Adoption Assistance Program logo

Providing post-adoption support, including assessment, education, brief counseling, and referral services to adoptive families and to families formed through guardianship.

Parents hugging young boy

Supporting Adoptive Families

Adoption is more than a way of building a family; it is a lifelong process of joys, personal growth, and challenges for all involved. At the Adoption Assistance Program we understand that families may need support from time to time. If you are an adoptive parent and have a question or concern, we are a phone call away.

Parents hugging young boy

Supporting Relative Guardians

The placement of a child with kin offers the benefit of being raised by familiar people, staying connected to siblings, and supports a sense of identity and belonging. But kinship care has logistical, financial, and unique social challenges as well. If you are a relative guardian and need guidance, we are here to help.

Parents hugging young boy

Supporting Educators and Community Providers

If you are a teacher, school administrator, therapist, or other professional, we are here to support the work you do with adoptive and guardianship families. We offer informational meetings, training, consultation services, and more.

In the Spotlight

CCA Announces Their Spring Forum with Ruth Pearlman, MEd LICSW as well as their NEW partnership with the Adoption Community Network (ACN)!

In 2025, CCA and ACN have decided to partner in collaboration to build and strengthen our network for adoptive, kinship and guardianship families and professionals in Connecticut.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

ACN's biannual meetings are now incorporated into CCA’s spring and fall forums - typically in March and September each year.

  • CCA/ACN forums in March and September will now be held in person at 195 Farmington Avenue, Suite 2000, Farmington, CT 06032
  • If you are not a member of CCA or subscribed to our listserv, you must “opt-in” + SUBSCRIBE on CCA's website to receive emails on future ACN/CCA events!
  • All ACN subscribers who use the link above to subscribe to CCA's listserv will have a FREE MEMBERSHIP to CCA for 2025!
  • The CT Adoption Competent Therapist Directory will continue to be active on UCONN's Health's Adoption Assistance Program's website.

CCA's SPRING FORUM + BIANNUAL ACN MEETING!

  • WHEN: Monday, March 24, 2025, from 9:30-12:30
    • Bagels and coffee will be provided
  • WHERE: 195 Farmington Avenue, Suite 2000, Farmington, CT 06032
    • Please note, this room has a capacity limit so please RSVP here by March 17th to guarantee your spot.
  • This forum is free for all active CCA members and ACN subscribers who use this link (also linked above) to scroll down and subscribe to CCA's email listserv.

The Connecticut Council on Adoption is excited to invite our entire membership to our free training on Understanding the Grief and Magical Thinking of Abandonment in the Minds of Children and Adolescents touched by Adoption and Foster Care with presenter Ruth Pearlman, MEd LICSW.

This forum will be both a follow up and a continuation of our exploration of grief experienced by youth touched by foster care. Ruth joined us in 2023 for a wonderful discussion of the grief and sensory issues experienced by our youth. This forum will review that information as well as add the concept of "Magical Thinking" into our knowledge base. This workshop will explore ways in which we can counter these false beliefs and restore children's sense of self-worth.

If you would like to attend this event and are not a member, sign up is available through our website. If you have questions regarding your membership, please email us a membership@ctadopt.org. Join CCA today!

Virtual Adoptive Parent and Guardianship Support Group

Facilitated by the Adoption Assistance Program and Family and Children's Agency

Fourth Tuesday of every month; 11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom

See flyer for registration information.

Featured Book: Reclaim Compassion: The Adoptive Parent's Guide to Overcoming Blocked Care with Neuroscience and Faith by Lisa C.  Qualls and Melissa Corkum

 

"Is your adoption journey turning out differently than you imagined? You had so much love to give, but now you feel ashamed and bewildered by your lack of compassion.

You may be experiencing blocked care—a self-protective mechanism in your nervous system that makes it difficult to connect with your child and maintain compassion. When it happens, it’s like your heart seems to have left the relationship. But the good news is you are not a bad parent. You can heal from blocked care, and compassion can be rekindled in your heart.

Reclaim Compassion answers the questions, “How did this happen?” and “Will it ever get better?” You’ll recognize yourself in the honest stories from the authors and other parents and come to realize that you are not alone.

Rooted in faith and backed by neuroscience, this practical and powerful guide offers a simple step-by-step process for reclaiming compassion for your child and yourself."- Summary from book cover

 

People icons forming a circle with rainbow colors

The Adoption Assistance Program embraces diversity and welcomes individuals and families of all backgrounds and experiences.