Whether you are a new or experienced parent, Adoption Connection
offers a variety of helpful programs and resources. "We
encourage parents, especially new parents, to join a support
group or class where they can talk to other parents about
general child-rearing issues, as well as those specifically
related to adoption," says Randie Bencanann, co-director
of Adoption Connection.
Adoption Connection often refers new parents to support
groups offered through Parents Place, a family resource center
located downstairs from Adoption Connection. They also put
clients in touch with other adoptive parents who want to
start their own support groups. "The groups offered
through Parents Place are geared toward new parents in general,
but some of our clients prefer to be in a group with others
who have adopted and can relate specifically to what they
have experienced," explains Bencanann. "Initially,
they talk a lot about adoption-related issues, but as their
children get older, they focus on more general parenting
concerns."
Parents with adoptive children two to five years old may
be interested in Raising Adoptive Children, a four-week workshop
offered through Adoption Connection. The group meets weekly
to discuss everything from how to talk to children about
adoption to how to interact with birthparents. "Parents
in this workshop provide each other with a lot of moral support.
Some even continue meeting once the course is over," says
Becanann.
For more information about the Raising Adoptive
Children workshop or for help finding a parent support
group in your area, please contact Adoption Connection
at 415-359-2494.
©1998. Adoption Connection. All Rights Reserved.
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