Adoption and Orp
han Care
Resource Kit
Your guide to making
a difference in the li
Get invOlved
Wrapping Around Adoptive Families . . . . 4
Daily Prayer Calendar . . . . 5
Picture a Forever Family . . . . 7
Be a Blessing . . . . 8
listen
Finding Home . . . . 10Wait No More . . . . 11
Adventures in Odyssey®: The Chosen One . . . . 12
Family Discussion Guide: The Chosen One . . . . 13
Oliver Twist . . . . 14
leARn
Adoption Requirements . . . . 16Choosing an Agency . . . . 17
Attachment Booklet . . . . 18
Your Guide to Adoption . . . . 19
Created to Connect . . . . 20
As Christians, we have a clear command to care for orphans. While not every family is called to adopt, we can all make a difference in the life of a child—and Focus can help you support orphans in your community and around the world.
this kit is designed to help you and your family be a blessing to waiting kids in your community and around the globe. inside, you’ll learn more about the adoption and foster care process, practical ways to support adoptive families and inspiring ways to pray for orphans.
© 2012 Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family grants permission to m
ake copies of the activity materials for your personal use. Although the children in this kit are fictional, there are thousands just like
them in need of permanent adoptive families.
2
RESOURCE KIT
Special Offer
in this seCtiOn:
Wrapping Around Adoptive Families . . . . 4 Guide to supporting local adoptive families Daily Prayer Calendar . . . . 5
Easy ways to pray for waiting kids
Picture a Forever Family . . . . 7 A fun craft that can help a child find a family Be a Blessing . . . . 8
Creative ideas for the whole family
get involved | 3
Get invOlved
Want to support waiting kids and adoptive families? We can help you discover creative ways for the whole family to get involved!
Whether you’re called to adopt or simply want to be a blessing to kids and adoptive families in your community, there are countless ways to help . Best of all, you don’t need money or a lot of time—just a willing heart .
Look through our free booklets, crafts and prayer tips for exciting ways to start making a difference today .
“speak up fo
r those who cannot
speak for themselves, f or the rights of a ll who are destitute. sp eak up and j udge fairly; defend the rights o f the poor an
d needy.” Prover
Wrapping around adoptive families | get involved | 4
You can play a role in the adoption journey.
There are many different ways to minister to God’s orphaned children and to the adoptive families who have welcomed these children home . Struggling adoptive families need their church families to wrap around and support them during times of trial . When churches do this, they mirror our heavenly Father, who wraps His arms around us during times of joy as well as times of trouble .
Wrapping Around
Adoptive Families
Not every family is called to adopt. But you can be a blessing in many other ways. This free booklet is full of inspiring ideas to help you and your kids “W.R.A.P.” around adoptive families in your church and community.
instructions:
Click here to download a free PDF of the “Wrapping Around Adoptive Families” booklet.
“Adoptive families need
others to WRAP around them
with prayer and practical
help. here’s an easy way to
remember their needs:
W.
wrestle in prayer
R.
respite care
A.
acts of service
daily prayer calendar | get involved | 5
Children come into the United States foster care system for various reasons, including neglect, abuse, abandonment and substance abuse by their primary caretakers. Historically, the church has cared for children such as these out of obedience to God’s repeated mandate to care for the marginalized. However, many Christians today are simply unsure of what they can do to make a difference. The National Foster Care Prayer Vigil was created to call followers of Christ wherever they are to ask the God of the Universe to do great and mighty things on their behalf. He hears our prayers, and we know He will answer our plea for these precious children and for the people who love and care for them.
Perhaps the best place to start is on our knees, crying out to a Holy God on behalf of these children, their birth families, their foster families and their social workers.
Prayers within the calendar are from the “Foster Care Prayer Guide” by the Cry of the Orphan collaborative campaign.
daily Prayer Calendar
The easy-to-use prayer calendar on the next page will help you and your family remember to pray for kids in need of forever families—as well as the churches, agencies and partners involved in the process.
instructions:
Print one calendar per month, then fill in the month and days in the blank spaces provided. Hang the calendar on your refrigerator or mirror to remind you and your family to say a special prayer each day.
