Gladney Blog

At Gladney, we know that the experience of returning to China does not end when the trip concludes. For adoptees and their families, coming home is often the beginning of another important chapter. The memories, emotions, and questions that surface during a homeland journey can continue to shape identity and family connection long after the suitcases are unpacked. 

At Gladney, we believe that adoption is a lifelong journey. For many international adoptees, traveling back to China is one of the most profound steps in that journey. These trips offer the opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of their birth country in a way that is deeply personal and often transformative. 

A return trip to China is an extraordinary opportunity for adoptees and their families. It’s a chance to connect with culture and heritage in a personal and powerful way—but like any meaningful journey, it requires thoughtful preparation. At Gladney, we want families to feel equipped not only with the right travel essentials but also with the emotional tools to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

For many international adoptees, traveling back to China is more than just a trip—it’s a deeply meaningful step in the lifelong journey of adoption. At Gladney, we believe these experiences have the power to strengthen identity, deepen family bonds, and create lasting connections to culture and heritage. 

Archibald is eight years old. He’s bright, curious, and kind. He’s learning English, loves to draw, and lights up when he connects with someone who sees him.

The Gladney Center for Adoption is honored to introduce the Aleda Madison International Adoptee Scholarship Fund, established in tribute to Aleda Madison, founder of Madison Adoption Associates. As you may know, Madison Adoption Associates joined the Gladney Center for Adoption in 2024—a partnership designed to expand and strengthen the services of both agencies in response to the evolving landscape of international adoption.

Adoption Impacts the Whole Family

Qualifying adoptive families received exciting news this month: the Adoption Tax Credit is now partially refundable—up to $5,000—thanks to recent bipartisan support from Congress and the President. The National Council For Adoption (NCFA) applauds this critical step toward making adoption more accessible for families across the country.

Adoption is often portrayed as a joyful new beginning, but for many adoptees and birth parents, it also carries layers of loss, grief, and unresolved trauma. Experiences like early separation, disrupted attachment, or difficult adoption circumstances can leave an imprint that affects emotions, relationships, and self-perception long into adulthood.

Finding the right therapist is an important step in your healing journey. Whether you are an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive family, working with an adoption-informed therapist can make all the difference in how you process emotions, build resilience, and navigate relationships. But how do you know if a therapist is the right fit? Here are five key questions to ask before making your decision.