Peer support for adoptive families
Many adopters and their relatives find the support they receive from others going through the adoption process, and from those who have already adopted children, invaluable. Peer support is available for adopters and often provides a great source of comfort, strength and friendship.
Peer Support groups and events for adoptive families
Your regional adoption agency will let you know about any in person or online support groups for adoptive parents that are available in your area.
These groups offer a space for parents to share experiences, discuss challenges, and provide mutual support. Social workers or experienced adoptive parents may facilitate these groups or put a group of adopters directly in touch with each other.
Family fun and activity days for adoptive families
Adoption agencies will often arrange for adoptive families to meet up with each other through seasonal get togethers like a Christmas party, or a summer time picnic in the park. They also arrange coffee mornings and activities so new adopters can meet other adoptive parents so a community starts to develop which can then join with other existing networks.
Buddy schemes for adoptive parents
Some adoption agencies offer a 'buddy scheme' where they will pair up adoptive parents and families to offer mutual support and advice to one another. This could be someone who also lives in your local area so that you can meet up or other adoptive parents that the agency think you will connect well with online. Buddy schemes can be particularly helpful in supporting parents to navigate the personal challenges that come with adoption and develop a more trusting and intimate friendship with a fellow adopter they feel comfortable sharing with.
Peer mentoring for adoptive parents
As with buddy schemes, peer mentoring allows adopters to develop a one-to-one relationship with another adopter or adoptive family to share advice and offer direct support. This can be available through the preparation process or as part of a package of adoption support further down the line. This typically involves a more experienced adopter providing mentoring and advice to an adoptive family who may be struggling with a particular issue.
Peer support communities and online groups for adoptive parents
There are many online communities and groups discussing adoption and providing a way for adoptive parents and families to connect. Your adoption agency may run their own online group or message board facility for adopters to connect with each other or you could join a publicly open one, such as Adoption UK's online forum for adopters. Home Page - We are Family Adoption.
There are also a range of other peer support organisations that support a range of different communities eg: LGBTQ+
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