Difficulty: Easy Supplies Needed: • Two hands for
prayer • Caring heart for
orphans • A place to hang the calendar “learn to do right; se ek justice. defend the oppressed. take up th
e cause of the father less; plead the case of the
daily prayer calendar | get involved | 6
:
Se ek th e LO RD a nd H is st re ng th ; S ee k Hi s fa ce co nt in ua lly . R em em be r Hi s w on de rs w hi ch H e ha s do ne , H is m ar vel s an d th e ju dg m en ts u tte re d by H is m ou th [. ..] Ps al m 1 05 :4 -5 N AS B Pr ay th at th e ch ildr en in th e fo st er c ar e sy st em w ou ld co m e to k no w J es us a s th ei r Lo rd a nd S av io r. Pr ay th at G od w ou ld tr an sf or m th es e ch ildr en ’s liv es a nd h ea rt s an d th at th ey w ou ld b e abl e to fo rg iv e th os e w ho h av e w ro ng ed th em . Pr ay fo r t he th ou sa nd s of yo un g adu lts w ho h av e “ag ed ou t” o f t he ch ild w el fa re sy st em , t ha t t he y m igh t s til l fin d a Chr is tia n fo re ve r f am ily , th at th ey m igh t fi nd m en to rs , an d th at th ey w ou ld c om e to kn ow J es us . Pr ay th at G od w ou ld en co ur ag e our s ta te ’s s oc ia l w or ke rs , t ha t t he y w ou ld ex pe rie nc e gr ea t j oy in th ei r w or k an d th at th ey w ou ld n ot gr ow w ea ry in d oi ng g oo d. Pr ay th at G od w ou ld p ro vid e w ha t i s ne ce ss ar y fo r o ur st at e’ s so ci al w or ke rs to do th ei r j ob s w el l, an d th at la w m ak er s w ou ld c on tin ue to pr ov id e fun ds fo r t he s ys te m to o pe ra te e ffe ct iv el y an d in a w ay th at is b es t f or th e ch ildr en. M y so ul , w ai ts in s ile nc e fo r Go d on ly , f or m y ho pe is fr om Hi m . H e on ly is m y ro ck a nd m y sa lv at io n, m y st ro ngh old ; I s ha ll no t b e sh ak en. O n Go d m y sa lv at io n an d m y gl or y re st ; t he ro ck o f m y st re ng th , m y re fu ge is in G od [. ..] [.. .] Tr us t i n Hi m a t a ll tim es , O pe opl e; p our o ut y our h ea rt be fo re H im ; G od is a re fu ge fo r u s. Ps al m 6 2: 5-8 N AS B Pr ay th at G od w ou ld dr aw th es e ch ildr en ’s bi ol og ic al fa m ili es to H ims el f a nd th at th ey w ou ld e xp er ie nc e th e lif e tr an sf or m at io n th at w ill al lo w th em to p ar en t t hei r ch ildr en w el l. Pr ay th at G od w ou ld in te rv en e in th e liv es o f o th er a t-ris k fa m ili es , a nd p ro vid e th em w ith m en to rs w ho c an h el p pr ev en t t he re m ov al o f t hei r ch ildr en in th e fir st pl ac e. Pr ay th at G od w ou ld ra is e up a n ar m y of g od ly fo st er pa re nt s w ho a re e qu al ly co m m itt ed to reun ifi ca tio n an d ad op tio n w he n ne ce ss ar y, tr us tin g Go d al on e fo r t he o ut co m e He d es ire s. Pr ay th at G od w ou ld ra is e up pe opl e in m an y ch ur ch es to la un ch m in is tr ie s fo r o rp ha ns an d w ai tin g ch ildr en , a nd th at m an y of th es e m in is tr ie s w ou ld b ec om e en gag ed w ith th e ch ild w el fa re s ys te m . Pr ay th at m or e an d m or e ch ur ch le ad er s w ou ld re sp on d to th e ne ed s in fo st er c ar e an d w ou ld a ct iv el y en gag e in th e ch ild w el fa re s ys te m . Pr ay th at b el ie ve rs a ll ov er th e st at e w ou ld b e co ns um ed w ith c om pa ss io n fo r t he ch ildr en in fo st er c ar e, a nd w ou ld m ak e th ems el ve s av ai la bl e fo r h ow G od w an ts to u se th em . Pr ay th at b el ie ve rs in o ur st at