Children’s Home Society understands that adoption is a lifelong process. We are committed to providing high-quality, personalized support services for children and families starting at the adoptive placement through finalization and beyond. Throughout the lifetime of adoption loss, grief, identify, attachment, and trauma impact children and their families. Our well-rounded program is designed to meet the individual needs of each child and family—from advocacy to respite—with the goal of building strong, permanent families.
No matter how long ago you adopted, we are here to help. Many of our post-adoption services are free due to generous grant support from the Virginia Department of Social Services and Altria. If you are interested in learning more about our post-adoption support services, please call us 804-353-0191 x200.
Please note: For heritage information and reunification services please visit our Search and Reunion page.
OUR POST ADOPTION PROGRAM
Parent Coaching: Families in the Richmond and Fredericksburg regions are able to take advantage of working with our Post Adoption social workers on an individual basis. Our Post Adoption social workers are Licensed Eligible or Licensed Clinical Social Workers with specialized education in trauma and attachment, as well as training in effective parenting methods and responses for children from hard places. Families receive weekly coaching based on their schedule and needs, in person or over the phone.
Family Support Services: Our Post Adoption Program provides a variety of supportive services including:
- Resources for adoptive parents and referrals to knowledgeable services providers
- Education on trauma, attachment, the adoption process, and the “key players” in the process
- Online and in-person networking opportunities for families to create adoptive communities of support
- Advocacy on behalf of families to meet their needs with service providers
The PAC (Post Adoption Club): CHS invites adopted children to join the PAC, which is held 8 times per year during school breaks or holidays. During PAC events— which are open to youth ages 8 to 18—your child will enjoy safe, fun, age-appropriate activities and have the chance to get to know other adopted kids and teens. CHS’s trained social workers and volunteers plan the day to include therapeutic activities that build social and emotional skills. The PAC also provides an important respite opportunity for parents. Some fees may apply for PAC activities. Click here to check our events calendar.
Adoptive Family Engagement: Connection with an adoption-informed community is a key to success for our adoptive families. CHS hosts several adoptive family engagement events in the Richmond and Fredericksburg regions throughout the year that focus on forming supportive relationships. These events range from parent’s nights out and fall festivals to trainings or groups on adoption and trauma-related topics. To find out what events are coming up please click here to check our events calendar.
CONTACT
Richmond area
Sara Vanderploeg, Post-Adoption Program Manager
(804) 353-0191 ext: 200.
[email protected]
Fredericksburg area
Anna Yates, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
540-226-0583
[email protected]