming into a family she hardly knows -- you will strengthen the core of your business.Develop empathy.Running a multi-million-dollar company as well as raising children, I’ve learned that both roles require innate ability to empathize.In my early years, I was so driven and focused on getting to the next level that I wasn’t always connecting with people.And that had to change.The reason is that creating empathy in a company’s culture can drive the whole team toward success.In 2016, The Harvard Business Review evaluated a variety of brands to investigate whether or not creating empathetic culture in the workforce results in overall success the company.The study recognized a number of programs each company had created to instill empathy, and found that those programs increased overall productivity and success their respective brands.From Ryanair’s “Always Getting Better” program, launched in 2014, to ’s creation of “Empathy Lab,” all of these brands saw positive results from pushing their companies' culture in a more empathetic direction.Empathy is essential trait of a good leader, but it was something that I developed by being adoptive father.Our daughter has biological siblings.In many adoptions like ours, a variety of reasons, the biggest one being safety, there is no communication after the adoption with the biological parents or the siblings.However, at times Faith really misses her younger brothers who are with a set of parents she has known since birth.After deep consideration, we wrote that family’s phone number into her Bible and she has the freedom to call them when she wants.That decision to allow our daughter to keep in contact with her younger brother was important one.Seeing the world through her eyes, our family knew that our daughter had experiences and made relationships with people before becoming a part of our own family.Allowing our daughter to keep in contact with her brother was a way of respecting that.The lesson?Just as a good parent is one who can see the world through his or her children’s eyes, executives need to lead their businesses by first putting themselves in their clients’ and team’s shoes.Model the behavior you seek.The act of coaching, nurturing and being a role model are essential qualities of a parent and a strong leader.When our family welcomed our daughter into our home, we sought to provide environment that would help her grow into a well-rounded individual.When Faith arrived, she had missed 51 days of kindergarten and 35 days of first grade, and had never done any homework.This is common in the foster care system: A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the children the researchers examined who were in out-of-home placements consistently struggled with academics more than children in stable living situations.Fortunately us, we had, and have, three other kids who are all good students and used to coming home from school and sitting at our kitchen table to get their homework done.Seeing that behavior modeled allowed our new daughter to see the effort that goes into being a good student.After one year of sitting at the kitchen table with her new brothers and sister, all working on homework together, Faith scored ahead of the curve math.I’ll never forget the look of pride on her face when she realized that her hard work had paid off and she was back on par with her classmates.The lesson?The best leaders understand the importance of role-modeling and know that supporting their team members shouldn't all be about lecturing, but rather coaching and providing guidance.In my business, I know that my behavior and work ethic are the model set my whole team.When I set myself to a high standard, the culture throughout the company is also set to that same standard of self-drive and improvement.Overall, there are times when leaders are presented with opportunity to make a difference, execute a new program or create a new relationship.They should embrace these opportunities with a mindset that says they can open new pathways to success.Related: 15 Tips Instilling Leadership Skills in Children Being a CEO and adoptive parent are both challenging endeavors.The parallels between the two have taught me great life lessons.I know that every day is opportunity to learn something new, build a stronger relationship and help someone achieve their dreams.More from Entrepreneur Kathleen, Founder and CEO of Grayce & Co, a media and marketing consultancy, can help you develop a brand strategy, build marketing campaigns and learn how to balance work and life.Book Your Session a limited time only, get this bundle of Entrepreneur Press® titles less than $30 (60% OFF) on our bookstore when you use "LEAP" at checkout.Buy Now Are paying too much business insurance?Do you have critical gaps in your coverage?Trust Entrepreneur to help you find out.Get Your Quote Now Related Books Entrepreneur Voices on Company Culture Entrepreneur Voices on Company Culture Buy 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Jean Lubinsky never knew her biological father, but Bob Dube married her mom and became her dad when she was 5 years old.He used to walk her to elementary school.They went fishing together.When she was a teenager, he taught her how to drive.Even after Dube and Lubinsky's mother divorced, the two of them remained close.He was there when she got married.She told him she was pregnant on one of their fishing trips.He was there the birth of her first child.Decades later, when Lubinsky learned adult adoption, she was surprised how much this idea meant to her.She asked Dube what he thought.He started calling lawyers the next day."A lot of people would say why bother or what's the point, but he's the only father figure I've ever known," Lubinsky says."This is a validation to the world that he's my father, not just the father in my heart.Put that seal on it, damn it - he's my father."Lubinsky, 45, still lives in Blackstone, where her husband has his own machine shop.Dube, 67, remarried and retired to Bradenton, Florida, four years ago.When they arranged her adoption through A Bond of Love, a Sarasota, Florida, agency, they were offered court dates of Dec. 17 or Jan. 15."We both said it'd be great if it was in December," Lubinsky says."What a Christmas present."For the last 27 years, A Bond of Love has thrown a Christmas party in Sarasota its adoptive parents and their children.In Bradenton, Bob Dube tells the jump rope story.On the phone from Blackstone, Lubinsky tells the jump rope story.It goes like this.When Dube and her mom went on their first date, in 1977, Jean went to a babysitter's house.On their way home from the date, they picked her up in his car.When Jean got out of the car, she noticed that she had left her jump rope in the back seat."I knew I should take it with me," she says."If I didn't, I might not see it again.But I quickly made the decision to leave it on the seat.I was hoping he'd bring it back to me."He did bring back her jump rope.He wound up marrying her mom.He became her dad.Lubinsky remembers looking a new apartment just before Christmas in 1978.Dube remembers that, too."We got a tree and set up the decorations before we even moved in our stuff," he says."This was two weeks before Christmas."For more than 30 years, Dube worked in maintenance at a hospital in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.To make extra money, he would clean doctor's offices in the evening.When Jean got older, she would work part-time, too.If they finished cleaning early, they would go fishing in a reservoir next to the office park."We did a lot of things together," Dube says."I taught her to drive on my pickup truck."Dube and his wife, Diane, live in Golf Lakes Estates, upscale mobile home park in Bradenton.She plays cards.He plays pickle ball.On their living room wall, Diane has photos of her children and grandchildren.Dube has a wedding photo of his stepdaughter.He says he never liked the word "stepfather," much less ex-stepfather, after he and her mom got divorced."Legally," he says, "I found out she wasn't even my stepdaughter anymore."More than 20 years later, when she asked him adoption, Dube liked the idea, too.Finally, on Dec. 17, Lubinsky made a conference call to the Manatee County Courthouse, where Dube stood before a judge.A notary swore everyone in.Papers were signed, and that was that.Five days later, Dube and his wife flew to Massachusetts to spend the Christmas holidays with Lubinsky and her husband, Kevin."This is the first time we stay with them," Dube said before the trip."We'll be even closer."For Lubinsky, the adoption process has been one emotional moment after another.Months ago, when she gave her mother the news, she wasn't sure what to expect "When I told her, she burst into tears," Lubinsky says."She said, 'I'm so happy you guys.'" She thinks the first time she ever read adult adoption was in a newspaper article.She hopes her story might inspire others who want to recognize their adoptive parents."It's never too late," Lubinsky says."I might be 45, and he might be in his late 60s, but it turns out that it doesn't matter.That's pretty cool to find out." Online: Information from: Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, Mass.), http://www.telegram.com Copyright 2019 The Associated Press.All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Next Up: Headline Goes Here Adult adoption brings family closer during holidays News Weather Advertisers & Sponsors About Us © 2019 Cox Media Group.By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices.This station is part of Cox Media Group Television.Learn careers at Cox Media Group. () () ] ] ] ] 4 Siblings Embrace New Brother After Family Adopts Him From Colombian Orphanage Inspirational 3:09 PM PST, December 17, 2018 - JOHANNA LI 4 Siblings Embrace New Brother After Family Adopts Him From Colombian Orphanage Inspirational 3:09 PM PST, December 17, 2018 - JOHANNA LI Playing 11-Year-Old Orphan Hugs Adoptive California Family in Emotional Reunion Now Playing hh:mm:ss Four siblings embraced their newest adopted brother in a tight hug as they prepare to take him to his forever home in California.Sebastian, 11, once orphan growing up in Colombia, is now preparing to spend the holidays as a new member of the Barkey family despite having no clue he would be adopted at all until after it was all finalized.Sebastian spent the summer with JoBen and Amanda Barkey and their three sons and daughter, Asher, Judah, Jameis and Mishayla, as a part of a hosting program.