Preparing to Foster or Adopt

Preparing to foster or adopt is a big transition for a family. There are practical steps to take, relationships to consider, and a lot of emotions that can come up throughout the process.

You may be thinking about fostering or adoption for the first time, preparing for your first placement, or trying to understand how this decision will affect your family. Therapy can give you space to slow down and think through what this transition may look like for you.

We can talk about:

• Your hopes and expectations for fostering or adoption

• Concerns or fears you may have

• Your own family history and how it may shape your parenting

• Trauma and how it can affect children and relationships

• Attachment and building trust

• Grief and loss

• Changes within your family and relationships

• Communication and boundaries with birth families

• Preparing for changes in routines and family roles

• Building a support system

Foster care and adoption often involve many different relationships and transitions. A child may be adjusting to a new family while also processing separation, loss, and changes in the people around them. Caregivers may also have their own experiences of grief as they adjust to a family structure that looks different than they originally imagined.

Having a space to talk about these experiences before a placement or adoption can help you feel more prepared for the road ahead.

My goal is to provide a place where you can ask questions, talk honestly about your concerns, and better understand what you and your family may need as you move through this process.