- AAICPC
Provides general information on the interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC) courtesy of teh AAICPC organization. - American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Members throughout the U.S. and Canada who are experienced in the complexities of adoption law as well as interstate and international regulations surrounding adoption. - ICPC and Inter-Jurisdictional Placements
Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a selection of resources on ICPC. - ICPC Receiving State Checklist
Checklist from Adopt Us Kids providing a general overview of what is involved in the ICPC process and what will be required of the adoptive family/their adoption agency during the ICPC process. Please note that each state is different , and the documents required can vary. - ICPC Sending State Checklist
Checklist from Adopt Us Kids providing a general overview of what is involved in the ICPC process and what will be required of the child’s social worker during the ICPC process. Please note that each state is different, and he documents can vary. - ICPC State Pages
Provides general information on the ICPC process for all 50 states and the District of Columbia. - ICPC: What You Need to Know
Adoption.com breaks down the basics of the ICPC process. - IFAPA Lifebook Pages
Free lifebook families may download and print, courtesy of Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. - IFAPA Welcome Book Pages
Free welcome book pages families may download and print, courtesy of Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. - Lifebooks
Request a Lifebook volunteer at AFFEC assist you in creating a lifebook for your child. - Lifebooks: Do’s and Don’ts
Beth O’Malley provides guidelines for creating a child’s lifebook. - Private and Independent Adoptions Under the New ICPC Guidelines
AAICPC answers frequently asked questions about the new ICPC guidelines’ effects on private and independent adoptions. - Transition Guidelines
Click the Transition Guidelines to view tips and suggestions for ensuring a smooth transition. - Welcome Books
Request a Welcome Book volunteer at AFFEC assist you in creating a welcome book for your child. - What is in the Welcome Book for Foster Children?
Foster Care Q&A shows a sample welcome book. - Writing Up a Safety Plan
Includes a sample safety plan families can use.
Category: Bootstrap-Resources
Idaho Resources
Post-adoption Family Resources
Medical:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Free Dental Clinics in Idaho
- Got Transition
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Idaho Medicaid Information
- Live Better Idaho
- National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH)
- St. Luke’s Children’s Research
- Terry Reilly Clinics
- Your Health Idaho Insurance Finder
Legal Services:
- Idaho Adoption Laws
- Idaho Legal Aid Services, Inc.
- Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program (IVLP)
- NACAC Subsidy Information
- University of Idaho Pro Bono Program
- U.S. Department of Justice – Americans with Disabilities Act
Therapeutic Intervention and Counseling:
- Adoption Therapists in Idaho
- – Therapy Den
- Casey Family Programs
- Child and Adult Mental Health Counseling and Equine Therapy
- Counseling Resources – Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE)
- Idaho Horse Therapy
- Idaho Thrive
- Healthy Foundations/Family First Program
- Journey Home East: Transitional Living Program for Teen Girls
- Kelley Kids Ranch
- Teton Counseling Center – Idaho Falls
- Therapists in Idaho
Mental Health Services:
- A Body and Mind Health Services – Boise
- Acacia Wellness Center
- Access Behavioral Services
- Allied Mental Health Services
- All Seasons Mental Health
- All Together Now (ATN)
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Aura Counseling and Wellness – Nampa
- Avanzar Wellness - Boise
- Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
- Catholic Charities of Idaho
- CenterPointe - Nampa
- Children’s Mental Health Hotline (208) 334-0981
- Idaho Behavioral Health
- Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health (IFF)
- Innercept Coeur d’Alene
- Mana Ohana Counseling
- Mindful Expressions Counseling
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Omega Health Services - Boise
- Psychiatric Residential Treatment Centers in Idaho
- Quality Care Counseling Center - Boise
- SAMHSA: Children Mental Health Awareness
- Sexual Abuse Treatment Centers in Idaho
- Trauma and PTSD Services
- Valley Family Healthcare and Behavioral Health
- Youth Empowerment Services (YES)
Support Groups:
- Boise Angels
- Boise Mothers of Multiples
- Child Care Idaho Resources
- Compassion Fatigue
- Disabled Parenting Project
- Family Advocates - Boise
- Foster Parent and Caregiver Support Line 1-800-301-1868
- Foster Parent College
- Fosterparenttraining.com – Offering PRIDE Pre-foster service Training
- Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (IDAEYC)
- Idaho Parent Network
- Mommies of Miracles
