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21
Dec

The End of Independent International Adoptions? The US Congressional Universal Accreditation Act

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in Adoption News
As an adoption professional, I have been closely monitoring the discussions in Washington in Congress and the U.S. State Department and the discussions at adoption conferences regarding the Universal Accreditation Act. The Universal Accreditation Act originated in the Senate and introduced by long standing adoption advocates Senator Lugar, Senator Kerry, Senator Landrieu and Senator Inhofe. ...
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20
Dec

Christmas In The Democratic Republic Of Congo

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in Congo
When I started working at MLJ earlier this year, I knew it would be a learning experience in many ways. That’s an understatement! I started reading everything I could about the Democratic Republic of Congo, the war and political unrest, the orphan crisis, and I couldn’t stop reading. I was stunned that I made it ...
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19
Dec

Cyclone Evan And Christmas In Samoa

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in Samoa
I am heartbroken to report this year’s Christmas in Samoa will inevitably be dampened by the recent destruction from Cyclone Evan’s onslaught and our prayers for the Samoan people will continue for this normally festive time of year. High winds and flooding have reportedly resulted in homes being flattened, trees uprooted, three reported dead and ...
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18
Dec

Bulgarian Christmas Traditions

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in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th, which is unusual when you look at Bulgaria’s Orthodox history. Most Orthodox countries, such as Ukraine, celebrate Christmas on January 7th. The difference is that Bulgaria uses the Gregorian Calendar to determine Christmas and most of Eastern Europe uses the Julian calendar which is thirteen days behind. ...
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17
Dec

Bittersweet Holidays for Waiting Families

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in MLJ Adoptions
If you’re currently still in the process of your adoption, the holidays can be somewhat bittersweet. While eating treats, exchanging gifts, and hanging lights are all wonderful parts of the holiday, I know for most people that being with family is the most important part of the season. In December of 2010 my family was ...
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14
Dec

The Continuing Conflict In The Democratic Republic Of Congo

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in Congo
The continuing conflict in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, centralized in the city of Goma, is being watched closely by all of Africa. Peace talks continue between the M23 rebel group who initially captured the city and officials representing the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo with both sides making ...
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14
Dec

Gift Guide For Adopted Children

by
in MLJ Adoptions
Are you looking for a special gift for an adopted child in your life? There are many adoption-themed gifts out there. After searching the internet (and actually making two purchases!), I hope this list will help you find that special child a great holiday gift. What I loved about many of these gifts is that ...
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14
Dec

Photo Of The Week

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in Photo Of The Week
Photo used with permission. For more information about MLJ Adoptions’ international adoption programs, please click here. If you would like your child to be featured in our Photo of the Week please email Shireen.
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13
Dec

Gift Guide: For Adoptive Moms

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in Resources
The month of December kicks off the shopping season. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, it’s a time when many of us try our best to find the perfect gift for our loved ones. Moms can be particularly difficult to buy for. Moms are always giving so much of themselves to others. What ...
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12
Dec

Independent International Adoptions – How Do They Affect The International Adoption Process?

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in MLJ Adoptions
As the Executive Director of MLJ Adoptions, I must admit that when I first started fifteen years ago researching international adoption law and programs, I appreciated countries that allowed for independent international adoptions. As a law student and young lawyer I was able to begin my international adoption practice in countries that allowed for independent ...
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11
Dec

What are Adoption Facilitators? Are they legal?

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in MLJ Adoptions
What is an adoption facilitator? While the definition could have some fluidity to it, likely an adoption facilitator is a person or group of people that help or assist with adoptions but have no license or oversight from the government. An attorney or adoption agency is likely not considered adoption facilitators because they are both ...
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10
Dec

The Importance of Photos in Post Placement Reports

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in MLJ Adoptions
It is such a blessing for adoptive parents when they finally come home with their child, but the adoption process does not end there. It is important for families to remember that completing post placement reports is a very important step in the adoption process. Post placement reports allow the family to share with the ...
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7
Dec

Gift Guide: Dads with Adopted Kids

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in Resources
Christmas is coming! Are you ready? This gift guide for dads should help. Sometimes dad can seem like the hardest person to shop for – mine never seems to know what he wants! If the man in your life has adopted a child, then an adoption related gift may be just the ticket. Appropriate gifts ...
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7
Dec

Family Spotlight: The Thompson Family

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in Adoption Stories
We’re so proud of and thankful for each and every one of our families, we thought we’d give them the chance to show off a bit. We enjoy shining the spotlight on families by letting them introduce themselves and tell us a little about why and how they got involved with adoption.  This month we’re ...
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4
Dec

What's Going On In The Democratic Republic of Congo

by
in MLJ Adoptions
MLJ Adoptions greatly appreciates the U.S. Embassy and U.S. State Departments’ efforts to communicate regarding the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Consul Elliot Ferik led a teleconference for agencies this morning at 10-11am EST. The following was discussed: Conflict in the eastern part of Congo: Children that are being adopted from eastern ...
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3
Dec

Colombia Revises International Adoption Process

by
in MLJ Adoptions
Colombia has joined the list of Central American countries where international adoption has been slowed and made more difficult. Colombia’s Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF) recently announced that they are revising their process for determining eligibility of children for intercountry adoptions. This may negatively impact families from the United States hoping to adopt from Colombia ...
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30
Nov

Transracial Parenting Means Learning about Racism in America

by
in Resources
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 84% of international adoptions are transracial and only 19% of internationally adopted children are white (based on a 2007 survey). This percentage shows international adoption almost always means transracial adoption. Because most international adoptions are transracial, MLJ’s education classes focus heavily on preparing white parents to ...
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29
Nov

The Gulf In Between

by
in Resources
The complexity of transracial adoption can be enormous, especially when you consider ethnic and cultural ramifications for your child. What I mean is that no matter how committed you are (and studies prove how committed adoptive parents are), no matter how hard you try, —exposure to role models, food, music, art, language, festivals, traditions—you will ...
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27
Nov

I Am Caucasian But My Boys Are African

by
in Congo
I am Caucasian but my boys are African. We live in the same community, same neighborhood, same home and same family, but we are seen very differently. While I have had years to see different color skin, my boys are not quite two years old and can’t see the difference yet. Well, at least cannot ...
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23
Nov

Political Unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo

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in Congo
On Monday, rebel forces known as M23 had overtaken the city of Goma in Eastern D. R. Congo. Initially it was also reported that they had seized the nearby city of Sake. However, conflicting reports now state that there has been resistance in Sake and it is unclear whether this city was successfully seized. Eastern ...
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