How do you think AFTH challenges many stereotypes and misconceptions people have about adoption agencies?
“AFTH challenges the idea that adoption agencies are transactional or profit-driven by centering relationships and lived experience. Being founded by an adoptee and intentionally employing adoptees as social workers shifts the culture from just a “process” to true perspective. Decisions aren’t just policy-based; they’re informed by people who have lived adoption long after the paperwork was complete. That naturally creates more transparency, accountability, and empathy in how we serve families.” – Emily, adoptee and AFTH Adoption Social Worker
“I believe it challenges many stereotypes and misconceptions people have about adoption agencies because of all the resources that we provide to everyone involved in the adoption process. We provide counseling for birth parents even after they place. We also make sure that we supply them with any resources they may need. Even if we don’t have the direct resources, we will help them search for resources provided through their communities. As for adopting parents, we help them the whole way as well, even after placement. We seek to be a place where families can come back and share their successes and their struggles. We also help them with resources, even after finalization. We have built a great community here, something I didn’t think other agencies were doing. Lastly, the adoptee is at the center of every decision we make. When thinking about course material for classes, we typically look at what will help parents the most in raising an adoptee. Also, we support adoptees as they grow older by providing them with invaluable medical backgrounds as well as support groups.” – Christian, adoptee and AFTH Adoption Counselor
“I believe that Adoptions from the Heart challenges many common stereotypes and misconceptions about adoption agencies by emphasizing education, transparency. Rather than presenting adoption as a simple or one-dimensional solution, AFTH provides amazing education through its courses and ongoing support services, helping individuals understand the emotional, social, and lifelong complexities of adoption. Having Adoptions From The Heart founded by an adoptee, makes a meaningful difference and further challenges common stereotypes.” – Talia
Addressing Some of the Most Common Stereotypes…
Adoption agencies pressure people into placing their babies.
“Many people assume agencies push expectant parents toward adoption, while we prioritize options counseling, informed choice, autonomy, and support. Whether someone chooses parenting, adoption, or another path.”
Adoption is all about the adoptive parents.
“There’s a misconception that agencies exist mainly to serve hopeful adoptive families. In reality, our agency works to balance the needs of the child, the birth family, and the adoptive family with the child’s long-term well-being at the center.”
Once papers are signed, birth families are forgotten.
“People often think agencies disappear after placement. We provide ongoing support, counseling, and help with open adoption relationships long after placement occurs.”
Open adoption isn’t really open or doesn’t work.
“Some believe open adoption is unsafe, confusing, or destined to fail. In practice, openness can look many different ways and, when done thoughtfully, can be healthy and beneficial, especially for adoptees.” Jackie, adoptee and AFTH Adoption Social Worker
In our next blog, our social workers will share their response to “Why did you choose to work for an adoption agency, and specifically AFTH?”