“It was bittersweet him,” said JoBen, in interview with T&T Creative Media.“He has always wanted to live in a home with a family that had a lot of boys and a sister.We were his dream family come true."According to Colombian law, the Barkey family was not allowed to tell Sebastian they intended on adopting him while they were hosting him.“When he left, flight crew had to peel his hands off the entrance of the plane,” he said.“It's been really hard being separated and always thinking him and wishing we could be there to give him a kiss and tuck him in at night.” But when they got the approval and worked on securing his immigration visa, the Barkeys broke the news to Sebastian and his reaction, captured on video, went viral.“He could barely believe what he was seeing and hearing because he had accepted the fact that our family was too big to ever adopt another child,” JoBen said.“He was overcome with surprise and happiness at the same time.” The family originally told Sebastian they wouldn't be able to collect him until February since they were unsure how long the adoption process might take, but surprised him earlier this month, just in time to take him home the holidays.“The moment we saw him, a flood of emotions came over all of us as we knew that we were together forever,” JoBen said.RELATED STORIES High School Sweethearts Marry After Finding Biological Son Put Up for Adoption Nearly 40 Years Ago Parents of Texas High School's Quarterback 'Adopt' Running Back Couple 'Adopts' Veteran, 93, After Town of Paradise Burns to the Ground Meet the Couple Who Adopted 6 Blind Children ] ] ] Latest News A Michigan child was rescued after she posted photos of her dead dad to , police said.Girl, 6, Rescued After Posting Photos of Her Dead Dad on : Police Texas Tenors The Texas Tenors Return to 'America's Got Talent' Stage, 10 Years After Their Big Break Got a tip?Email Us: tips@insideedition.com Call Us: (212) 817-5555 Trending Now 1.How Teen Louis Braille Came Up With System the Blind to Read and Write 2.Woman Warns of Pre-Workout Drinks and Supplements After Husband Collapses 3.Did Auto Mechanic Win the $1.5 Billion Mega Millions Lottery Prize?4.Missing Mom's Parents File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Fiance Accused of Killing Her 5.CBS interactive © 2019 Inside Edition Inc. 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Menu WMYD - Detroit, Michigan Watch Live Watch Alerts 1 weather alerts 1 closing/delay Close x Watch Live Watch A woman's adoption business may have been fake — as well as a baby she promised two families Contracts show same baby promised to 2 families Posted: 1:58 PM, Dec 11, 2018 Updated: 2018-12-12 15:49:55Z By: Heather Catallo MACOMB COUNTY, Michigan — Ever since WXYZ television station did a segment a mother who says she’s adoption worker , but she isn’t licensed by the state of Michigan, families have been calling, emailing and reaching out on social media to share their heartbreaking stories.Now we've obtained new documents that show the same baby was promised to more than one family; both families paid thousands of dollars for the alleged adoption "services."One of those families is the Markley family.Stacey Markley says she’s having a really tough week: the baby boy that her family was supposed to adopt was allegedly due on Sunday.But now she doesn’t even know if that baby ever existed, and she wants some answers.Tara Lynn Lee promotes herself online as adoption worker.But the 37-year-old from New Haven, Mich. is not a licensed adoption worker in Michigan and state officials tell us the companies and nonprofits she’s associated with are not licensed either.Lee’s home was raided by the FBI in November .Several sources close to the investigation say Lee is under scrutiny allegedly promising the same baby to more than one potential adoptive family at a time.“We were so prepared this baby, everybody was excited us.And then just to turn around and have nothing, to this day it’s still hard me,” said Markley from her home in Ohio.Markley says she and her husband hired Lee to help them adopt a baby boy.She says based on the contract they signed, they were paying Lee to care the birth mother who had “matched” with them.Now Markley isn’t sure if there ever was actual birth mom or a baby.“It’s heartbreaking because I’m surrounded by all this baby stuff and it doesn’t have owner,” Markley said.Markley says Lee’s stories the birth mother never added up.“It was constant, the two months that we were matched with her, it was – ‘oh, we didn’t meet up, she canceled, I canceled – I had to go deliver a baby.’ So it’s like we never got word of how anything was going,” Markley said.Markley says Lee had them sign a contract, and they handed over $17,000 when they “matched” with the birth mother.But when they asked for additional proof of pregnancy, Markley says, they didn’t get it.“I knew in my heart that day that that was going to be the end of it — we weren’t going to be going forward with this, and we weren’t going to be matched anymore.I called my mom crying that day,” she said.She says after a lot of fighting they eventually got $12,000 back.Lee’s paperwork shows she kept $4824.75 expenses.Lee’s contract from July states that “TL Pregnancy Services is a licensed counseling and adoption education center," but state licensing officials confirm Lee is not a licensed counselor.After Markley spoke to WXYZ, we discovered what appears to be a second contract another couple in a different state.The contracts are dated two weeks apart: both promising a baby born 12/9/18 from what appears to be the same birth mother named “Tracy.” Meanwhile, Lee’s attorney says she has been cooperating with the FBI probe.“I do know that the government is investigating, and that’s their job, and they could do their due process and do their due diligence, but as it stands today we have heard nothing.To the extent that they’ve asked us information, she’s been in full compliance,” said Sanford Schulman.Schulman also told WXYZ in email that, “Always Hope has never claimed to be a licensed agency and this is explicitly noted in every contract.Always Hope provides support expectant mothers who choose adoption.Every stage was overseen by qualified attorneys who could be consulted throughout the process.” But when WXYZ pointed out that the contract was with TL Pregnancy Services that claimed to be licensed, Schulman seemed unaware of the claims Lee made in her contract.There is no record of a company called TL Pregnancy Services with the state of Michigan.As we reported last week , state records show, prior to 2016, Lee ran something called Always Hope Pregnancy Center LLC.Lee is also connected to the Always Hope Pregnancy and Education Center Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida.Lee is listed as a director on a nonprofit called Always Hope Adoption and Family Services, Inc. in Sterling Heights, Michigan.State officials tell us that organization and Lee are both now under investigation by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and neither is licensed to handle adoptions.The FBI investigation is still underway into Lee.If you know more this adoption probe, please contact Heather Catallo at 248-827-4473 or at hcatallo@wxyz.com Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Why we redesigned the website Social Scripps TV Station Group © 2019 The E.W.Scripps Co Robin Worley encourages her children to remember that they are “ambassadors good and God.” (Courtesy of the Worley family) The Worley family, from left: Noah, Billy, Robin, Heidi, Teagan and Michah Worley.Robin Worley encourages her children to remember that they are “ambassadors good and God.” (Courtesy of the Worley family) Episode 77: Adoption connects Tennessee family with Catholic sisters in China by National Catholic Reporter IFRAME: tracks%2F548345763&showartwork=true&maxheight=166&maxwidth=640 The Worleys of Tennessee adopted Teagan in March when she was 5.Desperate to find out more information her early years, they stumbled across a Global Sisters Report article sisters in China who care orphans with disabilities — and found some of the answers they were looking for.On the show today: Background reading: church grounds in a rural region outside of Beijing, abandoned babies with severe disabilities started showing up on the doorstep.One such abandoned baby was Teagan, or Tian Xin Yue.The sisters' care today encompasses three centers, known as the Liming Family, children and young adults who receive therapy, education, and a raise Teagan and later connected with Billy and Robin, sharing Lidman reports how Billy and Robin Worley found Sr. Ma Suling and learned more Teagan's infancy.Support independent Catholic journalism.Become NCR Forward member $5 a month.How do I listen?We can let you know when new podcast episodes are published.Sign up emails here.From your iPhone or iPad: Open the preloaded app called "Podcasts."It has a purple icon.If you're reading this from your phone, tap this link, which will take you straight there.