2.5.1 Providing Post Adoption Services

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Child Welfare Information GatewayChildrens Bureau/ACYF1250 Maryland Avenue, SWEighth FloorWashington, DC 20024800.394.3366Email: [email protected]://www.childwelfare.gov

BULLETIN FOR

PROFESSIONALS

September 2012

Use your smartphone to

access this bulletin onilne.

Providing

Postadoption Services

Whats Inside:

The need forpostadoption services

Types of postadoption services

Common barriers to useof services

Delivery and fundingof services

Characteristics critical tothe success ofpostadoption services

Key steps in programdevelopment andimplementation

The importance of quality postadoption services haslong been recognized by adoption professionals andadoptive families. More recently, their benefits have beenacknowledged by a small, yet growing, body of research.

Postadoption services reflect an array of programs andsupportsincluding education and information services,counseling, and peer support networksprovided toadopted children and youth, adoptive families, andsometimes birth families1after an adoption is finalized.These services often respond to the effects that separation,loss, and trauma can have on children and youth who havebeen adopted. They can facilitate adjustment processes;promote child, youth, and family well-being; and supportfamily preservation.

1 While birth families can benefit from postadoption services, this bulletinfocuses primarily on services for adopted people and adoptive parents. For more

information and resources for birth parents, visit the Child Welfare Information

Gateway website at http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/
http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/


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Providing Postadoption Services http://www.childwelfare.gov

2This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child WelfareInformation Gateway. Available online at http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_postadoptbulletin

This bulletin draws from available literature

and practice knowledge to summarizekey issues related to providing effectivepostadoption services. It is intendedto support adoption professionals inaddressing the needs for postadoptionservices and meeting common challengesin their delivery.

The Need forPostadoption Services

Notable increases in the number of adoptionsover the past two decades, particularlyadoption of children and youth from fostercare, have brought increased attention tothe service needs of adopted children andyouth and their families (Freundlich, 2006).By addressing important issues common

in the adoption experience, postadoptionservices can benefit adopted people and theirfamilies who have participated in all types ofadoptionchild welfare, private domestic,and international. While most adoptions aresuccessful and a great number of adoptivefamilies resolve difficulties without agencyservices, many could use help in meetingchallenges at various points in their life.Several factors, described below, contribute tothe need for effective postadoption services.

Separation and Loss

All children and youth who have beenadopted experience some level of separationand loss, which can create significant

challenges throughout childhood and intoadult years. Even children and youth adoptedas infants may experience a range of emotionsrelated to separation and loss, such as grief,identity confusion, fear of rejection, and lowself-esteem. Separation and loss issues, andassociated emotional turmoil, often appearor reappear during special events (such asholidays, birthdays, adoption anniversaries)and at different developmental stages,particularly adolescence. Crisis eventssuchas divorce, a death in the family, or militarydeployment of a family membercan alsobring about powerful feelings and fears of

separation and abandonment. How Postadoption Services Help.

Postadoption services can help childrenand youth to deal with their emotions,mourn previous losses, and come toterms with their experiences and presentcircumstances. Services also can supportadoptive parents in understanding andaddressing issues related to their childsloss, separation, trauma, attachment, andidentity.

Early Childhood Trauma

Many children and youth who are adoptedhave experienced early trauma as a resultof abuse, neglect, early deprivation, orinstitutionalization. Children and youth whohave been removed from their families andplaced in foster care, particularly those withmultiple placements, often have experiencedchronic or complex trauma.

An expanding research base indicates thatearly traumatic experiences can disrupt a childsbrain development, which can have negativeconsequences for the childs later learning,behavior, social and emotional functioning, and


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physical well-being (Anda et al., 2006; Centeron the Developing Child at Harvard University,2007; Perry, 2000). In particular, early traumamay affect a childs regulation of emotionsand behaviors, ability to form relationships,tendencies toward dissociation, and negativeself-image (Cook et al., 2007). Children andyouth who have experienced early trauma maydevelop coping strategies for dealing withstress and perceived threats that continue evenwhen they are placed in safe environments.For example, they may try to exert control overothers or disconnect from situationsfightor flight responseswhich may no longer be

appropriate in their new families. The effects ofearly trauma on development vary from child tochild and may not always be evident until lateryears.

How Postadoption Services Help.Trauma-informed postadoption services canhelp children learn new ways of thinkingand responding when facing stress andperceived threats. Services also can helpadoptive parents understand their childrensbehavior in the context of trauma, build

their capacity to cope with challenges, andidentify appropriate strategies to meet theirchildrens needs and allow healing to occur.

For more information on early childhoodtrauma, visit the following websites:

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

at http://www.nctsnet.org/

Child Welfare Information Gatewayat http://www.childwelfare.gov/responding/trauma.cfm

TRAUMA RESOURCES

Emotional, Developmental,

Physical, and Behavioral Problems

Adopted children and youth have elevated

risks for emotional, developmental, physical,and behavioral problems, which researchlinks to early deprivation, maltreatment andtrauma, prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol,and emotional conflicts related to loss andidentity issues (Bramlett, Radel, & Blumbert,2007; Simmel, Barth, & Brooks, 2007;Smith, 2010). While the majority of adoptedchildren function in normal ranges, those withexternalizing problems (e.g., defiance, physicalor verbal aggression, lying, withdrawal) and

needs requiring continuous care can posechallenges for their adoptive families. Inone study that explored why families seekpostadoption services, an overwhelmingmajority (96 percent) noted problematic childbehavior (Lenerz, Gibbs, & Barth, 2006).

How Postadoption Services Help.Adopted children and youth and theirfamilies may benefit from therapeuticpostadoption services, including

individual or family therapy/counseling.Parents often need information andguidance on how best to respond to theirchildrens needs and behaviors, and theymay benefit from services that strengthencoping skills and/or respite care to takea needed break from ongoing parentingdemands. Several programs thatexamined the outcomes of postadoptionservices reported improvements in childbehavior, parents understanding of the

effects of adoption on a childs behavior,parental confidence in managing childbehavior, and family functioning (JamesBell Associates, 2011; Lenerz, Gibbs, &Barth, 2006; Smith, 2006; Zosky, Howard,Smith, Howard, & Shelvin, 2005).
http://www.nctsnet.org/http://www.childwelfare.gov/responding/trauma.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/responding/trauma.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/responding/trauma.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/responding/trauma.cfmhttp://www.nctsnet.org/


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Family Dynamics and

Adoption Adjustment

Adoption introduces a range of issues that

affects individuals and families in differentways. For example, adoptive parents mayexperience their own feelings of loss and grief,sometimes stemming from infertility issues.Some family members struggle with unrealisticexpectations of the adoptive experience.Families in which adopted children or youthare of a different race, culture, or ethnicitythan that of an adoptive parent, as well asnontraditional families, may face additionalchallenges from public scrutiny and their

childs search for identity. Adopted childrenand youth at times struggle with coming toterms with the circumstances of their adoptionand feeling different from other children andyouth, and their parents may have difficultyknowing how best to help them. In someinstances, the adoption and postadoptionexperience can create stresses in a familyand may also prompt strains in marriagesor partnerships. Some adoptive families,particularly those in which children and youthhave complex needs, report feeling isolated indealing with challenges (Hudson et al., 2006).

