At Open Adoption & Family Services we are pro-choice, welcome diversity, and offer fully open adoptions with lifelong services.

Websites:

• Hand in Hand Parenting has classes, resources and support for parents of young children and professionals who work with them.
• Healthy Children created by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this website covers topics such as physical and emotional health, child development, car-seat safety, immunizations, general safety tips and injury prevention, literature recommendations, and links to other resources.
• Zero to Three promotes the health and development of infants and toddlers.

Books and Publications:

• The Emotional Life of the Toddler by Alicia F. Lieberman, Ph.D
• Hold on To Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More than Peers by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate, MD
• Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting by John Gottman, PhD
• Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn

Websites:

• March of Dimes. Fact sheets on the effects of prenatal exposure to tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroine, and prescription opiods.
• Mother to Baby. A service of the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. They provide evidence-based information on prenatal drug exposure via fact sheets and access to experts.

Books and Publications:

• Adoption & Prenatal Alcohol and Drug Exposure: Research, Policy, and Practice by Richard P. Barth, Madelyn Freundlich, David Brodzinsky and Child Welfare League of America
• Early Intervention: Spotting Problems in Your Child’s Development Adoptive Families article that includes information on developmental milestones, as well as accessing early intervention.
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Fact Sheet by the Centers for Disease Control
• The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregnancy, and the Vulnerable Child by Ira Chasnoff, MD This is an excellent book and a must-read for adoptive parents contemplating adopting a child with any kind of substance exposure. Dr. Chasnoff is one of the nation’s leading researchers in the field of prenatal exposure to alcohol and illicit drugs.

Classes:

• Adoption Learning Partners Webinar: FASD: Risk, Development, and Intervention. Dr. Ira Chasnoff explains the physical and developmental impact of pre-natal alcohol exposure on children as they grow.

Organizations:

• CaCoon is a state-wide program and operates in most counties. It’s for children with a disability or a chronic health condition.
• Center for Adoption Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center. Information and articles on prenatal drug/alcohol exposure, various medical issues, parenting and attachment tips.Doctors specializing in adoption medicine are available for phone consultation, as well as pre-adoption and post-adoption clinic appointments.
• Child Development and Rehabilitation Center. With locations in Portland and Eugene, the center provides comprehensive diagnosis, evaluation, and management of various conditions including developmental delay, speech and language disorders, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and orthopedic impairments. CDRC serves individuals birth to 21 years of age. A primary care physician referral is necessary.
• Early Childhood Cares. Developmental screening, early intervention and early childhood special education to children (birth to school age) who have developmental delays. Educational services may include home visits and parent consultation; education in community preschools; speech, physical or occupational therapy; behavior or autism consultation.  All educational services are free to eligible children.
• Early Intervention. Useful links and directory of early intervention services for the state of Oregon.
• Washington State Department of Early Learning. Guide to early intervention services offered in Washington.
• Pediatric Interim Care Center, (PICC)  This center located in Kent, WA cares for drug exposed infants that are in the custody of the state. Founder Barb Drennen works closely with pediatricians at University of Washington in caring for these premature newborns. She’s happy to talk to prospective adoptive parents considering adopting a drug exposed infant. Rather than cite research, Barb can share her knowledge that is based on her experience and what she has witnessed. Both Barb and the PICC website have information on how to care for an infant exposed to drugs, as well as what symptoms you can expect to see. She can give hands-on instruction or consult over the phone, 253-852-5253.
• University of Washington’s Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit. An information specialist can provide information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, potential effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and parenting interventions for those raising a child affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
• Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic and Prevention Network, (FAS DPN). This organization is a network of four Washington State community-based interdisciplinary FASD diagnostic clinics linked by the core clinical/research/training clinic at the Center on Human Development and Disability at the University of Washington in Seattle. Any parent who adopts a child with documented prenatal alcohol exposure is strongly encouraged to contact the clinic and explore and learn more about the diagnostic process and the importance of early intervention. We recommend reviewing this site prior to your adoption.