e w ou ld b e un ifi ed in Chr is t a nd th at o ur un ity ar oun d th is is su e w ou ld dr aw ot he rs to H im . As k Go d w ha t H e w ou ld h av e us d o in th e fu tur e in rel at io n to th e fo st er c ar e sy st em a nd th e ch ildr en a nd fa m ili es it se rv es . As k, a nd it w ill b e gi ve n to yo u; s ee k, a nd y ou w ill fi nd ; kn ock , a nd it w ill b e op en ed to y ou. F or e ve ry on e w ho as ks re cei ve s, a nd h e w ho se ek s fin ds , a nd to h im w ho kn ock s it w ill b e op en ed. M at th ew 7 :7 -8 N AS B Pr ay fo r cur re nt fo st er pa re nt s, th at th ey w ou ld n ot lo se h ea rt a nd th at th ey w ou ld be d ilig en t i n se ek in g ju st ic e fo r t he ch ildr en in th ei r c ar e. Pr ay th at p ot en tia l ad op tiv e fa m ili es w ill s te p fo rw ar d an d no t gr ow d is co ur ag ed w hi le w ai tin g to b ec om e qu al ifi ed to ad op t ch ildr en in o ur s ta te . [.. .] th ey h el p ea ch ot he r a nd s ay to th ei r co m pa ni on s, “ Be s tr on g! ” Is ai ah 4 1: 6 N IV Pr ay th at fa m ili es w ho h av e al re ad y ad op te d ch ildr en fr om fo st er c ar e w ou ld h av e w is do m a nd w ou ld e xp er ie nc e Go d’ s gr ac e as th ey p ar en t th ei r ch ildr en. Pr ay th at fo st er fa m ili es w ou ld h av e th e abi lit y to s ee th es e ch ildr en a s th ey s ee th ei r bi ol og ic al ch ildr en — as gi fts fr om G od th at d es er ve to b e ca re d fo r i n th e be st w ay p os si bl e. Sp ea k up fo r t hos e w ho c an no t sp ea k fo r t he m se lv es [. ..] Pr ov er bs 3 1:8 a N IV As k Go d to s ho w y ou w ay s yo u ca n sp ea k up fo r o th er s in th is n ex t w ee k. Pr ay fo r t he fa m ili es o f t he w or ke rs , t ha t t he o ve rw hel m in g re al iti es th ey e xp er ie nc e ea ch da y w ill n ot p re ve nt th em fr om gi vi ng 1 00 p er ce nt a t h om e. Pr ay th at th e w or ke rs w ill s ee k ju st ic e fo r e ve ry on e in vo lv ed. W he n th ey h ad e nt er ed th e ci ty , t he y w en t up to th e up pe r r oo m w he re th ey w er e st ayi ng ; [ ... ] T he se a ll w ith on e m in d w er e co nt in ua lly d ev ot in g th em se lv es to p ra ye r [ ... ] Ac ts 1 :1 3-14 N AS B Pr ay th at G od w ou ld ra is e up la bo re rs to fi ll ev er y vo id : ju dg es , a tto rn ey s, gu ar di an s ad li te m , s oc ia l w or ke rs , c our t ap po in te d sp ec ia l ad vo ca te s (C AS A) , s up po rt s ta ff, th er api st s an d ot he rs . Pr ay th at G od w ou ld dr aw th es e w or ke rs to H im sel f, th at th ei r m ot iv at io n m igh t b e ro ot ed in th e Go sp el a nd it s abi lit y to d o th e im po ss ibl e an d tr an sf or m li ve s. Rel ig io n th at G od o ur Fa th er a cc ep ts a s pur e an d fa ul tle ss is th is: to lo ok a fte r or ph an s an d w id ow s in th ei r di st re ss [. ..] Ja m es 1 :2 7 N IV Pr ay th at G od w ou ld m ov e m or e Chr is tia ns to la un ch ca re er s in th e ch ild w el fa re sy st em . Pr ay th at th es e ch ildr en w ou ld ex pe rie nc e Go d’ s lo ve thr ou gh th e lo ve a nd c ar e gi ve n to th em b y al l i nv ol ve d in th e ch ild w el fa re s ys te m . Pr ay th at G od w ou ld o pe n do or s to k ee p si bl in g gr oup s in ta ct o r i n co nt ac t w ith o ne an ot he r a s th ey gr ow up . I a m th e Lo rd , t he G od o f a ll m ank in d. Is a ny th in g to o ha rd fo r m e? Je re m ia h 32 :2 7 N IV Pr ay th at G od w ou ld p ro vid e ea ch o f t he se ch ildr en w ith a “f or ev er fa m ily ,” a nd th at Go d w ou ld p re pa re th e he ar ts o f t he se ch ildr en to be re ad y fo r t he fa m ili es H e w ill pr ov id e th em . Pr ay th at G od w ou ld h ea l t he de ep h ur ts th es e ch ildr en ha ve e xp er ie nc ed a nd p ro te ct th em fr om fu tur e ha rm .project name here | get involved | 7
