Adoptive Parents Committee

The Adoptive Parents Committee (APC) is a non-profit parent support group comprised of volunteers dedicated to improving all aspects of adoption and interim (foster) care. APC, the oldest adoptive parent group in North America, was formed in 1955 by a small group of people who shared their adoptive experiences. Today, there are more than 2,600 member families who belong to one of APC's four chapters: Long Island, New York City, New Jersey and the Connecticut/Hudson Region. Some of our members are from Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and other states throughout the country.

APC is an advocate for humanitarian improvements in the adoption and foster care system. Our goal is to Let Every Child Eligible For Adoption Become Available for Adoption. APC is also committed to educating the public, the media and its members about current adoption issues.

The Board of Governors of APC publishes ADOPTALK, a monthly newsletter. We maintain an active Resources Committee which researches and monitors adoption throughout the world. The Legal Advisory Committee assists members and legislators on matters of foster care and adoption. The Adoption Awareness and Education Committee acts as a resource to the adoption community.

Local chapters hold monthly meetings which feature guest speakers, panels and discussion groups to inform the membership about parenting and adoption concerns. Pre and post adoption workshops are available to members. Each chapter has a bookstore which carries an array of books and other materials covering topics on adoption and parenting. Family events, including a picnic and holiday party, are held throughout the year.

Adoption Community Call To Action

Dear APC Members and Adoption Professionals,

There is a horror film being released on July 24, called Orphan, about a family who adopts an older girl who "is not what she appears to be." The film is currently being promoted, and the trailer is available at http://orphan-movie.warnerbros.com . The adoption message is extremely negative, and plays into the stereotypes of adopted children, particularly older children, as damaged.

Though we have not been able to preview the entire movie, the trailer leads us to believe the movie will send a horrific message about adoption. The adoption community is protesting the release of the film. We urge you to contact the makers of the film, as well as your local movie theater chains, with your concerns. Feel free to copy or adapt the sample letter below.

To whom it may concern:
I want to express my outrage about the release of the movie Orphan. The film plays into the stereotype of adopted children as damaged and dangerous. It discourages families from pursuing adoption, particularly adoption of older children, who are especially in need of loving homes. As an adoptive parent, I am horrified by the line in the trailer that "it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as your own." Adoption has often been misrepresented in the media, but the previews for this film are unbelievably offensive. I urge you to change the promotional materials, and to consider holding the release of the film altogether.

Contact information:

Warner Bros.
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522
818-954-6000

Silver Pictures
4000 Warner Blvd. 90
Burbank, CA 91522-0001
818-954-4490

Time Warner Inc.
One Time Warner Center
New York, NY 10019-8016
212-484-8000

In addition, for those of you that have children old enough to understand, this is a great opportunity to open up a dialog regarding adoption.

Thank you in advance for your support.

	Awareness & Education Children's Relief Resources Legal Advice