Circle of Friends

Adoption Community of New England, Inc. 45 Lyman St., Westborough. Pre-register and RSVP at least 24 hours before events (including free offerings). 508-366-6812. www.AdoptionCommunityofNE.org or E-mail info@AdoptionCommunityofNE.org .

Jan. 5: Baby Care for Pre-Adoptive First- Time Parents. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. $60ppNM

Jan. 12: Financial Planning for your Family. 10 a.m. - noon. Discuss planning for college education, retirement, protection, and estate. In addition, there will be discussion on the cost of raising a child and pre-adoption expenses. $15pp NM.

Jan. 12: Adoption Triad Support Group. 10 a.m. - noon. Meet with other adult members of the adoption triad who are not in your immediate triad. Free.

Jan. 12: A Look at Adoption. 2 - 5:30 p.m. $25ppNM.

Jan. 23: Domestic Infant Adoption. 7 - 9 p.m. An experienced panel of representatives from MA placing agencies will answer questions and help you understand the options and opportunities for expanding your family to include a U.S. newborn. Myths, realities, subtleties, practical tips, costs and rewards of this path to parenthood will be explored. $15ppNM.

Jan. 23: Adopted Persons Meet for Discussion. 7-9 p.m. Free.

Jan. 26: Literature and Adoption. 10 a.m. - noon. Identify adoption literature and explore its contents for strengths and weaknesses, including both adult and children's books. An informal format designed to encouraging active discussion. Presented by Maureen Tallon, owner http://www.childrenoftheworld.biz /www.childrenoftheworld.biz

Jan. 26: Adjustment in Intercountry Adoption. 1 - 3 p.m. $20ppNM.

Jan. 26: Birth Families Meet to Discuss Adoption. 10 a.m. - noon. Free.

Adoptive Family Services Jewish Family Services of MetroWest, 475 Franklin St., Suite 101, Framingham. 508-875-3100, 800-872-5232, or www.jfsmw.org .

Ongoing: Free Adoption Consultation. Scheduled at your convenience in Framingham for current adoption options and emotional, legal, and financial issues. E-mail deldridge@jfsmw.org .

Center For Family Connections 350 Cambridge St., Cambridge. 617-547-0909 or www.kinnect.org

Jan. 8: GLBT Adoptive Parent's Discussion Forum. 6 - 7:30 p.m. Discuss and share issues relating to being a GLBT adoptive parent and assist CFFC staff clinicians in developing an ongoing support/therapy group. Free.

Clark University Department of Psychology, Abbie Goldberg, Ph.D: 508-793-7289, www.clarku.edu/faculty/goldberg, or e-mail agoldberg@clarku.edu

Ongoing: The Transition to Adoptive Parenthood Project (TAPP) is aimed at exploring the transition to adoptive parenthood in a diverse group of families. Couples who participate in this project will be interviewed individually either in person or by phone during the pre-adoption period, and then again three months after the adoption. Participants will be paid for their time.

Coastal NH Adoptive Families E-mail jlburke1274@comcast.net or www.groups.yahoo.com/group/CNHAF

Ongoing: Events for this active group of 120+ include family-oriented picnics, weekly play dates, book and movie groups for parents with adoption theme. Jan. 5: New Years Around the World. 4:30 p.m. Centennial Hall, Hampton, NH Share the New Years celebrations from your child's birth country, or your family heritage celebration. Bring foods, games, artifacts, photos etc.... to represent a New Years around the world. $5 per family. RSVP by Dec 15th to Julie @ jlburke1274@comcast . net

Korean Adoption Circle Playgroup Jan. 4 & 18: Korean Adoption Circle Playgroup: For families who have adopted from Korea. Korean Presbyterian Church, 2 Main St., Hopkinton. 10 a.m. - noon. Meets first and Third Fridays. $1 donation per child. Offers seasonal family outings and Ladies Nights Out. Contact Liz Thissell Turenne at liztt121@yahoo.com .

Lutheran Community Services Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program, 888 Worcester St., Suite 160, Wellesley, 781-997-0863 or Info@LCSSNE.org .

Foster Parents for Adolescent Refugee Youths Wanted. These refugee minors have been welcomed into our country. Separated from their parents and guardians, they are in need of safe homes. A stipend is provided for foster parents, and youth receive medical and dental insurance.

Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) Boston. 617-54-ADOPT, 800-882-1776. www.mareinc.org

Feb. 10: Multicultural Adoption Party. 3 - 5 p.m. Boys & Girls Club, Dorchester. Learn about the process of adopting a child from foster care; meet waiting children and their social workers; join waiting children in activities such as arts and crafts, basketball and table games; dress casually; refreshments will be served. Pre-register:

St. Mary's Adoptive and Pre-Adoptive Parents and Foster Care Providers Support Group, St. Mary's Pastoral Center, 20 Summer St., Shrewsbury.

Ongoing: 7:30 - 9 p.m. All welcome. Generally meets third Thursday monthly. RSVP to Donna 508-842-2529.

The Rainbow Connection Playgroup St. Joseph Parish Center, 145 Holliston St., Medway. 508-533-5820.

Jan. 22: Meets third Tuesday monthly. 9:15 -10:45 a.m. For parents and their children looking to make meaningful connections with others raising minority children in the suburbs.

Together in Motion 1 Broadway, Arlington. 781-643-1377. www.togetherinmotion.com .

Mondays: Adoptive Family Mixer: 9:30 - 11 a.m. Offers a sunny play area with a padded floor filled with soft play blocks, stairs and slides, modules, balls, tunnels, and other age appropriate equipment for children up to age 6. There is a separate lounge area filled with comfortable seating and tables for snacks or building block play. $5 per child.

To add your adoption-related event or group to Circle of Friends, E-mail calendar@baystateparent.com. The deadline for the February issue is Thursday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m.