Picture a Forever Family
This fun, easy craft will help your kids pray specifically for a child in foster care to find a forever family.
instructions:
Go to one of the websites below to pick a child or sibling group you’d like to pray for and print out the photo to fit a 4" x 6" frame. Next, print out the frame below and glue it to a piece of cardstock to make it stronger. Cut it out. Then, fill it with the child’s photo and secure it with tape. Create as many frames as you’d like. Hang the frame on your refrigerator, mirror or wherever you’ll see it regularly to remind you to pray for that child to find a forever family.
Heart Gallery of America Adopt US Kids
picture a forever family | get involved | 7
Prayer tip:
Prayers are extra special when they come from the heart of a child—and they don’t have to be complicated! Ask your kids what they love most about their family. encourage them to pray that God would give some of these same blessings to the child in the frame.
time: 15 minutes difficulty: Easy supplies needed: • Paper • Scissors • Crayons • Photo • Tape • Cardstock • Markers or anything
else you would like to decorate with
Be a Blessing | get involved | 8
Be a Blessing
Just because you can’t bring a child in foster care into your home doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference in their lives! There are countless ways to be a blessing to kids in foster care. Volunteering, donating and encouraging others are only the beginning of your journey to bringing smiles to the faces of waiting kids in your community. Working with your local human services division or other licensed child placing agency is the best way to get connected. For more information on agencies and ministries in the your area, click here.
Creative ideas and activities for the whole
family to get involved!
• Pray regularly for the kids in foster care, the social workers in your city and the judges and caseworkers that are making decisions on behalf of children and youth (see page 6 for a helpful guide) .
• Volunteer at your county’s child welfare office .
• Clean up the playground at the county child welfare office .
• Surprise county child welfare staff with baked goods or lunch once a month . • Create and donate “care” bags with items such as toothbrushes, soaps, shampoo
and something comforting—a hand-knitted blanket or small stuffed animal . • Donate items such as cosmetics, hygiene products, pre-paid cards for music
downloads, or new or gently used books to local group homes .
• Host a “drive” for in-need kids’ items like backpacks, books, toys, games or art supplies . (Ask your local contacts what they need!)
• Encourage teens to get certified to provide babysitting or respite care to kids in foster care . Work with your local child welfare office or licensed agency to do this . (This is easy for adults too, not just teens!)
• Volunteer to be a mentor to a child in foster care .
• Offer to take a group of kids to a local matinee . Ask about discounts and specials for non-profits/community members in need .