- National American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC)
- National Parent Helpline
- Online Support Groups
- Positive Discipline Association
- Respite Care for Foster Families
- University of Idaho Cooperative Extension
Trauma-Informed Care:
- Children’s Home Society of Idaho
- ChildTrauma Academy
- Community Partnerships of Idaho
- Empower Idaho
- Idaho Resilience Project
- Idaho Trauma Therapy - Boise
- Idaho Youth Ranch
- National Center for PTSD
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- National Council for Mental Wellbeing
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline- 24 hour - 1-800-273-8255
Idaho Disability Resources:
State Services:
- Adult Disability Services in Idaho
- Alternatives to Guardianship and Conservatorship
- A New Leaf DDA Services
- Center of Disabilities and Human Development (CDHD)
- Franklin County Medical Center Developmental Disabilities Agency
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Idaho Disability
- Idaho Disability Determination Services
- Idaho Human Rights Commission
- Liberty Healthcare Corporation
- Therap Case Management
- Waiver Services
Dental Services
- Dental Lifeline Network
- Idaho Kids Special Needs Dentistry and Orthodontics
- Legacy Smiles Special Needs Dentistry – Meridian
- Smiles 4 Kids Dental Care for Children with Autism
Advocacy Groups:
- Ability Corps
- Administration for Community Living (ACL)
- Aktion Club (Kiwanis)
- American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Autism Now Provides National Autism resources
- Autism Society Idaho
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- Brain Injury Alliance Idaho
- Brain Injury Association of America
- Cerebral Palsy Group
- Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH)
- Disability Rights Idaho
- Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect
- Epilepsy Foundation Idaho
- Exceptional Family Member Program (Military Families)
- Family Health Hotline 800-322-2588
- Family Helpline 800-932-4673
- Family Voices
- Idaho Autism
- Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI)
- Idaho Speech, Language, Hearing Association (ISHA)
- Idaho Traumatic Brain Injury Virtual Program Center
- National Center on Accessibility
- National Center on Health, Physical Activity, and Disability (NCHPAD)
- National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability Youth
- National Disability Rights Network
- National Down Syndrome Adoption Network
- National Down Syndrome Society
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
- National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
- National Organization on Disability
- National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- National Resource Center for Supported Decision Making
- National Tourette Syndrome Association
- Northwest ADA Center
- Panhandle Autism Society
- Sesame Street Autism Resources
- Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association
- United Cerebral Palsy
- S. Access Board
Assistive Technology:
- 101 Mobility
- Amramp
- Boise Interpreters
- Break-Away Mobility
- Canine Companions for Independence (CCI)
- Disability Accessible Ramp Rentals - Boise
- Enabling Devices
- Genesis Service Dogs
- Hands of Hope NW Mobility Support - Nampa
- Idaho Assistive Technology
- Idaho Curb Ramp Program
- Idaho Disability Grants
- Idaho Relay Information
- Knights of Columbus Wheelchair Repair - Nampa
- LINC Ramp and Rail Loan Program
- Mobile Ramps
- National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA)
- Ramps.org
- Speech to Speech
Community Engagement / Day Activity / Recreation and Respite Programs:
- 13 Generations Educational Mission – Adaptive PE Classes
- Accessible Playgrounds
- AMC Sensory-Friendly Movies – Idaho Falls
- Autism Eats
- Body Calm Yoga – Meridian
- Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education (BASE)
- Boise Bicycle Project
- Boise Music Therapy Company
- Caregiver Navigator
- CAST for Kids Free Fishing and Summer Camp
- ChallengeAir Fly Days
- Child Care Aware of Idaho
- Children’s Therapy Place
- City of Boise Adaptive Recreation
- Creations for Sandpoint Discovery Through Art Special Needs Classes
- Darby's Dancers – Adaptive Dance Classes in Meridian
- Dunkley Music
- Echo School of Dance DevelopMental Dance – Boise
- Healing Frequencies Music
- His Way Boise
- Idaho Advocates for Inclusion Events and Trainings
- Idaho Art Lab - Anthony
- Life Incorporated
- Majestic Cinemas Sensory-Friendly Movies - Meridian
- Miss Amazing
- Motion Dance Academy – Idaho Falls
- Music Makes Connections – Boise
- Music Therapy of Idaho
- National Parks Services Access Pass
- Open Arms Dance Project - Boise
- Parks and Recreation Idaho
- Regal Cinemas Sensory-Friendly Movies
- Rythmic Heart Music Therapy – Boise
- Special Needs Recreation – Coeur d'Alene
- Special Olympics
- Special Yoga
- Sun Valley Adaptive Sports
- The Sensory Playce - Boise
- Trail Link – Wheelchair Accessible Trails
- Treasure Valley YMCA
- Trips, Inc.