How Postadoption Services Help.Postadoption services, particularly peer-support groups and community-buildingactivities, can provide opportunities foradopted children and youth and theirfamily members to explore and addressadoption-related issues with others insimilar situations and lessen isolation

among adoptive families. One researchstudy (Reilly & Platz, 2004) demonstratedsignificant relationships between the useof postadoption services and positivefamily outcomes. In particular, parents with

children with special needs2who receivedinformal support services (e.g., supportgroups) and financial support reportedhigher satisfaction with parenting. Unmetservice needs were associated with lowerquality parent-child relationships and amore negative perceived impact on thefamily and on the marriage.

Openness, Search, and Connection

Many adoptions today are planned toinvolve openness to maintain some level ofcontact between birth and adoptive families.In closed adoptions, at some point, many

adopted people seek information about theirbirth family and/or to reconnect with birthrelatives. Recent technological advances arehaving a considerable impact on the searchprocess. The Internet can provide easierand faster access to relevant information,and social networking sites (e.g., Facebook)are connecting people in new ways. Whilesocial media can be a powerful tool to thoseinvolved in a birth relative search, they alsointroduce new complexities related to the

faster pace of contact and privacy concerns.

How Postadoption Services Help.Postadoption services can benefit birth andadoptive families who are maintaining openadoption relationships as well as those whoare looking for information or searchingfor their relatives. In addition to needingguidance on search processes, those thatchoose to reunite with birth relatives mayneed support in preparing emotionally,

pacing a reunion appropriately, and2 For more information on special needs adoption, see

Special Needs Adoption: What Does it Mean?at http://www.

childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/specialneeds/
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/specialneeds/http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/specialneeds/http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/specialneeds/http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/specialneeds/


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building relationships. Adoptive parentsalso may require assistance in respondingto their childs questions about theirbirth parents and dealing with their ownemotions about openness.

Permanency

Postadoption services can benefit adoptedpeople and adoptive families in many ways,particularly by helping them to deal withemotional, behavioral, and developmentalissues and achieve healthy family relationships.The positive outcomes for children and families,in turn, can promote permanency outcomes.

How Postadoption Services Help.Postadoption services may provide supportin the following ways:

Prevention of disruption anddissolution3of existing adoptions.While the vast majority of adoptions donot disrupt or dissolve (Child WelfareInformation Gateway, 2012), those thatdo create the possibility that a child willenter or reenter foster care. Leaving

trauma symptoms and behavioralproblems unaddressed, for example,may overwhelm a familys coping abilitiesand may jeopardize permanence.In some extreme cases, when issuesintensify and services are not otherwise

3 The term disruptionis used to describe an adoptive process

that ends after the child is placed in an adoptive home and

before the adoption is legally finalized, resulting in the childs

return to (or entry into) foster care or placement with new

adoptive parents. The term dissolutionis used to describe an

adoption process that ends after the adoption is legally finalized,resulting in the childs return to (or entry into) foster care or

placement with new adoptive parents. For more information

on disruption and dissolution, see Adoption Disruption and

Dissolutionat http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s_disrup.cfm

available, adoptive parents may findthat they have few alternatives otherthan relinquishing custody to obtainneeded services, such as residentialtreatment for their children. Adoptiondissolutions result in high financial costsfor agencies as well as high emotionalcosts for all involvedthe child, adoptivefamily members, and adoption workers.Research provides some, albeit limited,support for the connection betweenadoption stability and postadoptionservices (Avery, 2004; Prew, Sutter, &Carrington, 1990; Smith, 2006). In a

study of barriers and success factorsfor adoption from foster care, a lack ofservices was cited by both parents andadoption professionals as a key reasonthat adoptions were not successful.Conversely, parents noted that agencieshelped contribute to adoption successby providing ongoing emotional support,postadoption resources/services, andtraining and information (ChildrensBureau, 2007).

Recruitment of adoptive families.Thereis some evidence that the availabilityof services, subsidies, and supportsfollowing adoption plays a role in thedecision to adopt from foster care amongprospective adoptive parents (Freundlich& Wright, 2003; Hansen, 2007).
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s_disrup.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s_disrup.cfm


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In multiple studies, adoptive parents reportneeds for postadoption services (e.g.,Childrens Bureau, 2007; Festinger, 2006;Freundlich, Avery, Gerstenzang, & Munson,2006; Reilly & Platz, 2004).This researchsuggests that needs range from occasionalsupport to intensive intervention and thatparents seek a combination of concrete andclinical services as well as informal supports as

needs arise. Specific needs vary from study tostudy and from family to family.

Types ofPostadoption Services

Postadoption service needs commonlyrequested by families can be grouped inthe following categories (Barth, Gibbs, &Siebenaler, 2001):

Educational and informational services

Clinical services

Material assistance

Support networks

Drawing from the available research andcurrent state of postadoption programs, thetable that follows summarizes informationrelated to the need for and delivery of key

services within each service category. Thetable also provides resources for additionalinformation.


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Core Postadoption Services

Service Type Needs Delivery AspectsResources for More

Information

Educational and Information Services

Information andreferral (I&R)

Adoptive families need informationabout services and resources availableto them, including community-basedresources.

I&R services can beprovided throughone-on-one meetingsor in workshops, andvia websites, resourcedirectories, telephonehotlines, or warmlines.*

Adoption Assistance by StateDatabase (Question 7)http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/

Parentingeducation

Families need education on what toexpect following adoption; how toaddress their childs grief and otheremotions; and how to deal withattachment, behavior, and developmentissues. Some parents seek educationalresources specific to their family type(e.g., single parents, or lesbian, gay,bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)families) or the type of adoption (e.g.,open, special needs, transracial).

Parenting informationcan be made availablethrough in-person training(lectures, workshops,seminars), publications(pamphlets, books,newsletters), or onlineservices (websites, blogs,and webinars).

