Becoming an Adoptive Parent

Below please find documents you will need to begin the adoption process. We request that all new clients read through the “CAS Information Packet”. This packet gives you important information about this agency as well as a description of all the programs CAS offers. All fees are listed in a separate document titled “ CAS Fees for Services”.

PRIVATE ADOPTION INITIAL  SERVICE AGREEMENT & PRE-APPLICATION FORM - Please save to your computer, complete, & submit with fee to CAS to get started.  If you are starting a new Homestudy, on the service agreement, check off 3 boxes: __Homestudy, _Case Coordination Services and __*First Post-Placement Visit.

CAS INFORMATION PACKET

CAS FEES For SERVICES and FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

CAS APPLICATION - Please save to your computer, complete and submit this application to your assigned CAS caseworker at your initial meeting.

NEW GRANT FOR CT RESIDENTS ONLY:  The Adoption Hope Foundation was started in 2015 by one of our own adoptive parents.  Grants are distributed three times a year.  For more information see their brochure and their website.

CAS HIPPA INFORMATION DCF REGULATIONS w: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT - Please save to your computer, read and acknowledge.

QUESTIONNAIRE - Home and Community - Please save to your computer, complete one per household and submit to your CAS assigned caseworker at your initial meeting.

QUESTIONNAIRE - Adoptive Parent - Please save to your computer, complete one per parent and submit to your CAS assigned caseworker at your initial meeting. THIS FORM IS NOT REQUIRED IF YOU ARE ADOPTING FROM STATE FOSTER CARE. 

If you have children already in the home, please have each child complete a child questionnaire, according to his/her age bracket

QUESTIONNAIRE - Child under 8 yrs- - Please save to your computer, complete one per child and submit to your CAS assigned caseworker at your initial meeting.

QUESTIONNAIRE - Child 9 to 16 yrs - Please save to your computer, complete one per child and submit to your CAS assigned caseworker at your initial meeting.

QUESTIONNAIRE - 16 to 18 year olds in home - Please save to your computer, complete one per child and submit to your CAS assigned caseworker at your initial meeting.

QUESTIONNAIRE - son or daughter over 18 in home - Please save to your computer, complete one per child and submit to your CAS assigned caseworker at your initial meeting.

If you are planning on adopting an infant through private adoption, please take a look at our guide for creating an adoptive family album:

INSTRUCTIONS for MAKING an ADOPTIVE FAMILY ALBUM

If you plan to adopt an infant through private adoption from another state, be sure to read:

ADOPTING ACROSS STATE LINES

GUIDE for FAMILIES ADOPTING INFANTS in the US

FINALIZING YOUR OUT-of-STATE ADOPTION

Once your home study is completed, and you want CAS to send it to any other placing agency, please save to your computer,complete, sign and have notarized the Release of Information form below and return it to our office.

AUTHORIZATION for RELEASE of INFORMATION

CAS WEBSITE RELEASE FORM:  Complete this form and return to CAS if you consent to having your photo posted on the CAS Website under "Our Waiting Families"

Registration for CT Placement Form:  Complete this form in order to be considered for infants born in CT.  Return this form to CAS along with four copies of your album.

 

