Top Resources For Adoptive Families

Upholding adoption as a positive way to grow your family has been the cornerstone of NCHS since our foundation. We love connecting families with children who need them, which is why we work hard to reduce the barriers people experience when they begin their adoption journey.

Today, we’re opening up the dialogue about what resources and support are available to adoptive families, from the very first instance where you consider adoption, all the way into the future well after an adoption has been finalized. Take a look at what resources you can rely on to help you on this journey.

Before Adoption

There are many avenues for support and information before officially starting the adoption process. In this stage of the process, understanding the expectations of adoptive parents and the impact it will have on your life, both financially and emotionally, are key.

Information Sharing

Many people will be looking into or starting their journey with adoption for the first time. This means that they’re likely to have many questions and concerns, and they are looking for answers. Luckily, there are many options available for you to get the answers you need, like:

• Talking with individuals who have already been through the adoption process
• Reaching out to adoption agencies to speak with representatives or read through materials
• Researching the process online

One such site with a great breadth of information for those interested in the adoption process is Creating A Family. This site breaks down the entire adoption process into more digestible sections, allowing you to read up on topics specific to you and your family. If you have particular concerns regarding adoption in the state of Nebraska, our FAQ section helps answer the questions that we come across most often.

Podcasts

In today’s modern age, podcasts are growing in popularity. The great thing about podcasts is that it opens the dialogue surrounding topics people don’t usually hear about, creating greater transparency. One such podcast that is an excellent resource for anyone interested in adoption or parents currently caring for their adopted children is the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) Institute podcast. CEO Debbie Riley often speaks on topics adoptive families are curious about, such as the steps toward adoption, its impact on your family's life, and strategies for navigating parenting challenges.

During the Adoption Process

You’ve done some initial research and decided to move forward with starting the adoption process. That’s great news! You’re on your way to creating a positive, lasting impact in a child’s life. But, at this stage in the process, you’re sure to have even more questions like:

• What are the costs associated with undergoing adoption?
• How long can the process take?
• What are the requirements for families to be considered for adoption?
• What kind of legal measures do we need to take to be approved?

We’re sure your mind is running at about a hundred miles an hour. First things first, take a deep breath. The adoption process is not something that takes place overnight. It takes some time to get everything in order.

Attending Meetings

The first step you need to take is to attend meetings for prospective adoptive parents. These informational sessions help answer the majority of those pressing questions you have and can help give you a better understanding of what the process will entail.

Joining Support Groups

One thing is certain —throughout the whole process and well into the future, you will need to rely on the support of those around you. Resources and support groups are often available directly through your adoption agency. These groups are beneficial for prospective adoptive parents as it gives them a space to talk through complex emotions and share their experiences. Learning from people who have gone through the adoption process, or are currently within it, can help you feel less isolated and more confident in your choices.

Home Visits

Certified specialists will set up times to visit your home and ensure your home environment and family situation are conducive to parenthood and permanency. This will include extensive interviews to understand your family dynamic and plans for the future in addition to a thorough walk-through of your living space. It is important to prepare for your home visit by addressing any potential safety hazards. Though the thought of having someone assess your house and family may sound stressful, your adoption agency can help you determine your state’s specific guidelines in advance.

After Adoption Is Finalized

The support for adoptive families doesn’t end once an adoption is finalized. Typically, the agency you adopted through will connect you with resources, community support, and other avenues for assistance well into the future. When you adopt through NCHS, you have access to a wide range of resources, including:

Educational Classes

AT NCHS, we firmly believe that education is an ongoing process. Everyone can benefit from learning new strategies and working with experienced professionals to grow their parenting skills. Through our Families Forever program, adoptive families can enroll in a variety of classes aimed at helping strengthen their bond as a family. Some topics we cover include:

• Strategies for bonding with your child
• Tips for how to tackle helping your child adjust to their new home life
• Pointers for addressing behavior concerns
• Uncovering the innate skills parents have
• Setting you and your family up for success

Support Groups and Mentoring Programs

Sometimes you can feel isolated as an adoptive parent. But, the reality is millions of people have gone through, or are going through, the same process. For families that have adopted through NCHS, we offer many outlets for ongoing support.

• Group Support: We believe that it is incredibly beneficial to hear and learn from people who have experienced a situation similar to your own. With countless support groups and peer groups out there, we can easily help you connect with peers who are looking for advice and support, too.
• One-On-One Support: NCHS has connections to one-on-one parenting support so that you can feel comfortable discussing your situation and asking your questions in a more private setting. To inquire more about our one-on-one support opportunities, reach out to our team today.
• Mentoring: Our team will work to connect you with a mentoring program so that you can build a relationship with someone that has the experience and advice you need to succeed.

Connections to Mental Health Services

Through our Families Forever program, we can facilitate a connection to the mental health services you need to care for your mental well-being. These services are not an obligation, only an opportunity for you to speak with a licensed mental health professional should you feel you need the extra support and advice.

The bottom line is that there are a wealth of resources and a vast community to help you down this path so you do not need to go it alone. Your chosen adoption agency will play an important role in helping you access the tools and peer-to-peer connections you need. At NCHS, our community partnerships, peer support networks, and specialists will ensure you feel the comfort and care of those around you, every step of the way. To learn more about how the adoption process works with NCHS, be sure to check out our website and speak with our team.