adoption professionals are listening

Did you know that each time you mention your state I notify the adoption program manager and recruitment response team in your state? Sometimes they respond on the blog and other times they email me clarifying state policy and law. Bringing your comments to the attention of the adoption professionals in your state is a great first step toward improving adoption and foster care practice! Thanks for all your advice and questions. Keep ‘em coming!

understanding adoption and foster care language

Sometimes the lingo used by caseworkers can be confusing! The Child Welfare Information Gateway has an updated version of its glossary of child welfare terms which might be helpful to you. The glossary now includes definitions for more than 230 child welfare terms and common acronyms, as well as links to related terms and information on significant Federal legislation. The glossary is available online at: www.childwelfare.gov/admin/glossary . Check it out. If you still have questions about the information you are receiving from your agency or the child's caseworker, call us at 1-888-200-4005.

foster and adoptive parent support groups

A parent support group provides a way for families to come together and learn from each other. Some parent support groups are involved in planning meetings, collecting and distributing clothing, organizing summer camps, and coordinating respite care. There are often presenters that come to the group meetings to discuss relevant topics that are of concern to the parents. Most importantly, parent support groups provide a reliable network for the adoptive and foster families. Every state has established parent support groups. AdoptUsKids has a nationwide list of the parent support groups that received a sponsorship from us. You can view it online at http://www.adoptuskids.org/. Consider joining a parent support group in your area. It just might surprise you to learn that other prospective parents have the same questions and concerns as you!