- Witco - Caldwell
Horse Riding:
- Gaitway Therapeutic Riding
- Harmony Ranch – Coeur d'Alene
- Healing Hooves
- K2 Equestrian Center – Hayden – Salmon
- Ride for Joy Therapeutic Riding Program - Caldwell
- Rising Stars Therapeutic Riding Center – Twin Falls
- Running Wranch – Rathdrum
- Swiftsure Ranch – Bellevue
- Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association - Salmon
Early Intervention:
- Access Point Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy
- Ambitions of Idaho Behavioral Health
- Applied Behavior Analysis(ABA)Therapy – Boise
- Boise School District Speech Language Information
- Canyon Speech Pathology - Nampa
- Connections Therapy Centers
- Idaho Behavioral Health Psychological Testing
- Idaho State University Psychological Testing
- Innovative Healthcare Concepts – Eastern Idaho
- Lee Pesky Learning Center – Boise
- Lotus Tree - Boise
- Medical Home Portal
- Meridian Pediatrics Autism Testing
- Northwest Neurobehavioral Health - Meridian
- Positive Behavior Systems
- Saint Alphonsus Speech Therapy - Boise
- Speech Tree Pediatric and Adult Speech Therapy
- St. Luke's Children's Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities - Meridian
- Zero to Three Idaho
Education:
- Casey Family Programs
- Council for Exceptional Children
- District Accessibility Resources
- Early Childhood Education in Idaho
- HEATH Resource Center
- Idaho Child Development and Early Learning
- Idaho Head Start
- Idaho Head Start Association
- Idaho Special Education Parent Guide
- Idaho State Department of Education
- Idaho Training Clearinghouse
- Idaho Virtual Academy Special Programs
- KIT (Kids Included Together) Online Inclusive Trainings
- Learning Disabilities Online
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- National Center for Learning Disabilies (NCLD)
- PACER Center
- Understood
- Wrightslaw Special education law
Teen and Adult Employment Services:
- Goodwill Industries
- Idaho Vocational Rehabilitation
- IdahoWorks
- Inclusion, Inc. - Meridian
- Job Accomodation Network
- Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. (OUI) - Lewiston
Financial Services:
- ABLE Savings Plan
- I Care of Idaho Payee Services- Nampa
- Kids Waivers
- Lifepath Supports Payee Services and Case Management – Ada and Canyon County
- Medicaid Waivers
- Social Security Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool for SSI and SSDI
- Special Needs Alliance - Planning
Parenting and Family Support Groups:
- Best Buddies Citizen Program
- Center for Parent and Information Resources Center
- Families Together Support Groups, Activities, and Summer Camp
- Idaho Parents Unlimited (IPUL)
- Medicaid Waivers for Military Families
- National Black Disability Coalition
- National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)
- Open Future Learning
- Parent to Parent USA
- Rays for Rare - Meridian
- Resources for Access, Independence, Self-Advocacy and Employment (RAISE)
- Special Needs Alliance
- The Arc Idaho
Transportation:
- ACE Medical Transportation – Elmore County
- America’s Mobility Superstore (AMS) Vans – Coeur d’Alene
- COAST Transportation
- Freedom Shuttle - Boise
- Harvest Transit – Meridian
- Megatran Idaho
- Metro Community Services – Canyon County
- Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
- Ramp it Up Transportation – Ada and Canyon County
- Resilient Transport
- SHIP Transportation
- Sky Road Medical Transport - Boise
- Treasure Valley Transit
- Valley Regional Transit – Ada and Canyon County
- Victory Medical Transport – Ada and Canyon County
- White Tail Transportation, Inc.
