Uplift Adoption Network

Honoring and Supporting Families Who Choose Adoption

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225-270-9022
info@upliftadoption.com

Adoption Perspectives Conference a Success

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The audience at Adoption Perspectives Conference drew smiley faces on their hands to celebrate World Adoption Day.
The audience at Adoption Perspectives Conference drew smiley faces on their hands to celebrate World Adoption Day.

Uplift Adoption Network held an event for anyone interested in adoption during National Adoption Month. Sponsored by On Point Legal, Adoption Perspectives Conference offered education and resources for adoptive parents, adoptees, and professionals who work with birth parents.

There were talks that addressed how adoption affects us all, breakout sessions tailored for particular adoption needs, and a panel discussion where speakers answered audience questions. Plus five ministries and organizations, including A Door of Hope Ministries and Louisiana Right to Life, were present to have one on one conversations with the attendees.

 

 

If you didn’t get a chance to come here are some highlights from the morning:

  • Amy Canada told the story of adopting her children, Wynter and Joshua. She highlighted the importance of forming a supportive community and also gave some specific advice regarding how to ask for help.
You need to know who can offer you which resources.
You need to know who can offer you which resources.
It wasn't that people weren't willing to give what they had. They just didn't have what I needed.
It wasn’t that people weren’t willing to give what they had. They just didn’t have what I needed.
I learned to look for guides who had already crossed bridges I was coming to.
I learned to look for guides who had already crossed bridges I was coming to.
To have a community, be a community. Seek people who need what you have.
To have a community, be a community. Seek people who need what you have.
  • Katie Duplantis, a birth mother who made an adoption plan with On Point Legal, shared what birth mothers need as they process the adoption and gave a call to action to create more support for birth mother needs.
Don't stop reaching out, even if a birth mom is saying no. Don't give up on me because I'm not giving up on myself.
Don’t stop reaching out, even if a birth mom is saying no. Don’t give up on me because I’m not giving up on myself.
When my son was born the adoptive family never rushed me. That was a gift for me. They allowed me to breastfeed my child. I'm always grateful.
When my son was born the adoptive family never rushed me. That was a gift for me. They allowed me to breastfeed my child. I’m always grateful.
There need to be resources, apps, websites, an 800 number. The thought of someone googling "birth mother" and seeing nothing but hate; that has to end.
There need to be resources, apps, websites, an 800 number. The thought of someone googling “birth mother” and seeing nothing but hate; that has to end.
  • On Point Legal senior attorney, Todd Gaudin, gave the audience practical tips about deciding if adoption is right for your family, and the steps to take.
Birth parents have a right to an attorney and they must have counseling. They are safeguards to make sure the birth parent is not being pressured.
Birth parents have a right to an attorney and they must have counseling. They are safeguards to make sure the birth parent is not being pressured.
Whether or not to adopt is a big decision and both spouses need to be on the same page.
Whether or not to adopt is a big decision and both spouses need to be on the same page.
Don't think you are the only people wondering if they can love an adopted child as much as a biological child. It's an important thing to consider.
Don’t think you are the only people wondering if they can love an adopted child as much as a biological child. It’s an important thing to consider.
The first thing to do when you're ready to adopt is assemble an adoption team. You can use an agency, an attorney, or enroll with the state and participate in foster programs.
The first thing to do when you’re ready to adopt is assemble an adoption team. You can use an agency, an attorney, or enroll with the state and participate in foster programs.

We wanted to say thank you to everyone who participated in the conference;

  • Victor Canada, co-founder of Uplift Adoption Network and an adoptive father.
  • Amy Canada, co-founder of Uplift Adoption Network and an adoptive mother.
  • Todd Gaudin, principal attorney at On Point Legal with 20 years of experience.
  • Katie Duplantis, birth mother of honor.
  • Taylor Gilbert, licensed clinical social worker from Goodwood Counseling.
  • Katie Manuel, mother of five (two through adoption) and adoption consultant for Christian Adoption Consultants. 
  • Aimee Poche, director and coordinator of Louisiana Heart Gallery.
  • Kristen Maddox, founder of A Door of Hope Ministries.
  • Michelle Gros, adoptive mother and law student.

Also, a huge thank you to the team at CrossPoint Baptist Church. They helped make our event a success.

This event celebrated what we believe at Uplift Adoption Network; that adoption is a duty and a calling, not a second-best option. We hope to inspire, encourage, and support the building up of families through adoption in Louisiana. If you have ever considered adoption, we would love to talk to you. Give us a call at (225) 270-9022 or visit our Facebook page.

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