“the spirit you receiv
ed brought about you r adoption to sonship.
And by him
we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” Rom. 8:15
in this seCtiOn:
Finding Home . . . . 10 Jim Daly’s inspiring adoption testimony Wait No More . . . . 11
One family’s journey of adopting four kids Adventures in Odyssey®: The Chosen One . . . 12
A special kids’ program about foster care
Family Discussion Guide: The Chosen One . . 13
A supportive tool to interact with your family Oliver Twist . . . . 14
A classic story about a special orphan
listen | 9
listen
There’s nothing more inspiring than hearing the true stories of families who’ve been impacted by adoption .
In the following section, you’ll hear the heartfelt words of a special couple who chose to open their home to four children from the foster care system . You’ll journey with a young boy named Oliver who finally found his forever family . And you’ll even find a special Adventures in Odyssey® episode just for kids .
We hope that these stories will encourage you and your family to talk about how you can make a difference in the life of a child .
LISTEN
Special Offer
finding home | listen | 10
Jim daly video
Focus on the Family President Jim Daly knows what it feels like to be an orphan . After his mother died and his stepfather walked out, Jim and his siblings were left alone . Watch the video below as he shares his heart behind the Focus on the Family Adoption & Orphan Care Initiative™ .
Finding home
Long before Jim Daly was President of Focus on the Family, he was an orphan, just like so many children in the world today. He spent years in foster care before finding the redemptive love of Jesus Christ in high school and, eventually, creating his own forever family. As the parents of two young boys, Jim and Jean seek to give them the life that Jim never had growing up. Listen to his story of hope, love and family.
instructions:
Click the link below to watch the Jim Daly video!
"he is a Father to the
fatherless, and somehow
he put his hand around
the back of my neck and
said you are not going
to go the wrong way.”
- Jim daly
Click here to watch!Jim Daly is President and Chief Executive Officer of Focus on the Family.
Wait no more | listen | 11
Wait no More
Kelly and John Rosati never expected to adopt four children from the U.S. foster care system. But God’s plan for them turned out to be even more extraordinary than they could have planned. Follow Kelly and John in their amazing journey through the child welfare system. You’ll be inspired by the story of how God brought their family together and challenged by their honest and revealing look at the desperate need of children still waiting for families. The Rosati’s story is one of hope amid challenges, beauty from ashes and faith that sustains. It’s a beautiful picture of what family truly looks like.
instructions:
Click the link below to stream the broadcast for free!
Wait no More
Focus on the Family’s Kelly Rosati and her husband, John, share their passion for orphan care as they describe how they adopted their four children from the foster care system . Click here to listen!
Want to hear more from John and
Kelly’s heart? Click here to read an
article series based on their book,
Wait no More.
adventures in odyssey: the chosen one | listen | 12
Adventures in Odyssey
®
:
the Chosen One
God has asked the Washington family to do something very special. Find out what happens when a family takes a step of faith and opens their home to a girl named Kelly.
instructions:
Click the links below to stream the broadcast.
the Chosen One: Part 1
Is there something more to the new girl in town than causing trouble? Can the Odyssey crew help her find her way? Click here to listen!
the Chosen One: Part 2
The inspiring conclusion to The Chosen One . What will happen to the mysterious runaway? Click here to listen!
Be sure to check out the family
discussion guide on the next page!
7 . How do you think God feels about children who don’t have a home?
8 . How can we show God’s love to orphans and other lonely children?
9 . How does God want us to respond to these statements by Mr . and Mrs . Washington?
a . “If God is calling us to do this, we can’t just blow it off .”
b . “What if God’s plan for us is different than our plan?”
c . “Maybe He wants us to go down a more challenging road .”
Use the Chosen One discussion guide to dig deeper!
1 . What skills and abilities does Kelly have?
2 . What are some things about Kelly that attract other people to her?
3 . What were some of the Washington family’s concerns about taking Kelly into their home?
4 . What were some of the things that changed their mind?
