Diversity Matters to Birth Parents: A True Glimpse from the eyes of a Pregnancy Counselor

There used to be a time during the adoption process when women would hand their baby over to a family with little to no communication after the process was complete.

It’s often said there is magic in new beginnings. From changing careers to learning a new hobby, the process of doing something for the first time comes with hard lessons learned, new territory conquered, and ideas that make life a little brighter. The Barker Adoption Foundation knows life is full of “first” moments, and how the support of a loving family makes navigating the unknown that much easier. In 2020, Barker’s Older Child Adoption Program, Project Wait No Longer, placed four children with loving and permanent families, and an additional 16 finalized their adoptions. For many, 2020 was just the beginning of holiday memories that will last a lifetime. 

Marriott Foundation Recognizes Stephen Hersh’s Life of Service--With a Gift to Barker

Stephen Hersh has received recognition for many achievements over the years. Trained in pediatrics, general psychiatry, neurology, and adolescent psychiatry, he’s won numerous acknowledgments for his work on child and adult health and disease, and he was an early leader in bringing mind-body interventions into mainstream medicine.

But a surprise acknowledgment he received on his own front porch this spring was among the most meaningful because of what it will mean for families served by the Barker Adoption Foundation.

How Korea is Still Helping Families Come Together and Bring Children Home Despite a Global Pandemic

Seen. Valued. Chosen.

The year 2020 has brought many different things to different people. For many of our families, it has brought the opportunity to welcome a child into their home. Barker truly believes that every child deserves a family, and we strive to be inclusive of all families who can create a safe and loving environment for a child through adoption, and who can commit to meeting the needs of that child.

International Adoption is Certainly an Option During this Time of Uncertainty

Have you found yourself frequently thinking about growing your family during the pandemic? Well, you’re not alone!  Time that was once spent with friends, at the gym and out to dinner is now less structured for many (though not all – we see you parents of school-aged kiddos).  Some people are finding that they have more free time to dedicate to thoughtful consideration of the “when” and “how” they will grow their family. If international adoption is one of the options you’re considering, “What about COVID?” is a question that Barker staff hears often.  You are not alone in wondering how intercountry adoption has been impacted during this challenging and uncertain time in our world.