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The emotional ups and downs of the domestic infant adoption process can leave prospective adoptive parents feeling hopeless, discouraged and frustrated.
Going through the journey, it is so helpful to talk to someone who understands what we are experiencing. Friends and family can be supportive, but they don’t always understand the adoption roller coaster.
Getting a group of people together who share the experience of adoption can be a huge blessing.
They can help keep us focused on the path to building our family. It is a relief knowing we are not alone – there are others in our community who can provide the support we need.
So – what are these groups?
Local adoption support groups. They are lifelines for prospective adoptive parents – providing hope and inspiration to get us through our journey to parenthood.
There are lots of reasons why these groups play a BIG part in the adoption journey.
12 reasons why you need a local adoption support group:
- You get to talk directly to people who have been there (or are still going through the process). Get and give empathy and support – before, during & after placement.
- Get a regular dose of encouragement, inspiration, and hope to get through the ups & downs.
- Find out how others have found creative ways to: fund your adoption, connect with expectant mothers, etc.
- Great place to learn about adoption resources, information and networking – especially by inviting experts to come speak to your group.
- Diversity: Groups form in different ways. You can have people who have already adopted and those still waiting to adopt.
- Flexibility: Your group can be whatever members need it to be. As you talk with other families, you’ll find how to structure your group to support each other in the best ways.
- Groups can meet on a regular schedule for as long as there are families who need/want adoption support.
- Great way to validate your experiences and frustrations.
- Celebrate the joys and triumphs unique to adoption.
- Share feedback, suggestions and success stories.
- Get help to identify and solve problems you may have to deal with.
- Get a better understanding of adoption’s impact on children.
Let’s hear from folks with first-hand experience. Check out why these adoptive families love their local adoption support group:
“I like the small, intimate nature of our group.”
“The one thing we all have in common is the desire to connect with others and have a safe place to do that. We are part of an on-line Facebook group but we all know that isn’t enough when you need support and encouragement.”
“My encouragement to you is this: if you don’t already have a group of moms (or parents, not to exclude the dads!), go ahead and START one. You won’t regret it. Just to be able to sit together over coffee, to laugh and cry together, to “speak the same lingo” – I cannot emphasize enough how important this connection is for your health and sanity.”
“Since I’ve joined the adoption community at large, I’ve learned some awesome new parenting tools, I’ve gained life-long friends, and I’ve been able to share my story for the benefit of someone else. All because of the face-to-face encounters I have with other adoptive moms. This group facilitates that more intentionally.”
“If you don’t have a face-to-face community of adoptive parents that you are a part of now, this is a GREAT thing to do for yourself. And for your family!”
What about online adoption support groups?
Online support groups (Facebook groups, adoption forums, etc) are a great way to quickly and easily connect with hundreds of folks who are on the same journey or have already adopted. I love the Facebook groups and adoption forums I’m involved in at AdoptiveFamilyCircle.com.
Local support groups provide a much more personal connection. You can establish friendships and have much more time to interact, ask questions, get feedback, or simply have a shoulder to cry on.
Some online resources about local adoption support groups:
The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) is dedicated to supporting adoptive families and promoting adoption awareness. Since 1974, they’ve helped more than 1,000 adoption support groups across North America. They have lots of resources for support groups – including training and assistance.
AdoptiveFamilies.com is a national print and online adoption magazine. They have several articles about adoption support groups.
Now that you know how a local adoption support group can help you, here’s how to find a local adoption support group.
QUESTION FOR YOU: What are the best reasons why you’ve been blessed by being a part of a local adoption support group? Enter your comments below.