Oregon Resources
Getting Started
- DHS Child Welfare Procedure Manual
Oregon DHS manual on child safety, assessment, services, permanency planning, and family support services procedures. - Adoption Information
Adoption Information by state - Understanding Oregon Adoption Laws and Policies
An overview of adoption laws - DHS Adoption Services
DHS provides an overview of adoption services - Home Study Requirements (See bottom of page for providers)
Information on the Home study program and requirements
Searching for Children
- NWAE
Photo listing of waiting children in Oregon. - OARE Kids
Oregon families may create an account with OARE to view more waiting children that cannot be listed publicly, and to create a family profile to connect with searching caseworkers. - WWK Recruiters
Scroll down and click on Oregon to view contact information for Wendy's Wonderful kids Recruiters families may contact regarding waiting Oregon children. - Heart Gallery Of America
Photo lists of waiting children
Post-Adoption Support and Resources
- 211 Info
Search for health and human services in Oregon. - Adoption Assistance
Select Oregon to view more information on adoption assistance in state of Oregon. - Coalition of Oregon Adoption Agencies
Provides families with a list of Oregon adoption agencies, adoption education recommended book list, laws on insurance for adopted children, resources, and more. - Educational information Packets
Adoptive families may have educational information packets mailed to them, courtesy of OPARC. Packet topics include effective discipline, parenting children who have been sexually abused, self-destructive behaviors, substance abuse, attachment, transracial parenting, and more. - Northwest Adoptive Families Association (NAFA)
NAFA is a support group for adoptive families interested in adoption. - Oregon Adoption Assistance Handbook
Topics include a program overview, adoption assistance eligibility, types of adoption assistance, negotiating adoption assistance, adoption assistance application, finalizing the adoption, and more. - Oregon Foster Parent Association (OFPA)
OFPA provides foster and adoptive parents with support and resources. - Oregon Post-Adoption Resource Center (OPARC)
OPAC provides families with training, a lending library, support services, online resources, newsletters, and more. - State Subsidy Information
NACAC provides general information on adoption subsidies in Oregon. - Support Groups
Search for support groups by county on OPARC. - Attachment and Trauma Specialists
A list of local treatment centers that specialize in working with attachment and trauma related issues. - Behavioral care treatment centers
A list of local treatment centers for behavioral care - Adoption Therapists
A list of local therapists that specialize in adoption - Child Care Resources
A compiled list of child-care resources - Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Programs
A list of local treatment centers specializing in child abuse treatment - Childhood Trauma & Addiction
An overview of childhood trauma and how it correlates with addiction - Counseling Resources
A compiled list of counseling resources - Kid Counseling
A list of local therapists specializing in treating children - Kinship Care
Kinship programs and information - Medical Resources
Health and medical resources - NPEN National Parenting Education Network
A list of programs by state - NOFAS FASD Support
State resources and support group information - Trauma Counseling
A list of local therapists specializing in trauma related issues. - Online Support Groups
A list of online support group resources - Post-Adoption Questions and Answers
Frequently asked questions and answers regarding adoption - Special Health Care Needs
Resources for parents of children with special health care needs.
Post Adoption Resources
Disclaimer:This information is not intended to substitute as, or for, legal advice.
Adoption Assistance/Subsidy
- AAICAMA Home Page The Association of Administrators on the Interstate Compact on Adoption and Medical Assistance home page. On this page families will find information on ICAMA, including state contact information, adoption assistance, Title IV-E adoption assistance, FAQs, and more.
- Adoption Assistance by State Search for a state’s adoption assistance policies on Child Welfare Information Gateway.
- Adoption Assistance for Children Adopted from Foster Care A Child Welfare Information Guide on state and federal adoption assistance programs.
- Adoption Subsidy Definitions NACAC defines common adoption subsidy terms.
- Adoption Subsidy Fact Sheets View NACAC’s various fact sheets on adoption subsidies. Topics include interstate adoption subsidies, college tuition waitver programs, taxes, negotiating adoption assistance, and more.
