Gladney Blog

Bella is such a beautiful little girl! She is 5 years old, but most of the information we have for her is from when she was 2. 

It was bound to happen after 25 years of working at Gladney. The Gladney Babies that I heard about and saw photos of when I first started have all grown up.  Many are in college and a few choose to apply to intern at Gladney.  One of these Gladney Babies is Elena Hall. 

Last week, the AdoptED team gave a presentation for a Gladney University event to inform parents, teachers, administrators, and other professionals about our AdoptED School Program. The presentation was packed with information and gave attendees a chance to see how the team is informing high schoolers about adoption.

As an AdoptED Education Specialist, I have the privilege of meeting some amazing educators and students on a daily basis. Our AdoptED team provides schools and students with free education and resources about adoption using a hands-on, interactive curriculum. It is so wonderful to when they become the adoption advocates.

"Why Do Teens Consider Suicide? More than '13 Reasons Why'"

After an education Gladney University training by Dr. Connie Avila and Ms. Ashley Scott on teen suicide, the reFRAMED Podcast team continued the conversation with our special guests on the reFRAMED Podcast in Episode 7. 

reFRAMED Host, Emily Morehead, talked with Connie and Ashley about how to navigate the in's and out's of the teenage brain in today's world.  Even though it's  daunting to understand red flags your teenager's behavior raise, it is necessary  to tackle these issues to open up communication between parent and teen. Whether your child is struggling with a mental health disorder or perhaps just feeling overwhelmed, Emily and guests discuss the tools needed to assist your teen as they deal with heavy expectations, social media angst, changes in their body, and growing independence. 

How Does This Work?

“We would like to adopt a child who needs us - Who are the children needing adoption in China?”

Depending on who you ask, you will get a variety of answers.  As you consider adopting from China – here is some context that we think is helpful and hopeful that shows many families are successfully adopting from China.

Last week was full of adventure, paperwork, and phone calls – but Friday was a day to remember. I want to show you all how my day was on Friday. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. So here is a look into a busy day as a Domestic Adoptive Parent caseworker masters level intern:

With the majority of children entering the Foster Care System before the age of 2 years old there is a great need for foster parents, adoptive parents, teachers, clinicians and medical providers to have tools and resources. Recently I read a harrowing statistic that in the state of Texas there were 4,310 children removed from their parents before or at the age of one years old. Helping the tiniest of our people understand their story, hurt and incorporate emotional and physical wellness should be all of our priority. Recently Sesame Street announced that they were releasing a new resource connection for children who are or have been in foster care and the adults in their lives.

How Does This Work?

Over 3,000 children wait in China for adoptive families – but who will become your son or daughter?

When you close your eyes, perhaps you have a vivid picture of who your child may be - a female or male child; a toddler, preschool, or school aged child. Let’s explore the process that leads you from a ‘thought’ about who your child may be to successfully matching with your child!

Riley

PARENT QUOTE