Child Welfare Information Gatewayhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/training.cfm

Evan B. Donaldson AdoptionInstitute, Adoptive Parent PreparationProject http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/policy/2008_02_parent_prep.php

Marriage andrelationshipeducation

Families may benefit from services thatbuild relationship and communicationskills, address strains that may ariseduring the adoption experience, andpromote healthy family life. A clusterof Childrens Bureau demonstrationprojects reported positive outcomes

from marriage education services,including gains in family functioning(James Bell Associates, 2011).

Programs may use variedinstructional formatsthat range from weeklyworkshops to day-longprograms or weekendretreats. Formal instructionmay be supplemented

with support groups andother support services.

National Healthy Marriage ResourceCenter, Marriage and RelationshipEducation: Tips for PractitionersWorking With Adoptive Coupleshttp://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/resource-detail/index.aspx?rid=2860

ACF, Healthy Marriage Initiativehttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriage

Backgroundinformation

Adoptive families need informationabout their childrens medical,genetic, and social histories, as wellas help in understanding the potentialimplications of those histories for needsand services.

Most States have laws andagency policies that guidedisclosure of backgroundinformation.

Child Welfare Information Gateway,Providing Background Information toAdoptive Parentshttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_backgroundbulletin.cfm

Openness,search, andreunion support

Adopted persons, as well as theirbirth and adoptive parents, may needsupport in accessing information andadoption records, arranging reunions

with birth families, and dealing withresulting emotions.

In accordance with Statelaws, agencies enableaccess to adoptioninformation and registries.

Some will provideadditional services tofacilitate and prepare triadmembers for reunions.

Child Welfare Information Gatewayhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/connections.cfm

Searching for Birth Relativeshttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_search.pdf

National Foster Care andAdoption Directoryhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchForm

* While hotlines generally provide 24-hour assistance for urgent issues, warmlines offer nonurgent support, frequently from peers, during

business hours (MondayFriday, 95).
http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/training.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/training.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/training.cfmhttp://www.adoptioninstitute.org/policy/2008_02_parent_prep.phphttp://www.adoptioninstitute.org/policy/2008_02_parent_prep.phphttp://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/resource-detail/index.aspx?rid=2860http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/resource-detail/index.aspx?rid=2860http://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriagehttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriagehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_backgroundbulletin.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_backgroundbulletin.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/connections.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/connections.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_search.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_search.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_search.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_search.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/connections.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/birth/for/connections.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_backgroundbulletin.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_backgroundbulletin.cfmhttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriagehttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/healthymarriagehttp://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/resource-detail/index.aspx?rid=2860http://www.healthymarriageinfo.org/resource-detail/index.aspx?rid=2860http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/policy/2008_02_parent_prep.phphttp://www.adoptioninstitute.org/policy/2008_02_parent_prep.phphttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/training.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/training.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/training.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/


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Information

Clinical Services

Therapeuticinterventionsfor children andfamilies

Therapeutic interventions areincreasingly recognized as vital tohelp adopted children and theirfamilies (Freundlich, 2007). Therapyand counseling can help adoptedchildren address issues that result fromearly trauma, separation, loss, identityconfusion, and crisis events. Serviceshelp adoptive parents address problemsin adoption adjustment, respond totheir childrens issues, and deal with theimpact of adoption on their families.Research shows adoptive families usemental health services more frequently

than other families (Howard, Smith, &Ryan, 2004; Vandivere, Malm, & Radel,2009), which seems to reflect bothgreater needs and a greater willingnessto use services (Smith, 2010).

Therapeutic interventionsinclude individual andfamily counseling andadoption preservationservices. A continuum ofoptionsfrom home- andcommunity-based servicesto intensive residentialtreatment programsserve varying needs.Some programs havespecialized services forcrisis intervention.

Child Welfare Information Gatewayhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/stability/treatment.cfm

Selecting and Working with aTherapist Skilled in Adoptionhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_therapist.pdf

Adoption Assistance by StateDatabase (Question 8)http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/

North American Council on

Adoptable Children (NACAC),Post-Adoption Services: Meetingthe Mental Health Needs ofChildren Adopted from Foster Carehttp://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdf

Adoption-competentcommunityservices

Adoptive families often expressconcerns that community professionalsare not sensitive to the unique issuesthat arise in adoptive families (Smith,2006). These professionals may includetherapists, school personnel, doctors,and attorneys.

Some agencies arepartnering with schoolsof social work and privateagencies to developadoption-competenteducation and certificateprograms for serviceproviders. These initiativesrange from brief trainingsessions to comprehensivecertificate programs.

National Resource Center forAdoption, Adoption Competence:A Guide to Developing an AdoptionCertificate Program for MentalHealth Practitionershttp://www.nrcadoption.org/resources/practice-tools/

Center for Adoption Support andEducation (CASE), Adoption-Competent Traininghttp://www.adoptionsupport.org/train/index.php

Material Support

Financialassistance

Families use Federal or State financialassistance (adoption assistance oradoption subsidies) to purchasecommunity services (e.g., tutoring,counseling) that help meet the childseducational, physical, or emotionalneeds. For families adopting from the

child welfare system, financial assistanceis the most commonly received serviceand often rated the most essential(Barth, Gibbs, & Siebenaler, 2001;Howard & Smith, 2003).

Dollar amounts, eligibilityrequirements, and whatcan be covered underfinancial assistance varieswidely across States andwithin States for childrenwith different special

needs. Financial assistancepolicies can change overtime in response to Statebudgets and other factors.Regardless of policychanges, existing adoptionassistance agreementsremain legally binding atthe agreed-upon subsidyand service levels.

Child Welfare Information Gatewayhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/finassistance.cfm

Adoption Assistance for ChildrenAdopted from Foster Carehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_

subsid.pdf

Adoption Assistance by StateDatabase (Questions 16)http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/
http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/stability/treatment.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/stability/treatment.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/stability/treatment.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_therapist.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_therapist.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdfhttp://www.nrcadoption.org/resources/practice-tools/http://www.nrcadoption.org/resources/practice-tools/http://www.adoptionsupport.org/train/index.phphttp://www.adoptionsupport.org/train/index.phphttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/finassistance.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/finassistance.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/finassistance.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_subsid.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_subsid.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_subsid.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_subsid.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/finassistance.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/finassistance.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/finassistance.cfmhttp://www.adoptionsupport.org/train/index.phphttp://www.adoptionsupport.org/train/index.phphttp://www.nrcadoption.org/resources/practice-tools/http://www.nrcadoption.org/resources/practice-tools/http://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_therapist.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_therapist.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/stability/treatment.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/stability/treatment.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/stability/treatment.cfm


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Information

Medical

assistance

Families may seek postadoption

assistance with health care coverage,treatment services, and specializedmedical equipment to meet theirchildrens medical needs.