Adopting an Infant from the United States Carefully consider the child you wish to adopt. You should consider the gender, race, and health history of the birth parents, and the time you are willing to wait for a child to be identified. Parents who wish to adopt from a private agency within the U.S. will need to know that only infants are available. Parents who want to adopt an older child should look into adopting a foster child from one of the state systems or adopting a foreign child. There are children of all races available for adoption in the U.S. You should be aware, however, that in Connecticut and throughout the U.S., there is a high need for families interested in adopting healthy African-American and bi-racial (part African-American) infants. There are three types of adoptions available for parents adopting infants in the U.S.: Semi-open adoption: Semi-open means that information is shared between birth and adoptive parents, yet confidentiality regarding individuals’ last names and addresses is maintained. Birth parents participate in choosing parents for their child by looking at albums that the adoptive parents have made. They may ask to meet the adoptive parents. Such meetings happen on a first-name basis. Birth parents often request that pictures and written updates are sent after the adoption. All of our families have agreed to send these updates. This agency assists with these picture/letter exchanges as needed. Identified adoption: Birth and adoptive families may choose each other on their own. They may come into contact with each other through friendship, kinship, mutual acquaintances, advertising, or an attorney. A full home study of the adopting family still needs to be completed. Open adoption: When birth and adoptive parents mutually decide to share their full names, addresses, and phone numbers, this is called “open adoption”. They then can communicate with each other directly and as often as desired. Sometimes this is the plan from the very beginning. In other cases, after meeting and getting to know each other, the birth parents and adoptive parents may decide to visit with each other a couple of times per year on an ongoing basis which leads to an open adoption. CAS assists birth and adoptive parents with all these kind of adoptions. For families who choose to adopt a child out-of-state, we can provide all the local pre-adoptive services for the adoptive parents, such as the home study, case management, post-placement visits, and finalization if desired. CAS provides counseling to a small number of expectant parents who are considering placement of their child for adoption. Since the number of children placed from our own birth parent program is small, we recommend adoptive parents also register with an out-of-state agency. When infants do become available through our own program, we notify all waiting parents and give them the option of being considered. We have a resource list of recommended out-of-state placement agencies that is given to new clients. CAS is solidly linked with several out-of-state placement agencies that provide excellent services and have relatively short waiting periods

Adopting from state foster care (Project Connecticut’s Child)

Adoption from State Foster Care (Project Connecticut’s Child) Since CAS' beginning, it has strived to find homes for the children most in need. We call this work “Project Connecticut’s Child”. Each year about 500 children become available for adoption in this state. Usually these children have lived for several months or years with foster care families having been removed from their biological parents after abuse or neglect has been confirmed. Once reunification with their parents is determined to be no longer possible or not in the best interests of the child, termination of the parents’ rights is sought through the Superior Court. CAS works diligently to help find families for these children. Children of all ages are available. Many have emotional, physical, or intellectual disabilities. Some are members of a sibling group and need to be placed with their siblings. A significant number of the children are African-American, Latino/Latina, or multi-racial. With the help of grants, CAS is able to offer services at no cost to some families in Eastern Connecticut and some other parts of the state. Other families may only need to pay the regular cost of the home study and case management services, as the rest of the adoption costs are paid by the Dept. of Children & Families. To read about one family's story about adoption through "Project Connecticut's Child", read more. You can read about families formed through foster-adoption, find books, websites and resources for prospective foster-adoptive parents at www.adoptivefamilies.com/foster. Photos and profiles of some of these children can be seen on the Connecticut Department of Children and Families website: www.state.CT.US/dcf.   Children from other states’ foster care systems can be seen on these national websites: www.adoptuskids.org, www.adoptamericanetwork.org, www.capbook.org, www.adoptex.org, and www.adopt.org. Families who adopt from other states must pay the cost of their home study  and case management.

 

Take The Next Step: Consider Adoption!

One of our adoptive parents Amanda wrote this Letter to the Editor of The Day newspaper to encourage others to consider adopting from state foster care.  Please take a moment and READ MORE.

CAS does homestudies and post placement visits for families adopting from Non-Hague convention countries only (See the List Here).   CAS must work under the supervision of an agency that has been accredited by the Hague convention in order for CAS to perform these functions.  CAS currently works in partnership with “Family Connections” in Cortland, NY.  Family Connections has a program to assist families with adopting from Ukraine. They are also qualified to supervise CAS with adoptions from any Non-Hague convention country. For the Ukraine program, families are needed for children over the age of six, as well as sibling groups.  There are only special needs children available under the age of six.  Family Connections also has a program to adopt from Pakistan, although adoptive parents must be of Pakistani descent.

