THE ADOPTION ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT GROUP

n November 1988 a group of sixteen couples and some prospective single parents met together for the first time. Every person in attendance had one thing in common -- they all were hoping to build their families through adoption. Having suffered the disappointments of infertility, they were anxious to see if adoption would help them become parents. By December 1989 all but two of the original couples had successfully matched with birth mothers and had babies in their homes. More and more prospective adoptive parents started to attend the meetings. On a regular basis the couples who had successfully adopted shared their stories, provided their insights and offered their support to newcomers to the group. Eventually that group disbanded. Shortly thereafter the ADOPTION SUPPORT AND INFORMATION GROUP (ASIG) was formed.

he ASIG is a non profit organization formed to provide guidance and information to all persons interested in adoption. The group holistically deals with adoption issues and laws. The ASIG serves as a source of clear, informative and accurate information, practical advice, support and encouragement for adoptive parents who are contemplating and/or actually going through the process. Meetings are designed to acquaint attendees with the issues, procedures and practical aspects of adoption. Couples who have successfully adopted discuss the various ways in which birth mothers can be found, the various types of adoption, and the legal issues concerning, among other things, birth parent rights.

mple opportunity is provided at each meeting for networking and answering questions. Whether the contemplated adoptions are single parent or couple, open or closed, independent, agency, or collaborative, international or domestic, an abundance of information and resources is always available.

he ASIG is chaired by David H. Baum and his wife who are adoptive parents themselves. Mr. Baum is also an adoption attorney, a Member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and the President of the Academy of California Adoption Lawyers. The group is also facilitated and supervised by an Advisory Committee comprised of skilled and concerned professionals in diverse related fields including pediatricians, obstetricians, licensed clinical social workers, and successful adoptive couples who serve as mentors.

he ADOPTION SUPPORT AND INFORMATION GROUP meets in the Conference Center of the Manufacturer's Bank Building at 16255 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 210, Encino, California on the last Wednesday of each month. A mailing list has been established to provide advance monthly notice of future meetings and topics. There is a nominal fee to attend the meetings. You need not be a client of THE LAW OFFICES OF DAVID H. BAUM to attend.

To be added to the mailing list, please complete the Electronic Mail Form and send it to us at adoptlaw@ix.netcom.com

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