Post Adoption Support Services (PASS)
Welcome to our Post Adoption Support Services – a dedicated space for post adoptive parents. Whether it’s a simple phone call or more comprehensive support, we provide understanding, guidance, and a supportive network for your unique adoption journey. Whether you’re navigating challenges, seeking valuable resources, or proactively enhancing your parenting skills with a child who has experienced trauma, we’re here to empower and accompany you every step of the way. Your family’s well-being is at the heart of our mission, and we’re honored to be part of your post-adoption story. All our post adoption support services are provided at no cost to you.
WHY DO WE OFFER POST ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES?
Our mission is dedicated to empowering you, the post-adoptive parent, with the tools to confidently bridge the gap between where your child is behaviorally and emotionally to where you want them to be.
HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THIS?
Together, we will embark on building a community united in the unique journey of post-adoption parenting. We offer tailored, evidence-based training and coaching, through teamwork and support, essential respite assistance, valuable community resources, impactful annual conferences, support groups, and virtual teen hangouts.
WHAT ARE OUR VALUES AS A POST ADOPTION SUPPORT TEAM?
What we care about most is you, the post-adoptive family. These are our core values…
1. Adding value to you: We constantly strive to enhance your experience by regularly updating our resources, providing informative workshops, and offering personalized guidance tailored to your family’s needs.
2. Avoiding judgments while seeking understanding: Instead of making assumptions, we take the time to listen and understand your unique circumstances, recognizing that everyone’s journey is different and deserves empathy and respect.
3. Validating your strengths: When you successfully implement a positive parenting technique or effectively navigate a challenging situation, we acknowledge your competence and expertise, reinforcing the idea that your strengths are valuable.
4. Having a positive attitude: In all interactions, we maintain an optimistic outlook, focusing on possibilities and encouraging a constructive mindset to inspire confidence and resilience within you, the post-adoptive parent.
5. Exceeding your expectations: We go beyond the standard level of support by offering proactive assistance, anticipating needs, and consistently delivering services that surpass your expectations as a post-adoptive family.
6. Earning your trust: Through transparent communication, consistent reliability, and a commitment to confidentiality, we strive to build a trusting relationship, ensuring that you feel secure and supported.
7. Holding hope high: Even in challenging moments, we will remain steadfast in our belief that positive change is possible. By instilling hope, we inspire you to envision a brighter future and persevere through difficulties.
DISCOVER OUR POST ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES
Evidence-Based Coaching
Recognizing your expertise in understanding your child, our personalized Parent Coaching involves partnering with you, the post adoptive parent. We aim to understand your perspective and specific needs, using this insight to create a proactive strategic plan together, based on your personal values and beliefs, and tailored to help you achieve your unique parenting aspirations with a traumatized child. With our extensive experience in assisting families who have children that have experienced trauma, we empathize with your current challenges and foresee what lies ahead. At the heart of our coaching is to be your ally, gently guiding you through your post-adoption journey, celebrating your triumphs, and supporting you through challenges and times of crisis. With empathy and understanding, we introduce fresh perspectives and strategies to help you navigate parenting from a place of love, clarity, and connection.
Coaching in the Kitchen Trainings
Our Coaching in the Kitchen Trainings are grounded in the trauma-informed, evidence-based Teaching Family Model, proven to enhance child and teen behaviors. Tailored for both foster and adoptive parents, these sessions offer practical tools and strategies. Whether you attend in person or virtually, you will gain invaluable insights, knowledgeable guidance, connect with experienced trainers, and bond with fellow parents as you navigate the unique challenges and joys of providing a safe, healthy, and healing home. Equip yourself with the skills essential for adoptive and foster parents by fostering a community dedicated to the well-being of children. Check our calendar for upcoming Coaching in the Kitchen training dates, locations, and topics.
Parent Support Groups
Discover strength in unity within our supportive community for foster and adoptive parents. You’re not alone on your journey. Here, compassionate hearts align to navigate the unique challenges of parenting a child who has experienced trauma. Our support groups provide a nurturing and uplifting space for learning, growth, and strengthening bonds. Explore shared joys and trials of foster and adoptive parenting together. Check our calendar for virtual support group dates, locations, and topics, and join us in fostering a supportive and understanding network.
Respite Assistance
Experience much-needed relief through our respite assistance designed for post adoptive parents. While availability may be limited at times, we strive to offer essential breaks for parents, allowing them time to rejuvenate and recharge. Our respite services aim to provide a temporary break, recognizing the importance of self-care in the adoptive parenting journey. Connect with us to explore the available options and potentially benefit from these valuable moments of respite.