For more information about Family Connections, please visit their website:  www.AdoptFamilyConnections.org.  As part of the networking arrangement, families need to separately pay Family Connections to be the “Primary Provider”, as well as their International Attorney (see CAS Fee Schedule) for her legal services.

CAS is also able to work under the supervision of other Hague accredited agencies if families prefer working with a different one.

For families who are seeking embryo adoption, Connecticut Adoption Services works in partnership with the National Embryo Donation Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. When couples go through infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization, there are often excess embryos that are frozen and stored for later use. When this couple’s family is complete and embryos are still frozen, they have the option of donating the frozen embryos to another couple. If the adoptive mother is healthy and able to go through a pregnancy, this option is worth considering. The success rate of this procedure is 55% and the cost is only $4-5,000. Three embryos are implanted at a time, and each couple can try up to three implant procedures. The genetic parents are carefully screened, in terms of their health histories and all are tested for diseases. As per the requirements of the National Embryo Donation Center, families that choose this program are required to have a regular adoption home study and are required to have two post-placement supervision visits after the baby is born. For more information on embryo adoption, visit www.embryodonation.org.

Thank you for all that you have done for our family. You and your staff really have made our dreams come true. The entire process from beginning to end went so smoothly and everyone on your staff was so caring and professional. - Wendy

Thank you for demystifying the adoption process! When we initially began the adoption journey, we had so many fears of the unknown. Your wonderful staff really broke the process down for us and gave us the emotional support we needed. Any time we needed information, you were always there for us. I really feel that we are now a part of your family and are forever linked with your organization. - Meg Tusia

We truly appreciate all that CT Adoption Services has done to help us with our adoption. Our social worker has been extremely helpful, providing us with important information, responding to problems and questions, and especially in navigating our way through the complex process of private adoption. Throughout the process, she has been accessible and responsive, which was very helpful. Thank you so much for all of your time and assistance. We will highly recommend the agency to anyone considering adoption. - Joe D.

CT Adoption Services was wonderful to work with- they have the perfect blend of professionalism and caring that made the process of adopting very easy for us. - Liz Farrel

My husband and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being so professional, understanding, articulate, and punctual. I see that after talking to other families who used other agencies that we were very fortunate to have you working with us. - Susan O.

I would like to thank you for all your help. We are happy we chose Connecticut Adoption Services. We feel fortunate to have you as our case worker. You have consistently provided us with the information we requested to assist us in making decisions. Your book suggestions and maybe even some of your questions have equipped us to be better parents when the time comes. - Carol Harda

I talked today with the wife of a man my husband works with and she is just starting adoption research. I was going to recommend Connecticut Adoption Services when she asked if I knew of it, so I gave you all a rave review! I told her that we were so happy with everyone at Connecticut Adoption Services and we highly recommend using your agency for their adoption. - Kate Hodgkins

Are you wondering how you will be able to afford your adoption? Although right now the figures may seem daunting, there are, in fact, many ways that this process can be made affordable. At Connecticut Adoption Services, we believe money should never stand between you and your new child. Below we have listed several options, which will enable many adoptive families to more easily afford the fees associated with private adoption. In addition to these programs, we encourage you to talk to our staff about the possibilities of making installment payments. Feel free to contact us so that we can work out a plan that is right for you.

Getting Started:

The best way to get started is by visiting this website called “Fund Your Adoption|Adopt Debt-Free” at http://fundyouradoption.tv/.  This site has the most up-to-date information and resources that empower families to overcome the financial barriers of adoption. It also helps families decide what grants to apply for and organize their application process.

Listen to a short (30 minute) audio presentation given by one of our own clients Jen to hear how she and her husband used the above website to raise $28,000 towards their adoption! Click here: 

 

You can also start by reading the free booklet entitled How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option from the National Endowment for Financial Education. Just visit their website at: http://www.nefe.org/tabid/193/Default.aspx?search=adoption.  You will also find a link there to Smart about Money with an entire section devoted to information on the financial implications of adoption.

