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+ Parents' Guide to Services

Regional Response Team

At times, having someone who can meet with you and acknowledge not only your family's stress but also your strengths and resources, can make a world of difference. Our post-adoption response teams are made up of adoption competent staff which include social worker, parent liaison, and team leader. These brief supportive services offer families joint problem-solving, advocacy, coordination of services as well as home-based counseling.

Parent and Youth Support Groups

Parent and Youth Support Groups Support Groups are led or co-led by adoptive parents, adopted youths, social workers or clinicians. Most meet once a month and some are co-sponsored with other organizations. All support groups are open to new members. Additional support and psycho-educational groups are formed as needs are identified.

Parent and Young Adult Liaisons

Sometimes there is nothing like hearing "I've been there," from someone who has. If you are interested in developing a one-to-one relationship with an experienced adoptive parent, family or young adult adoptee, the liaison component may be of assistance to your family.

Individuals and families requesting a liaison will be matched as closely as possible according to the needs, interests and expectations of all involved. Geography, life experiences, diversity and the family's style of relating are some of the areas considered in making a match. Ongoing support and training will be offered to families participating in the liaison.

Individuals interested in being a parent or young adult liaison will be matched with one or two individuals or families. Liaisons will be expected to offer both phone and in-person supports. Ongoing consultation and training opportunities will be provided to the parent and young adult liaisons.

Adoption Competency Training

Training opportunities are available for professionals interested in enhancing their work with adopted children and their families.

Respite Care

Respite care is available on a time limited and planned basis for hourly, daily or overnight respite. These brief supports can help to alleviate stress, strengthen family relationships or respond to an unexpected family event.

Limited respite services are available to families in or out of their home. These services will be matched as closely as possible according to the needs and ages of the child(ren), geographic area, family characteristics and dynamics. Ongoing support and training will be offered to families participating in respite. Regularly scheduled social activities offer opportunities for parents and children to spend both time together and time apart.

Individuals and families interested in providing respite care will participate in an orientation and ongoing training program. Resources choosing to provide respite in their home must be MAPP trained, have current homestudy and be approved. Respite care providers will receive training and ongoing support.

To download the Adoption Journeys Parents' Guide to Services, please click here.

Contact Information

Journeys is a statewide program. Our office in Somerville services the Boston/ Metro South Region of the state; Florence services the Western Region of the state; Worcester services the Central Region of the state; Lawrence services the Northeast/Metro North and Fall River services the Southeast Region.

Each site is open five days a week with various nights depending on client needs or group/activity schedules:
 

To access any of these services Email adoptionjourneys@cfservices.org  or call 1-800-97-CARE-4