What Is Post Adoption Support?

Even in the smoothest adoption, you´ll run into emotional peaks and valleys. If you have a support system in place, this can help you over the rough spots. Many adoption agencies have post adoption support groups where parents meet, compare notes and help each other.

Support Groups - Types

There are many support groups that deal with various areas of concern. There are mental health groups, individual disorder groups as well as groups dealing with raising teenagers, infants, siblings and more. Consult your adoption agency or pediatrician or public library.

Maintaining Your Self-Esteem When Things Get Rough

Part of the exhaustion, distress and frustration that accompanies difficult periods in the post adoption process result from how the difficulty impacts the parent´s own self-esteem. A therapist can be very beneficial to help the parent through these frustrations.

Self-Care

Emotional support is an important aspect in special needs adoption. Relying on parents with similar backgrounds in adoption are great resources for support groups. Utilize family, friends and peers and never be afraid to ask for help.

Where To Start

Consider starting your own support group. Contact agencies in your area to find guest speakers. Network with other parents of adoptive children. Utilize your library for other resources.

Staying Involved

Stay in touch with your child´s therapist. Ask to be included in part of a session once a month. This will enable you to see first-hand how the child interacts with the therapists and will keep you informed as to what is being worked on. Do not allow the therapist to exclude you from being involved - make them be accountable.