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The Value of Adoptive Parent Support Groups.

Being part of a group of people with common interests, experiences, and unique family situations is often a helpful part of Establishing a Support System. As a pro-active parent I have always involved myself in groups that support our family life style and activities. Being involved in something that exposes me to other people dealing with common issues provides networking and sharing of information. Support groups have been a place for me to meet other people facing similar life situations and I have rarely left a support group meeting where I had not learned something or been fortified in some … Continue reading →

Establishing a Support System #5 Adoption Finalization and Other Legal Issues.

It is so exciting when adoptive families finally have the official adoption decree. At last what we have worked so long and hard for is completed and our child is our child forever and ever. Many families are so happy to reach this milestone they miss an opportunity to take care of a variety of other legal issues they might have been able to accomplish in one shot with the same attorney. As parents most of us know we should have our wills written and plan for the needs of our children in the event something happens to us. Writing … Continue reading →

Establishing a Support System #4: Organizing All The Paperwork and Information.

When a family decides to adopt a child the paperwork and information we get along the way can become a mountain of clutter and a job in itself. From the moment we start the process we begin to collect documents and papers we may never be able to replace once the adoption is final. The papers can be overwhelming for potential adoptive parents. Information from the agencies we investigate. Legal documents we are given, such as original birth certificates and social security numbers for children who have already been issued one. Background information about the birth family we may not … Continue reading →

Establishing a Support System Article #2: Safety and Emergency Planning For Adoptive Families.

Establishing a Support System Article #2 During the adoption home study many families have a home safety inspection completed by a social worker or another certified person. This very basic check covers the minimum safety concerns and issues all families face. Self sufficient families with a firm support system will have a safety and emergency plan and be ready in the event of sudden injury, illness or other emergency. Not every adoptive family is required to take First Aid and C.P.R. however every parent really should know the basics. During training the First Aid guide is typically provided as part … Continue reading →

Establishing a Support System #3: Educating Extended Family

As adoptive parents we spend a good amount of time coming to the decision to adopt and what type of adoption we believe best for our family. We are ready, but have we stopped to consider the fact that our plans to adopt will impact our extended families as well? We may have talked in detail with a few members of our extended families about our adoption plans. In fact everyone we know might be aware of our plans to adopt a baby, child or even a sibling group. But, think back to when you first considered adoption and some … Continue reading →

Adoptive Parents Establishing a Support System: #1 Always be prepared.

In order to establish a strong support system families must first make an effort to always be prepared. The more we are able to take care or our families needs in the event of an emergency the more stable our lives become. Establishing a support system is not unique to adoptive parents every family is better off if they have a firm and clear support system in place. As adoptive families our goal is to establish our support system while riding the roller coaster of the adoption process . The first requirement of forming a support system is to establish … Continue reading →

Estabilshing a Support System: Intro

It makes no difference if you are adopting a domestic newborn, international, or a special needs, older or waiting child. All parents need to establish a strong support system and adoptive parents do not have 9 months of pregnancy or have the same access and support as a biological parent might. During a pregnancy extended family knows what to expect and when. While waiting to become adoptive parents there are few obvious signs that your family is about to grow. When adding children the old fashion way mothers have the chance to interview and pick pediatricians and generally health insurance … Continue reading →

Adopting An Older Child–Having A Positive Attitude.

Families who decide to adopt an older child generally endure several hours of training about all the different risks, issues and disorders we may have to face once a child is placed in our home for adoption. We are offered lists of acronyms for every kind of problem any parent might face, along with pages of information about some of the special needs an older child may suffer. Most of our family and friends are able to hold a straight face and agree to be a part of our Support System. A few people say foolish, uneducated, or ridiculous things … Continue reading →

Helping a Traumatized Child Build A Sense of Security and Safety

Trauma creates fear and stress sensitivity in children. Even children adopted at birth, may be more anxious and fearful considering a babies possible prenatal exposure to substances, and other stresses their birthmother may have experienced. Regardless of the age a child is when placed for adoption our primary focus needs to be about building feelings of security and safety so our children learn to establish and build healthy attachments. These are just a few steps we can take to help our children develop a sense of security and feel safe. Establish a strong support system for occasional respite care, discussing … Continue reading →