(You can also use the magnifying glass icon to search; type "NCR in Conversation.")Once you're on the series page, you can tap on episode title to play it.Tap on the "subscribe" to have new episodes sent to your phone.If you prefer another podcast player, you can find "NCR in Conversation" there.(Here's the RSS feed.)From your Android phone or tablet: You can listen and subscribe using the preloaded Google Play app.If you're reading this from your phone, tap this link to play the latest episode and learn more about the app.From your desktop or laptop: You can also simply press the play above to listen on this page.Make sure to keep this window open on your browser, or the audio will stop.You can always find the latest episode of NCR in Conversation at NCRonline.org/podcast.Advertisement Join the Conversation Send your thoughts and reactions to Letters to the Editor.Learn more here Enter your email address to receive free newsletters from NCR.Email address Sign up Advertisement Advertisement People | NCR Podcast: Adoption connects Tennessee family with Catholic sisters in China Share on Tweet this Article Print this Article E-mail this Article Advertisement Most Recent As U.S. bishops meet, Vatican may be deciding McCarrick's fate Jan 7, 2019 French cardinal reiterates innocence in abuse cover-up trial Jan 7, 2019 Jesuit Fr.Charles Currie, college and social justice leader, dies Jan 7, 2019 House budget bill repeals 'Mexico City Policy' on NGO abortion funding Jan 7, 2019 Solve the Missouri budget problem by reducing the prison population Jan 7, 2019 Impeachment is a process, and it is already underway Jan 7, 2019 Police investigate swastika-painting vandalism at Bridgeport cathedral Jan 7, 2019 Seek Jesus, adore him, serve him and others, pope says on Epiphany Jan 7, 2019 All recent stories Advertisement Quick Reads As U.S. bishops meet, Vatican may be deciding McCarrick's fate Jan 7, 2019 French cardinal reiterates innocence in abuse cover-up trial Jan 7, 2019 House budget bill repeals 'Mexico City Policy' on NGO abortion funding Jan 7, 2019 Police investigate swastika-painting vandalism at Bridgeport cathedral Jan 7, 2019 Vatican confirms investigation is underway of bishop abuse, misconduct Jan 4, 2019 Filipino bishop tells Catholics to ignore Duterte anti-church tirades Jan 3, 2019 3 ways to support NCR 1 Sign up our free newsletters.Email address Sign up 2 Subscribe to our newspaper. "Children who are part of a sibling group always wait longer their adoptive family to be found, than single children would."Staff Reporter Email Published: 11:32 Updated: 11:38 Monday 07 January 2019 Share this article Promoted by Caritas Care Adoption charity launches New Year campaign to keep brothers and sisters together in new forever homes.An adoption agency has launched urgent appeal to help sibling groups in Preston and the surrounding area find parents.In the north west a staggering 64 per cent of children waiting for adoption are part of a sibling group.While the idea of taking on multiple children can initially seem overwhelming to potential adopters, keeping siblings together as much as possible is crucial, says Caritas Care, independent adoption agency more than 80 years.Adoption practice manager, Patricia Hurst said: “Children who are part of a sibling group always wait longer their adoptive family to be found, than single children would.If you feel you can consider giving a home and family to a sibling group please talk to us.There are many benefits adopters in parenting sibling groups – staying together means that they have unbroken bond which can increase their resilience as they face the future together; staying together means that they have a shared history and can support each other to understand their situation.Siblings staying together is twice the fun adoptive parents!“If a family cannot be found brothers and sisters they may have to be split up – if you have a close bond with your siblings you can imagine how difficult this would be.” Siblings placed together adoption are often the only people in their world who can really understand each other and their shared story.Patricia added: “The bond between siblings is incredibly important, and we’d encourage you to consider the joys and the privilege of welcoming them into your home.” You can read Dear Adopter stories here from families who talk of their experiences of adopting siblings and the wonderful relationships that have developed along the way.Caritas Care – which is rated ‘outstanding’ in all areas its adoption service – supports all involved in adoption throughout the process and beyond.It is committed to being honest with adopters and prospective adopters at every stage, including discussing the challenges that adopters may sometimes experience.Confidential Live Chat available Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm and late night Wed to 7-8pm through the website.For more information call 0800 652 6955, email info@caritascare.org.uk or visit Caritas Care offers a number of routes to become adoptive parent and is interested in talking to people who are interested in adopting.Adoption experts at Caritas Care are also continually looking for families babies, single children, older children, children from differing ethnic backgrounds and children with additional needs.Trending 1.How Preston North End's players rated in FA Cup exit against Doncaster - Dave Seddon's marks out of 10 2.Preston roadworks: Three months of traffic chaos feared as major works start in Fulwood on Monday 3.Hitman Jayden Stockley reveals why he chose to join Preston North End 4.Alex Neil reacts to Preston North End's "unacceptable" performance in FA Cup exit to Doncaster Rovers 5.These are the 9 most wanted people in Lancashire in 2019 Follow Us On Explore More from the Lancashire Evening Post Useful Links y-finds-fulfillment-in-adoption-and-you-can-too] Sections FOX 44° () Local News () Videos the murder of those six people and injuring two others.Monday would have been the second day of jury selection his trial, which was expected to last weeks.Jason Dalton pleads guilty in Kalamazoo shooting spree that killed 6, wounded 2 , thanks to her ability to use a hoverboard like a pro.Video redit: Wang Ao'ai/Kuaishou via Storyful Toddler knows how to ride a hoverboard a restaurant, his family is still seeking answers and justice.Detroit family hopes new year will bring justice son's murder Photos strapless dress and pearl necklace and has her hair in a bun, 1977.(Photo bhy Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Aretha Franklin through the years Family finds fulfillment in adoption, and you can too Posted: Dec 21 2018 06:32PM EST Video Posted: Dec 21 2018 06:30PM EST photo photo (FOX 2) - Hundreds of kids woke up this morning with no place to call a permanent home, but not a few special kids in the Beyer household."I have realized how beautiful life can be, even with a set of family that's not your birth family," said Alicia Beyers.Her two boys, 3-year-old Gavin and 18-month-old Harrison, were once in foster care.Alicia was determined to adopt a child.Her own loss when she was 19 fueled the decision."About 10 years ago my parents were killed by a drunk driver and then, my family was destroyed.I had a very unexpected family step in," she said.Even at 19, Alicia needed family and she got one.She was taken under the wing of a family who still to this day are like grandparents to her own children.Stephen wasn't convinced that they were ready to adopt, then he went to a Judson Center meeting.They help families foster and adopt kids who need it."There was a McDonald's across the street and we were in line and she was ordering, and she looked over at me and she said, 'So what do you want?'and I said, 'Let's adopt that boy," Stephen said.They already have their own two children, but the social worker and Stephen, a nurse, decided to adopt not one, but two boys."Actually the day we adopted him our adoption worker asked us if we wanted to take another little guy, and that's Harrison so he's a year younger," Alicia said.Three hundred children right now are waiting a foster home in Michigan.The Judson Center hope that other families who see this think how easy and fufilling it is.Addison Sweany with the Judson Center said adoptions vary depending on the county, but there are times where families are eligible to have fees rembursed."There are times where there are no costs at all to adopt a child," she said.The Beyers are going to have a very Merry Christmas -- four times over.All Rights Reserved. Can you identify the suspect in this surveillance footage?By: Posted: Dec 28, 2018 12:43 PM EST Updated: Dec 28, 2018 12:43 PM EST What better gift the holidays than family adoption?Invisible placeholder AdoptionSurprise020181228173927 Adoption Surprise Video AdoptionSurprise020181228173927 IFRAME: 1y7KTtvUN63MWAc&q=, One more reason to save the best gift last... 11-year-old Carter Wyles is to get the Christmas surprise of a lifetime."This is you.This is from all of us.OK?All of us."That's his aunt, Leah Kiphart, offering him a final gift to unwrap on Christmas morning.Inside; a family photo of the Kipharts, showing Carter's aunt, uncle, and cousins, as well as a very special letter."Carter, this is our most recent picture of our family.All of us would love you to be in the next picture and to be part of our family.Carter, would you like to be a Kiphart and be our son and brother?We love you.""Haha, what do you think, buddy?"Carter nodded."We're gonna adopt you, Carter.""I want to thank you so much."His aunt tells us Carter's adoption status was nearing deadline, about to change, so someone outside the family would be able to adopt him."This might have been the last time that we were ever going to see Carter, and felt that it was really important us to keep him in the family... A lot of people talk how lucky he is.We are just as fortunate to have him join our family."And, Carter says, "For me, it was really emotional...It makes me feel good that other people can enjoy, like, my happiness and my family's happiness".For more information on adopting locally, here.Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.More Stories Dalton pleads guilty to third degree murder of David Tate, Jr. A third suspect involved in a 2017 shooting that left one man… 3 hours ago Can you identify the suspect in this surveillance footage?Investigators are requesting the public's help in identifying this… 4 hours ago Resources combating human trafficking Human Trafficking is prevalent, unfortunately, even in… 4 hours ago Trending Stories Don't Miss rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, Amazon Alexa Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Amazon Alexa Latest News . Dalton pleads guilty to third degree murder of David Tate, Jr. Resources combating human trafficking $700,000; attorney looks to cancel Judge orders Leclair to pay Coast Guard fees totaling more than $700,000; attorney looks to cancel Tate, Jr. Third suspect to plead guilty in connection to murder of David Tate, Jr. Video Center Stay Connected LAKANA The end of skin cancer?An organization called "both hands" does just that.families fund their adoptions by coordinating a service project fixing up a widow's home.Its a national organization with projects all over the country----even right here in savannah.Adam and Amanda Huggins launched their fundraising efforts a month ago.They always knew they wanted to adopt but they didn't think the process would look quite like this.The Huggins family first met Artem in 2016 through orphan hosting program and they knew right away that they wanted to give him a forever home, but they knew it would cost more than they could ever afford."For me it is just the uncertainty of everything just not knowing you know what really how it is going to play out you know we are still not a 100 percent sure that you know we are going to be able to adopt him um or that all this is going to work out," said Huggins.Despite that uncertainty---the Huggins are happy--that through their fundraising efforts they're making a difference in someone else's life; that someone is Mary Reaves."I was so happy, so happy and i am telling you its just a blessing i was always said i was going to fix my little house up and make it my dream house," said Reaves.The Huggins and their group of volunteers finished the improvements on Reaves's house this past weekend.here's what they did."We are painting the exterior re-doing the dry wall in her bedroom uh fixing up the vanity and doing a couple other things around the house," said Amanda Huggins.After the family does the first project---both hands takes over the rest.The Huggins are hoping to have the adoption finalized by this summer.The Huggins still have a long road ahead of them to bring Artem, a boy from Ukraine, home.Artem will be in the states Christmas, but the Huggins will be visiting Ukraine at least three times to finalize the adoption.They have raised nearly $3,000 of their $30,000 fundraising goal.To help donate to their fundraiser, or to learn more volunteering with Both Hands, visit here.Continue Reading Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. 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These are external links and will open in a new window () Close share panel Karrissa Cox and Richard Carter Image caption Karrissa Cox and Richard Carter challenged a family court ruling A couple forced to give their baby up adoption, even after being cleared of abuse, did not suffer a miscarriage of justice, a judge has ruled.Karrissa Cox and Richard Carter, from Guildford, had challenged a family court ruling that criticised them and backed the baby's adoption.They claimed they had been treated as "guilty until proven innocent".However, Judge Sir James Munby said their child had been the victim of "really serious" abuse and "cruelty".Ms Cox and Mr Carter lodged a legal challenge in 2015, vowing to clear their names.But after reviewing the evidence of that hearing, Sir James said the family court "process" overseen by Judge Peter Nathan had been vindicated and neither the parents, nor their child, had suffered a miscarriage of justice.The baby, who cannot be identified, was taken away from Ms Cox and Mr Carter, a former soldier, who served in Afghanistan, in 2012 when it was just six weeks old.Image copyright Google Image caption The judge backed Surrey County Council's intervention, which resulted in the baby being adopted The couple were charged with child cruelty after hospital staff found a number of bruises and what appeared to be bone fractures.But they were acquitted on the direction of the judge at Guildford Crown Court after expert witness said he could not be sure the X-rays showed fractures.The baby was subsequently adopted and the parents - who have since separated - dropped their demand to have the child back during the course of Sir James's review.In his ruling, Sir James, former president of the Family Division of the High Court, backed the judge who had overseen the earlier hearing.He said the couple carried a "high measure of responsibility" for "serious parental failures".Sir James said that during the first few weeks of its life, the child had suffered "extraordinary constellation" of "inflicted injuries which there is no innocent explanation".In his ruling, he said the "constellation of marks and bruises... were inflicted by one or other or both of the birth parents... using unreasonable force".Mr Carter did not attend and was not represented at court the judgement.Ms Cox's barrister has not responded to BBC approaches for comment.Related Topics Share this story sharing More on this story ' 14 October 2015 9 October 2015 ' 7 October 2015 Related Internet links The BBC is not responsible the content of external Internet sites Surrey live reporting Live BBC Live: South East Full article BBC Live: South East Top Stories France unveils crackdown on protesters People who hold unauthorised protests face prosecution under plans being drawn up by the government.7 January 2019 Saudi woman ends airport hotel standoff 7 January 2019 Kevin Spacey in court on groping charge 7 January 2019 Features Golden Globes red carpet in pictures Smashing through barriers to set up a $2bn tech firm Video The 'superwoman' midwife of the mountains Video Five questions Trump's border wall 'We risk our lives to build your beautiful homes' War-weary Syrians in Manbij wait to learn fate The concrete blocks that once protected Britain The end of Trump's love affair with generals?Video The man with 40 crocodiles in his garden Elsewhere on the BBC Lyrics quiz Have you been getting these songs wrong?Full article Lyrics quiz Feeling hot What happens to your body in extreme heat?The BBC is not responsible the content of external sites.Read our approach to external linking. LOOKING LOVE: A rescued guinea pig, held by RSPCA Qld spkesperson Micahel Beatty.Rob Williams News Hundreds of pets seek new homes at RSPCA Pop Up Adoption by Ashleigh Howarth 8th Jan 2019 12:11 AM IF YOU are looking to expand your family with a "fur baby", head down to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre the fifth annual RSPCA Pop Up Adoption event this weekend.Hundreds of animals that have been surrendered, dumped or rescued across the state will be available adoption under one roof this Saturday.There will be plenty of playful puppies and curious kittens who will be waiting to meet you.For the first time, a number of guinea pigs will also be up for adoption on the day.Many of the guinea pigs were rescued from a Brisbane property in October by RSPCA inspectors, where they were allegedly kept in a garage commercial breeding purposes.While some of the furry creatures have already found good homes, RSPCA staff are hoping the remaining guinea pigs will find love with new families, especially ones with kids.All animals up adoption have been desexed and micro-chipped.Chester is available adoption at the Wacol RSPCA.Pictured with RSPCA Wacol animal attendant Dani Oatway Chester is available adoption at the Wacol RSPCA.Pictured with RSPCA Wacol animal attendant Dani Oatway Rob Williams Last year's Pop Up Adoption was labelled a "huge success" by RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty, with 432 animals being rehomed and more than 8500 people walking through the doors."It was exhilarating and so encouraging.Everyone was over the moon."He is hoping momentum will grow this year and break the record which was set last year."Animals currently in foster care will also be coming," Mr Beatty said."The day will also be very family orientated.We will have information pet owners and pet items available purchase, as well as displays by RSPCA Reptile adoptions, the foster team and School for Dogs."It will be a great day out all and we can't wait to see you there and help you find your forever pet."While no other animals are permitted in the Convention Centre, Mr Beatty said adoption staff would be able to provide people with resources to help introduce their pet to their new adopted animal.You can also pre-register your details adoption online now at beatty puppies rspca rspca queensland Ipswich Advertiser Top Stories High-profile builder and retailer collapses were a notable low on the Queensland business landscape last year, and experts say 2019 isn’t looking much better.The Queensland industries facing insolvency in 2019 Business High-profile builder and retailer collapses were a notable low on the Queensland business landscape last year, and experts say 2019 isn’t looking much better.Would-be robber messes with wrong girl Would-be robber messes with wrong girl Man finds $10,000 cash, then hands it back Man finds $10,000 cash, then hands it back Teen sex slave who killed her rapist freed Teen sex slave who killed her rapist freed There’s only one reason Deb got Today gig There’s only one reason Deb got Today gig Contact Full Site Top Daily Newspapers Community Newspapers © The Queensland Times Pty Limited 2019.Unauthorised reproduction is () × Login Welcome to USA TODAY NETWORK’S EUROPEAN UNION EXPERIENCE Learn More Pets of the week Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle Published 8:18 AM EST Jan 7, 2019 Dogs and cats of all ages, breeds and sizes are available through area animal rescues and shelters, as are opportunities to help homeless animals through foster programs, donations and help with fundraisers and other family-friendly activities.Contact a rescue near you to learn more.Montgomery County Animal Care and Control Belle is a beautiful brindle 4-year-old, spayed-female, hound mix who was previously adopted.She knows how to sit when asked and gets along great with children and cats.Belle is affectionate, has lots of energy, and would be a lap baby if she could.