Message from the Executive Director

We passed! The reaccreditation story I skipped ...

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Though I mentioned this briefly in my last email to you, it's worth repeating - and celebrating - a lot more. We are thrilled to share that we have been reaccredited for international adoption for another 4 years!

For those of you who have been around a while, you have heard us ask for your support and good thoughts every 4 years. This cycle I found that the process was so long and drawn out that passing sort of felt anti-climatic. The accrediting entity changed their process so we did the big paperwork upload in January and then site visit in April - but they gave us no feedback when they departed in April... which left us without any positive celebration as they walked out the door. Just exhaustion. 

We didn't hear anything until the end of June, when they shared what we needed to correct (only a few admin changes) and after that they finally organized a meeting to give us their feedback. At that point I was so ready to be done. We quickly fixed those admin things and then... waited some more.

However, a few Monday mornings ago I opened up my laptop to see that the notice from the Department of State had been sent out announcing that we passed. My inbox was immediately flooded with congratulations and well wishes from our fellow agencies (they know our pain). I finally felt like we could celebrate a bit and relax. It was that moment that it finally hit me. The happiness and relief filled my eyes. 

So please join me in a prideful and celebratory THANK YOU to our staff and board and the families that were interviewed!! Thank you also to everyone who responded to our request for much needed additional funds to ensure staff could put in the hours needed for this process (and for food, chocolate, and coffee. Lots of coffee.)

We are an amazing agency with the highest standards, values and ethics. I’m so proud of the work we do and the women, children and families we serve. 

Now that we can truly put that behind us, I'm so looking forward to officially celebrating with all of you at Date Night next month when we can raise a glass together in person! Or a bowl of tea leaf salad. IYKYK.

But seriously, Sarah and I got a chance to have lunch at BStar last week and sample our event menu - think tea leaf salad, samusas, platha, crispy fried cauliflowers. It was all so good! The food might steal the show from the signature cocktails this year... just saying. (Or don't just trust us, check out their Yelp reviews. Or should I mention they're the little sister restaurant to Burma Superstar, which just got yet another shoutout as a Finalist in SFGate's Best of the Bay reader's poll)? You should probably come try it for yourself :)

Which leads me to a reminder to buy your tickets for Date Night!

When you click through the link to our event landing page, choose the "Attend or Donate" Button at the top right of the page linked at the button below (see the P.S. below for an important caveat about platform fees).

Saturday, October 18 | 5:30pm

B Star | Clement St, San Francisco

Reasons you definitely want to be there this year -

• Celebrate the reaccreditation win - and the fact that we don't have to do it for another 4 years!

• See your favorite Adopt staff (and buy them a drink for getting through reaccreditation!)

• Dessert Auction (not everyone can win my grandma's English Toffee so this year we'll have lots of sweet treats to bid on!)

Don't miss all of this and more! Get your tickets now!

We can't wait to see you there! Lisa Clark, LCSW, MSW, Executive Director

P.S. - In related news the accredited entity that we have been under, IAAME, has decided to close their org so going forward Adopt International will be under the supervision of Center for Excellence in Adoption Services (CEAS). CEAS has been around for a few years and we have heard positive things about their working relationship with agencies so we are looking forward to this change and better collaborative relationship.

Welcome to Adopt International

If you found this article useful, you might also find this useful: Adoption Tax Credit 2025, Adoption Tax Credit FAQs, What is open adoption?

• If you would like more information on adopting a child from India, click here.

• If you are pregnant and wondering whether adoption could be the right option for you and your baby, you can contact us any time on (800)-969-6665 or by filling out this form.

• Adopt International is a non-profit organization. We provide extensive support and assistance to expectant mothers who are considering adoption for their child. Learn more here.

• If you are a family who is considering adopting a child, learn more here.