So You've Been Matched!

Congratulations! You finally received the call you've waited for. You've been matched! Although you are rejoicing to be parents, you may also feel overwhelmed with all you need to do to prepare. How and when will the transition occur? What about ties with foster parents? How can the move be made easier? What will they eat and what schools will they attend? What services does my community have to help?

By preparing ahead of time, it helps eliminate stress. Adopt4Life can help you prepare for the transition by offering insight, resources, and support.

Adopting a Child with Special Needs

Knowing the needs of your child is the first step to identifying the resources that are offered within your community. Finding the right programs within the community will not only help you but will also be beneficial for your child. 

It is best to get started the minute you get that phone call, as services have lengthy waiting lists (sometimes over a year). 

The quicker you get started, the less you will need to juggle in the early placement days, especially as you will want to focus on bonding with your children.

We, at Adopt4Life, can help you identify some of the key needs of your child and family. We are here to support you through this process.

Adopting Older Children

If changing diapers is not your thing. then adopting an older child might be the best fit for you.

Begin the journey with your child by exploring your community together. This will allow you to discover what your child's interests are.

Some of the things you might want to look into :

• Talking to other parents
• After school programs and/or activities 
• Talking to the school social worker and/or school settlement worker
• Summer camps
• YMCA/ Day camps
• 'Special needs' camps
   

Building report with your allies and community programs can help your transition and obtain successful outcome for your family and your child(ren).

Subsidies are Available

Bringing a child into your heart and into your home does have an impact on the family budget; especially if your adopted child has suffered trauma or has special needs and/or disabilities.

Subsidies for Special Needs

How to build your case:

1. List the challenges your child is dealing with on a daily basis 
2. Identify the type of therapy and services your child needs to reach their true potential
3. List all your advocacy work to access free community services
4. Contact Adopt4Life for Help and Advocacy Support

Parent2Parent Support

Too often adoptive parents struggle in isolation. Although there may be many people around who are parents, the challenges that adoption brings can be very different to what one might expect. This does not mean you are alone.  We, at Adopt4life, are here to help by connecting you with peer support. Parents who understand the issues you face and the experiences you are having. 

Connect with your adoptive community,  who understand you. Get help, share a few tools, but above all, break free from isolation. 

To know more about adoptive support groups in your area, contact us