December 23, 2016
Responding to: "You're Not My Real Mom"
One unique aspect of adopting an older child is the fact that your child will have connections and relationships with other adults who may have acted in the role of a parent, whether it be a biological, foster, or adoptive parent. Read More
December 9, 2016
15 Questions to Replace "How Was School Today?"
Often times when trying to make a connection with their children, parents ask, "How was school today?" While this may seem like a harmless question, it often ignites the response, "Fine." with no follow-up. Read More
October 14, 2016
DNA Analysis and Its Challenges for Adoption
I found the following article, DNA’s new ‘miracle’: How adoptees are using online registries to find their blood relatives, on the front page of the Washington Post Thursday morning very interesting. Read More
October 5, 2016
Maryland Enacts Policies to Protect Foster Youth Who Identify as LGBTQ
Maryland has officially enacted policies aimed at making the foster care system safer for foster youth who identify as LGBTQ. Many LGBTQ youth who enter the foster care system are subject to more trauma and violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Read More
September 23, 2016
Congratulations to an Amazing PWNL Mom on Her Award Winning Blog!
One of our very own PWNL Moms has been recognized as one of the best Adoptive Mom Blogs of 2016 by Healthline for her blog, Adoptive Black Mom. Adoptive Black Mom chronicles her adoption journey from the searching process to her every day parenting struggles in an honest and re Read More
September 9, 2016
Feel Good Friday!
When Abby's adoption finalization hearing was scheduled for the same day as her first day of school, her entire class came to support her big day! Read More
August 16, 2016
When Foster Youth are Given a Chance, This is What Happens...
Despite all of the obstacles in his way, James Turner was able to graduate from high school, excel in track, and get accepted to college. Read More
July 13, 2016
Perspectives of Children in Foster Care
Children in foster care have often experienced trauma and find it difficult to communicate how they feel to the people around them. Read More
June 24, 2016
Feel Good Friday!
In case you missed it, watch this little girl's adoption finalization become even more special with a lot of hard work and a little magic. Read More
June 17, 2016
Barker Celebrates Fathers!
I am always surprised by the calls and emails I receive from adoptive dads around this time of year. One father of teenagers wrote: “Each Father’s Day as I reflect on my family and our two beautiful daughters, I think about ALL the families made possible throug Read More
April 6, 2016
Chinese Characters
This week’s freakishly winter-like weather has made it even harder to get back into the groove of the school week after an extended Spring break spent in Caribbean sunshine. This morning as we looked for winter coats in early April, loaded lunchboxes and checked Read More
April 4, 2016
A Barker Legend Has Retired
The longest tenured employee at Barker, Beth Kirby, has retired, effective March 31, 2016, after 25 years of extraordinary service. Beth has served in many capacities, and her warmth and versatility are well known and greatly appreciated. Read More