New Adoptive Parent Preparation and Adjustment Sessions
June 22, 2007
In order to better meet the needs of our clients adopting internationally, Adoption Associates, Inc. is now offering new adoptive parent preparation and adjustment sessions designed to support parents up to and even beyond the placement of their child.
Preparation Session
The first session is designed to prepare parents to receive their child from the orphanage. Led by a licensed psychologist, this hour-long meeting will help to educate clients on what to expect when first meeting their child and include information on the initial adjustment period and how to facilitate attachment and bonding. This session will be scheduled a short time before parents leave to bring their children home and be conducted in a small group setting with between three and five families in attendance.
Adjustment Session
The second session will occur four to six weeks after the family returns home. In contrast to the first session, this meeting will be conducted on a more individual basis and include a scheduled appointment with the psychologist. The purpose of this meeting will be to monitor the child’s adjustment by discussing topics such as the child’s behavior and the progress he or she has made in attaching and bonding to his or her new parents.
Additional Sessions
Families may choose to schedule additional sessions with the psychologist for an additional fee.
Participation Details
Until August 1, both sessions are available to families adopting internationally for an additional fee. Families adopting through AAI’s domestic program are also encouraged to participate. After August 1, both sessions will be required of all AAI families adopting internationally, and the cost will be included as part of the program fee. Participation will remain voluntary for families adopting domestically and include an additional fee.
Adoption Associates, Inc. is committed to providing the most professional and comprehensive services to our adoptive parents. We believe that the preparation and adjustment sessions will help give adoptive parents the tools they need to make their child’s transition as smooth as possible and allow them to parent their child with more confidence.
Contact Us
Both sessions are available to families adopting from other agencies as well. Please contact Kurt Ellis at 616.667.0921 with questions or to schedule a session.