Eligibility requirements

and what can be coveredvary across Stateprograms.

Association of Administrators of the

Interstate Compact on Adoption andMedical Assistancehttp://aaicama.org/cms/index.php/medical-assistance/title-iv-e

Adoption Assistance by StateDatabase (Question 9)http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance

Support Networks

Peer supportservices foradoptiveparents

Being with other adoptive familiesreinforces that the adoptive familyexperience is normal, even if it isdifferent from that of nonadoptive

families. Peer support offersopportunities to freely express onesfrustrations without being judged(Chamberlain & Horne, 2003). Researchindicates that families value groupservices for emotional support as well asa source for needed information (Bryan,Flaherty, & Saunders, 2010). Peersupport services have been linked toreduced isolation and improvements inparenting knowledge, confidence, andcommitment (Child Welfare InformationGateway, 2005).

Support networks may beprofessionally facilitatedor self-help oriented.In addition to support

group meetings, someagencies offer groupoutings, special events,and informal gatherings.Mentor or buddyprograms pair adoptiveparents with moreexperienced adoptiveparents or others in similarcircumstances. Web-basedchat groups can provideongoing opportunities tolink families.

National Foster Care and AdoptionDirectoryhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchForm

Child Welfare Information Gatewayhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfm

NACAC, Developing a Parent-to-Parent Support Networkhttp://www.nacac.org/adoptalk/parent2parentnetwork.pdf

Peer support

services forchildren

For many adopted children and youth,

a peer support group is a valuableopportunity to interact with otheradopted persons and to see that theirexperiences and feelings about beingadopted are normal. Peer groupsprovide a safe environment wherechildren and youth can talk about theirbirth and adoptive families and sharetheir fears and concerns.

In addition to support

group meetings, someagencies offer camps orother specialized activitiesspecifically for childrenand youth who have beenadopted and sometimes forspecific family types (LGBT,single parent, or transracial).Websites and online forumscan provide ongoingsupport that supplementin-person activities.
http://aaicama.org/cms/index.php/medical-assistance/title-iv-ehttp://aaicama.org/cms/index.php/medical-assistance/title-iv-ehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfmhttp://www.nacac.org/adoptalk/parent2parentnetwork.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/adoptalk/parent2parentnetwork.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/adoptalk/parent2parentnetwork.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/adoptalk/parent2parentnetwork.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_parenting/services/postadoption.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad/index.cfm?event=viewSearchFormhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://aaicama.org/cms/index.php/medical-assistance/title-iv-ehttp://aaicama.org/cms/index.php/medical-assistance/title-iv-e


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Information

Support for

transracial/transculturaladoptions

Adoptive parents whose children

are of a different race or culture mayseek resources specific to supportingtheir children, promoting their childsheritage, and coping with racism.

Services may include

seminars, educationalresources, support groups,cultural events, specialoutings, heritage camps,and heritage tours to homecountries. Some programstailor services for specificgroups, such as repatriationand healing programs fortribal adopted persons andtheir families.

Child Welfare Information Gateway

http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/transsupport/

New York State Citizens Coalition forChildrenhttp://nysccc.org/family-supports/transracial-transcultural/

PACThttp://www.pactadopt.org/app/servlet/HomePage

Respite care All parents need periodic breaks fromtheir children. This may be especiallytrue for parents of children who require

high levels of attention due to specificmedical and emotional needs. Respitecare can be helpful in diffusing stressto avert crisis situations. While surveysof adoptive parents report the needfor respite care, those needs are oftenunmet (Barth, Gibbs, & Siebenaler, 2001;Festinger, 2006; Hudson et al., 2006).

Respite care may beoffered to parents in theirhome on an individual

basis or in group settingsthrough weekendoutings or summer camp.Sometimes, supportgroup members provideinformal respite to eachothers children.

ARCH National Respite Networkand Resource Center, Respite as aSupport Service for Adoptive Families

http://archrespite.org/images/docs/Factsheets/fs_33-adoptive_families.pdf

AdoptUSKids, Taking a Break:Creating Foster, Adoptive, andKinship Respite Care in yourCommunityhttp://www.adoptuskids.org/_assets/files/NRCRRFAP/resources/taking-a-break-respite-guide.pdf

Cross-Cutting

Advocacy Many adoptive parents report needingsupport in dealing with schools and

community service providers to raiseawareness of adoption-related issuesand to address their childs specificneeds as they evolve over their lifespan.

Professionals may needto intervene directly

on a familys behalf toeffectively navigatebureaucratic requirements.Service providers orexperienced parents alsomay model advocacy skillsto parents, enabling themeventually to advocate fortheir children on their own.

NACAC, Advocating for Post-Adoption Support

http://www.nacac.org/postadopt/PostAdoptToolkit.pdf

Casemanagement

Families need support in accessingand coordinating needed services andresources.

Where provided, asingle coordinator canhelp access servicesacross agencies andsystems or organize and

facilitate a team meetingto assist a family.

Child Welfare Information Gatewayhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement

Adoption Assistance by StateDatabase

http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance
http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/transsupport/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/transsupport/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/transsupport/http://nysccc.org/family-supports/transracial-transcultural/http://nysccc.org/family-supports/transracial-transcultural/http://www.pactadopt.org/app/servlet/HomePagehttp://www.pactadopt.org/app/servlet/HomePagehttp://archrespite.org/images/docs/Factsheets/fs_33-adoptive_families.pdfhttp://archrespite.org/images/docs/Factsheets/fs_33-adoptive_families.pdfhttp://www.adoptuskids.org/_assets/files/NRCRRFAP/resources/taking-a-break-respite-guide.pdfhttp://www.adoptuskids.org/_assets/files/NRCRRFAP/resources/taking-a-break-respite-guide.pdfhttp://www.adoptuskids.org/_assets/files/NRCRRFAP/resources/taking-a-break-respite-guide.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/postadopt/PostAdoptToolkit.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/postadopt/PostAdoptToolkit.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistancehttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.nacac.org/postadopt/PostAdoptToolkit.pdfhttp://www.nacac.org/postadopt/PostAdoptToolkit.pdfhttp://www.adoptuskids.org/_assets/files/NRCRRFAP/resources/taking-a-break-respite-guide.pdfhttp://www.adoptuskids.org/_assets/files/NRCRRFAP/resources/taking-a-break-respite-guide.pdfhttp://www.adoptuskids.org/_assets/files/NRCRRFAP/resources/taking-a-break-respite-guide.pdfhttp://archrespite.org/images/docs/Factsheets/fs_33-adoptive_families.pdfhttp://archrespite.org/images/docs/Factsheets/fs_33-adoptive_families.pdfhttp://www.pactadopt.org/app/servlet/HomePagehttp://www.pactadopt.org/app/servlet/HomePagehttp://nysccc.org/family-supports/transracial-transcultural/http://nysccc.org/family-supports/transracial-transcultural/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/transsupport/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/transsupport/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/transsupport/


