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MAPS Post Adoption Services Department: Fostering Healthy Connections

We all need an emotional support system, the assurance that we are not alone and that there is someone ready to lend a shoulder or a hand.

Tens of thousands of children, women and families have been touched by MAPS' services over the last 33 years. Today, our programs continue to evolve and expand to meet the changing needs of families, and we are pleased to offer new programs that will answer questions, offer solutions and help families connect with each other and find common ground. These expanded services, which have been implemented to honor and strengthen family bonds, are offered by our Post Adoption Services Department and are available to all adoptive families.

Adoptive Parenting Yahoo Group

We know that adoption is not an end, but a beginning. For children, adoption involves an ongoing process of identity formation and of integrating their pasts into their new lives with their adoptive families. As parents, we want to support our children during this process and may find a need for information and resources in order to understand and support our children as they grow from childhood to adolescence to young adulthood.

Our Yahoo group enables those who have adopted through MAPS to learn from each other's experiences and make connections regardless of where they live. The topic-centered format helps parents explore specific aspects of raising adopted children and provide the opportunity to learn from other parents who have "been there, done that."

To join, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MAPSadoptiveparents/.

Workshops and Webinars

MAPS' "Celebrating Families" Webinar Series

MAPS offers educational webinars for adoptive parents. Certificates are provided if verification of attendance is needed for credit.

Topics include:

• Birth Family Search: Wednesday, June 1, 8:00 p.m. EST and Wednesday, September 7, noon EST

The cost of each webinar is $5.00. FMI or to sign up, call 207-619-8305 or email familycircles@maps-worldwide.org.

 

Services and Events

Consultation Services

MAPS staff will provide consultation and assessment via phone and in-person for parents, children and families. In addition, our resource and referral program will provide information and referrals by utilizing our experienced clinical professionals and tapping into our broad national network of agency providers. MAPS provides a free one hour consultation for MAPS’ families. Self pay and private insurance options are available.

Counseling Services

MAPS licensed clinicians provide post adopt counseling for all members of the adoption triad. Self pay and private insurance options are available.

Celebrating Families Mentor Program

Families interested in connecting with others to share the experiences and challenges of adoptive parenting can participate in our mentoring program, facilitated by experienced clinical staff who help forge connections among families across the United States. With parental permission, adoptees may also be connected with other adoptees to share their experience. Birthparent to Birthparent connections may also be facilitated by our staff with mutually willing participants. By helping families and individuals who share common ground, we provide peer support and help create connections among both parents (adoptive and birth) as well as children.

Information Search and Support Services

Available to MAPS’ families, our clinical team will work with all members of the adoption triad wishing to explore their domestic or international roots. As a formalized service within the agency, dedicated staff offer referral services and when possible, connections with informational contacts from domestic and international adoption sources.

Bowling Parties for Adopted Kids and Teens (age 12-17)

Our first bowling party in Natick MA was a great success. The kids had a great time and are all planning to get together again soon for another bowling night. We hope you'll join us at our upcoming Maine bowling parties:

Friday, May 20, 7:00-9:00 pm at the Sports Arena, Bangor ME

Friday, June 3, 7:00-9:00 pm at Yankee Lanes in Portland ME

Cost is $5.00 per kid/teen. FMI or to sign up, call 207-619-8305 or email familycircles@maps-worldwide.org.

Contact Information

For more information on our services, please contact our Post Adoption Department Coordinator, Heather Stultz at 207-619-8303 or heathers@maps-worldwide.org.