Joi's Favorite Resources
A curated collection of books, links, and community voices to guide adoptees, birth parents, and families every step of the way — from searching for records to navigating reunion and healing.
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"Apart from slavery, there is no other instance in our laws, or in any other jurisprudence in any civilized system of jurisprudence, in which a contract made among adults, in respect of an infant, can bind that child once he reaches his majority."
— Cyril Means, attorney on the landmark ALMA suit to unseal birth records for adoptees
This powerful legal insight reminds us that adoptees have fundamental rights — including the right to know their origins. Across the country, advocates, attorneys, and communities are working to restore access to original birth records. The resources below are here to help you navigate that journey with clarity and confidence.
Obtaining Your Original Birth Certificate
Accessing your original birth certificate is a deeply personal milestone. Laws vary significantly by state, and understanding your rights is the first step. New Jersey has made meaningful changes to its vital records law — and resources exist to guide you no matter where you live.
New Jersey Adoptees & Birth Parents
NJ law now allows adoptees and birth parents greater access to original vital records. Review the official FAQ to understand eligibility, the request process, and what to expect.
Laws in Other States
Every state has its own rules governing adoptee access to original birth records. Adoptee Rights Law Center provides a comprehensive, up-to-date map of state-by-state laws to help you know where you stand.
Essential Reading: Preparing for Search & Reunion
Whether you're just beginning to consider searching or actively planning a reunion, these books offer wisdom, practical guidance, and emotional support from those who have walked this path before you.
Adoption Reunions
by Michelle McColm
A foundational guide for adoptees, birth parents, and families navigating the reunion process — covering emotional preparation, practical steps, and what comes after the first meeting.
What Do I Say Now?
by Carol Bick and M.C. Baker
A must-read for anyone who has ever stumbled over an awkward question about adoption. This book equips you with thoughtful, compassionate answers to real-world comments and inquiries.
For Adoptive Parents: Understanding Your Child's Experience
Your adopted child may not always have the words — but these books help bridge that gap. Written from the adoptee's perspective, they offer adoptive parents rare, honest insight into what children often wish they could share.
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew
by Sherrie Eldridge
A compassionate, eye-opening book that translates the unspoken feelings of adoptees into language parents can truly understand and act on.
20 Transforming Decisions Adoptees Need to Make
by Sherrie Eldridge
A powerful guide helping adoptees move toward wholeness through intentional choices — ideal for parents seeking to walk alongside their child's healing journey.
The Mulberry Bird: An Adoption Story
by Anne Brodzinsky
A beautifully written picture book to help parents introduce adoption to young children — gently, honestly, and with love. A classic for every adoptive family's bookshelf.
Understanding Trauma, Healing & Relationships
Trauma shapes the brain — and understanding how is one of the most empowering things a parent, educator, or adoptee can do. These books offer both science and heart, equipping readers with strategies to foster connection and resilience.
Trauma & Brain Development
The Connected Child by Karen Purvis offers research-based tools to help adoptive families build trust and repair early relational wounds. Essential for any caregiver.
The Whole Brain Child and its companion Workbook by Siegel and Bryson translate neuroscience into everyday parenting strategies — helping caregivers nurture healthy emotional development.
Navigating Difficult Relationships
For those navigating complex or toxic relationships that may arise during the adoption journey — including reunions that surface complicated family dynamics — this resource offers clarity and courage.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? by Ramani Durvasula, PhD helps readers identify narcissistic patterns and make empowered decisions about their relationships and well-being.
The Premier Adoption Bookstore
Since 1994, Tapestry Books has been the first and finest online destination for adoption books — from timeless classics to cutting-edge titles on every adoption topic imaginable.
Helpful Organizations & Links
These organizations are doing important work across the adoption and foster care landscape — from advocacy and education to family support and faith-based outreach. Explore these trusted resources as you navigate your journey.
Christian Alliance For Orphans
A coalition of churches and organizations united to inspire and equip Christians to care for orphans and vulnerable children worldwide.
Concerned Persons For Adoption
A NJ-based nonprofit providing education, support, and advocacy for the entire adoption constellation — adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families.
Dave Thomas Foundation
Dedicated to finding permanent homes for the more than 140,000 children in foster care awaiting adoption across North America.
Miriam's Heart
A faith-motivated organization serving orphaned and vulnerable children, partnering with families and communities to bring hope and healing.
National Council For Adoption
A leading voice for adoption policy and education, offering resources specifically for adopted individuals navigating identity, records access, and more.
Who Am I Really? Podcast
Compelling, first-person stories from adoptees sharing their search and reunion experiences — an honest, powerful listen for the entire adoption community.