Federal Tax Credit

More information is available by typing in the keywords “Qualified Adoption Credit” at the IRS website.

For more information, call the IRS: 1-800-829-3676 or go to http://www.nacac.org/postadopt/taxcredit.html

 

How to Take Adoption Tax Credit for Failed Adoption

http://www.ehow.com/how_4764511_adoption-tax-credit-failed-adoption.html

IRS tax form 8839 allows individuals to take a federal income tax credit for adoption even if your dreams of adopting a baby or child last year were crushed when the adoption failed? …. For more information please visit the above site.

 

Adoption Financial Assistance Resources:

 

Adoption Hope Foundation  

 http://adoptionhopefoundation.org

New Grant for CT residents Only: The adoption Hope Foundation was started in 2015 by one of our own adoptive parents. Grants are distributed 3 times a year. Application deadlines are Jan. 1, May 1, and Sept. 1.  As of Sept. 2017, they have given out almost $60,000 in grants.  For more information please view their brochure and visit them at the website above.

 

A Child Waits Foundation

A Child Waits Foundation is a nonprofit charitable foundation formed to reduce the number of children in international orphanages still waiting to be adopted because interested prospective parents find the cost of adoption out of their reach. Eligibility to receive a loan is based on financial need. Cases are judged individually. Information is available on their website or by calling (866) 999-2445.

 

Gift of Adoption Fund

Gift of Adoption Fund is a non-profit foundation offering financial assistance with the cost of initiating the adoption process families (home study, legal fees, etc.). Grants are awarded to qualified U.S. citizens regardless of marital status, race, creed, or national origin. Grants currently average from $2,000-$5,000. You must have a completed homestudy to apply. Information is available on their website or by calling 877-905-2367.

HelpUsAdopt.org

HelpUsAdopt.org is a grant program offering financial assistance with adoption expenses to qualified couples and individuals (regardless of race, religion, marital status or sexual preference) through grants up to $15,000. Information is available on their website.

The National Adoption Foundation

The National Adoption Foundation offers an Adoption Assistance Loan designed to help adoptive families take care of adoption related expenses. Information can be found on their website or by calling (203) 791-3811.

North American Council on Adoptable Children

NACAC's Adoption Subsidy Resource Center provides general information on how each state operates their Title IV-E Adoption Assistance program. Families who are adopting children from the foster care system should speak with their caseworker about the adoption subsidy.

The Orphan Foundation

The Orphan Foundation’s primary mission is to remove financial barriers to adoption by providing grants of $1,000 for each child adopted, and $1,500 for each "special needs" adoption. To apply for these grants, you may go to the website and click on the link that says "Grant Application." Visit their website for information or call (805) 823-3552.

Show Hope (formerly Shaohannah's Hope)

Show Hope, awards financial grants to qualified families already in the process of domestic and international adoption. Please go to their website for information.

WACAP – World Association for Children and Parents

WACAP has set up special funds and programs to help parents cover the costs of certain adoptions in keeping with their belief that finances should not be an impediment to adoption. Information about their programs is available on their website.

 

Religious Based Funding Programs:

The Hebrew Free Loan Association

HFLA provides interest free loans to Jewish adults seeking to adopt. A single person or couple, demonstrating need, may borrow up to $10,000 towards the expenses incurred for the adoption of a child. (Further support may be available in special circumstances.) Information may be found by contacting HFLA at 415-546-9902 or at info@hflasf.org.

God’s Grace Adoption Ministry

God’s Grace Adoption Ministry Inc. is an organization established to help prospective Christian adoptive-parents overcome the financial burden of adopting children. Priority is given to two parent home families. Christian families with an income level below 60,000 may apply for grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. Contact GGAM at 1-209-572-4539 or info@ggam.org.