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As the table above illustrates, manyopportunities exist for postadoption services.While the recognition of the importance ofsuch services continues to grow, a number ofchallenges stand in the way of use. Researchon postadoption needs and services (ChildrensBureau, 2007; Festinger, 2006; Ryan, Nelson,& Siebert, 2009; Smith, 2010) have examinedthe perspectives of adoptive families and

professionals and highlight the followingbarriers to accessing postadoption services:

Insufficient availability ofpostadoption services

Scarcity of adoption-competent providers

Families limited knowledge ofservice availability

Reluctance among parents that sometimesstems from unrealistic expectations and/ornot wanting to appear as inadequate

Affordability

Limited accessibility due to locationor hours

In addition to these cross-cutting barriers,particular concerns have been identifiedrelated to specific services. For example, inregard to respite care, issues arise not onlyin finding appropriate and affordable respite

providers, but also around parental concernswith leaving a child who has attachment orseparation anxiety issues (Hudson et al., 2006).

Common Barriers toUse of Services

Delivery and Fundingof Services

Adoption agencies vary greatly in terms ofthe postadoption services they provide (Barth,Gibbs, & Siebenaler, 2001; Mack, 2006;Smith, 2010). Ideally, a postadoption programwould reflect a continuum of services from theeducation and preparation of parents throughcrisis intervention. Several State agenciesoffer or provide referrals to multiple services,including two or more services listed on the

table presented above. Few, however, are ableto provide a full range of services to all familieswho need them (Smith, 2010). In addition,services offered change over time, reflectingshifts in budgets, policies, and priorities.

While some program evaluations have beenconducted, our knowledge is still limitedwith regard to service effectiveness and theappropriate mix and delivery of services tobest meet families needs. Currently, there

is no single evidence-based postadoptionservice model (Smith, 2010). Rather,agencies draw from diverse service andsupport approaches.4Agencies tend to tailorpostadoption programs to reflect familyneeds, existing service delivery systems, andavailable resources.

4 For more detailed information and examples of current

models of postadoption services, see the Evan B. Donaldson

Adoption Institutes Keeping the Promise: The Critical Need

for Post-Adoption Services to Enable Children and Families

to Succeed,available athttp://www.adoptioninstitute.org/

publications/2010_10_20_KeepingThePromise.pdf
http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/publications/2010_10_20_KeepingThePromise.pdfhttp://www.adoptioninstitute.org/publications/2010_10_20_KeepingThePromise.pdfhttp://www.adoptioninstitute.org/publications/2010_10_20_KeepingThePromise.pdfhttp://www.adoptioninstitute.org/publications/2010_10_20_KeepingThePromise.pdf


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Providers and Service Models

Postadoption services are delivered throughseveral different service models, including

the following:

Adoption agencies.Public andprivate adoption agencies may deliverpostadoption services directly. Services maybe provided by an adoption worker, whomay already have worked with the familyduring the adoption process, or through aspecialized postadoption service unit thatfocuses specifically on postadoption needs.

Contracts with private organizations.

Many public agencies contract with privateorganizations to provide postadoptionservices. These services may be offeredto a State, a local area or county, or aspecific region.

Multiagency collaboration.It is notnecessary, or even practical, for allpostadoption services to be provided byState or county programs. A collaborativeapproach uses existing public and private

service providers to deliver postadoptionservices and to train personnel to improvethe level of community response to adoptivefamilies and their children. Services maybe made available through existing health,mental health, and social services systems,as well as through nonprofit or faith-basedorganizations. Systems of care initiatives areone example of a collaborative approachthat brings multidisciplinary public agenciesand community organizations together to

provide comprehensive, community-basedservices to children and families.5

5 For more information on systems of care for child and family

mental health services, see http://www.tapartnership.org/

systemsOfCare.php; for resources related to building systems

of care in child welfare, visit http://www.childwelfare.gov/

management/reform/soc/communicate/initiative/ntaec.cfm

Funding

Funding for postadoption services comesfrom a variety of sources, and each State funds

these services somewhat differently. As thereare few Federal funds specifically dedicatedfor postadoption services, many States blendan array of existing Federal and State revenuesources to help pay for postadoption programs(Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2010; Casey FamilyServices, 2003; Smith, 2010). Federal fundingstreams for child welfare services that potentiallycan be used for postadoption services include:

Promoting Safe and Stable Families

Program (Title IV-B, part 2) Child Welfare Services (Title IV-B, part 1)

Adoption Assistance, Administration, andTraining (Title IV-E)

Adoption Incentive Program

Adoption Opportunities,Discretionary Grants, and Field InitiatedDemonstration Grants

Medicaid (Title XIX)

Social Services Block Grant (Title XX)

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/Emergency Assistance (TANF/EA)

Each of these funding options has differenteligibility, match, and program requirements.Some funding streams may support specificpostadoption services but not others.6Inaddition, each funding stream supports

6 For additional information on financing options for

postadoption services, see Annie E. Casey Foundations FundingPermanency Services: A Guide to Leveraging Federal, State,

and Local Dollars,available athttp://www.aecf.org/upload/

publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.

pdf, and Casey Family Services Strengthening Families and

Communities: Creative Strategies for Financing Post-Adoption

Services,available at http://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/

userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdf
http://www.tapartnership.org/systemsOfCare.phphttp://www.tapartnership.org/systemsOfCare.phphttp://www.childwelfare.gov/management/reform/soc/communicate/initiative/ntaec.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/management/reform/soc/communicate/initiative/ntaec.cfmhttp://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.pdfhttp://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.pdfhttp://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.pdfhttp://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdfhttp://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/management/reform/soc/communicate/initiative/ntaec.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/management/reform/soc/communicate/initiative/ntaec.cfmhttp://www.tapartnership.org/systemsOfCare.phphttp://www.tapartnership.org/systemsOfCare.phphttp://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdfhttp://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdfhttp://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.pdfhttp://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.pdfhttp://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.pdf


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a range of child welfare services beyondpostadoption programs. As a result,States must make decisions regarding theappropriate allocation of limited availablefunding to meet varied programmatic needs.

