Finding a support group is an extremely valuable tool during your search and subsequent reunion, if it gets that far. Not only are these individuals capable of providing emotional support, they can often turn you in the right direction when you feel as if you are backed in a corner.
Hundreds of thousands of dedicated people have formed a network of search and support groups worldwide, and they are there and available for your participation. You just have to find one. That can be the tricky part.
I recommend contacting groups in both your local city and the state that you will be searching in. The beauty is, that you are left with many choices in those regards. There are support groups for individual triad members as well as those designed for all touched by adoption. Most do have annual memberships, though not all. Membership fee’s seem to range from about $15.00-$60.00 for the most part, but are well worth the money!
Before you settle on any one group, you may wish to contact The American Adoption Congress. They will provide you with information on that support group and tell you anything about the reputation.
You can contact The American Adoption Congress on their website, or by calling: 1-202-483-3399 or writing to: PO Box 42730, Washington, DC 20015.
After carefully researching other websites that targeted search and support groups, and being faced with loads of outdated information, I found the NACAC Support Group Search Page to be the best at helping to locate a support group near you, targeted to your specific needs. Visit it here.
And even after you’ve joined your local support groups, you might long for even more support. Don’t overlook the online resources available. There are mailing lists dedicated to ever facet of adoption imaginable. Do a search for whatever you are looking for, and you are sure to find a group that’s right for you.
No matter what you do, it’s important to have support during this time. Please at least consider looking for it.