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

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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.

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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.

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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

Training Opportunity for Parents and Professionals:

In honor of National Adoption Month, the Connecticut Council on Adoption (CCA) is hosting the Empowering Transracial Adoptive Families: Tackling Racism in the Media training and luncheon presented by Mary Harris Miller, LCSW.

November 20th, 2024, 9:30am-3pm at Casa Mia on the Hill, Newington, CT

Training session will include a buffet lunch and is pending approval by CT NASW for 3.0 CECs.

Lunch will be followed by CCA's Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony.

Visit the CCA website for addition information.   Purchase tickets here.

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Connecting adoptive and kinship families, adoption professionals, and all those interested in adoption to form a strong, supportive, and resourceful adoption community.

The ACN meets twice a year. New members are welcome!

The next meeting will be in March 2024.  Date, time, and location to be announced closer to the meeting date.

Connecticut Adoption Community Network
195 Farmington Avenue, Suite 2000
Farmington, CT 06032-6020
adoption@uchc.edu

Virtual AAP Information Sessions:

The AAP offers monthly virtual information sessions to learn more about our services. Sessions are open to foster, adoptive, and guardianship families, DCF social workers, and community providers. To join a noontime session, click here. To join an evening session, click here. Please see flyer for times and additional information. 

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

 

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