For adopting and placing parents, sometimes even the best pre-adoption education and pre-placement counseling isn't enough preparation for what follows. Thus, it's left to post-adoption service providers to rise to the challenge.

Post-adoption service providers are not just for crisis intervention. They should be part of the planning for every adoption. Whatever the situation, post-adoption support should be in place so that you and your family aren't the ones who wind up with no place to turn when you need help.

Our bloggers have more specific ideas and suggestions, but here are general resources for various types of post-adoption services.


Types of Post-Adoption Support

• State Social Services/Child & Family Services
  Most states either provide access to their own or contracted counseling, consulting, and referral services for families and helplines for families in crisis. Contact your state adoption office for more information.
  
  
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• Private Agencies
  If your adoption was handled by a private agency, take advantage of every post-adoption resource it can provide. Many agencies offer post-adoption counseling with members of their own staff, and they should certainly be in a position to provide referrals. Hopefully, the agency you selected does offer comprehensive post-adoption services.
  


• Independent Support and Counseling Groups
  When joining a support group, look for one with counselors or therapists as group organizers or members, or that offers a system of referrals to find the help you need.
  


• Private Therapists
  Although the number isn't overwhelming, adoption therapists can be found across the country. Ask members of your support group, private and public adoption agencies, or others for referrals.
  


• Respite Care
  Respite care programs provide parents of challenging children with short-term relief from what may be overwhelming stressful situations.
  


• Specific Disorder/Illness Treatment
  Children with specific disorders or illnesses may require specialized treatment.
  


• Post-Adoption Classes
  Take advantages of local area seminars on post-adoption issues and online education.
  


• Magazines & Newsletters
  
  Magazines and newsletters are an important part of the learning process for new families, and a major source of post-adoption support, heritage connections, and networking.

Post-adoption services are by no means available only for adoptive parents and families. There are services and groups for adult adoptees, birth parents, and other birth and adoptive family members as well - individually and as families or groups.