Community Resources
Connect to our community resources where our Post Adoption Support Specialist will guide you in accessing counseling services, navigating the mental health system, and advocating for your child’s emotional and educational needs. Our specialist is dedicated to connecting you with the right resources, ensuring both you and your child thrive emotionally and academically.
Annual Conferences
Our Annual Foster and Adoptive Parent Conferences, including teen breakout sessions and daycare, are a dynamic gathering designed to provide valuable insights, resources, and a supportive community for foster and adoptive parents. Attendees can expect enriching sessions on parenting strategies, expert-led workshops, and opportunities to connect with fellow parents who share similar experiences. Everything is provided at no cost to parents. The conference aims to inspire, educate, and foster a sense of community among attendees, equipping them with tools and skills to navigate the unique challenges of foster and adoptive parenting. Join us for an informative and engaging event where knowledge is shared, connections are forged, and a supportive network is built.
Teen Virtual Hangout
The Teen Virtual Hangout provides a safe space for teens to connect without fear of shame or judgment. Monitored by our Post Adoption Support staff, the teens jointly establish and update guidelines. The group explores various topics, delving deeper if requested, and occasionally hosts speakers. Quarterly, self-care movie days extend meetings to include shared movie-watching. CHA’s Teen Hangout is centered on fostering an environment where teens can openly discuss their thoughts without fear of shame or judgment. Our priority is to ensure they feel welcome and safe, with confidentiality maintained unless there’s a need to ensure safety.
MEET OUR POST ADOPTION SUPPORT STAFF
Claretha Rowell, MSW, QMHP – Adoption Program Manager
Christina Mitchell, BA, QMHP – Post Adoption Support Specialist
With fifteen years of experience in the human services field, including three years specializing in post-adoption support, I’m a dedicated Post Adoption Support Specialist. As an adoptive parent myself, I intimately understand the unique challenges adoptive families may encounter. My primary focus is to provide essential support and resources, equipping families with the necessary tools for navigating the complexities of the post-adoption journey. Empathy and compassion are at the core of my approach, creating a safe environment for families to share their experiences, joys, and concerns.
In my role, I offer guidance, education, and collaboration, assisting families in building strong foundations and nurturing healthy relationships. Whether providing emotional support, connecting families with community resources, or facilitating support groups, my goal is to empower and strengthen adoptive families. Through my work, I have witnessed the transformative power of adoption and the incredible resilience of families. It is an honor to be part of their lives and contribute to their growth and happiness. I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of adoptive families in Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Yadkin, Forsyth, Iredell, Davie, Davidson, and Rowan counties.
Joe Barkowitz, MEd, QMHP – Post Adoption Support Specialist
Ever since my junior high school years, I knew that working with children was my calling. Coming from a family deeply rooted in education, my father dedicated his career to the public school system, transitioning from a teacher to an administrator. Meanwhile, my mother ran her own pre-school for about a decade. I have three siblings – an older brother, an older sister, and a younger brother – and interestingly, all of them pursued careers in teaching within their respective fields.
In my own journey, I’ve spent the past thirty-three years in the field of social work. What keeps me motivated is a profound desire to contribute to the success of families in building strong and meaningful relationships. It brings me immense joy knowing that, in some way, I might have played a part in their achievements.
Ron W. Stier, BA, QMHP – Post Adoption Support Specialist
With a rich history spanning over 35 years, my desire is to consistently add value to children and families. My journey began by residing in a residential group home for children with my wife, later evolving into becoming a foster and adoptive parent. As a Certified Family
Teacher/Coach affiliated with the Teaching Family Association, I have dedicated the past 16 years to the Children’s Hope Alliance. Passionate about assisting adoptive families, I infuse enthusiasm and hope into every engagement. Leveraging my extensive experience, knowledge, and skills as both a mental health professional and adoptive father, I provide a robust foundation for guiding adoptive parents through various challenges. My services extend to adoptive families in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain, and Transylvania counties plus the boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
WHAT ARE FAMILIES SAYING ABOUT OUR SUPPORT SERVICES?
“I feel so empowered. Your staff has, in just one phone call, made me strong again.” Adoptive Mother of a six-year-old
“I no longer feel alone in my journey as a parent of an adopted child.”
Adoptive Mother of a fifteen-year-old
“You training is simple, straight forward teaching. I appreciate the practical applications.”
Adoptive Parents of middle and high school aged children
How can I access your Post Adoption Support Services?
Ease of access is at your fingertips – simply call our toll-free number at 844-226-8855 or send us an email at postadopt@childrenshopealliance.org. The Post Adoption Support Specialist serving your county will respond to you as soon as possible. We are here for you.