Few resources are available to adoptees, in Maine and across the
U.S., and sometimes, adopted children find it difficult to connect and
have conversations about what they are going through, even with their
adopted families. As the eldest of three adopted children, Belle
Albert decided to leverage the power of the Internet and social media
to give children and teens from ages 13-19 an opportunity to
communicate in a safe environment.
Belle created a website and Facebook group as the platforms to connect
adoptees with other adoptees and professional resources to support
them. In order to provide the right resources on her newly developed
platforms, Belle built a support team of people in the adoption
community including adoption lawyers and counselors, adoptive parents
and other adoptees of all ages. The website introduces the individuals
on the support team, provides answers to FAQs, and even has a chat
feature to talk to Belle. The closed Facebook group she started offers
a safe space to ask questions and engage in online community
discussions.
Belle’s Gold Award project has helped
adoptees in Maine and beyond make personal connections and will
continue to serve as a resource for adoptees seeking support, as well
as inspiration and guidance for those seeking to start their own local
groups through the handbook she developed to encourage others to
create similar platforms in other states.
Gold Award Girl Scout, Belle Albert: Adoption Maine
25 Jun 2019