The Sea of Faces Foundation

Sea of Faces provides financial assistance to Christian families adopting internationally. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 are awarded every calendar quarter pending available funds. Married, Christian couples, one man and one woman, adopting from a developing country may apply. A small donation is requested to download the application. Contact them at director@seaoffaces.org.

 

Other Funding Resources:

Brittany's Hope Foundation

Brittany’s Hope does not give grants to adoptive parents, however they place grants on waiting children, especially children that have special needs. Grants of up to $7,500 for a single child and $10,000 for a sibling group have been assigned. You can see waiting children on the Brittany’s Hope website.

His Kids Too!

His Kids, Too! Is a grant program that allows friends and family to assist you financially with adoption costs by making donations to the program. For parent(s) adopting international children, His Kids, Too! provides an adoption grant of up to $2000 for one child and up to $4000 for 2 children. Grants are paid directly to the agency.

Your Employer The Adoption Friendly Workplace is a program funded by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption that provides information to employers and employees. Check their website for a list of adoption friendly employers. Your employer may offer benefits to adoptive parents in the form of paid leave, unpaid leave, financial reimbursement and resources and referrals. Contact your employer about the possibility of receiving the same benefits associated with a maternity leave as well as the option of starting a grant or loan program for families interested in adoption.

Local Banks Adoption loans may be available from your local bank at competitive interest rates.

Personal Loans CT-CAS does not accept credit card payment. Many credit card companies will however issue paper checks to their cardholders upon request. Cardholders should be aware that these checks are often treated as a cash advance and may begin accruing interest immediately. While credit cards are convenient and readily available, this can be a costly method of paying expenses. If you choose to pay by credit card, we suggest that you call the 1-800-number listed on the back of the card to speak with a customer service representative to obtain a paper check and to address the terms and conditions of this type of advance.

Home Equity Loan There are several advantages to financing major expenditures through a home equity loan versus a credit card. The terms of a home equity loan can be structured to fit the needs of the client; the interest rate is generally lower than a credit card; and the interest paid on a home equity loan is may be tax deductible. Keep in mind; a home equity loan may take 4-6 weeks to process so this option may need to be considered early in the adoption planning process. Home equity loans are available from a number of sources including local and national banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders.

Mortgage Refinancing Mortgage lenders often offer a “cash out” option on mortgage loans when the loan-to-value ratio allows. This option may be especially attractive during times when mortgage rates are particularly low. Something to keep in mind; on a refinance – clients are generally responsible for closing costs in connection with the new mortgage loan. Refinances are usually not recommended unless the loan rate is at least 1% lower than your current rate and you plan on remaining in that home for at least 3-5 years.

401(K) Pension funds or Insurance Policies Clients should weigh the “cost” of lost income revenue with the costs of other finance options. Also, make sure you are aware of any penalties and/or tax consequences that may apply to your situation. Your plan/policy administrator can answer any questions you may have about borrowing from this source.

 

Some Helpful Adoption Links

Adoption Policy Resource Center

Adoption.org

Internal Revenue Service

NACAC

Disclaimer: This information is current as of the date of publication. All information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for personal, professional, financial or legal advice. CAS makes no assurances with respect to any of the financial assistance programs referenced herein.

 

What does CAS stand for?

Connecticut Adoption Services

How do I contact CAS?

Click here for CAS's Contact Information

What is CAS?

CAS is a fully licensed, full service, non-profit adoption agency that can help with all types of adoption.

What types of adoption are there?

There are several types of adoptions from which you can choose. Your choices include open or closed adoption, private adoption or agency adoption, and domestic adoption.

What is the difference between the various types of adoption?

In an open adoption identifying information is shared between the birth parents and the adopting family. With a semi-open adoption some information is shared, but not identifying information like addresses or phone numbers. In a closed adoption no specific identifying information is provided to either party.

What is the best way to select an adoption agency?