In addition to the child welfare fundingsources listed above, child welfare agenciesmay be able to collaborate with other Stateagencies or private service providers to accessother Federal funding sources. For example,they may be able to support certain servicesthrough funding from the Individuals withDisabilities Act, Community Mental HealthServices Block Grant Program, Comprehensive

Community Mental Health Services forChildren and Their Families Program, andothers. Several States also tap into a rangeof State and local funding sources to supportpostadoption programs.

Characteristics Criticalto the Success of

Postadoption Services

Lessons learned across research and practiceunderscore the following characteristics asessential to postadoption programs:

A preventive approach.Several adoptionexperts suggest that programs adopt aprevention perspective as one model forservices (Smith, 2010; Freundlich, Avery,Gerstenzang, & Munson, 2006.) Too often,services are not available until a crisisoccurs and conditions and stresses havebecome unmanageable (Casey, 2003).Postadoption services can play a key role

in strengthening families before a crisisby establishing an early foundation forservices, helping parents understand whatto expect over the course of their childsdevelopment, building their knowledgeand skills for dealing with challenges,promoting protective factors (see box),and reversing negative patterns beforethey become entrenched.

Services that are specific to the historiesand needs of adoptive children and theirfamilies.While all families face challenges,adoptive families face complex issuesthat are different from those of families

formed biologically. Postadoption servicesmust address the effects of early trauma,separation, and loss, as well as identityissues (Smith, 2010; Freundlich, 2006).Child welfare agencies can work togetherwith service providers to build adoptioncompetence and trauma-informedpractices. (For more information, visit theNational Child Traumatic Stress Network athttp://www.nctsnet.org) Agencies also canwork with adoptive parents to advocate for

adoption-competent services in schoolsand the community.

Flexible programming with a continuumof services.Adopted children and youthand their families are not all the sameand have diverse needs and concernsthat frequently require a multidisciplinaryapproach and a mix of formal and informalsupports (Freundlich, 2006; Zosky et al.,2005; Atkinson & Gonet, 2007).

A family systems perspective.Postadoption services should not focuson fixing the problems of the adoptedchild, but rather must support the familysystem as a whole (Freundlich, 2006;
http://www.nctsnet.org/http://www.nctsnet.org/


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National Consortium for Post LegalAdoption Services, 2011).While familiesmay identify a childs behavior or emotionsas the primary reason for seeking services,there are often more complex dynamicswithin the family and environment thatneed to be addressed (Freundlich, 2006;Smith, 2006). Research and demonstrationfindings underscore the importance ofengaging families through extensiveoutreach and nonthreatening, empatheticapproaches (Child Welfare InformationGateway, 2005; Zosky et al., 2005).

Culturally competent practices.

Postadoption service providers need to besensitive to the role of culture, ethnicity, andrace in adoptive family dynamics (NationalConsortium for Post Legal AdoptionServices, 2011). Cultural competence is anability to interact effectively with peopleof different cultures while being aware ofones own cultural worldview. Culturallycompetent practice involves respectfor people of all cultures, languages,classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual

orientations, and other diversity factors.

Ongoing services.Adoption is a lifelongprocess, and its challenges can beunpredictable. Some needs are evidentin the immediate postadoption andadjustment phase. Other needs mayemerge as an adopted child grows, entersschool, reaches adolescence, or transitionsto adulthood. Postadoption services canbe most relevant to families when they

continue to be available beyond the initialpostadoption period (Freundlich, 2006;Freundlich, Avery, Gerstenzang, & Munson,2006; Lenerz, Gibbs, & Barth, 2006).7

Protective factors are conditions that canhelp increase the well-being of childrenand families and mediate or buffer thenegative impact of stressful and traumaticexperiences. Research has identified anumber of protective factors that contributeto resilience (see literature reviews inBenzies & Mychasiuk, 2009; Smith, 2010).These factors can help promote positiveoutcomes in adoptive families and includethe following:

Warm, nurturing parenting styles and asecure attachment between the child and

the adoptive parents Parental knowledge of child and youth

development and realistic expectationsfor children who have experiencedadoption

Open family communication patterns

Parental capacity to cope with stress andeffectively deal with challenges

Concrete supports and access to neededmental health and health services

Social support and networks that reducesocial isolation and provide emotionalsupport and assistance

Over the past decade, these factors haveserved as a focus for strengthening at-riskfamilies within child maltreatment preventionefforts.7Recently, their relevance to adoptivefamilies also has been recognized. Forexample, Florida has incorporated protectivefactors in plans to support adoptivefamilies (Florida Office of Adoption andChild Protection, 2010) and MinnesotasPermanency Project assessed changes in

protective factors in their evaluation (Elleraas& Turnbull, 2003).

THE ROLE OF PROTECTIVE FACTORS

7

7 For more information on protective factors and child abuse and

neglect prevention, see http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/

preventionmonth/factors.cfm
http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/factors.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/factors.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/factors.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/factors.cfm


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Key Steps in ProgramDevelopment andImplementation

Developing and implementing a postadoptionprogram requires consideration of a varietyof factors, including the needs of adoptivefamilies, available staff and resources, relevantpolicies, and existing program infrastructure.Eight key steps (which may overlap in timing)can help strengthen the development process

while also helping to overcome barriers toservice use.

1. Assess needs.Developing or expandingpostadoption programs should start witha tailored and comprehensive assessmentof family needs, existing resources, gaps inservices, and collaborative opportunities.

2. Engage adoptive parents and adoptedpersons in the planning and developmentprocess.Getting input from consumers ofservicethrough advisory boards, surveys,and focus groupswill help develop client-driven services that better meet needs andalso will promote engagement of families inservices when delivered.

3. Learn from others.While there is a scarcityof established evidence-based practicemodels for postadoption services, thereis an informal base of existing programsand experiences to learn from. Visit

Child Welfare Information Gateway forinformation on how other States andlocalities are addressing postadoptionservices: http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/

To learn more about adoption assistanceand postadoption services availablein each State, search the AdoptionAssistance Directory on Child WelfareInformation Gateways website:http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/

ADOPTION ASSISTANCE

DIRECTORY

4. Secure funding.While there is no singlefunding source dedicated to postadoption

services, there are a variety of Federal,State, and private sources available.Agencies must decide which mix of fundingstreams works best for them and thefamilies they serve. It is helpful to establisha well-considered postadoption serviceplan before funding becomes available.While individual agencies or adoptionprofessionals are not able to access Federalfunding streams themselves, they maywork with their State Adoption Program

Managers8to develop a comprehensivepostadoption services plan for their State.

