2025 Adoption Wrapped
What a year 2025 has been! In 2025, while adoption wasn’t a topic that many people had on the forefront of their minds, some real changes occurred behind the scenes. Whether you’re adoptee, adoptive family, birth parent, or just curious about adoption, there’s so much to look back on and be proud of. Let’s dive…
A Cradle in Delhi: How One Mother Found Her Daughter at Palna
By Teesta Bhola-Shah Before adoptive parent Ria Patel ever became a mother, she was already working to help children. Her first job after earning her Master’s degree was with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, a philanthropic organization in India that funds community and social projects. One of their most meaningful missions, she said, was building a…
Two Countries, One Goal: How Adoption Differs in India and America
When it comes to adoption, every family’s story starts from the same place: love. But the way that story unfolds can look very different depending on where you live. We interviewed mother Ria Patel, who adopted her daughter Zahra through the Indian adoption system, about her experiences.
Palna’s Cradle: Ria Patel’s Adoption Story
Long before Ria Patel became a mother, she spent her weekends surrounded by the soft hum of lullabies, the cries of babies, and the quiet sound of hope echoing through the hallways of Palna, a children’s home in Delhi.
Finding Joy in Adoption: Laughter and Family with Gina Iyer
By Teesta Bhola-Shah When we interviewed Gina Iyer, I immediately noticed how full of energy she was. Adoption can be a serious topic, but it can be filled with funny moments too. Gina was adopted in the United States when she was four and a half and later moved to India with her mother after…
From Dallas to India: Gina Iyer’s Adoption Story
By Teesta Bhola-Shah Adoption can mean many different things for different people — complexity, love, loss, anger, family. For adoptee Gina Iyer, it has meant all of these things and more. Born in the United States and raised in India, Gina’s story crosses many continents and cultures. We interviewed Gina about her life and perspectives…
“It’s You and Your Child Against the World” – Gina Iyer’s Advice for Adoptive Parents
By Teesta Bhola-Shah Adoption is often a very difficult process for everyone involved. But the way to get through it is with patience and love, says Gina Iyer. Gina was adopted as a child and adopted one of her children when she grew up, so she has lots of experience with the process. When we…
Holly Clark’s Adoption Story: How a Single Moment Inspired a Life of Advocacy
We interviewed AdoptTogether liaison and mother Holly Clark about her adoption story. Read about it here!
How Can We Reframe Language Around Adoption?
There are many misconceptions, stereotypes, and negative perceptions people have around adoption. But how do we combat these stereotypes? It begins with purposefully using the right language when we talk about adoption.
Building Families: How AdoptTogether Makes Adoption Possible
Adoption is something most people hear about, but not many realize just how expensive it can be. With the average adoption costing around $50,000, the process can feel impossible before it even begins. That’s why AdoptTogether, a nonprofit crowdfunding platform, was created: to help make adoption a reality for families everywhere.
October 2025 Adoption Stories – Legislative Updates
Hey everyone, Teesta here. It is fall, Halloween just passed, and lawmakers have been busy. Let’s talk about legislative updates worldwide for adoption!
Kerry Tobar and the Gladney Center for Adoption: Changing the Way We Talk About Adoption
“The biggest misconception is just how people think birth parents ‘gave away’ their child and were being selfish,” says Kerry Tobar, Adoption Education Manager at the Gladney Center for Adoption. “In reality, it’s the opposite. One of my birth mom friends told me, ‘I broke my own heart. I did it because I love my…
The Evolution of Adoption: Kerry Tobar Shares Gladney’s 140-Year Story
When people picture adoption today, they might think of families being brought together through agencies, with care for the children and intentional placement. But it wasn’t always this way.
Adoption Education in Schools and Hospitals: The AdoptED Program
By Teesta Bhola-Shah Adoption is often misunderstood, and those misunderstandings can shape the way adoptees, professionals, and families think about it. The only way to correct these misconceptions surrounding adoption is through purposeful education. At the Gladney Center for Adoption, the AdoptED program works to do that, making sure that accurate information about adoption is…
Adoption in August 2025: Legislative Updates
This August, several important legislative updates have made headlines, and they’re worth paying attention to if adoption has touched your life in any way. The rules that governments pass can directly affect your life if you are an adoptee, looking to adopt, or have some connection to the adoption world.
How Should We Ask Questions About Adoption?
I have a little brother who’s adopted, and growing up, I’ve heard a lot of comments from classmates and even adults that were confusing, frustrating, or just plain hurtful. At the same time, most people are just genuinely curious, and don’t mean harm at all. That’s why I think it’s important to talk about how…
Misunderstandings About Adoption
My little brother is adopted, and I’ve seen firsthand how normal and full of love adoption can be. But I’ve also heard so many misconceptions from classmates, neighbors, or even adults who mean well but don’t really understand. So, I wanted to write about a few of the most common assumptions I’ve come across, and…
July 2025 Adoption Stories: Books, Movies, Websites and More
Adoption conversations are always evolving — and this July, along with legislation changing the adoption landscape, new media bringing light to the adoption experience has released as well. From new books to documentaries that challenge the narratives we’ve seen on screen for decades, July 2025 has brought new updates across the media.
Adoption in July 2025: Legislative Shifts Bringing Uncertainty
This July, a lot has been happening in the world of adoption, and honestly, it feels like there is finally some good news for people who want to adopt. At the same time, there are still a lot of debates and arguments surrounding adoption. Here’s what you need to know.
What is ICWA – And Why Does it Matter?
ICWA is one of the most important laws in the history of Native American adoption – and many people don’t know what it really is. ICWA stands for the Indian Child Welfare Act, and it’s actually one of the most important—and controversial—laws affecting Native American communities in the United States.
History of Native American Adoption
When we think of adoption, we usually imagine something positive, kids finding loving homes and families. But for Native American communities, the history of adoption is far more complicated. For a long time, Native children were taken from their families and placed into white homes, because the government wanted to erase their culture.
