Outside Resource Links
Quick Links to Helpful Information on Adoption, Foster Care, Special Needs and Disability
Vital Records
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
Information and applications to order certified birth and death certificates, obtain marriage and divorce/annulment facts and links for genealogy research.
Locating an Experienced Adoption Attorney Outside of Tennessee
Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys
Provides information to locate an experienced legal professional specializing in adoption law and assisted reproduction law in the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Israel and the United Kingdom.
General Adoption Information
Knox Area Foster Care and Adoption Ministries
Located in Knoxville, TN, information that is focused on child-centered care with links for resources involving adoption, counseling, therapy and parenting.
The leading adoptive parents’ magazine and a good, reliable website. A guide to adopting and networking with adoptive parents.
Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute
Information for adoption professionals, research, policy and practice. Their email newsletter is excellent to keep apprised of current events in adoption.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Clearinghouse connects professionals and interested individuals to information on programs, research, legislation, and statistics to promote the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families.
Coffeehouse – Knoxville, TN. Adoption Fundraising and Grants
Adoptionly Yours is the first line of adoption greeting cards and gifts created for supporting and celebrating the adoption journey. Simple, meaningful expressions for birth parents and adopting families.
Foster Care & Special Needs
North American Council on Adoptable Children
Excellent site for special needs adoption issues, particularly state-specific adoption subsidy materials.
Information regarding adoption and foster care through the State of Tennessee
Information specifically involving the State of Tennessee adoption and foster care programs (TN DCS)
Children’s Rights Organization
Providing current information to advocate for and protect the rights of foster children.
Administration of Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website with focus areas on children including adoption, abuse and neglect, child welfare, foster care, guardianship and tribes.
International Adoption
Intercountry adoption U.S. Department of State-Bureau of Consular Affairs
Links and references pertaining to travel from and to the United States.
Links and information regarding U.S. citizenship for a child adopted abroad.
Adoption Tax Information
Provides information on the adoption assistance program and links to the adoption tax credit forms and instructions for filing.
General and Educational Resources for People with Disabilities
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates
https://www.copaa.org/
“Protecting the Legal and Civil Rights of Students with Disabilities and their Families”
The Arc of Tennessee
https://thearc.org/chapter/the-arc-of-tennessee/
“The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.”
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
https://www.tn.gov/cdd/projects-and-initiatives/public-awareness/tennessee-disability-pathfinder.html
“a statewide multilingual information and referral service for disability resources operated by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center”
Disability Rights TN
https://www.disabilityrightstn.org/
“DRT provides legal advocacy services to people with disabilities across the state with numerous issues, including employment discrimination, safety in schools, abuse and neglect, and access to community resources and services.”
STEP – Support and Training for Exceptional Parents –
“a brighter future for children with disabilities”
“Our mission is to empower parents through information, training, and support to become effective partners with professionals in planning appropriate educational programs for their children.”
Next Steps at Vanderbilt University
https://peabody.vanderbilt.edu/departments/nextsteps/
“Next Steps at Vanderbilt is a 4-year inclusive higher education program committed to providing students with intellectual disability an inclusive, transformational postsecondary education in academics, social and career development, and independent living, while honoring equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.”
Cerebral Palsy Guide
Erbs Palsy