I often share information for pre-adoptive parents on my Exploring Adoption blog. But post-adoptive families need support, too. It may not feel like it during the adoption process, but the post-adoption period lasts much longer than the pre-adoptive one.
Here are a couple of recommended resources for post-adoptive families. If you have favorites, be sure to share them in the Comments area.
Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family: Real-Life Solutions to Common Challenges
(David and Renee Sanford, general editors).
This collection is appropriate for both pre- and post-adoptive families, and includes a wide spectrum of information (each chapter is written by a different adoption expert… I wrote Chapter 4). The book was published by Focus on the Family (a conservative Christian organization), and is written from a Christian perspective, but it is not evangelistic in nature.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Post-Adoption
The guide defines the types of resources available for parents after the adoption is finalized, how to select and locate providers, and what to do if no resources exist in their community. It also includes recommendations of other national non-profit organizations that can help.
Jockey International, Inc. Chairman and CEO, Debra S. Waller, believes the new publication is a critical link for parents to gain information and access to post-adoption resources.
“It is heartbreaking to know that without post-adoption services, ten to fifteen percent of adoptions will fail each year. Every family deserves the support and resources to help them succeed,” she explained. “Jockey is proud to support this informative guide that helps adoptive parents take the first steps to strengthening their families.”