Agencies come in a variety of forms. An agency can be for-profit or non-profit; public or private; licensed or unlicensed. Our most important piece of advice to you is to only work with a fully licensed non-profit child adoption agency.

Are we limited to only adoption agencies in our state or can we work with an out-of-state adoption agency?

Only an agency within your state of residence can prepare your home study and provide your post-placement visits. You may choose a placement agency (that actually places the child into your home) from any state. We will provide you with a list of recommended placement agencies.

How long will it take to adopt?

Your waiting time will be determined by the type of adoption you choose and the placement agency you select. Waiting time may vary from a few months to two years. Our current waiting time is about 12 months for a healthy U.S. born infant.

Is financial help available to cover some of the costs of adopting a child?

Yes, resources to help defray adoption costs are available through state grants, loans, employee benefits, adoption tax credits, and federal adoption subsidies. CAS does not have a financial assistance program.

What is a Home Study?

The home study is completed through a process of interviews conducted in the agency office and your home. Home studies include gathering social history information, personal and employment reference checks, and background checks with the FBI, State Police, child abuse, and sexual offender registries. Home studies also assist families in clarifying preferences for the child they are to parent.

How common is a disruption?

Although rare, disruptions do occasionally happen. The term disruption, as related to a domestic adoption, is used to describe an adoption process that ends after the child is placed in an adoptive home but before the adoption is legally finalized. A disruption results in the child's return to a birth parent, placement with foster parents, or placement with new adoptive parents.

How common are “false starts”?

It is more common, however, for there to be “false starts” with private infant adoption. This occurs when a match with a birth parent does not end up becoming an adoption. It is estimated that one third of domestic adoptive parents may experience a false start. These families then go on to become matched with another birth mother. The large majority of adoptive parents have a successful adoption within the first 2 matches with a birth mother.

As a single person will I be able to adopt a child?

Yes, you can adopt a child either domestically or internationally, but the ease will depend on other variables including your sex. A single male will usually have a more difficult time adopting, especially internationally, while a single female can pursue either option with equal probability of success.

What are the costs of adoption?

Determining adoption costs depends on the type of adoption you choose and the agency you select. It can vary from $0 to $45,000. Nearly all U.S. states and territories have enacted statutes

Private Domestic Adoption- Specific Questions:

These are questions to ask placement agencies that you are considering using:

• How many children did you place last year?
• How many of these children were from each of the programs that I am interested in?
• How long have you been placing children from each program?
• (For singles) How many children did you place with a single parent?
• How soon after I apply will my home study begin?
• If I am not approved, can I find out why? Is there an appeal process?
• How long will it take from home study or dossier approval to the referral of a child?
• How much time do I have to decide on a referral? What happens if I don’t accept the referral?
• Can I get a written breakdown of fees and a payments schedule?
• Does the fee cover the homestudy, all post-placement visits, and fees to the placing agency?

Adoption of Children from State Foster Care- Specific Questions

CAS can assist with adoptions from the CT state foster care system, as well as other states’ systems. Our staff can answer all of the below questions as related to foster care adoptions in CT. If, however, you choose to adopt a foster child in another state, you may want to ask the following questions:

• How do children become freed for adoption while in the care of DCF?
• Why are children freed for adoption through DCF considered as having "special needs"?
• How does a family begin the adoption process?
• How is the application processed?
• I think that adoption is "right" for me, but what if I change my mind?
• What type of matching takes place in adoption?
• How long will a family wait to be matched with a child? When can a child be legally adopted?
• What is a "legal risk" placement? 10.How does a family become eligible to accept a "legal risk?"
• What is the cost of adoption through the Department?
• What services does DCF provide to families adopting children of the child welfare system?
• Do foster parents ever adopt children placed in their care?
• How do I learn more about becoming an adoptive parent using CAS as my agency?