5. Collaborate.No single agency can addressthe wide range of issues and needs ofadopted children and youth and theirfamilies. The multifaceted nature of familyneeds requires collaboration across multiplesystems (e.g., child welfare, family support,mental health, education). Collaborationcan help create a continuum of appropriate

services for adoptive families while alsoleveraging available resources.

8 To find the State Adoption Program Manager in your State,

access the National Foster Care and Adoption Directory at

http://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad
http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcadhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacementhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/adopt_assistance/http://www.childwelfare.gov/nfcad


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6. Cultivate qualified personnel.To assistfamilies after adoption, postadoptionprograms must recruit and retain staff withexpertise in adoption issues. Specializedtraining (within and across agencies) maybe necessary to build a solid understandingof relevant adoption issues as well ascultural competence to address the needsof diverse families. To access informationon postadoption training, includingpostgraduate adoption certificate programsdeveloped by States and universities,visit Child Welfare Information Gatewayat http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/

postplacement/training/examples.cfm

7. Implement and promote services.Aftertaking time to plan and develop programsthat fit family needs, attention will shiftto implementation and getting the wordout to families. Some agencies sendpostadoption service announcements torecipients of adoption subsidies while

others rely on word of mouth, particularlythrough support groups. Programs needto remain flexible to adapt over time toshifting needs and resources.

The National Resource Center for Adoption

offers a training curriculum on common

issues and challenges in adoption practice

(http://www.nrcadoption.org/ resources/acc/

home/). One training module focuses on

postadoption services:

http://www.nrcadoption.org/wp-content/uploads/TG-Post-Adoption-Services-4-11.pdf

ADOPTION COMPETENCY

CURRICULUM

8. Evaluate services.Evaluating the outcomesof postadoption services is critical to informprogram quality and identify areas forimprovement. Evaluation can help build thefields knowledge on which postadoptionservices work best and for which families.Moreover, evaluations can be a valuableasset in building the case for future funding.

The Logic Model Builder can be avaluable tool for planning and evaluating a

postadoption services program as well assecuring funding. The Logic Model Buildercan help with the following:

Developing a logic modela picture ofhow a program is expected to work

Identifying anticipatedprogram outcomes

Considering evaluation instruments thatmay be appropriate to measure success

Visually illustrating how services areexpected to lead to short- andlong-term outcomes

Serving as a roadmap for programdevelopment, implementation,and evaluation

Visit the Logic Model Builder forPostadoption Services Programs athttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postadoption/logic_builder.cfm

LOGIC MODEL BUILDER FOR

POSTADOPTION SERVICES PROGRAMS
http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/training/examples.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/training/examples.cfmhttp://www.nrcadoption.org/%20resources/acc/home/http://www.nrcadoption.org/%20resources/acc/home/http://www.nrcadoption.org/wp-content/uploads/TG-Post-Adoption-Services-4-11.pdfhttp://www.nrcadoption.org/wp-content/uploads/TG-Post-Adoption-Services-4-11.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postadoption/logic_builder.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postadoption/logic_builder.cfmhttp://www.nrcadoption.org/wp-content/uploads/TG-Post-Adoption-Services-4-11.pdfhttp://www.nrcadoption.org/wp-content/uploads/TG-Post-Adoption-Services-4-11.pdfhttp://www.nrcadoption.org/%20resources/acc/home/http://www.nrcadoption.org/%20resources/acc/home/http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/training/examples.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postplacement/training/examples.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postadoption/logic_builder.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/postadoption/logic_builder.cfm


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Conclusion

Whatever the circumstances of their adoptions, adopted children and youth need nurturingrelationships to help them manage feelings of loss and grief and help them heal. Adoptedchildren and youth and their families need an ongoing mix of services and supports that are familycentered, trauma-informed, and responsive to their specific needs. As discussed throughout,postadoption services can benefit adopted people and adoptive families in many wayshelpingthem to deal with emotional, behavioral, and developmental issues, address the impact of trauma,and achieve healthy family relationships. The long-term outcomes of these services lie not only instrengthening adoption stability and permanency but, moreover, in enhancing family functioningand family and child well-being.

Anda, R. F., Felitti, V. J., Bremner, J. D., Walker, J. D., Whitfield, C., Perry, B. D., Giles, W.H. (2006). The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: Aconvergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology. European Archives of Psychiatryand Clinical Neuroscience, 256(3), 174186.

Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2010). Funding permanency services: A guide to leveraging Federal,State, and local dollars.Baltimore, MD: Author. Retrieved from http://www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/AECFFundingPermanencyServicesFinal.pdf

Atkinson, A., & Gonet, P. (2007). Strengthening adoption practice, listening to adoptive families.Child Welfare, 86(2), 87104.

Avery, R. (2004). Strengthening and preserving adoptive families: A study of TANF-funded postadoption services in New York State.Retrieved from http://nysccc.org/wp-content/uploads/tanfaverypasrpt.pdf

Barth, R. P., Gibbs, D.A., & Siebenaler, K. (2001). Assessing the field of post-adoption services:Family needs, program models, and evaluation issues[Literature review]. Washington, DC: U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning andEvaluation. Retrieved from http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/PASS/lit-rev-01.htm

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Benzies, K., & Mychasiuk, R. (2009). Fostering family resiliency: A review of the key protectivefactors. Child & Family Social Work, 14(1), 103114. doi: 10.1111/j.13652206.2008.00586.x

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Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2005). Post-legal adoption services for children with specialneeds and their families: Challenges and lessons learned.Washington, DC: U.S. Departmentof Health and Human Services, Childrens Bureau. Retrieved from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/h_postlegal/index.cfm

Cook, A., Spinazzola, J., Ford, J., Lanktree, C., Blaustein, M., & Sprague, C. (2007). Complextrauma in children and adolescents. Focal Point, 21(1), 48. Retrieved from http://pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/fpW0702.pdf
http://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdfhttp://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdfhttp://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/reports_and_working_papers/policy_framework/http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/reports_and_working_papers/policy_framework/http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/barriers/barriers.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s_disrup.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/h_postlegal/index.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/h_postlegal/index.cfmhttp://pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/fpW0702.pdfhttp://pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/fpW0702.pdfhttp://pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/fpW0702.pdfhttp://pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/fpW0702.pdfhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/h_postlegal/index.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/h_postlegal/index.cfmhttp://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/s_disrup.cfmhttp://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/barriers/barriers.pdfhttp://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/reports_and_working_papers/policy_framework/http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/resources/reports_and_working_papers/policy_framework/http://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdfhttp://www.caseyfamilyservices.org/userfiles/pdf/pub-2003-creative-strategies-report.pdf


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Elleraas, M., & Turnbull, A. (2003). The permanency project.(Final report to the Childrens Bureau).Adoption Opportunities Grant 90C00939. Anoka, MN: Anoka County Community Health andSocial Services. Retrieved from http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?w=NATIVE%28%27SIMPLE_SRCH+ph+is+%27%27Permanency+Project+Anoka+County%27%27%27%29&upp=0&rpp=25&order=native%28%27year%2FDescend%27%29&r=1&m=1&

Festinger, T. (2006). Adoption and after: Adoptive parents service needs. In M. M. Dore (Ed.), Thepostadoption experience. Adoptive families service needs and service outcomes (pp. 1744).Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America and Casey Family Services.

