Chapter 11
Accessing Services
Years ago when an internationally adopted child joined their new families, the parents were told “just take them home and love them” and everything will be fine. We now realize that this is not true. There are many times when interventions are necessary. For those children who have experienced severe neglect or abuse, it may never be easy. Fortunately, with the growth of the knowledge in this area, many resources have been developed to help the families. (See Chapter 14 for reference material)International Adoption Clinics
There are many International Adoption Clinics (see Chapter 5). These clinics have expertise in areas of child health and issues that adopted children may present. There are many research projects currently underway. For example, much more information is now available on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), how to recognize that a child has been exposed and what the ramifications of this may be for the child long term. There is a growing body of knowledge on Autistic Spectrum Disorder. There is more information on environmental factors, such as metal or chemical exposure or nutritional deficiencies. International pediatricians can “read” the medical information on a child from another country and help the adoptive parent assess risk factors. Many potential adoptive parents utilize the services of these clinics when reviewing their “referral.” Some use them for a medical examination of the child after arrival home. They are also resources for pediatricians who have questions about what may be a factor for an internationally adopted child. These services can be assessed through the internet, by phone, mail or, if you are close enough, by visiting them. Some of the doctors who run these clinics give lectures. If one comes to your area, by all means partake. They will help you understand the risks and possibilities for your child.Schools
There is much more awareness in schools about incorporating the needs of children who have different issues, whether that is medical, adjustment or cultural. Be aware, however, if your child is the first child in the teachers classroom, he/she may never have learned about the specific needs your adopted child may have. You may need to educate. Most schools offer early assessments to children. Check it out. For instance, it may benefit your child to receive speech therapy before entering school if he/she needs it. English as a Second Language (ESL) is available for children who are non-native English speakers. If your school has never had to deal with this issue, they may not have anyone on staff who is qualified to fill this role. Letting them know ahead of time will allow them to put that service in place before your child arrives. You can ask for an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) for your child if you believe that he/she needs special help. There is usually a staff meeting set up with various participants (the parent, the teacher, the school psychologist, the school social worker, the principal). At the conclusion of the meeting a plan is made to help assure that your child will get the individual attention that will help him/her succeed in school.Although most schools are cooperative, you may need to be a strong advocate for your child. Schools are often under funded for special programs and may not have resources readily available to meet your child’s needs. Be persistent. Your child’s future successes are at stake. Educate, inform, have patience but be firm in getting access to all services available. Sometimes having your International pediatrician or therapist write a prescribed treatment plan will help school officials focus on providing appropriate services.
Books and Magazines
There are many books available about adoption and it is highly recommended that you read some of them. If your local bookstore does not have what you want, you may contact vendors who specialize in adoption books (Tapestry Books, for instance). Books are written about general adoption issues as well as specific ones. A good basic primer, for instance, is Raising Adopted Children by Lois Ruskai Melina. It gives an overview of many issues in adoption. She has recommendations for other resources as well. There are books about the psychology of adoption, about adjustment issues, stories from adoptive parents and adopted children. One book that specifically addresses toddler issues is Toddler Adoption: The Weaver’s Craft by Mary Hopkins–Best. There are specific books about children with attachment issues like Adopting the Hurt Child: Hope for Families with Special-Needs Kids by Gregory C. Keck, PhD. and Regina M. Kupecky. There are books about making sense of adoption for the adopted person like Being Adopted: The Lifelong Search for Self by David M. Brodzinsky, Ph.D., Marshall D. Schechter, M.D., and Robin Marantz Henig. Seek out these resources. They will educate you about specific topics and can lead you to other resources that may be available in your area of interest. Many adoptive parents have authored books as well.Internet
There are many sites devoted to adoption. There are chat rooms where pre-adoptive parents and adoptive parents can share their experiences. There are topic sites that contain articles on adoption, the latest research, and links to other resources. There are sites with government statistics specifically relating to adoption. There are sites such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that can help you determine which vaccines you may need before travel. And there are sites that are run by international doctors that can inform you of medical issues. There are even small sites that have been set up by adoptive parents to share their news. You can begin your search by using Google and typing in the word adoption. See where it leads you.Adoptive Groups