• Adoption Information Exchange. A comprehensive listing of adoption resources in Western Washington state for prospective and current adoptive families, birthparents and adoptees.
• Coalition of Oregon Adoption Agencies, (COAA). A state-wide coalition of adoption agencies that serve the state of Oregon, of which OA&FS is a member.
• Oregon DHS Policy. Rules, policies, tools and resources for the Oregon Department of Human Services.
• Sex Etc. Comprehensive sexual health and education information by teens for teens.

(See also Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure for other special needs resources.)

Websites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Act Early. Facts about developmental screening, autism spectrum disorders, Asperger Syndrome, cerebral palsy, vision loss, intellectual disability, hearing loss, ADHD and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
• National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. An A to Z index with fact sheets on birth defects and developmental disabilities.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness, (NAMI). Find out more about specific mental illnesses with this comprehensive listing.
• National Institute on Mental Health, (NIMH). Child and adolescent mental health facts.
• University Of Chicago Adoption Center. Online library of educational videos for parents considering special needs adoption. They also offer pre-adoption referral medical and behavioral assessments to parents anywhere in the country.

Reference:

• Adoption Information Exchange. A comprehensive listing of adoption resources in Western Washington state for prospective and current adoptive families, birthparents and adoptees.
• Coalition of Oregon Adoption Agencies, (COAA). A state-wide coalition of adoption agencies that serve the state of Oregon, of which OA&FS is a member.
• Oregon DHS Policy. Rules, policies, tools and resources for the Oregon Department of Human Services.
• Sex Etc. Comprehensive sexual health and education information by teens for teens.

Websites:

• MAVIN is a national non-profit organization that builds healthier communities by providing educational resources about Mixed Heritage experiences.

Portland:

• Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) is a grassroots organization that helps empower Asian and Pacific Islanders through a variety of programs that focus on community organization, cultural work, political advocacy, and leadership development.
• El Centro Milagro (Miracle Theatre)  provides Latino theatre, culture, and arts education for the enrichment of all communities.
• Hacienda Community Development Corporation is a Latino Community Development Corporation that strengthens families by providing affordable housing, homeownership support, economic advancement and educational opportunities.
• Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) offers a wide array of programs and services to foster understanding, compassion and communication between Oregon’s established communities and newest arrivals.
• IRCO Africa House provides culturally specific services to African refugees and families that emphasize family unity, strength, and community cohesiveness.
• IRCO Asian Family Center provides culturally specific services for Asian and Pacific Islander communities that focus on early childhood development, parent education and support, youth services, and health education programs.
• KairosPDX is a non-profit organization that focuses on delivering excellent, equitable education to underserved children, their families and their communities.
• Latino Network is a Latino-led education organization, grounded in culturally specific practices and services that lifts up youth and families to reach their full potential.
• MAVIN is a national non-profit organization that builds healthier communities by providing educational resources about Mixed Heritage experiences.
• The Mixed Heritage Center offers a clearinghouse of information and resources relevant to the lives of people who are multiracial, multiethnic, transracially adopted, or otherwise impacted by the intersections of race and culture.
• Native Youth and Family Center (NAYA Family Center) provides culturally specific programs and services that guide Native youth and families in the direction of personal success and balance through cultural empowerment. 
• Portland African American Leadership Forum (PAALF)  is a movement of African American leaders and officials that are committed to the revitalization and sustainability of a vibrant African American community. 
• Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives (PCRI) offers resident services that give families culturally specific skills and support necessary to achieve self-sufficiency, begin the process of wealth creation and, in many cases, become–and remain–successful homeowners.
• Self-Enhancement Inc. (SEI) is a non-profit organization that helps youth and families, especially African Americans and others living in poverty, to realize their full potential through learning opportunities in the areas of academics, health and wellness, and performing arts.
• Unite Oregon represents the merger of two organizations – Center for Intercultural Organizing (CIO) and Oregon Action (OA) –  to address racial and economic disparities and strive to improve quality of life by offering programs within the community that focus on civic engagement, policy advocacy, leadership development, and community organization.
• Urban League of Portland (ULPDX) offers a variety of programs that help empower African Americans and others within the community through advocacy, services to seniors, family health and wellness, youth and workforce development.

