The Barker Adoption Foundation is based in Bethesda but also has an office in Falls Church. They place children in MD, DC, and VA. They have domestic and international programs, and their information sessions, held frequently, can help you decide if they are a good fit. We had a very good experience with them and like the emphasis they place on educating birth parents and adoptive parents (and eventually the children, too).

NP, just wanted to thank everyone for the helpful information. Thinking about adopting and this has given me some food for thought.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

As an FYI -some adoption lingo:
make an adoption plan or place for adoption - not give away or give up

before placement - a pregnant women who is making an adoption plan is not a birth mother. She hasn't given birth yet and has not placed a child.

after placement - various terms are used Birth Mother, biological mother, first mother, not natural or real mother.

PAPs - pre adoptive parents

interesting. How is the woman who gave birth not real, or natural. Just biological via birth?
How is the baby not given away? Is this because of the high fees which in turn makes the adoptive parents feel like they are purchasing a baby?
if it was giving, surely it would not cost

Hi, anti-adoption poster. Haven't seen you around in some time. Hope you're having a good summer.

Anonymous wrote:

As an FYI -some adoption lingo:
make an adoption plan or place for adoption - not give away or give up

before placement - a pregnant women who is making an adoption plan is not a birth mother. She hasn't given birth yet and has not placed a child.

after placement - various terms are used Birth Mother, biological mother, first mother, not natural or real mother.

PAPs - pre adoptive parents

interesting. How is the woman who gave birth not real, or natural. Just biological via birth?
How is the baby not given away? Is this because of the high fees which in turn makes the adoptive parents feel like they are purchasing a baby?
if it was giving, surely it would not cost