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The Value of Adoptive Parent Groups
The Value of Adoptive
Parent Groups
Parent Groups
By National Adoption Information Clearinghouse
Through adoptive parent groups, more people become aware of children with special needs and feel comfortable entertaining the idea of adopting such children. Through the groups, directly and indirectly, more children are adopted. Groups often include both adoptive parents and people interested but not certain they want to proceed. Being part of an adoptive parent organization often gives the knowledge and the confidence to move ahead into adoption.
Value to the Legislative Process
Parent groups have been the force behind many of the valuable changes in adoption. These changes have benefited children with special needs and allowed parents to have a stronger voice in many vital issues. For example, parent groups were instrumental in getting legislation passed in which the Federal Government agreed to provide funds to expand adoption opportunities for children. This included making subsidized adoption a reality, so that families who were qualified to adopt but could not afford it were able to do so. Parent groups have consistently testified at hearings on a variety of child welfare issues. The North American Council on Adoptable Children, a national adoption support group, developed National Adoption Awareness Month, which has brought awareness about adoption to people throughout the country.
Value to the Social Worker
Many adoption social workers were trained only in the adoption of infants. Much of what they have learned about adoption of children with special needs has come from the experiences of adoptive parents. This knowledge helps them work more effectively with prospective adoptive parents.
Formation of Groups
Adoptive parent groups are formed in different ways and around different issues. They may spin off from an agency dealing with many interested parents at the same time. They may be a collection of parents from diverse sources coming together around a common issue, such as adopting children of mixed race. Subgroups may form within a main group addressing special interest areas or child age groups.
Activities of Groups