Seattle:

• Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington (AAAW) is a non-profit organization that provides mentoring, fellowship and educational opportunities for Asian American and Pacific Islander adoptees and their community.
• El Centro de la Raza provides a unique blend of bilingual and multicultural services and programs that focus on children and youth, education and asset building, community building and development, and environmental justice.
• Families of Color Seattle (FOCS) is a non-profit organization that strives to build a strong community by supporting families of color through parenting programs, resource-sharing and fostering meaningful connections.
• Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington is an organization that is committed to sharing Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage by creating, funding, and supporting multicultural and inter-generational education that celebrate diversity, art, culture, and language.
• Seattle University: Office of Diversity and Inclusion consistently holds cultural events for students and community members to attend.
• United Indians of All Tribes provides educational, cultural and social services that reconnect indigenous people in the Puget Sound region to their heritage by strengthening their sense of belonging and significance as Native people.
• Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle is a non-profit organization that empowers African Americans and underserved communities to thrive by securing educational and economic opportunities.

Eugene:

• The Chinese American Benevolent Association (CABA) is a non-profit organization that promotes education, arts, and cultural programs related to Chinese, Chinese Americans, and Asian Americans.
• Communities of Color and Allies Network (CCAN) creates a safe space that fosters friendships and networks for people of color, social justice allies, and equity workers. Meetings are held on the first Friday of every month.
• The Eugene & Springfield Asian Council is a non-profit organization that presents events and activities that stimulate a better understanding of Asian and Asian-American cultures.
• Honoring Our New Ethnic Youth (H.O.N.E.Y.) is a non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy for the enhancement and acceptance of multiracial persons and their families.
• University of Oregon: The Division of Equity and Inclusion partners with many others on campus to host culturally specific events throughout the year.
• University of Oregon Multicultural Center (MCC) brings together students, faculty, and the community at large to promote personal growth, cultural pluralism, community education, positive social change, and an end to human oppression.

Books and Publications:

• Adoptive Families Magazine has an abundane of resources relevant to multiracial families, from books, to websites, to articles.
• Adoptive Families Magazine articles on celebrating heritage.
• Adoptive Families Magazine articles on exploring culture.
• Black Baby White Hands: A View from the Crib by Jaiya John
• Does Anyone Else Look Like Me?: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Multiracial Children by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
• Hate Hurts: How Children Learn and Unlearn Prejudice by the Anti-Defamation League, Caryl Stern-LaRosa, and Ellen Hoffheimer Bettmann
• In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories by Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda
• Inside Transracial Adoption by Gail Steinberg and Beth Hall
• Loving Across the Color Line: A White Adoptive Mother Learns about Race by Sharon E. Rush
• Of Many Colors: Portraits of Multiracial Families by Gigi Kaeser and Peggy Gillespie
• Tapestry Books. Children in multiracial families often find themselves questioning their place in their family, school, and community. Their questions of self-identity can be explored through this literature.
• Tapestry Books lists books to introduce parents to the issues surrounding mixed families.
• What Are You? Voices of Mixed-Race Young People by Pearl Fuyo Gaskings
• Why Are all the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria by Beverly Daniel Tatum

Classes:

• Conspicous Families. Adoption Learning Partners course on challenges when adopting a child of a different race or ethnicity.
• Beyond Culture Camp: A Guide for Professionals. Adoption Learning Partners webinar on impacts of being adopted by parents of a different ethniciy.
• Beyond Culture Camp: A Guide for Parents. Adoption Learning Partners webinar on impacts of being adopted by parents of a different ethniciy.