- Eligibility and Benefits for Federal Adoption Assistance NACAC provides general information on Title IV-E (Federal) adoption assistance.
- NACAC State Adoption Subsidy Profiles View adoption subsidy information for each state and the District of Columbia.
- Negotiating Title IV-E Adoption Subsidy Agreements NACAC provides suggestions for negotiating Title IV-E Federal Adoption Subsidy agreements.
- Renegotiation and Modification of Adoption Subsidy Agreements NACAC provides suggestions on re-negotiating an adoption subsidy agreement.
- Title IV-E and State Adoption Assistance Checklist Adoption Resource Center provides a helpful checklist for adoptive families to go through before signing an adoption assistance agreement.
College Scholarships
- Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) The Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) is an annual federal grant provided to states for youth who were adopted after the age of 16 or aged out of foster care. Hover of the ETV tab and select your state to learn more.
- Educational and Training Voucher FAQs Commonly asked questions about the ETV program.
- FAFSA For children who were adopted from foster care at age 13 or older, they may consider them as an “independent student” on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This means they do not have to count family income, and therefore are more likely to receive financial aid. Adoption subsidies do not count as income on FAFSA form.
- Federal Pell Grant Applicants must fill out FAFSA form and meet certain requirements to qualify for a Pell Grant. Pell Grant is not a loan, and therefore does not need to be re-paid.
- NACAC College Tuition Fact Sheet Guide to federal and state college tuition programs for children who were adopted from foster care.
- Tuition Assistance and Scholarships for Youth A list of potential scholarship resources for foster or adopted childrenfrom the NYSCCC.
- Point Foundation The Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential. This Foundation offers website links and information for organizations that assist with the costs associated with being a student. This includes tuition help, scholarships – general and LGBTQ specific, living stipends, textbook costs, childcare benefits, work grants, and more.
Employee Benefit Programs
- Adopt Link Outlines the advantages to employee adoption benefits, includes a list of companies who currently offer adoption benefits, and provides a list of other adoption assistance programs.
- Adoption-Friendly Workplace Dave Thomas Foundation compiled a list of adoption-friendly workplaces.
- How to Lobby Your Employer for Adoption Workplace Benefits An article from Adoptive Families magazine on asking your employer for adoption benefits. Must subscribe to Adoptive Families magazine to read the article.
Federal Adoption Tax Credit
- Adoption Learning Partners Tax Credit Course Adoption Learning Partners provides a free course that covers important adoption tax credit information for the current tax year. Updated every January/February.
- IRS Adoption Tax Overview of the Adoption Tax Credit, and instructions on how to fill out form 8839 Qualified Adoption Expenses.
- IRS Tax Form 8839 Download tax form 8839 Qualified Adoption Expenses.
- NACAC Federal Adoption Tax Credit NACAC provides general information on the Federal Adoption Tax credit.
Pre-Finalization Phase
- Adoption-Competent Therapist Traits MN Adopt compiled a list of traits to look for in an adoption-competent therapist.
- Adoptive Families Online Support Groups A list of online support groups from Adoptive Families Circle. A subscription to Adoptive Families magazine is not required to join a group.
- American Academy of Adoption Attorneys Locate an adoption-competent attorney near you.
- Avoiding Common Placement Pitfalls A guide from the Ohio Child Welfare Training Program on common placement pitfalls in special needs adoption and how to avoid them.
- Choosing An Adoption Therapist MN Adopt provides a guide to selecting an adoption-competent therapist.
- Establishing Household Rules The Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center provides suggestions for establishing household rules after a child is placed in your home.
- Fact Sheets MN Adopt provides general information and resources on topics like attachment, autism, FASD, behavioral issues, sexual abuse, school problems, siblings, transracial parenting, and more.
- Final Preparations: Getting Yourself and Your Child Ready for Adoption Finalization CCYF provides suggestions on preparing for adoption finalization.
- Four Things to Do When Bringing Home a Child from Hard Places Jamie Ivey writes a list for Verge Network describing the four things parents need to do when bringing home a child who suffered trauma and loss.
- Helping Your Foster Child Transition to Your Adopted Child A guide from Child Welfare Information Gateway on making the transition from foster child to adopted child smoother.
