How Post-Adoption Services Support New Adoptive Families

Silhouette of man and women on either side of young child looking at the sunset

Post-Adoption Help and Support are Here for You!

Adopting a child is a rewarding and life-changing experience but comes with unique challenges. Did you know that on any given day, 368,000 children are living in foster care? Of those, 108,000 are eligible for adoption, but foster youth sometimes wait years for their forever home.

Are you considering foster-to-adoption but feel uncertain about the support available after you finalize your adoption? Many families worry about losing their social worker's coordinated care. They want to maintain the guidance of their agency and case manager once their adoption is complete.

The good news? You'll find strong post-adoption services in many parts of the United States. Virginia is among them and provides services to help you and your family members adjust and thrive.

What Are Post-Adoption Services?

Adopting a child—especially one who has experienced trauma, special needs, or other challenges—can require extra support. Parents often have universal questions around health insurance companies or human services. Often they have unique questions about their own children. For example, kids who have chronic conditions may need an internal medicine specialist.

Post-adoption services exist to help families navigate this transition with confidence and care. These services offer support and expert advice that extend beyond those of your primary care doctor. They help individuals and families get everything needed for a stable and successful future.

Studies show that 80% of families who received post-adoption support report that their lives improved. About 30% of children in these families were at risk of out-of-home placement, but with support, 73% remained in a stable home.

Here are some key services available to support kids and families after adoption:

Case Management Services

One concern for adoptive parents is losing contact with their clinical specialist or case manager after adopting their child. This kind of trusted relationship is a lifeline for many parents navigating foster-to-adoption. Rest assured, your go-to liaison remains on your care team even after you finalize your adoption.

In Virginia, the Department of Social Services offers families one year of free post-adoption case management services. These services vary based on location and community needs but often include:

Information, referrals, and advocacy
Respite care
Crisis support
Training and education
Parent support groups

Information, Referrals, and Advocacy

Your case manager has a wealth of knowledge and connections to valuable resources. Whether you need help accessing therapy, educational support, or financial assistance, they can guide you in the right direction.

They also act as advocates for your family. They help you navigate schools, healthcare services, and other institutions. Their support of you and advocacy for your child ensures you both have the care and support you need. Their goal is to ensure your success after becoming a forever family.

Respite Care

Even superhero parents recognize that parenting is a 24/7 role and it can be hard. While rewarding, parenting a child who has experienced trauma and foster care takes a lot of dedication and energy.

Taking time for self-care is vital for your well-being, and that's where respite time comes in. Respite care provides short-term, temporary relief for foster and adoptive parents. This trained and specialized care for your child allows you to take a break knowing your child is in a safe and supportive environment.

Adoptive parents often face additional challenges, especially when raising children who have experienced trauma. Respite care can:

Help reduce stress and prevent burnout
Improve family stability
Provide temporary relief during emergencies or high-stress periods

Taking care of yourself allows you to be the best parent you can be for your child.

Crisis Support Services

If your family encounters a crisis, knowing where to turn is essential. Crisis support services help families create action plans and connect with emergency resources to support their child's needs.

Your case manager’s role in your post-adoption plan may offer direct assistance during a crisis. For example, AdoptionVA and Extra Special Parents offer a 24/7/365 "On-Call" line for families in their care community. Other case managers may refer you to specialists who can help stabilize your family’s situation.

Training and Education

Adoptive parents often need ongoing education to help them understand their child's emotional and developmental needs over time. Post-adoption services include training programs, webinars, and workshops that provide essential parenting tools.

One valuable resource is the Strengthening Your Family Webinar Series by C.A.S.E. They offer free monthly training on topics relevant to adoptive families. Past topics have included:

Parenting children with trauma histories
Navigating multi-racial family dynamics
Supporting children through identity exploration

Remember to refer back to trauma-informed parent training from your foster-to-adopt approval process. You can access updated online resources and blogs at your fingertips. These programs can provide new insights and strategies to help your family thrive.

Parent Support Groups

No one understands the unique joys and challenges of adoption better than other adoptive parents. Parent support groups connect you with families who share similar experiences. These groups offer:

A space to ask questions and seek advice
Encouragement from families who have faced similar challenges
Friendship and emotional support from a community that understands your journey

Some groups are led by experienced adoptive parents, while others may have professionals available to provide guidance. Your agency partner can help connect you to local or virtual support groups.

Family Counseling and Mental Health Services

Children adopted from foster care often need ongoing mental health support to process their experiences. They may have strong emotions around their birth family or need support navigated other types of trauma. Post-adoption services offer family therapy and individual counseling. These services help children and parents manage their feelings, build trust, and improve their relationships.

Counseling services can:

Help children develop healthy coping mechanisms
Support attachment and bonding within the adoptive family
Teach effective parenting strategies
Address trauma-related behaviors and concerns

In Virginia, C.A.S.E. offers in-person counseling services in Annandale and Sterling, in Arlington and Loudon Counties. Virtual options are available for families across the state.

If your child has experienced trauma and needs ongoing mental health treatment, consider it primary care. If you prefer local services, your case manager can refer you to trusted professionals in your area.

You Are Not Alone

Support is Available for Adoptive Families

Adoption is a journey. Post-adoption services ensure that families continue to receive the guidance and resources they need for success.

If you’re considering foster-to-adoption, now is the time to explore the support available to you. Three main goals of post-adoption services are to:

Help families navigate challenges.
Celebrate family successes.
Ensure that every child finds stability and love in their forever home.

Ready to Begin Your Foster-to-Adopt Journey?

If you're thinking about adoption or foster care, we’re here to help. Our team provides support every step of the way—from the initial application to post-adoption support services.

Contact us today to learn more about the process. We'll walk you through available resources and answer questions about how you can provide a forever home to a child in need. Let’s work together to change lives by creating strong, loving families!