[8fd27220-4ec5-418d-aa49-85f47c42b698-BBellemcacccmyk.jpg?width=1080 &quality=50] Belle Submitted Lilith is a young, female domestic short hair with a beautiful buff coat.She is playful and loves people.[15879f0c-d98f-47bb-a9ed-1824418e8ac0-BLilithmcacccmyk.jpg?width=108 0&quality=50] Lilith Submitted Find them at Montgomery County Animal Care and Control, 616 N. Spring [747efbb9-469a-403b-9c85-47a02da53097-BBabyhscmccmyk.jpg?width=1080& quality=50] Baby Submitted Baby is a 6-year-old, spayed-female tuxedo cat.She is house trained and gets along great with children, dogs and other cats.Baby is a sweet and loving kitty but is a little shy at first.Once she warms up, she wants to sit in your lap and likes to sleep next to you.She is not very playful but loves attention.Find her through the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County, 931-648-8042, [16882166-c578-4741-9b5a-9d5e16d1c15e-BJeevescrucmyk.JPG?width=1080& quality=50] Jeeves Submitted Jeeves is a 6-month-old, male, domestic short-haired kitten.He is playful and exploratory, and is said to like dogs.Jeeves hopes his new year starts with a new home.He is fully vetted and litter box trained.Find him at Petsmart through Cats Are Us, 931-503-0053, [1fa8ead9-57f0-4bd4-b26f-372eac3d2800-BBamadhscmyk.jpg?width=1080&qu ality=50] Bama Submitted Bama is a 2-year-old, 30-pound, neutered-male, German shepherd mix.He is fully vetted and house trained.Bama is a precious little boy who prefers a home without children since they make him nervous.Find him through the Humane Society of Dover-Stewart County, 931-305-8212, [1d44ecf6-774f-4e8e-a740-21ce8a1ec5a1-BCoreyscffarcmyk.jpg?width=108 0&quality=50] Corey Submitted Corey is a 3-year-old, neutered-male pit bull terrier mix with a beautiful brindle coat.He is fully vetted, house and crate trained.Corey loves to play and cuddle with his humans.He will follow you around and stick by your side if you will let him.He gets along well with children, other dogs and cats.Corey is a dominant male and would do best as the only male dog in the house.He loves to run outside and loves to sit by your feet at night and keep you warm.Find him through Stewart County Faithful Friends Animal Rescue, 931-627-1459, [441e14d1-bdef-4b4a-bc8a-79f27d97617f-BJugheadcprmtcmyk.jpg?width=10 80&quality=50] Jughead Submitted Jughead is a handsome, 2-year-old, neutered-male husky mix.He is fully vetted and gets along great with other dogs, cats and children.Jughead is a well-behaved young boy who knows basic commands.He will make a wonderful companion or family pet.Find him through Companion Pet Rescue of Middle Tennessee, 615-260-8473, ts/.Pets Are Worth Saving [96b78ee3-7db0-4d68-847d-cebeeca362c3-BReilypawscmyk.jpg?width=1080& quality=50] Reily Submitted Reily is a beautiful, 2½-year-old, spayed-female boxer mix.She is house and crate trained and walks well on a leash.Reily is a sweet, funny girl, full of love and energy.She loves to run, play fetch and get her belly rubbed.She is a smart girl who learns quickly and listens well.She is good with kids but would do best with older children due to her size.Reily loves attention and would do best with someone who is home a lot.Find her through PAWS-TN, [d765fa47-3efb-4bab-a232-7d281ed94cfc-BZoeytlcdrcmyk.jpg?width=1080& quality=50] Zoey Submitted Zoey is adorable, 1-year-old, spayed-female, Yorkshire/Jack Russell terrier mix.She is fully vetted, house and crate trained, and has a microchip.Zoey gets along great with other dogs, cats and children.She is a very loving and affectionate little girl.Find her through Two Ladies Caring Dog Rescue, 931-217-1587, [d5f4d7dc-3a3d-48dd-93df-441e453b97a8-BBastetpfpracmyk.jpg?width=108 0&quality=50] Bastet Submitted Bastet is 2-year-old, female, domestic short hair with exceptionally beautiful coat.She is fully vetted and litter box trained.Bastet gets along great with dogs, other cats, and children.Her adoption fee is being sponsored.Find her through Precious Friends Puppy Rescue and [ac58ef9a-277d-4727-8783-c83f612c7ad8-BNataliasbbfcmyk.jpg?width=108 0&quality=50] Natalia Submitted Natalia is a 6-month-old, spayed-female pit bull terrier who was previously adopted and returned due to lack of time to care her.She is fully vetted and house trained.Natalia gets along great with other dogs and would be best with older children.She is a happy, sweet and high-energy girl who needs some work on her manners.Find her through Sagley’s Biker Bully Farm, 785-207-5641, Terms of Service Privacy Notice © Copyright Gannett 2018 Friday, the Fanham family officially welcomed their newest addition, adopting Samuel at the court house.They said they have been foster parents the last two-and-a-half years and decided to adopt.They also had words of encouragement anyone considering going through the adoption process.“It’s hard, it really is, but it’s so worth it,” says Megan Farnham.“He’s brought so much happiness and joy in our lives, it’s so worth it.” The family says they have taken care of Samuel since he was two days old.Grab the FREE WDTN News App iPhone or Android.Stay up to date with all the local news, weather and sports as well as live newscasts and events as they happen.Like us on and follow us on all the latest news, weather and sports.Continue Reading Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Several tenants evacuated due to...Copyright by WDTN - All rights reserved Previous Several tenants evacuated due to...Qualified engineering, tech... Next Qualified engineering, tech... More Stories Wright State faculty will file to strike Local News 1 day ago apartment building 6 mins ago fair 24 mins ago shutdown 34 mins ago More News » As Seen on 2 NEWS As Seen on 2 News As Seen on 2 NEWS 9 hours ago Teacher Award 4 days ago More As Seen on 2 NEWS stories » Trending Stories Don't Miss 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Virus halts dog adoptions in Clark County 2 weeks I Love Dayton: A look at why we loved Dayton in 2018 Copyright 2019 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.Time is running out to get packages delivered by Christmas Latest News - Local apartment building Copyright by WDTN - All rights reserved Several tenants evacuated due to kitchen fire at Miamisburg apartment building Dispatch tells 2 NEWS the fire started in the kitchen of one of the apartment units in the 300 block of N. 12th St. Read More » Qualified engineering, tech candidates invited to career fair It will run from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center.Read More » Employee robbed outside Vandalia bar The employee suffered a small cut during the incident but was not seriously injured.Read More » machines Man breaks into Riverside laundry service, steals money from machines Around 5 a.m. on December 2, the suspect entered the laundry service on Linden Avenue and used criminal tools to break into several washer and dryer units.Read More » Springfield revitalization includes mural honoring historic artist unassuming lot in downtown Springfield is bringing the city's past into the future.Read More » More Local News » LAKANA Local News Weather Sports Community Report It! ] Connect with us Search latest latest 1.Nine 9Honey Latest Pregnancy adoption hoax leaves family devastated By Jo Abi| 4 weeks ago A couple has suffered a devastating loss after claiming to have become the victims of a 'pregnancy hoax'.Matt and Laura Trayte from Southern Carolina in the US say they had planned to adopt the baby of a woman named Elizabeth Jones, 34, whom they named Noella.While the couple already had a child -- a son named Hudson -- they had struggled to conceive a second, enduring two miscarriages and two rounds of IVF over three year.That's when they decided to turn to adoption.In the latest episode of Honey Mums, Radio host Sarah McGilvray chats to Deb Knight wrangling her workmates like they are kids.(Article continues.)IFRAME: The Traytes started a GoFundMe page called 'A Sibling Hudson' to help with the process.The couple says when they arrived at the hospital to meet their daughter, there was no baby and doctors told them Elizabeth Jones had presented, but was treated back pain.Following the discovery, Laura says she received a text from Elizabeth claiming she had "lost the baby to weeks ago" and hadn't told the couple because she was "scared".However, following this exchange, Elizabeth allegedly sent a message via to Southern Californian News Group saying the baby is actually alive and she may still consider allowing the couple to adopt it.Related [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2Fnetwork%2Fimages%2F2018 %2F07%2F13%2F17%2F24%2Flauren-final-land.jpg] Birth mum gives baby to couple who tried 18 years to start a family [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F08%2F02%2F11%2F3 3%2Faugust-2-2018-honey-deb-and-hugh-tshirts.png] Deborra-lee Furness shares exciting adoption news: 'It took years' [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F08%2F07%2F11%2F5 4%2F180807carrie.jpg] Country singer Carrie Underwood draws ire with comment fertility [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F08%2F14%2F16%2F5 9%2Fadoptland.jpg] Deborra-lee Furness on making adoption easier: 'We have to support children' "I was never trying to be cruel or mean ever," she allegedly wrote."You have no idea what I have been through in my life and never will."The woman has so far failed to show evidence the baby ever existed.