The Adoption Process

Friends of Jaclyn matches children not based on a sport or particular school, but rather on the entire team, geography, and other influential factors. Our teams provide love, support and friendship creating a lasting relationship with their adoptee. This is not a temporary activity which concludes after the season is over. We truly believe in Adoption for Life. The adoption process can occur and become finalized in a matter of weeks, or can take several months to happen. Every child, family, team and sport is different and we respect all unique aspects of every adoption we work with

Keep FOJ Informed

We want to know about all of the things the team is doing with your family so we can be a part of your journey! Be sure to continuously send pictures, videos, event information & emails to your adoption coordinator. You can also connect with us via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube

69577737_885175191869841_1765360527933964288_n-1-600x800

Team Responsibility

Create a welcoming environment for the child
Provide child with love, support and friendship
Maintain contact with family
Plan activities with/for the child
Contact us if there are any issues/updates
Let us know any major team or coaching changes
Lifelong commitment & friendship
Whole team involvement
Welcome the child into all team activities that are appropriate
Support any other adoptees on other campus teams
Send Jaclyn a message of thanks: jaclyn@friendsofjaclyn.org

Ways to Get the Child Involved

Calling/texting
Activity on social media pages
Become active with family “outside the lines”
Send mail or packages for special events
Visit in the hospital during scheduled treatments
Movie night, ice cream adventures,
Attend his/her school plays, sports games, family events
Connect with parents on higher leve

Make the Child a Member of the Team

Give him/her their own locker, jersey, college apparel
Invite him/her to post game talks and rituals
Letters/Pictures of encouragement to post in the locker room each game
Send him/her post game interviews
Have a special seat on the bench or in the stands
Invite adoptee to team dinners/study sessions

Adoption Ceremony

Just as every child is different, every adoption is different. You will work closely with your adoption coordinator to schedule a date for an “official adoption ceremony” and brainstorm ways to make it special for your adoptee. We have video ideas on our YouTube page or you can also request them from your adoption coordinator. We have included options below but we encourage you to come up with fun and new ideas of your own. The adoption process is not black and white. Please be creative when considering ways to welcome the newest member to your team.

We encourage all of our teams to view our segment on HBO prior to the adoption ceremony.