Older Child Adoption

Finding others who have been in or are standing in your shoes can be beneficial to adoptive families regardless of where they are in the process. As you move from pre-adoption to post-adoption, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and wish to serve as a mentor. In all likelihood, you have either met such a person or would like to have found one.

Oftentimes, new parents may have questions that in all likelihood have already been asked or experienced by other adoptive families. These topics could include child development, early education, attachment, paperwork, or medical concerns.

Many adoption agencies have Parents in Progress groups and offer a variety of post-adoptive family events, summer camps, or other services for their clients. If you are not using a local agency, consider contacting your local Council on Adoptable Children; they may be able to give you a recommendation.

You may find that there are non-agency-affiliated adoption support groups or playgroups in your area. You may also find a large spectrum of adoption support and advocacy organizations on the Internet. Some may be country-specific while others may be open to all adoptive families living within a geographical region.

You may also wish to consider a support organization so your child can meet and interact with other adopted children. Children who experience support from adopted peers may have a better understanding or appreciation of adoption. While we may take this for granted now, it may be more important as your child grows and matures.