[http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F12%2F11%2F06%2F5 8%2FAdoption-family-heartbreak.png] The couple say they have been left devastated.(GoFundMe) Matt Trayte, 40, says it has been a case of "pure psychological torture", also describing it as "emotional crime".The couple had spent $16,000 through adoption agency but when the case fell through, they found Elizabeth and thought their dream to expand their family was to come true.That's when they set up the GoFundMe page aimed at finding a birth mother.Elizabeth contacted them, saying she was pregnant with her third child but she and her husband couldn't support it.The Traytes thought she was genuine because she didn't ask money, and claim they turned down two other birth mothers when they found Elizabeth.Laura even flew to Virgina to meet Elizabeth, the women posing for pictures together, visiting a lawyer to sign a Durable Power of Attorney.There were signs something wasn't right, when Elizabeth send the couple three ultrasound photos showing dates from 2012.Also during Laura's visit to Virginia, she was supposed to attend appointment with Elizabeth, however the mum claimed it had been rescheduled.[http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F12%2F11%2F07%2F3 4%2FHONEY-ADOPTION-FAMILY-ANOTHER-PIC.png] The couple found the woman online.(GoFundMe) Elizabeth had told the couple she was due to be induced on November 29 at 9.30am, however they then received a message saying she'd gone into labour early.She then texted the couple a change in location the birth and sent a photo of bloody blankets.They rang Elizabeth who seemed to be breathless and in labour and attempted to coach her over the phone.They then received a message from the woman saying, "I'm sorry I have to push her out.I can't keep her any longer.Yes yes yes.Her head is out.I gotta push again."Followed by, "Oh my god we have a baby omg.""I went from coaching her though the labour on the phone as we drove to the hospital to meeting her standing in the NICU surrounded by nurses waiting a baby that would never come, in one morning," Laura wrote on her GoFundMe page."She stared at me with dead eyes," she continued."There was no remorse."Laura said they are "devastated and broken" and have been left "trying to explain to our six year old why he doesn't have the sister he Property News: The Sydney suburbs where house prices aren't falling - Topics Kitchen Man slams cafe disappointing breakfast Latest TV host responds to viewers comments over pregnancy weight Celebrity Kaley Cuoco hits back at trolls alleged Carol Burnett snub slidein × Search properties in AUS Search properties in AUS Do More With Your Money Do More With Your Money Nine () Search () Search © 2019 Nine Digital Pty Ltd Connect with us Search latest latest 1.Nine 9Honey Latest How adoption brought joy to these families By Maddison Leach| 2 weeks ago Chloe Finley was just nine when she joined the approximately 50 thousand children in the Australian foster system, but now at 19 she’s found a loving family of her own.“It’s like I have a second life,” she told A Current Affair, “I feel like a completely different person.” Chole recalls the night police rescued her from her Sydney home: “It was just scary; it wasn’t like going a sleepover, my whole life would be different.” Her life was changed forever that night, and she spent a couple of years bouncing from one family to the next, moving through seven different foster carers.[http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F12%2F24%2F14%2F3 0%2FACA3.jpg] Chloe with mum Alex, celebrating Christmas as a family.(Nine) The constant moving, the lack of stability and the feeling of disconnection left Chloe with constant questions why she couldn’t stay.“Is it me?Am I not good enough?” she would wonder.But everything changed when she met Alex, who would go on to adopt her at 18.“I knew from that moment that I was going to stay,” Chloe said, “I wanted to stay – I didn’t want to leave.” Related [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2Fnetwork%2Fimages%2F2018 %2F12%2F20%2F23%2F23%2F2012honadultskids3.jpg] Adults are sharing the dumbest thing they did as kids [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F12%2F20%2F19%2F5 2%2Fjett-with-mum-anna.png] Boy loses eyesight two days before Christmas [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2Fnetwork%2Fimages%2F2018 %2F12%2F21%2F10%2F08%2Fkateaircadetland.jpg] Kate's 'very special' hand-signed Christmas card [http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2Fnetwork%2Fimages%2F2018 %2F12%2F21%2F09%2F45%2Fbaby-thumb.jpg] Mother-in-law’s delivery room ultimatum backfires The feeling was mutual.“It just sort of felt perfect,” Alex said of meeting her adopted daughter.It took almost eight years, but Alex finally adopted Chloe on her 18^th birthday, after spending years together becoming their own happy little family.Now Chloe has finished her HSC and is to start her career in child care, and hopes to offer just as much love as her mum has shown her.“A person’s love can be so strong – that just what someone needs when they’re feeling lonely and scared,” she said of her relationship with mum Alex.It’s a feeling the Gray family are familiar with, celebrating the adoption of their daughter Hope this Christmas.Kelly and her husband Tim turned to adoption when they struggled to fall pregnant, welcoming Hope into their lives when she was just six months old.But the adoption process is long, and four years on they’re finally able to call her their little girl.“People often think with adoption, Hope is the lucky one – but Kelly and I, we really are the lucky ones to have her,” Tim said.They also had a biological daughter, Abigail, and find that their two daughters are exactly the same in their eyes.[http%3A%2F%2Fprod.static9.net.au%2F%2Fmedia%2F2018%2F12%2F24%2F14%2F3 0%2FACA5.jpg] Kelly is overjoyed to celebrate with her daughters, both biological and adopted.(Nine) “Families come in so many different shapes and forms, and this is ours,” Kelly said.Renee Carter is CEO of Adopt Change, a charity dedicated to helping vulnerable kids, and she insists adoption is giving the children “the permanency they need.” “Every child should know who they’re going home to and that someone has got their back,” she said.She feels that the process of adoption should be simplified; “If the child wants to be adopted – if they want to be a part of the family – we need to listen.” Property News: Affordable updates: Seven quick and easy ways to get a Topics Kitchen Man slams cafe disappointing breakfast Latest TV host responds to viewers comments over pregnancy weight Celebrity Kaley Cuoco hits back at trolls alleged Carol Burnett snub slidein × Search properties in AUS Search properties in AUS Do More With Your Money Do More With Your Money Nine () Search () Search © 2019 Nine Digital Pty Ltd Home 2.News 3.Belfast News News Weightloss adoption hopes gay couple come true Now Feargal and Eugene are the first same sex couple to be approved as adoptive parents in the Southern Trust By Jilly Beattie News Slimmed down and smiling, Feargal and Eugene Get daily updates directly to your inbox () Subscribe See our privacy notice Thank you subscribingSee our privacy notice Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email They shed more than five stones in a bid to become parents.And now Feargal and Eugene Sherry-Toner are the first same sex couple to be accepted as adoptive parents in the Southern Trust.The couple, who have been together more than five years, said blissful married life led to a pile-on of pounds.And with busy jobs and no real incentive to get fit, they were in a wake-up call this year when they applied to adopt.Read More him Feargal, 34, a Spar duty manager from Waringstown, Co Armagh, said: “We had to go to a medical as part of the process to apply to adopt, and after reading up on adoption we knew we were going to be told we needed to slim down.Feargal and Eugene in the midst of their weight-loss challenge “So when we were told we were both a bit obese we weren’t offended, we knew it was a post marriage comfort zone.But we also knew that we had to do something it or face the consequences.” Eugene, 33, said the consequences were not option.The buyer a hospitality company started his weight loss attempt at 14 stone 7 pounds and today, weighing 11stone 13 pounds, he says it feels like a real achievement.Read More largest shirt He explained: “It was only when we went on honeymoon to Florida in 2016 that we really started talking having a family and we quickly came to the conclusion that adoption would be our preferred choice.“We’d thought briefly the possibility of surrogacy but it seemed so risky and pitted with potential problems that we decided we would prefer to try to adopt.We know plenty of other same-sex couples who have successfully adopted and we knew how happy and settled we are together and we felt ready to start a family.Eugene “But in the back of my mind I knew I was going to be told to drop weight and so did Feargal.We’d been eating a bit randomly a good while because of the pressures of work.Feargal was eating mostly from the deli at the Spar and I was grabbing food at different hours of the day and none of it that good.We were also partial to a take-away for convenience and a treat.Read More “So when we decided to actually apply to adopt in 2017 and our medical came back as obese, all we knew what that our BMIs were too high and we had to get them down but we had no real instruction on how much we needed to lose.