How do you fit in?   We need you, your creativity (we can lend you some if you think you don't have any), and your time in order to create these gifts for local foster children.   Adoption Life Books resemble scrapbooks and, like scrapbooks, there are a lot of ways to be involved.   Curious?   Interested?   If so, please contact any of the following:

Sandra Estep, Lifebook Co-coordinator,
lifebook@afamilyforeverychild.org; phone 541-517-3647 (call or text).

Gail Van Gundy, Lifebook Co-coordinator,
lifebook@afamilyforeverychild.org; phone 541-525-3500 (call or text).

or Christy Obie-Barrett,
christy@afamilyforeverychild.org; phone 541-343-2856

These books impact the lives of children and protect memories that otherwise might be lost.

" An Adoption LifeBook records a foster/adoptee's life that uses words, photos, graphics, the child's artwork, and memorabilia.   An Adoption LifeBook includes information about the child's birth parents and reason for separation.   It always starts at the child's birth and often includes the fun part of when the adopted child joined a family.

An Adoption LifeBook tells more than a life story.   It represents a unique opportunity for parents to honor every minute of their children's lives.   It acts as the single most meaningful piece of " paperwork " that any social worker can complete.   As for foster parents, this is their chance to give an adoptee/foster child a sweet childhood memory.

What are some of the benefits of an Adoption LifeBook?   An adoption LifeBook provides:

• A concrete tool for meaningful conversation
• An adoption security blanket
• Attachment rituals
• Structure for difficult material (such as reasons for the relinquishment)
• Ways to normalize adoption language
• Ways to reduce fantasy about birthparents (could this help with paying attention in school?)
• A front-load for adolescence
• Opportunities to create positive identity and ethnic identity
• Space for future events