Florida Office of Adoption and Child Protection. Executive Office of the Governor. (2010). Floridachild abuse prevention and permanency plan: July 2010June 2015.Retrieved fromhttp://www.adoptflorida.org/permanencyplan.shtml

Freundlich, M. (2007). Post-adoption services: Meeting the mental health needs of childrenadopted from foster care.St. Paul, MN: North American Council on Adoptable Children.Retrieved from http://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdf

Freundlich, M. (2006). Research on postadoption services: Implications for practice, programdevelopment, and policy. In M. M. Dore (Ed.), The postadoption experience. Adoptive familiesservice needs and service outcomes (pp. 283301). Washington, DC: Child Welfare League ofAmerica and Casey Family Services.

Freundlich, M., Avery, R.J., Gerstenzang,S., & Munson, S. (2006). Post-permanency: An assessmentfor families needs for services and supports. Family Preservation Journal, 9, 3955.

Freundlich, M., & Wright. L. (2003). Post-permanency services.Washington, DC: CaseyFamily Programs.

Hansen, M .E. (2007). Using subsidies to promote the adoption of children from foster care. Journalof Family and Economic Issues, 28(3), 377393. doi: 10.1007/s10834-007-9067-6. Retrievedfrom http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2646856/

Howard, J. A., & Smith, S. L. (2003). After adoption: The needs of adopted youth.Washington, DC:Child Welfare League of America Press.

Howard, J. A., Smith, S. L., & Ryan, S. D. (2004). A comparative study of child welfare adoptionswith other types of adopted children and birth children. Adoption Quarterly, 7, 130.
http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?w=NATIVE%28%27SIMPLE_SRCH+ph+is+%27%27Permanency+Project+Anoka+County%27%27%27%29&upp=0&rpp=25&order=native%28%27year%2FDescend%27%29&r=1&m=1&http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?w=NATIVE%28%27SIMPLE_SRCH+ph+is+%27%27Permanency+Project+Anoka+County%27%27%27%29&upp=0&rpp=25&order=native%28%27year%2FDescend%27%29&r=1&m=1&http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?w=NATIVE%28%27SIMPLE_SRCH+ph+is+%27%27Permanency+Project+Anoka+County%27%27%27%29&upp=0&rpp=25&order=native%28%27year%2FDescend%27%29&r=1&m=1&http://www.adoptflorida.org/permanencyplan.shtmlhttp://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdfhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2646856/http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2646856/http://www.nacac.org/policy/postadoptpaper.pdfhttp://www.adoptflorida.org/permanencyplan.shtmlhttp://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?w=NATIVE%28%27SIMPLE_SRCH+ph+is+%27%27Permanency+Project+Anoka+County%27%27%27%29&upp=0&rpp=25&order=native%28%27year%2FDescend%27%29&r=1&m=1&http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?w=NATIVE%28%27SIMPLE_SRCH+ph+is+%27%27Permanency+Project+Anoka+County%27%27%27%29&upp=0&rpp=25&order=native%28%27year%2FDescend%27%29&r=1&m=1&http://library.childwelfare.gov/cwig/ws/library/docs/gateway/Record?w=NATIVE%28%27SIMPLE_SRCH+ph+is+%27%27Permanency+Project+Anoka+County%27%27%27%29&upp=0&rpp=25&order=native%28%27year%2FDescend%27%29&r=1&m=1&


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Hudson, C., Cedeo-Zamor, P., Springer, C., Rosenthal, M., Silvia, S., Alexander, S., & Kowal, L.(2006). The development of postadoption services in Massachusetts. In M. M. Dore (Ed.), Thepostadoption experience. Adoptive families service needs and service outcomes (pp. 135157).Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America and Casey Family Services.

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Mack, K. (2006). Survey examines postadoption services among private agencies. Childrens Voice,15(6), 15. Retrieved from http://www.cwla.org/voice/0611adoptionsurvey.htm

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Reilly, T, & Platz, L. (2004). Post-adoption service needs of families with special needs children: Use,helpfulness, and unmet needs. Journal of Social Services Research, 30(4), 5167.

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Smith, S. L. (2010). Keeping the promise: The critical need for post-adoption services to enable childrenand families to succeed [Policy and practice perspective]. New York: Evan B. Donaldson AdoptionInstitute. Retrieved from http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/research/2010_10_promises.php

Smith, S.L. (2006). A study of the Illinois Adoption/Guardianship Preservation Program. In M. M. Dore(Ed.), The postadoption experience: Adoptive families service needs and service outcomes (pp.6794). Washington, DC: Child Welfare League of America and Casey Family Services.

Vandivere, S., Malm, K., & Radel, L. (2009). Adoption USA: A chartbook based on the 2007National Survey of Adoptive Parents.Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and HumanServices, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. Retrieved fromhttp://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/09/NSAP/chartbook/

Zosky, D., Howard, J., Smith, S. L., Howard, A., & Shelvin, K. (2005). Investing in adoptive families:What adoptive families tell us regarding the benefits of adoption preservation services.Adoption Quarterly, 8(3), p 123. doi: 10.1300/J145v08n02_01

Disclaimer:The conclusions discussed here are solely the responsibility of the authors and donot represent the official views or policies of the Childrens Bureau, U.S. Department of Healthand Human Services (the funding agency), nor does the funding agency endorse the products ororganizations mentioned in this bulletin.

Suggested Citation:Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2012). Providing postadoption services.Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Childrens Bureau.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Administration for Children and Families

Administration on Children, Youth and Families

Childrens Bureau
http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/research/2010_10_promises.phphttp://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/09/NSAP/chartbook/http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/09/NSAP/chartbook/http://www.adoptioninstitute.org/research/2010_10_promises.php

Documents

2.5.1 Providing Post Adoption Services