Support Services for Adoptive Parents

Connecticut Adoption Services is committed to supporting families throughout the adoption process. Our social workers work hard to answer all questions and guide families from the beginning stage of exploring adoption right up until finalization. Connecticut Adoption Services staff will:

• Provide information for newcomers to adoption
• Prepare families for adoption through the Home Study process
• Assist families with exploring adoption issues
• Provide information about children awaiting adoption
• Help parents who have already adopted share their experiences with one another

If, at any time, you have unanswered questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the agency director.

Support Groups:

Attending a support group can be very valuable to you as an adoptive parent. You will be able to share common experiences and gain support from others in similar situations. Many parents say that the groups help them feel “relieved and refreshed”. Below are some groups that are happening around the state.

Waterford Country School: has a support group that focuses on families who are adopting/have adopted children from the state foster care system.

• Groton Parent Support Group-  meets on the first Wed. evening of each month from 7-9 p.m. at the Groton City Fire Department, 140 Broad Street, Groton (enter through the back door). If you are new to the group, sign up in advance with Janine (see below).

Any questions, please contact: Janine Geida at 860.449.2812 or email: JGeida@waterfordcs.org.

Other Support Groups in CT

Adoption Hope Foundation Support Group in Westport, CT:                                                This foundation started a new peer support group that meets on the 1st Monday of each month from 6-6:30 p.m. at the Panera Bread in Westport (1860 Post Road East-please note the address as there are two Paneras in Westbrook).  The group is geared towards people who are in the process of adopting.  Please RSVP to: info@adoptionhopefoundation.org.  Feel free to grab dinner before the group begins and eat while you meet!

The Connecticut Adoption Community Network website has a listing of all the adoption support groups in the state: www.ctadoption.org

Support Groups & Counseling Services in Waterbury, CT:                                                              The Annie C. Courtney Foundation has an adoption support group that meets at their office in Waterbury on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. All post-adoption families are welcome! They also hold groups for relatives as parents, sponsor “Beyond Consequences” classes, and offer full counseling services. See their website for details: www.aniec.org

Westport, CT:  Adoptive Parents Committee, Inc.(APC)-                                                          This group started in 1955 and has several chapters in  NY and one is CT that serves Western CT.  They have monthly meetings in Westport and offer information, support, and education from the time people first consider adoption until the children are grown.  APC also sponsors workshops and family events. See their website  www.adoptiveparents.org or email them at HudsonCT@AdoptiveParents.org.  Phone (845) 478-5712.    

Touched by Adoption in Fairfield offers many groups for children and counseling- see www.touchedbyadoption.net

CAFAF (CT Alliance for Foster & Adoptive Families) has a newsletter that will advise you of all the support groups that are currently being sponsored by their agency. These groups are most appropriate for families adopting state foster children. In addition to its other support groups, CAFAF runs a support group specifically for families going through a “legal risk” adoption.

CAFAF also sponsors a “Buddy System” that matches new adoptive parents with experienced adoptive parents.
Call CAFAF at 800 861-8838 or visit website: www.cafafct.org

For Families who adopted through CT State Foster Care:                                                        The Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) provides services at no cost to families with children adopted from CT Dept. of Children & Families (adoptions must be finalized).  Services are available to families with children of all ages, including adult children.  AAP provides assessments, brief counseling, referrals, in-home support and education.  In CT, call toll free (877) 679-1961, or (860) 679-4006.                                                                     click here for the program brochure.

Adoptive Families Magazine is an excellent resource for all adoptive families. This magazine has many helpful and informative articles about various adoption issues.

 

Resources for Adoptive Parents

Below are links containing useful information for all areas of adoption.

Previous Newsletters

• Read the Winter 2015 Newsletter
• Read the Spring 2014 Newsletter
• Read the Fall 2013 Newsletter

 

Adoptive Parents

Adopteducation.com

Adoption 101.com - The Internet Adoption School

Adoption Learning Partners

WCS's FaceBook Page

WCS's Pinterest 

Disciplining the Adopted Child

Parenting with Love and Logic

1-2-3 Magic

Parenting Resources/Support Groups/Trainings/Therapists

Empowering Parents

For a full listing of resources throughout Connecticut put together by the CT Adoption Community Network- www.CTadoption.org

www.adoptspecialneeds.org: Information support for parents adopting children with medical special needs.