- Legalizing an Adoption Adopt Us Kids provides general information on what is required to finalize an adoption.
- Naming and Claiming Your Adopted Child: A Guide for Parents A guide from MN Adopt discussing the pros and cons of changing your child’s name, and the importance of including your child in the decision.
- Normal Phases of the Pre-Finalization Phase A guide from Ohio Child Welfare Training Program on what to expect after your child is placed in your home and before you finalize.
- Preparing Children for Transitions CCYF provides a guide to help a foster child transition into their adoptive family.
- Realistic Expectations: The First Year Home A guide from EMK Press on how to manage your expectations after your child is placed with your family
- Receiving an Adoptive Placement Adopt Us Kids outlines the steps families will go through prior to and after a child is placed in their home.
- Selecting and Working with a Therapist Skilled in Adoption A guide from Child Welfare Information Gateway on the different types of therapeutic services available to families and their children, finding the right therapist, what questions to ask before choosing a therapist, and a list of national resources.
- Transition Guidelines Suggestions from Foster Care Support Foundation on how to create a transition plan that is in the best interest of the child(ren) you are adopting.
- What is a Safety Plan & How to Use One AboutAdoption.com provides information on what a safety plan is, and how to implement one. Includes a printable worksheet for creating a safety plan.
Post-Adoption Phase
Disclaimer:The views and opinions in the blogs listed below are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of A Family For Every Child.
- 5 Things Foster/Adoptive Parents Shouldn’t Do A list of 5 things foster and adoptive parents shouldn’t do post-placement.
- 6 Key Factors to Consider for an Open Adoption April Dinwoodie, CEO of Donaldson Adoption Institute, writes a piece for the Huffington Post outlining six key factors adoptive parents must consider in an open adoption relationship.
- 7 Practical Ways to Foster Attachment in Children A blogger outlines a few ways she helped her adoptive daughter bond with her family.
- Access to Adoption Records A guide on accessing an adopted child’s birth and adoption records from Child Welfare Information Gateway.
- Adoption Disruption and Dissolution Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a guide on disruption and dissolution, including trends, reasons why adoptions disrupt or dissolve, and ideas for future research.
- Adoption at the Movies A blog that provides reviews for recent movies that have adoption themes. Each review contains a summary of the movie, the “adoption connection”, strong and weak points, a recommendation, and questions to ask your child after the movie.
- Blended Families in Adoption PACT provides a list of resources on the topic of blending families.
- Coping with Disruption or Dissolution Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a list of resources for families who have undergone an adoption disruption or dissolution.
- Dear Ellen: Post-Adoption Depression CASE provides information on Post-Adoption Depressioni (PADS).
- Disruption and Dissolution: Unspoken Losses EMK Press provides a guide for families on adoption disruption and dissolution. Topics include making an adoption work, considerations before disrupting a placement, re-placement process, coping with loss, and more.
- Disruption Support is Crucial An article from NACAC discussing the importance of supporting families during an adoption disruption.
- Finding and Using Post-Adoption Services Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a guide to common post-adoption issues, different types of post-adoption services, finding post-adoption services, advocating for post-adoption services, and more.
- Genes Aren’t Destiny, and Other Thinks I’ve Learned From Being Adopted A great read and conversation-starter for older children and teens about what being adopted means.
- How Childhood Trauma Effects Health Across a Lifetime Listen to pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris describe the effects that trauma has on a child’s health and brain development.
- I Don’t Care If He Goes to Harvard, But… An article from C.A.S.E. discussing the importance for parents and children to re-examine their expectations about adoption and family.
- Model Post-Adoption Services A list of common post-adoption services families should have in place from NACAC.
- Now That the Adoption Is Finalized Blog post from Attempting Agape on what to do post-finalization.
- Parenting Tips Montgomery County, Ohio provides links to parenting tips for issues that come up post-placement. Topics include reducing sibling rivalry, positive discipline, stopping bullying, finding a babysitter, toilet training, leaving children home alone, and more.
- Plan, Prepare and Support to Prevent Disruptions An article from NACAC on how agencies can prepare their adoptive families to help avoid disrupted placements.
