Adopted: The Movie and We Can Do Better

Director and co-producer Barb Lee and co-producer Nancy Kim Parsons created a masterful movie chronicling the adoption stories of two families: one at the beginning of their adoption journey and the other trying to re connect before it is too late. The movie is thoughtful, emotional, and above all, truthful, providing a sometimes painful look into the challenges that trans racial adopted persons and their families may face. I was challenged and humbled to be asked by Nancy Kim Parsons to be part of the movie's companion DVD We Can Do Better. The DVD aims to provide guidance and education to current and future adoptive families with commentary and advice from the national adoption community, including adoptees and professionals. With my ever supportive family in tow, I spent an afternoon in New York City, taping insights and advice I could offer families based on both my personal and professional experiences as an adopted person. I strongly urge anyone connected with international and trans racial adoption to view Adopted. The movie and its companion DVD should be a standard part of both pre and post adoption education for new parents. Please visit their website at www.adoptedthemovie.com if you would like more information on how to view this important film.

Research and Publications

A Colombian Homeland Tour: Contributions Towards Adopted Person's Ethnic Identity Development and Family Functioning, Summer 2006, Virginia Tech

International Adoption of Latin American Children: Psychological Adjustment, Cultural and Legal Issues contributing author in Handbook of Adoption: Implication for Researchers, Practitioners and Families, St. John's University, 2007

Reflections columns, Adoption Today Magazine