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NEW! -
Creating a Family Radio Shows |
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The way we talk, and the words we choose, say a lot about
what we think and value. Choose the following positive
adoption language instead of the negative talk that helps
perpetuate the myth that adoption is second best.
|
Positive Language |
Negative Language |
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Birthparent |
Real parent |
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Biological parent |
Natural parent |
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Birth child |
Own child |
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My child |
Adopted child; Own child |
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Born to unmarried parents |
Illegitimate |
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Terminate parental rights |
Give up
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Make an adoption plan |
Give away |
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To parent |
To keep |
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Waiting child |
Adoptable child; Available child |
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Biological father |
Begettor |
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Making contact with |
Reunion |
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Parent |
Adoptive parent |
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International adoption |
Foreign adoption |
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Adoption triad |
Adoption triangle |
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Permission to sign a release |
Disclosure |
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Search |
Track down parents |
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Child
placed for adoption |
An unwanted child |
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Court termination |
Child taken away |
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Child with special needs |
Handicapped child |
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Child from abroad |
Foreign child |
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Was adopted |
Is adopted |
Words not only convey facts, they also evoke feelings. When a TV movie talks
about a custody battle between "real parents" and "other parents " society gets
the wrong impression that only birth parents are real parents and that adoptive
parents aren't real parents. Members of society may also wrongly conclude that
all adoptions are "battles."
By using positive adoption language, we educate others about adoption. We choose
emotionally "correct" words over emotionally-laden words. We speak and write in
positive adoption language with the hopes of impacting others so that this
language will someday become the norm. |
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We would like to share with you some
helpful and informative websites devoted to adoption and
adoption issues. |
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Adopting E-Magazine (November 2010) |
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The American Academy of Adoption Attorneys |
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The National
Adoption Center |
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The Illinois Department of Children & Family Services |
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The Illinois Chapter of resolve |
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Adoption.com |
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Tapestry Books |
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How
to Make Adoption an Affordable Option |
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Federal (IRS) Adoption Tax Credit |
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Adoption 101 |
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