There are several types of adoptive parent support groups. When considering joining or starting a support group you may want to consider the type of group you want or need. It can be helpful to look at different types of parent groups and learn about their mission and function. Adoptive parents groups organize because of shared concerns for children and families, but their focus can vary widely.
Over time many adoptive parent support groups evolve and change in order to meet the needs of the leadership and members. Some groups remain the same type of group and offer the same type of support with a changing membership. This is often the case with service sponsored groups such as those managed by agencies or the children’s services. Parent driven support groups often sever the needs of members on many different levels and change to meet the needs of the parent membership.
There are Four basic types of adoptive parent support groups:
- Frustration Venting Groups: Parents have a problem with the process or system of the home study, matching, placement and transition of a child. These groups typically allow parents to air problems, share frustrations and meet short term needs.
- Mutual Support Groups: Parents need advice and support from other parents. Parents share information and resources. These groups help families address adoption issues and children’s special needs. Often, these groups provide long-term emotional support and sharing.
- Service Groups: Parents find ways to fill the gaps in the family services. These groups generally provide helpful support services to families and children in the community. Workshops and printed resources including post-adoption services. Often the same resources and core leadership hosts a variety of specific service centered meetings.
- Advocacy Groups: Parents identify problems with the child welfare system and identify possible solutions. These groups typically have a strong mission statement and work for policy and practice chances at the local, state or national level.
Each type of adoptive parent support group serves a need for families during the adoption journey. When looking for a support group to become part of adoptive parents need to identify their needs and consider the value of each type of group in their support system. When there is not an adoptive parent support group that meets the need of a community adoptive parents may consider forming their own support group.
In the next Blog for Support Groups we will look at the steps adoptive parents might take to form a support group that meets a need in their own community.
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For more information about parenting special needs children you might want to visit the Families.com Special Needs Blog and the Mental Health Blog. Or visit my personal website.