Inspiring Voices: Social Media Allies
Community
During the pandemic, a vibrant community of adoptees, advocates, and allies found their voices online. These accounts represent just a few of the powerful perspectives shaping the adoption and foster care conversation today. A common thread unites them all: using personal journeys to educate and empower others.
@adoptioncouncil
Adoption advocacy, resources, and education
@adoptioneducationkeys
Space for hard, necessary conversations
@adoptionmosaic
Education, training & workshops for the adoption constellation
@blackgirlwhitefamily
Transracial adoptee advocate and storyteller
@blacktothebeginning
Amplifying voices of Black adoptees and changemakers
@fabulousadoptiveblackmoms
Educates and empowers adoptive and prospective mothers
@growhealblossom
Grief, loss & trauma specialist and healing advocate
@iamadopted
Transracial adoption, mental health, and suicide prevention
@on.the.hard.days
Support for mothers raising out-of-the-box kids
@simonjbenn
Adoptee, speaker, and podcaster (UK)
@thearchibaldproject
Empowering caregivers to care for vulnerable children
@therapyredeemed
Adoption reform, racial justice, Korean adoptee therapist
@watadoptions
Black family adoption assistance and advocacy
@yesweadopt
Amplifying Black voices in adoption and foster care
Meet Joi R. Fisher-Griffin
Speaker • Educator • Advocate • Creative Producer
With over 27 years of experience as an educator, principal, and mentor, Joi brings a powerful blend of professional insight and deeply personal story. As a retired school leader and adoptee, she has lived the lessons of resilience, leadership, and belonging — and now uses those experiences to help others transform challenges into purpose.
Joi delivers dynamic, audience-centered presentations on adoption, education, leadership, and personal development — designed to inform, uplift, and empower. Whether you represent a school, faith-based group, community organization, or professional association, her talks leave participants motivated and equipped with practical, lasting strategies.
27+
Years in K-12 Education
As educator, principal & mentor
10+
Keynote Topics
Adoption, leadership, healing & more
4
Audience Types
Schools, faith groups, community & professional orgs
Featured Presentation Topics
Each presentation is thoughtfully crafted to meet your audience where they are — and leave them changed. From adoption-sensitive language to transformational leadership, Joi's talks are rooted in lived experience and professional expertise.
From Harm to Healing: The Power of Adoption-Sensitive Language
How the words we use shape families, classrooms, and communities — and how to choose them with intention and care.
Strength Through Choices: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Personal stories that show how resilience and faith can transform adversity into lasting purpose.
Living Authentically: Building a Life of Resilience and Purpose
Overcome self-doubt, embrace your story, and walk confidently and boldly in your truth.
Leadership with Heart: Transforming Schools and Communities
Create inclusive environments where every voice is celebrated and every leader is empowered to grow.
More Topics & Programs
For All Audiences
Adoption Trauma and Healing in Schools
Understand trauma's impact and learn strategies to support adoptive and foster families in educational settings.
Mentorship Matters: Inspiring the Next Generation
Cultivating growth through authentic connection, consistent guidance, and courageous leadership.
Speak with Care: The Language of Belonging
Fostering inclusive communities through mindful, intentional communication that honors every story.
For Pre-Teen & Teen Girls
Girl Power: Finding Strength Through Challenges
Turn setbacks into stepping stones and embrace your inner power with confidence and grace.
Living Authentically in a World of Pressure
Build confidence, stay true to your values, and honor your uniqueness in a world that pulls in many directions.
The Power of Your Circle
Choose friendships that uplift, inspire, and reflect who you are becoming — and who you are meant to be.
Ideal Audiences for Joi's Presentations
Joi's work meets people exactly where they are — in schools, sanctuaries, community halls, and conference rooms. Every engagement is customized to resonate deeply with the specific audience and setting.
Educators & School Leaders
Keynotes, professional development sessions, and leadership workshops that transform school culture from the inside out.
Faith-Based Organizations
Talks that weave together faith, hope, and resilience — meeting congregations and ministry leaders with grace and truth.
Community Groups
Family-focused sessions designed to inspire growth, strengthen connection, and build more compassionate communities.
Professional Associations
Leadership and communication-based workshops that equip professionals with practical tools for lasting impact.
Let's Connect & Create Lasting Impact
Book a Presentation
Whether you have questions, need more information, or are ready to bring Joi to your school, organization, or event — she'd love to hear from you. Every conversation starts with a single step, and that step starts here.

Joi R. Fisher-Griffin | Speaker • Educator • Advocate • Creative Producer
Ready to inspire your audience with a presentation that informs, uplifts, and empowers? Reach out today to discuss availability, topics, and how Joi can serve your community.