AdoptChange

Today is National Adoption Day. In honor of this, the FBI has issued special guidance about adoption fraud. This comes a year after the Federal Trade Commission sounded the alarm on violations of the FTC Act through warning letters, and two days after the ADOPT Act was introduced to Congress.
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The FBI has provided helpful examples of what to look out for when working with adoption providers. Do any of these examples resonate with you and your adoption experience?
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Visit the link to read the complete FBI guidance on adoption fraud. You can report adoption fraud to the FBI at ic3.gov. We will continue to provide additional education and information on AdoptChange.org, so you know what red flags to look for and what to do about them.

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/adoption-fraud

Adoption Fraud | Federal Bureau of Investigation Unethical adoption service providers can take advantage of an emotionally charged process to deceive and defraud prospective adoptive parents or birth parents considering adoption. Learn what to look out for, how to protect yourself and your family, and what to do if you're a victim.

Thank you Rep. Adam Smith for cosponsoring the ADOPT Act and your commitment to oversight, protection, and transparency in domestic adoption.

Friends, 2023 has been nothing short of hopeful. We hope you are taking time to reflect on this year’s wins and encouraging moments, as we are. Here are a few things that happened this year…

• California took action to eliminate the unlicensed adoption facilitators program through the passage of AB-120, joining 31 other states in prohibiting unlicensed entities from providing adoption services.
• HR 6220, the ADOPT Act, was introduced in the House by Rep. Kuster, Rep. Lamborn, and Rep. Aderholt. This landmark legislation aims to prohibit unlicensed intermediaries from providing adoption services in interstate cases.
• HR 6700, the Adoption Counts Act, was introduced in the House by Rep. Lamborn. This legislation would require the Children's Bureau to collect and maintain data for all private adoptions. This hasn't been done since the 70s!
• AdoptChange.org was launched after three years of development by Ethical Family Building. The site features a searchable database of every private domestic adoption professional in the United States, interactive state law maps, and opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts around the country.

We wish you all a happy new year, filled with joy, rest, and most of all, hope. See you in 2024! ✨
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