If You're Thinking About Adopting

Adopting a child can be an extremely rewarding experience. There have been significant enhancements in the adoption process over recent years.  Most organizations now offer more opportunities for adoptive parents to educate and prepare themselves for the arrival of their adoptive child and how to be effective and supportive parents. The adoption experience is a unique one, however, and may come with some hurdles that make it more difficult to shoulder the task of healing an adopted child and restoring a family.

Mental Health Needs of Adopted Children

Even in the best adoption scenario, an adopted child may have to deal with challenges that are specific to the adoption experience.  Often there are feelings of bereavement/grief (loss of birth parents, siblings, or other biological family members) or attachment issues (trouble with trusting or attaching to adoptive parents).

At worst, an adopted child might have various serious health issues that may not diminish, even as they grow older.  Some adopted children have been exposed to drugs or alcohol which can lead to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (if exposure is prenatal) or other medical problems.  Many adopted children are removed from their birth parents' custody due to do abuse or neglect, only to then experience months, sometimes years, of inconsistent caregiving in foster care before they are adopted, which can increase the likelihood of emotional and behavioral issues, mental health disorders, such as ADHD and ODD, among others, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.

Counseling can help adoptive parents be prepared for:

  • Expectations of adoption experience, history/needs of an adopted child

  • Mental health concerns that may accompany an adopted child

  • Integrating the adopted child into a new adoptive family

  • Best parenting strategies for adoptive family life

  • Talking to adopted children about their adoption

  • Identity issues for adopted children

  • Adopted children’s desire to search for biological parents

While adoption can be an exciting time, it can also be confusing and scary. The needs of adoptive children are often more complex, and it's important to seek out guidance and support if needed. Contact Avenues of Counseling and Mediation to get connected with a counselor who specializes in adoption issues. We have experts in both the Medina and Akron, Ohio offices.

Nicki Masters