Many communities have adoptive groups. This is a great way to meet other adoptive parents. They may not have shared your agency or social worker and may have adopted from a different country but they can be a valuable source of information, from “who do you use as your doctor?” to “what do I pack for my trip?” These groups can help your child as well. Getting together with other adoptive families will “normalize” his/her experience as an adopted person. Not feeling like he/she is the only one can be very helpful. There are bigger groups like FRUA (Friends of Russian and Ukrainian Adoption) and many more local ones. Contact your local social worker or Commonwealth for help in finding these groups.Psychologists
As there are more and more international adoptions, there are more trained professionals who work in this area. If you feel the need to contact a psychologist, make sure that he/she is knowledgeable in adoption. Do a pre-interview to make sure that you are comfortable with his/her knowledge base and rapport with children. If you believe a complete assessment is warranted, call Commonweath for recommendations. Be prepared to travel; there are relatively few experts in this field. But your child deserves the best.Bridges to Your Child’s Ethnic Community
Some of these bridges are easily accessible (like eating in an ethnic restaurant) while others are more difficult. Understanding your child’s culture can really aid your family. Most parents are aware that their child may face prejudice and uninformed remarks. Parents who have adopted trans-racially and trans-culturally will need to help their child build positive self-images as members of an ethnic group. Allowing the children access to the same ethnic/cultural group for models and mentors can help. Because most internationally adopted children will not have access to their birthparents (or even accurate and complete information), they may need to build a relationship with others who share their ethnicity as a way of working out some personal puzzles. There can be a temptation to forgo this experience if your child is adopted from somewhere like Russia and looks like you. It still can be enriching and rewarding and will help your child make sense of the issues will face in relation to adoption. There may be wonderful language schools in your community that can help you and your child learn their native language and meet someone from your child’s original country. Your child shares your cultural heritage and you share part of his/hers.Spending time in an ethnic community where YOU are the outsider can help you understand how your child may feel when they are the “different” one. It can be a real eye-opening experience.
Summer Camps - Schools
There are more and more summer camps devoted to children from specific cultures. For instance there is one for children placed from Korea and their siblings called Camp Kim-chee. Some are set up for children to learn about their culture, some for language immersion. There are schools to learn specifically about culture (usually in the major metropolitan cities). They may be called Russian School, or Chinese School and may meet on Saturdays to teach children about their cultures and/or language. Seek out these opportunities.ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education)
Many communities have some sort of ECFE where parents get together to share experiences and learn about child development while their child can play with peers or learn new interactive games. Check your community for an ECFE.Churches
Some families choose to visit an ethnic church. It is quite an experience for a child to see a whole room full of people who look like them and speak a different language. Some of these churches have special events or classes that are open to nonmembers.Motherland Tours
Making sense of adoption can be difficult. Some groups have set up “motherland tours.” They differ in content. Some simply have a tour of the country of origin for the child and other family members. Still others visit orphanages and, with a few, arrange “birthparent reunions,” if possible. Usually, tours are run by people knowledgeable in the culture of the host country or who have ties to those who can help provide that service. Check them out carefully. The advantage of going with such a group rather than touring on your own is that they have connections to get you to places and people you might otherwise miss.Health Insurance for Adopted Children
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (OBRA’93) provides for health insurance for adopted children. Any group policy that provides coverage for dependent children has to also provide benefits for a child placed for adoption. The same terms apply as for those who have a biological child. This also precludes restriction of coverage for adopted children who have preexisting conditions. Individual plans are not subject to Federal regulation and may not cover the child, however. You will need to check on this early on in your process to make sure it has been taken care of before you travel to receive your child.Child Citizenship Act of 2000
There is a fact sheet on the Child Citizenship Act of 2000 on the U.S. Department of State web site. There is a special section related to adoption.Post-Adoption Services
These services vary by location and are best provided on a local basis if possible. Your home study agency may provide these services, at least on a limited basis. Don’t wait for a crisis to seek options. Most states provide access to counseling or referral services for adoptive families. Private agencies in your area may provide services. Seek out independent support and counseling groups. See a specialist if your child is demonstrating behavioral, emotional or health issues. You may be able to get a referral from other adoption professionals or adoptive parents. Private therapists may provide services as well; just make sure the person is trained in and understands these issues. Residential treatment is possible if the situation cannot be handled in another manner. Some people opt for formal or informal respite care for a relief from extremely stressful situations. Formally, it may not be available as there is more demand than supply. Join an online group or join a local adoptive parents group. Call Commonwealth if you are experiencing problems. Whether it is six months or six years after your adoption. We are skilled at validating your concerns and will help you find the most appropriate resources.Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
