READ My blog "The Blog of Least Bad Choices."
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Learn about the On Your Feet Foundation Birthmother Retreats.
"Jennifer gets it. Her book is more than her story. It is a well-worded walk through adoption today. She has captured with respect the perspectives of each part of the adoption process. Every parent-to-be about to take this journey should read this first ... twice."
Born and raised in Michigan, I spent ten years in Chicago building my career, before returning to what we affectionately refer to as, "The Mitten" in 2004.
I hold a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and a Master's Degree in Jurisprudence (Child Law) from Loyola University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois.
In addition to writing and speaking about adoption, I am proud to be a founding board member of the On Your Feet Foundation. I regularly co-lead weekend retreats for birthmothers, all over the United States. You may have seen us on MTV's Series, Teen Mom when birthmom Catelynn attended a retreat. Watch for our second episode sometime in early 2011.
When I'm not working, I enjoy golfing, interesting foods, photography and anything "crafty" or creative.
On Your Feet Foundation of N. California
Retreat For Birthmothers, Sonoma, CA
Center For Family Connections, ARC/ACTION
Conference on Adoption.
Provincetown, MA
On Your Feet Foundation: Weekend Retreat For Birthmothers. Michigan City Indiana
Registration Begins September 1, 2011.
www.OYFF.org
April 2, 2011
Local Author's Day
Brighton Public Library
Brighton, Michigan
March 11-13, 2011
On Your Feet Foundation
Weekend Retreat For Birthmothers
Michigan City, Indiana
March 5, 2011
Chicago Area Families For Adoption
Conference on Adoption
Wheaton, IL
October 15 - 17, 2010
Birthmother Retreat
Michigan City, IN
September 17-19, 2010
Bethany Christian Services
Seattle, WA
Twenty years ago, I made a decision that would shape the rest of my life. After choosing open adoption for my son in 1990, I decided to become a social worker and enter the field of adoptions. I didn't want other women to walk alone on their own adoption journeys. It wasn't long beofre I was helping prospective adoptive parents prepare for this process as well. I believe that we all have the children we are meant to have , in whatever way they join our families.
It soon became clear to me, that as a birthmother, I had insight that other adoption professionals did not. I understand what it feels like to be searching for the perfect family for your baby...and I know what it feels like when you find them! I see my work as, ultimately, helping searching expectant mothers, through teaching their child's future parents how to be "found."
No, adoption isn't for everyone, but for those expectant mothers who chose it, I believe they are best served not just by helping people to adopt, but by helping people adopt better.
A social worker, birthmom, and adoption advocate shares her proven strategies and unique insights for finding the perfect adoption match. This is a must-have guide for a faster, successful open domestic adoption; oftentimes without the red tape and wait times of a traditional agency.
Adoptive parents are the ying to the birthparents' yang; so different, but yet without the other, neither are complete. This is the pull that author Pedley, a birthmother and licensed social worker, understands so well. Based on both years of experience in the field of adoption, as well as a birthmother in a successful open adoption with her now-adult son, Jennifer Joyce Pedley shares practical, comprehensive, and legally sound advice for taking charge of your adoption process. Pedley takes the reader by the hand and demystifies the domestic adoption process, explaining exactly why it can be preferable to connect with an expectant mother directly rather than using the facilitation of a traditional agency.
Potential families will find:
How to bridge the digital divide and avoid the pitfalls of the Internet
Do's and don'ts of the latest methods available, including classified advertising, written profile, and even video to thoughtfully market your family
Critical information about the home study process
Help in identifying red flags commonly associated with an expectant mom's decision to parent.
Ideas for incorporating adoption especially the topic of birthparents, into everyday life in ways that are practical, creative, and child-centered.
In addition, Secrets to Your Successful Domestic Adoption carefully examines many of the legal considerations of domestic adoption including clarification of types of agencies, the roles played by facilitators and attorneys, plus essential information on Interstate Adoption.
With warmth, experience, and passion, Pedley is a wise advocate and mentor in this must-have resource.
Links to recent press and reviews.
"A Little Help".
