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Discover Teen Voices of Adoption: Check Out Our FAQ

Teen VOA

Learn more about Teen Voices of Adoption by reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What is Teen Voices of Adoption?

Teen Voices of Adoption (Teen VOA) is a community-building group open to all adoptees 13-17 years old, internationally or domestically born, located anywhere in the world. Teen VOA meets virtually via Zoom; this is a free event to all who register. It is hosted by Jessica M. Luciere, a Colombian adoptee & Adoptee Advocate, she is the Manager of Community Engagement at Spence-Chapin. 

Teen VOA is a space for adoptees to share their stories, hear from one another, and make new friends from around the world. Teen VOA is a judgement-free zone, where all participants are expected to come in with an open mind, understanding that each adoptee has their own unique experience. Occasionally, there are themed discussions; often, the group runs as an open forum.

Teen VOA is not a clinical space but if an adoptee is looking for clinical services, Spence-Chapin has options available. 

 

What topics come up in the group?

Topics may include how to talk about being adopted with others, interest in birth place or birth culture, preparing for college as an adoptee, friendships, relationships, identity, hobbies and interests.

 

Are non-adoptees – like adoptive parents or friends – able to participate in Teen VOA?

No. While we value the interest of others connected to adoption, Teen VOA is strictly an adoptee space. This creates confidence in those who join, knowing that this space is specifically for them and those who share the experience of being adopted. 

 

How do I know if my teen may want to join a space like this?

If you are unsure how to talk to your teen about this group, we would be happy to meet with you over the phone to answer any questions you may have. We encourage teens to join us for one session to see what it is like for them. Most people who have joined once return for future events. There are not expectations to share, and we welcome all to join and hear from their peers.

 

What if I am not/our family is not personally connected to Spence-Chapin as an adoptee?

That is fine! All adoptees are welcome to join Teen VOA, regardless of having a connection to Spence-Chapin.

 

 

How do I register?

Registration for upcoming Teen VOA events can be found on our events calendar. We hope to see you there!

 

To find out more contact us at

212-400-8150 or email us at [email protected].

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Waiting Children Profiles

Thank you for your interest in adopting through Spence-Chapin! We are able to share the profiles of children who are considered to be the most in need and are waiting internationally to be matched with an adoptive family. The children featured on this page have been waiting for the longest to find families and consist of children who are older, part of a sibling group, or children with a diagnosed medical condition. In order to respect the privacy of these children, this page has been password protected.

Spence-Chapin takes the privacy rights of the children that we are seeking to place very seriously, and share the profile with you under the following conditions:

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PASSWORD ACCESS
That you acknowledge and understand that

1. Misuse of the content, and/or linking to any sites that reflect practices that involve the sale, abduction, exploitation, or trafficking of children is strictly prohibited.

2. You have been given limited access to confidential information in the form of images that you will not disclose to any person or in any manner that is inconsistent with applicable policies and procedures of Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children.

3. The confidentiality obligation shall continue indefinitely, including at all times after my association with Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children.

4. You are not permitted to release, copy, distribute, or sell any of these images to third parties in any form.

5. Impermissible disclosure of the images may result in legal actions being taken against you, by or on behalf of that person.

6. You are doing this freely, voluntarily and with a full understanding of what you are agreeing to by entering/accessing this blog.

7. Thank you for your interest in providing a loving home for a waiting child! We look forward to connecting with you soon to continue discussing adoption paths at Spence-Chapin. We hope that you like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter, and keep up with our families through our adoption blog!

Warm regards,
The Adoption Team at Spence-Chapin

Phone: 212-400-8150
Email: [email protected]

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