Adoptive parents go through some unique circumstances, from the decision to adopt to the search for a birthmother, to the sometimes long wait for the right connection to be made. If you have a transracial adoption, you may want to discuss the issues you face as the parent of a child of another race, or if you have an open adoption you may want more information on how to communicate with your child's birthmother. It can be hard to find people to talk to about these things, as parents of more traditional families rarely have to face these same issues.
Thankfully, there are support groups and resources for adoptive parents. These groups touch on everything from parenting solutions to counseling, giving adoptive parents options in how they choose to seek assistance and support. Below are some of our favorite resources for adoptive parents.
Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
C.A.S.E. is an adoption support group that specializes in mental health. With a focus on both education and counseling, this site supports the adoption community throughout the entire adoption journey. The site also provides resources to counseling professionals who want to learn how to better serve the adoption community.
Center for Parent Information and Resources
This group is actually not geared specifically toward adoptive families, but instead is made to service families that have children with special needs. There is a section of the website dedicated to the special challenges faced by adoptive families with children who have special needs, offering education and connecting parents to local resources.
This nonprofit support group was founded by two adoptive parents, and strives to use their experiences to help others. Their goal is to use Harry Potter and other children's books to help foster and adopted children settle into their new homes while also providing resources to the parents to aid in making a smooth transition.
Families Adopting In Response (FAIR)
FAIR offers a wide variety of resources for adoptive parents, including help in learning how to speak to your children, extended family, and your children's teachers about your family's adoption experiences. Resources are also available for transracial and transcultural families.
From helpful blog posts to a community discussion board, Adoptive Families Circle offers a wide range of services and resources for adoptive parents. Whether you have a specific question or just want to read some uplifting stories about successful adoptions, this site can meet those needs.