“Luckily Feargal got in touch with Sonya McAllister who runs We Slim Together, to say we needed help.When he explained our hopes a family, she was on board right away and within a few days we were sorted with all the information we needed and the ingredients that would kick-start our weight loss.We were finally on our path to adoption.Feargal and Eugene happy and in the comfort zone before losing weight together “But we had to get used to getting organised.There was no point in eating properly now and again.We had to cut out the convenience and processed food and start from scratch.But that meant shopping differently and organising a week’s meals so we didn’t slip up.” With Eugene the main cook in the house, the couple saw the weight start to drop off steadily and today after starting at 15stone 8 pounds, Feargal has dropped to 12stone seven pounds, and they are both still on the We Slim Together plan.Feargal said: “I never thought I’d manage to lose three stones but they’ve gone and although my weight goes up and down a bit over birthdays and Christmas, I’m pretty good at staying with this new lifestyle and I feel a lot better within myself.Read More four stone “But our incentive from day one was having a family and we didn’t know even if we lost weight whether it would happen or not.There were no guarantees.The only definite was that we wouldn’t be accepted to adopt if we remained overweight.“So slimmed down and with a new medical review, December 13 brought us amazing news when we were approved as potential adoptive parents.“It was overwhelming.No one made any great fuss of the weight loss but it was remarked upon by the panel we were interviewed by.They could see that we’d taken the situation seriously and had invested a lot of effort into getting our BMI to what they considered a healthy level.Feargal and Eugene on their engagement day before the big slim-down “It was such emotional moment to know that we could now be parents if we were matched with a child or siblings.I shed a tear.It all felt so right and such a relief too.“Although we weren’t told how much weight to lose, we knew we had to face the facts and get healthy.Now our energy levels are much better, everything seems a bit easier and we both feel better ourselves.I feel very proud of Eugene.He’s a very relaxed sort of person but I could see the relief and emotion on his face too when we were passed by the adoption panel.Read More “We had a goal, a very important goal and we made it through together.“Now we have to wait to see what children need help and whether we will be matched with a child or siblings.“We have asked to be placed with children aged from birth to three years old and we’ve been looking at schools and thinking how we will sort the house and bedrooms out.But there’s not a whole lot we can do just yet until we see the wee personality or personalities that we are matched with.Slimmed down and smiling, Eugene and Feargal “I thought we’d feel calm at this stage and we do, calm and relieved.But part of me is anxious to meet our child even though I know we can do nothing to control that.So we are waiting now to see what direction life goes in.It is exciting and amazing and such a brilliant time.“But we’d never have got here if it hadn’t been We Slim Together.In fact I felt so strongly the help we got that I’ve now become a consultant in Lisburn WST Community in the hope of helping other people."Eugene and I know now that while we’d been viewed as potential parents in personality, character and ability, the way the system works meant that we have to be as fit and healthy to help ensure as much stability in the life of the child or children we get to adopt.Read More prescribed medicine “Losing more than fives stones is a big achievement but in truth the effort was minimal compared to the results because of the way We Slim Together is set up as a life-style plan rather than a diet.Really the only things we don’t eat are bread and cereal but we eat pretty much everything else and we still lost all this weight.“Now we’re on track, we’re keeping the lifestyle going, we’re organised with our food and we are looking forward to hearing our child call us daddy.We feel better and life is getting better all the time.The only thing that will top this is adding a child to our home.” How to follow us on social media Here's our main Belfast Live page.On , you can follow our account by ing here.If you're a lover of photos, then check out our .We've also got dedicated pages North, South, East and West Belfast.Sports fans can find all the latest local action over on our Belfast Live Sport and and also on Match Online on both and .Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you 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pregnancy Co DownYoung Crossgar baker's honesty box targeted 67pBaker with special needs raised more than £12,000 last year charities with Ryan's Cookie Box EuromillionsEuroMillions winners ‘fake’ accounts warning as one offers £50kThe National Lottery has issued a warning over accounts claiming to be EuroMillions winners Frances and Patrick Connolly and offering £50k to fans PSNIWest Belfast stolen milk truck rampage leaves two police officers injured, court hearsDetails emerged as a 23-year-old man appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 40 charges related to the weekend theft Belfast City CentreBelfast city centre crash sees woman cut from car by firefightersFire crews, police and the ambulance service are on the scene PSNIWest Belfast stolen milk truck rampage leaves two police officers injured, court hearsDetails emerged as a 23-year-old man appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on 40 charges related to the weekend theft NewsStanley Currie missing after flying to South Africa with large sum of cash to meet womanStanley connected with the woman online Belfast shopping centre child abductions post not true, say PSNIPSNI are warning people not to be sucked in by the "fake news" LifestyleTop diet tips revealed by Co Down mum after losing six stone within a yearHer eating habits caused her to pile on the pounds during pregnancy Things to do BelfastFéile Phobail announce free dance night in August 2019Don't miss out on tickets Co DownYoung Crossgar baker's honesty box targeted 67pBaker with special needs raised more than £12,000 last year charities with Ryan's Cookie Box EuromillionsEuroMillions winners ‘fake’ accounts warning as one offers £50kThe National Lottery has issued a warning over accounts claiming to be EuroMillions winners Frances and Patrick Connolly and offering £50k to fans FA CupFA Cup draw LIVE: Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea learn fourth round opponentsFollow live updates from the FA Cup fourth round draw as the big boys discover who lies 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Tonight Save Adopting family John Trahan assists his son John Marshall with tying his tie, left, as Marshall's daughter Kimi Marshall signs to her mother Dolores prior to Save Adopted family courtesy The Marshall children, from left, Kimi, Levi and Micah all visit with Santa the first time on Saturday during a trip to the Silos in Save Adopted family courtesy The Marshall family from Killeen smiles the camera while on vacation at Corpus Christi.Clockwise, from far left: Dolores Save Adopting family Levi Marshall, 9, and his little sister Micah, 4, inspect the Christmas tree decorations at their grandparents house on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, Save Adopting family Kimi Marshall, 10, plays a game of tag with her brother Levi, 9, at Save editor's picktop story For one local couple at Christmas, adoption has made their family richer Save Adopting family John and Dolores Marshall pose a Christmas portrait with their children, from left; Kimi, 10, Micah, 4, and Levi, 9, at the home of John's parents John and Young Trahan on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, in Adopting family John Trahan assists his son John Marshall with tying his tie, left, as Marshall's daughter Kimi Marshall signs to her mother Dolores prior to Adopted family courtesy The Marshall children, from left, Kimi, Levi and Micah all visit with Santa the first time on Saturday during a trip to the Silos in Adopted family courtesy The Marshall family from Killeen smiles the camera while on vacation at Corpus Christi.Clockwise, from far left: Dolores Adopting family Levi Marshall, 9, and his little sister Micah, 4, inspect the Christmas tree decorations at their grandparents house on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018, Adopting family Kimi Marshall, 10, plays a game of tag with her brother Levi, 9, at Save Together 14 years, and married 11 of those, John and Dolores Marshall of Killeen feel very strongly adoption.“Our life’s plan, or priority, was adoption,” said Dolores.They decided before they were married that they would adopt before having children of their own.They also wanted to adopt children less likely to get a home — older child, and a child with special needs.The Marshalls now have three children, two of whom they adopted: daughter Kimi, now 10, adopted at 19 months; son Levi, now 9, adopted at age 3; and daughter Micah.Their Christmas this year will be a simple one, but it’s all the Marshalls could ever want.In the days before Christmas, they took the children to the Silos in Waco to see Santa, and the family will be spending Christmas Day with John’s parents in Harker Heights, opening the gifts under the tree and having a traditional family holiday meal.For the Marshall family, these simple plans mean the world.For instance, in the past, Kimi simply wasn’t ready to visit Santa, as the experience would have been too much her.This year, however, she was excited the prospect, so all three children got to experience their first Santa visit at the same time.KIMI Kimi was hand-picked the Marshalls by the social worker.