Bethany News Blog : Archive

Category Wyoming
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Welcome Wyoming!
By Renee Eggebraaten, MSW, LCSW, Branch Director of Rapid City, South Dakota

We are excited to be serving children and families in our neighboring state of Wyoming!

In the fall of 2007, I made an exploratory trip to Wyoming meeting with licensing people and potential supporters. It was such an encouraging trip…everyone I spoke with confirmed that there was a definite need for Bethany’s services in Wyoming.

On March 31, 2008, I met with CAFTA, the licensing organization for the Department of Family Services in Wyoming, who granted us a six-month provisional Certification as an Adoption Agency. On October 1, 2008, our certification was extended for one year with no provisions!

We have a dedicated group of people to serve as an advisory committee in Gillette, Wyoming. These volunteers have enthusiastically embraced Bethany’s ministry and will be our voice in the Gillette area, as they go into their community and churches to let people know we are there.

There is no agency currently serving in Wyoming that offers the full-service intercountry adoption services that Bethany offers. We are excited to provide interested families with a wide range of adoption options and to serve women facing unplanned pregnancies.

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Many Bethany families have inquired about the book Black Baby White Hands: A View from the Crib that was featured in the Spring 2009 edition of LifeLines.

At this time the book is not available to purchase through the Bethany Bookstore. However, you should be able to find a copy through a local book seller or online retailer. Your local store may also be able to order a copy for you if one is not in stock. The publication information is listed below.

Black Baby White Hands: A View from the Crib
By Jaiya John
Lightning Source Inc, 2005

Thank you for your interest. For other adoption books and resources, please visit us at www.bethany.org/thestore.

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Category You Tube CNN Adoptive Families
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Check out how You Tube is making adoptions happen for Bethany families!

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African Americans and the Call to Adopt
By Sichana Jean, LMSW
Bethany staff member, Hattiesburg, MS

Although African American children make up only 9% of our country’s child population, they make up approximately 45% of all the children in need of permanent homes in the U.S.  
   

Some argue that black people just don’t care about the children left to survive in unstable home environments or in foster care. It is important to understand how African Americans view adoption before jumping to that conclusion. Culturally, African Americans have always been an adopting people. We have taken in our nieces and nephews, neighbors’ children, and godchildren without a second thought when there was a need. African Americans have always been a community of informal adoption and fostering, and meeting the needs of those who are without. Yes, we care!   However, adoption as a formal process is still largely misunderstood. As an African American woman and an experienced adoption specialist, I think the myths about the adoption process have hindered many black people who may have considered adoption but dismissed it as something “black folks just don’t do.”   Myth #1: Black People Don’t Have Trouble Having Babies Recent studies have shown that infertility rates among African American couples are actually higher than those of their white counterparts. However, infertility is still a taboo subject in the black community. Myth #2: The Adoption Process Is Too Expensive Though not free, it is more affordable than many couples think, especially when financial aid and federal and state tax credits are considered. Myth #3: The Adoption Process Is Too Complicated and Invasive I believe that the formal process of adoption is intimidating for many African American families who often already feel judged by society simply because they are people of color. It is true that personal aspects of an applicant’s life may need to be discussed, but seldom do any of us realize any dream without our willingness to become vulnerable and to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses.

   
Myth #4: I Can’t Love an Adopted Child Like I’d Love My Own
Everyone knows that sharing someone’s blood does not guarantee closeness. If you are called to parent a child who is not biologically yours, then God will give you the heart to love that child as your own.

Myth #5: I’ll End Up With “Damaged Goods”
It is a common assumption in the black community that only “crazy” people “give up” their babies. Many people believe falsely that serious medical or psychological issues in adopted children will eventually rear their heads, leaving the adoptive family stuck with the burden of raising a difficult child.

No one can guarantee that a child will be free of issues. But with love, support, and stability, even the most troubled child can fulfill his or her God-given life purpose.  

I challenge all African American families, particularly those who may be struggling with issues of infertility, to consider adoption. Remember that, historically, adoption is not only something we do—it is who we are!

There may be birthparents who have prayed for the type of life for their babies that you can provide. Let’s remove the veil of secrecy and shame from the adoption process, a process that God has instituted. After all, we are all adopted into the body of Christ when we receive salvation.

If you hear the call to adopt, please respond. There is never shame in following God’s lead. Visit www.bethany.org.

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