Building an Adoption Support System

Adoption is an exciting journey, but it’s also one filled with many emotional ups and downs. No one should have to go through this journey alone. You’re doing something brave and selfless by giving a child the loving home they have always deserved.

Likewise, you deserve to have all the support you need for this mission.

Although logistical aspects like the costs and requirements of adoption are worth familiarizing yourself with, it’s also crucial to create a support system to lean on right now. You’ll need people to help you when the going gets rough, just as you’ll need them to celebrate the joys of adoption with you, too.

As you prepare to enter into adoption in California, consider reaching out to these five people to ask them for support as you embark on this life-changing journey. We are also here whenever you need us. Contact us online today to get more adoption information now.

1. Your Spouse or Partner

Your spouse or partner, if you have one, should be the first person you turn to throughout your adoption journey. After all, you’re doing this as a team. You may have gone through the grieving process from infertility together. You and your partner will need to be honest with each other as you move through each stage of the adoption.

This open communication should be consistent, and you should always tell each other how you’re feeling. Adoption can be difficult, but it’s important that you and your partner remain that: partners. When times get tough, don’t take it out on them.

Instead, take a breather from a process that has likely consumed your relationship for years. Give yourselves the chance to reconnect in a healthy way, and always express your appreciation and love for each other. Time, patience and understanding can go a long way.

If you’re having trouble making a joint decision or can’t agree on certain aspects of the adoption process, then help is available for you both. Be sure to speak to your adoption professional or another licensed counselor.

2. Your Family and Friends

Although your partner’s support is important, it’s also crucial to have someone who’s on the outside of your adoption journey. Your family and friends can be incredibly helpful and supportive, whether it’s for another shoulder to lean on or a fun escape from stress. They can also help you with an adoption fundraiser, such as a:

• Bake sale
• Car wash
• Walk-a-thon
• GoFundMe
• Or whatever else you all come up with

But, their support doesn’t have to just be during the adoption process. Family and friends can also be there for you after your adoption finalization. If you need a night out, for instance, then they might be able to babysit. Or, they can provide some helpful parenting tips if they have a child themselves.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during your post-placement period, and there is no shame in asking for help. Close loved ones like your friends and family can be invaluable as you adjust to your new life as a parent, and it’s OK to be vocal about what you need from them.

Still, some of them might not understand or support your adoption decision at first. So, be sure that the people you involve are ready to help and recognize your choice as selfless, brave and loving. They should be willing and happy to learn more about adoption so they can offer meaningful support.

3. Your Adoption Professional

Another great source of support is your adoption professional. When you work with FCCA to complete your adoption, we will guide you through each step of the process from start to finish. A trained, licensed social worker will also be there to provide all the support you need.

You’ll also have access to 24/7 counseling services. There are a lot of difficult emotions involved in the adoption process, and we’re always available to talk through them with you. You’re providing a child in need with a life of love and opportunity, and we’re here to help you achieve that beautiful goal. Here are just a few of the services we offer hopeful adoptive families that work with our agency:

• Coordination with legal services to ensure a fair, ethical process
• Matching services with prospective birth mothers so you can forge a meaningful bond
• Post-placement support to guarantee the child is adjusting well

Remember, we can answer your questions at any time. You can fill out our online contact form to get the information you’re looking for now. Our trusted team will be there when you need us, whether for practical, legal or emotional reasons.

4. Adoptive Parent Support Groups

Sometimes, it’s helpful to talk to someone who has been in your shoes. They can understand what you’re feeling like no one else can. Fortunately, there are plenty of adoption support groups, both in-person and virtual, that you can join.

One of the most popular ways to connect with other adoptive parents is through social media. On Facebook, for example, you can join online groups to ask questions and get advice from fellow adoptive families. Because there are so many groups online, talk to your adoption professional and other adoptive parents you know to find out which support groups they recommend.

5. Your Community

During your adoption journey, consider how your community can help you and your child adjust to your new life together. This can be especially helpful if you’ve chosen foster care adoption and your child is getting used to living with a new family. Try seeking out local adoptive families like yourselves so your child can grow up with other adoptees.

On a similar note, if you are completing a transracial adoption, you should find ways to celebrate and honor your child’s cultural heritage. Research some popular ethnic foods and give a shot at preparing them yourself. Try learning your child’s language or befriending families that share your child’s racial background. This can help them form a strong sense of identity as they get older.

Also, look at what local childcare options and educational resources are available in your community. Your social worker at FCCA can help you find some of these local resources, too.

Talk to an Adoption Professional

If you have any more questions about how to build your adoption support system, then we are here to answer them for you. At FCCA, we’re more than happy to help you before, during and after the adoption process. To get more adoption information now, you can fill out our online contact form at any time.