“The photos of Kimi looked exactly like me at the same age,” said Dolores.When they met Kimi, the couple said, “It was love at first sight.” Kimi has a chromosomal disorder, causing developmental delays including delayed growth and speech development and learning disabilities.In Kimi’s case, she’s also hard of hearing and has speech apraxia; she was once thought to never be able to walk.Dolores and John worked with Kimi non-stop.Kimi slowly began to learn to walk.Dolores began to teach Kimi American Sign Language and helped her learn how to articulate words (called approximation) to communicate.Kimi’s vocabulary soon began to grow and she was walking at 27 months, eight months after joining the Marshall family.Kimi is special in other ways, too.Her parents tell one story of a time where Kimi went to the school nurse ice pack.When she returned, she placed it on the substitute’s hand.It turned out, the woman had arthritis.The gesture moved the woman to tears.“Everything she does is special,” her father said.“Her soul is so pure.” Now, Kimi knows how to sign over 1,000 words.She runs, she climbs the playground equipment, she’s even participated in the Special Olympics.“She’s still behind developmentally, and struggles academically, but functions within the household just fine,” Dolores said.“We feel we found the right child, and she found the right family.” LEVI Just before Kimi turned 4, the Marshalls decided to adopt again, and found Levi.“We wanted (a child) who would be like Kimi so she wouldn’t feel different,” Dolores said.Levi had been born healthy, but had suffered from shaken baby syndrome and other severe abuses and neglect.He suffered seizures, had hydrocephalus, and experienced brain and retinal bleeds.He required brain surgeries and shunts.He had also lived in a series of nursing and foster homes.He was nonverbal, had developmental and intellectual delays.He bit Dolores on their first meeting, the family recalled.The Marshalls again fell in love and 3-year-old Levi joined the family.With their patience and love, they taught him sign language, which they said he picked up almost immediately.Within two months, he was learning verbal speech, began reading within four months, and was reading Dr. Seuss soon after.He even began to interpret Kimi’s signing to their parents.Now, his mother said, “Levi still has some remnant behaviors, but he has far surpassed everyone’s expectations.” He is both developmentally and academically on target, and continues to progress in all areas.MICAH Two years later, the Marshalls gave birth to their first biological child, Micah.Her parents describe her as “precocious, bright and sassy.” She takes up her sister, and plays well with both sister and brother.“She is the best little sister to both of them,” Dolores said.CHRISTMAS WISHES people who have thought adoption but are afraid they’re not “perfect” enough, Dolores said, think again.“We’re not saints.We’re not perfect.Adoption isn’t perfect people.” Adoption, she said, is people who have love to give and a desire to give that love to a child who needs a family.As the Marshalls’ wishes Christmas, theirs are simple: “Our family, our kids to continue to surpass the expectations of their doctors, and to have our families together, with everything exactly as they are meant to be.” Save Tags Today's e-Edition Killeen Daily News Killeen Daily News Killeen Daily News Poll Will the Texas Legislature improve compensation cities heavily impacted by the disabled veterans tax exemption?You voted: improve the law.( ) 2.Yes.Local representatives will succeed in showing how unfair the current law is.( ) 3.No.Not many legislators have a dog in this fight.It will be tough to get support.( ) 4.No.There’s only so much money to divide up in the state coffers.It won’t happen.( ) 5.Unsure.It’s hard to say whether area lawmakers can make the case successfully.() Vote () View Results () Back Most Popular Articles charged with burglary open 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JLBLANTON PHOTOGRAPHY | COURTESY PHOTO The Brymer family was one of the new “Forever Families” at the Adoption Day Celebration on Nov. 29.JLBLANTON PHOTOGRAPHY | COURTESY PHOTO Nov. 29 was a celebration of families, as Associate Judge Melissa DeGerolami of the Child Protective Court of South Central Texas granted adoptions four new families.The hearings were held at the District Courtroom at the Atascosa County Courthouse.She began by thanking District Judge Lynn Ellison graciously allowing them to interrupt his docket that day the County Court of Law, a special child protection docket and celebration of adoptions.She said a grand celebration deserves a grand setting.Prior to the proceedings, Tina Pacheco of This Mum’s You pinned corsages on the family members.Members of the DeSpain family pose a photo.“It is a celebration of commitment and dedication of perseverance and patience, of unconditional love.Those are hallmarks of every family, but especially the families that are being created today.This is an annual celebration here in Atascosa County and the child protection court,” said Judge DeGerolami.“I am always excited to be a part of this celebration and to preside over it.It’s such honor and privilege me.Having the most part, seen these cases progress and to get to this point, it is a long journey.One that today is going to end in a happy ending.” Jourdanton High School students provided face and hand painting the children.Jourdanton High School students provided face and hand painting the children.She also thanked Margaret Littleton and the District Clerk’s office waiving all the fees that day the adoption decrees.“I think that’s pretty amazing this wonderful affirmation of community and the support that Atascosa County has this important work, so I don’t want to belabor introductions,” DeGerolami said.The adoptive families were the Brymer, Morales, Robinson and DeSpain families. The first case on the docket was the Brymer family, of Atascosa County.DeGerolami invited everyone there in support of Madeline Brymer to all come forward.The judge said adoption hearing is the best kind of hearing you can have.Following a series of questions, the judge said, “I will say that based upon review of your file and testimony today and my own knowledge of this case, because it has been my sincere privilege to have watched and witness this journey, and this formation of family and I absolutely find that this adoption is in Madeline’s best interest and in all aspects.It is my profound honor to be in a position to adopt this adoption and to declare you a forever family and congratulations.” New adoptee Ashlynn Robinson (wearing a white bow) displays a sign showing how many days she had been in foster care.New adoptee Ashlynn Robinson (wearing a white bow) displays a sign showing how many days she had been in foster care.The remaining families followed, with Ashlynn Robinson displaying a sign that read, “I was in foster care 713 days, but today I was adopted.” Afterwards, the celebrations continued at the Jourdanton Community Center a reception.The decor and food featured a “It’s O-Fish-Al” theme.The Morales family also became a “Forever Family” at the Adoption Day celebration.H-E-Buddy and court coordinator Dora Gonzales.Judge DeGerolami and Court Coordinator Dora Gonzales would like to thank the following their contributions: Atascosa County Child Welfare Board members- Heart Gallery, cake and desserts; CASA of South Texaschips, dips and balloons; Texas Department of Family and Protective Services contributed cutlery, side dishes, drinks, desserts, snacks, gifts and decorations; Post Adopt Serviceschildren’s gifts; Kinship Program the design of photo background, Christi Doerr for photography and Tessa Zapata; H-E-B and H-E-Buddy; Pleasanton High School- Ms. Meredith Rutherford Culinary Art students the potato salad and pasta salad; Jourdanton High School- Emily Stricker and the students face painting; Patricia Centeno- quilts each child; Cafe Chrissandwich trays; Lauren’s Deli- sandwich trays; Crazy About Mangonadas- fruit cups – Nancy and Tony Guerrero; Jourdanton Community Center- Dorothy Manning; Atascosa County District Clerk- Margaret Littleton and stafffree certified copies of adoption decree; Atascosa County Maintenance Department Greg Simmons and staff; Tina Pachecocorsages parents.CASA of South Texas staff: Joni Garcia, Brianna Saroz, Francie Gasch and Frankie Ellis were on hand the day’s celebration.LISA LUNA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS PHOTOS CASA of South Texas staff: Joni Garcia, Brianna Saroz, Francie Gasch and Frankie Ellis were on hand the day’s celebration.LISA LUNA | PLEASANTON EXPRESS PHOTOS More From Living Go To The Living Section Bigfoot Wallace Museum closed Poteet Seventh-day Adventist youth groups put their love into action MORE PHOTOS FROM ELEMENTARY PLAY Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked Comment Website Post Comment Leave this field empty Latest Edition 2019-01-02 E-Edition 2018-12-26 E-Edition 2018-12-19 E-Edition Our Hometown DMCA Notices Newspaper web site content management software and services Copyright © 2018 Near me 40 miles NPR logo Native American Adoption Law Challenged As Racially Biased Listen · 7:58 7:58 () Toggle more options () Embed