Below you will find a letter to the editor that our Program Director, Deb Finley, wrote in response to the recent failed Russian adoption we have been hearing so much about on the news.
"I am prompted to write after observing the recent saga of the failed adoption of a 7 year old Russian child. Regardless of who is responsible for what, it is clear that the adoptive family was unprepared and overwhelmed by the emotional and behavioral needs of this young soul. In the world of foster care and adoption, the “honeymoon phase” is how we refer to the initial post placement time of a child into a new home. The child begins to feel “safe” enough to express feelings and behaviors. This can indeed be a challenging time for the child and family. Timely post placement support services by adoption professionals can be a critical factor in helping the child and family work through intense feelings and behaviors. Alabama is blessed to have what I consider an exceptional post adoption support program formed through a cooperative effort of Children’s Aid Society (a non-profit) and the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Adoptive Family Counseling and Adoptive Family Support Groups (separate adult and child groups) are two of the many services that are free to Alabama adoptive families. Yes, adoption disruptions still occur in Alabama. But thanks to Alabama’s response to challenges that adoptive families may encounter, the transition of a child into a new and unfamiliar home can be met with greater understanding, support, and capacity. Please spread the word to Alabama adoptive families."
Debra Hawk Finley, LCSW
Program Director of Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections
Children’s Aid Society
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