- Social Media and Your Foster/Adopted Teens: 4 Risks and What You Can Do Adopt Us Kids outlines 4 risks of social media as it pertains to foster care and/or adoption, and how you can help your foster or adopted teen safely use social media platforms.
- Strengthen Your Forever Family: A Step-by-Step Guide to Post-Adoption Dave Thomas Foundation compiled a post-adoption guide on identifying and using post-adoption resources.
- The Adopted Child’s Changing View C.A.S.E. provides a general timeline for how a child’s thoughts on adoption change during each developmental stage (infant-19).
- The Truth About Older Child Adoption Blogger Jen Hatmaker outlines the different post-adoption stages.
- Transitioning Home: The First Months Post-Adoption A Creating a Family radio show on what to expect the first few months post-adoption.
- Understanding Adoption: Up to Age 10 MN Adopt provides a guide for talking with your children ages 10 and under about adoption.
- Understanding Adoption: Ages 11-15 MN Adopt provides a guide for talking with your children ages 11-15 about adoption.
- Understanding Adoption: Ages 16-21 MN Adopt provides a guide for talking with your children ages 16-22 about adoption.
- Unique Challenges of Bringing Home an Older Child In this video, a mother and daughter talk about some of the challenges they faced post-adoption and how they handled them.
- When Siblings Become Traumatized Heather Forbes answers a parent’s question on what to do when an adopted child’s trauma history and behaviors traumatizes other children in the home.
Post-Adoption Training and Support
- AFFEC Book List A list of suggested reading for adoptive parents and children.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Provides information for parents on general pediatric issues. Information geared towards children ages 0-21.
- Facsheets for Families Child Welfare Information Gateway’s Factsheets for Families convers topics pertaining to foster care, adoption and parenting.
- Helping Adopted Children Cope with Grief and Loss A guidebook from Child Welfare Information Gateway on helping your adopted child cope with the losses he/she has faced.
- Helping Foster and Adoptive Families Cope with Trauma A guidebook from the American Academy of Pediatrics, helping foster and adoptive parents navigate their child’s PTSD. Information includes the causes and effects of trauma, and effective parenting methods to help children heal.
- How an Adoptive Mom Becomes a “Nurturing Enemy” The Institute for Attachment outlines how the “primal wound” effects a mother-child relationship, and provides suggestions for resources.
- Impact of Adoption on Adoptive Parents Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a guide to identifying and coping with the emotions, and the ups and downs in the adoption process.
- Mental Health Services Provided by State Child Welfare Information Gateway compiled a list of mental health services provided by each state and the District of Columbia. Includes links to additional information and resources.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network NCTSN provides resources for caregivers, educators and adoption professionals on trauma and trauma-related issues.
- Parenting After Adoption Resources Child Welfare Information Gateway compiled a resource list containing information on post-adoption related issues. Topics include adoption and school, disruption/dissolution issues, finding services, talking about adoption, creating a life book, and more.
- Post-Adoption Resources By State Child Welfare Information Gateway compiled a list of post-adoption resources available in each state, and who to contact for more information.
- Post-Adoption Training List Child Welfare Information Gateway compiled a list of online and state post-adoption training opportunities for adoptive families. Please note that this is not a complete list, nor is A Family For Every Child endorsing any of the trainings listed.
- Privacy and Safety on Facebook NNEDV wrote a guide to keeping your child safe online.
- Respite Care Providers Locate a licensed respite care provider near you using ARCH’s national respite care locator map.
- Tips for Finding Help NCTSN provides recommendations for finding professional help in trauma-related issues.
Suicide Awareness
- The Link Between Substance Abuse and Suicide in TeensDiscusses the increase in prevalence of teen substance abuse and the link to teenage suicide.
- Suicide and AddictionDiscusses the risk factors, warning signs and prevention, the substances abused and mental health considerations.
- Alcoholism and Suicide RiskDiscusses how a substance abuse problem increases the risk of suicide and provides contact information for suicide hotlines.
- Choosing the Best Inpatient Suicidal Thoughts and Addiction Recovery CenterA guide on how to find help.
- Suicide Among VeteransDiscusses the connection between veteran addiction and suicide.