Adoption

Welcome to Adoption

Adoption Counseling

Adoption counseling is an important part of the adoption process. Adopting a child, whether a newborn, an older child, or a child with special needs, creates a range of stresses for the adopting parents and the child involved. Adoption counseling can help all concerned to navigate the adjustment process as smoothly as possible.

Adoption Counseling When Adopting A Newborn

Many parents assume that adopting a newborn is so similar to the arrival of a newborn infant in the traditional style that there is no need for adoption counseling in this case. It would be a mistake to make this assumption - adoption counseling is just as important when the child is an infant.

In truth, all first-time parents of newborns could do with some counseling! However, adoption counseling will specifically address adoption-specific issues. For example, the new mother may be concerned that the baby is missing out by being formula-fed, or it may take longer than the parents expect to feel bonded to the new baby.

Adoption counseling can help to soothe these anxieties, and help the new parents to learn how to accommodate the needs of their new baby.

Adoption Counseling When Adopting Older Children

Older children are likely to benefit from adoption counseling themselves, particularly of they are old enough to be classified as "special needs children" - over seven years of age.

In this case, the older children are likely to have been in several different homes, possibly including foster homes, and may well have attachment issues from their early childhood. Adoption counselling is very important to help the adopting parents understand how attachment issues may manifest, and how to provide what their child needs to recover.

Adoption Counseling For Birth Parents

Giving up a child for adoption is a very difficult decision. Adoption counseling is mandatory in many jurisdictions, and is a very sound idea whether it is mandatory or not.

Even with adoption counseling, it is not uncommon for a birth mother to change her mind once the baby is born. This causes great heartbreak for all concerned. Adoption counseling can help to reduce the likelihood of this outcome, by making sure as much as possible that the birth mother has thought through her decision to give up her baby for adoption.