post adoption (adoption connections) program

Recognizing that adoption is a lifetime process, Family Services offers a variety of services to adoptive parents, adopted persons and birth parents.

	Support Groups Adoption is a wonderful thing for children and families, but an adoptive family will face normal "crises" not experienced by other families. Many adoptive families find it helpful to get together with other adoptive families on a regular basis to talk about their experiences, solve problems and encourage each other. Our support group for adoptive parents meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Childcare is provided.
	Individual & Family Counseling Adoptive families are not the same as birth families - they can be really complicated. Families who step forward to meet the needs of older children in the foster care system often feel stressed from the emotional and physical demands. When adoptive families or their children have difficult times, they need someone who understands adoption to help them sort things out. Sometimes it's responding to their child's questions about his adoption or his birth parents. Other times, the issues are around past abuse or working through grief. Family Services has therapists experienced in working with the special issues that adoption brings to families.
	Lending Library Books specializing in issues relating to parenting, ADHD, bonding and attachment and dealing with adoption in the schools are available for families to borrow. We also have books for children of all ages relating to adoption. Great link for purchasing adoption books, videos, and other materials: www.tapestrybooks.com
	Background Information For adults adopted through Family Services who need assistance in obtaining non-identifying background information about their birth families, we will research the records and provide the information allowed under the North Carolina Adoption Statute. Information about the law, search and reunion and other resources is available.
	Confidential Intermediary Services 2008 amendments to the North Carolina adoption statute allow licensed child-placing agencies to act as confidential intermediaries between adult adoptees, adult lineal descendants of a deceased adoptee, parents of adoptees under the age of 21, and birth parents. Family Services is now offering Confidential Intermediary Services to families whose adoption was handled through this agency or through an agency with whom we have an agreement. To be eligible to apply for these services, you must be: an adoptee 21 years or older the lineal descendant of a deceased adoptee (the son/daughter/grandchild) the birth parent of an adoptee who is now 21 or older, or the adoptive parents of a minor adoptee.