Just for Kids

Books to help explain adoption to young children

• "The Tummy Mummy"; Michelle Madrid-Branch
• "How I Was Adopted"; Joanna Cole
• "How I Became a Big Brother (an adoption story)"; by Dave Moore, 2008
• "Family By Love:  A Story of Open Adoption". This book helps parents prepare for the adoption of a sibling and introduces the concepts of openness.

Adoption workbook for school aged children to help them answer questions from peers and build a strong identity:  "The W.I.S.E. Up! Power-book"- available through the Center for Adoption Support & Education (C.AS.E.)

websites

• Center for Adoption Support and Education
• Center for Adoption Support and Education for Teens
• Foster Club

 

For parents to share with their relatives & friends:

"In on it: What adoptive parents would like you to know about adoption" by Elizabeth O'Toole (2010)

To learn more about this resource & to order- see www.inonadoption.com

 

Secure Email Systems for Letter/Picture Exchanges:

"ChildConnect.com"

"23 Snaps.com"

Medical Insurance for Adopted Children

-If you recently had an infant placed in your home through private adoption and your insurance company has denied coverage from the date of placement, read this article for more information: “It’s the Law: Why Your Health Insurance Company Must Cover Your Children” by Mark T. McDermott

Adoption Leave: Your Legal Rights (Including FMLA)

-Did you know that the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act extends its protections to adoptive and foster parents?  Read More>>>

Pediatric Medical Evaluations

-Dr. Elaine Schulte- The Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital & Pediatric Institute (216) 445-9742 my.clevelandclinic.org

-Dr. Schulte will review the medical records of infants and children from any state who are in

MotherToBaby CT  (www.mothertobaby.org)

This organization provides information to adoptive parents prior to adopting, as well as free consultations during the matching phase, about drug, alcohol and other prenatal exposures.

1-800-325-5391 (In CT only)

1-860-523-6419

Monday- Thursday 8:30-3:30

English and Spanish speaking counselors are available.

As a state-funded program, The MotherToBaby CT provides free, confidential, up-to-date reproductive information on all types of exposures during pregnancy for Connecticut residents or women who have Connecticut health care providers. Information is provided to callers by counselors who specialize in this field.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women and their partners, those planning pregnancy, individuals considering adoption and have questions about birth mom’s exposures or health care providers may contact this service for information regarding:

Medications, radiation, infectious diseases, medical conditions, use of drugs or alcohol, pesticides or occupational and environmental exposures. the process of adoption and give an assessment to the adoptive parents.

 

Additional Resources Regarding Drug-exposed Newborns:

http://hdydi.com/2013/11/14/special-needs-adopting-drug-exposed-newborns/

http://www.picc.net/referrals.html

This site had a wealth of information and a 24 hour hotline.  Parents can call them and ask about what to expect.

https://adoptionconnection.jfcs.org/blog/2012/12/05/adopting-a-drug-exposed-baby-making-the-decision/

https://www.pactadopt.org/app/servlet/documentapp.DisplayDocument?DocID=143

 

Preparing Children for the Addition of a New Adopted Sibling

"Welcoming a New Brother or Sister Through Adoption"  by Arletta James, MS, PCC.

Welcoming a New Brother or Sister through Adoption is a comprehensive yet accessible guide that describes the whole range of the adoption process and the effects of adoption on every member of the family — parents, brothers, sisters and the adoptee.

"Adoption is a Family Affair:  What Relatives and Friends Must Know", by Patricia Irwin Johnson

 

Adoptive Families Magazine is an excellent resource for all adoptive families. This magazine has many helpful and informative articles about various adoption issues.