5 . How did the Washington family look for God’s will? How did they know what God’s will was?
6 . What “pearl of wisdom” did Eugene have to offer?
family discussion guide: the chosen one | listen | 13
Family discussion Guide:
the Chosen One
To help start a conversation with your family, discuss the following questions with your children after listening to The Chosen One. Encourage children to talk about what they are thinking, even if their answers might not be “right.”
instructions:
Listen to The Chosen One on page 12. Then print out the discussion guide provided below to record your discussion.
Content title
Interior body copy Click here to listen!
For more advice and encouragement from Lysa TerKeurst, check out these articles: A Mom’s Greatest Fear and Praying Boldly for Our Kids
oliver tWist | listen | 14
Oliver twist
Focus on the Family Radio Theatre® presents the inspirational tale, Oliver Twist. Escape to another place and time with this full-cast audio dramatization of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Oliver—a young orphan battling the streets of 19th century London. This powerful story will draw you into a timeless adventure of danger, compassion and redemption as a single child changes the lives of everyone around him. Featuring cinema-quality sound, award-winning writers, an original music score and a stellar cast of England’s most renowned actors.
instructions:
Click on the links below to watch the Oliver Twist promo and a preview for a documentary detailing the reality of modern-day orphans.
special Offer:
Click here to
listen to a sample
of Oliver twist
Bonus DVD includes a compelling documentary featurette with “behind the scenes” footage, expert interviews and emotive stories of real, modern-day “Olivers .”
in this seCtiOn:
Adoption Requirements . . . . 16 Rules and requirements state-by-state
Choosing an Agency . . . . 17 Tips for choosing an adoption agency
Attachment Booklet . . . . 18 Tips for parenting children from hard places Your Guide to Adoption . . . . 19
Step-by-step adopting from foster care Created to Connect . . . . 20
A helpful post-adoption guide
learn | 15
leARn
As Christians, God calls all of us to care for orphaned children . In America, it is difficult for many to people to understand just how many children are in need because our country no longer has institutional orphanages . But at any given time, there are over 100,000 children waiting in foster care for a permanent family—a home to call their own .
Do you feel called to adopt? Are you interested in learning more about foster care? In this section you’ll explore the details of the adoption or foster care process from start to finish—including state requirements and tips on choosing an agency . You’ll also find advice on helping a child adjust to a new family, tips from experts and step-by-step guidance for your journey .
LEARN “defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of th e poor and t he oppressed .” Psalm 82:3
Content title
Interior body copy Click here to listen!
For more advice and encouragement from Lysa TerKeurst, check out these articles: A Mom’s Greatest Fear and Praying Boldly for Our Kids
adoption requirements | learn | 16
Adoption Requirements
Find out what your state requires before beginning your journey. When
considering adoption of any type, the most important first step is prayer. If after praying you are interested in adoption from foster care, the next step would be to determine whether you meet your state’s requirements.
instructions:
Click here to obtain adoption information in your state from iCareAboutOrphans.org.
some basic requirements:
• At least 21 years old • Own or rent your own home • Have adequate financial
resources to maintain the home
• Can provide for the child’s physical, mental and character development • Have parenting experience
or none at all
• Already have children in your home or not
choosing an agency | learn | 17
Choosing an Agency
A good adoption agency can be a great asset in helping you and your family through the adoption process, but not all agencies are licensed to do all types of adoptions. How do you decide which one is right for you?
Adoption is a lifelong process for parents and children, and it is important to choose an agency that can help you assess your readiness to adopt and that has the expertise to help you through the process. Child placement agencies must meet the licensing standards to provide adoption services in their state. A personal evaluation prior to selection of an agency will generally lead to positive results for families.
the following points may be helpful in choosing an agency:
1. learn about adoption and the issues involved
• Read books and articles on adoption • Attend an adoptive parents’ group • Talk to other adoptive parents
2. determine the type of adoption you feel called to pursue
• Infant or older child • Domestic or International
• Special needs (emotional challenges, mental or physical disabilities) or minimal challenges
3. contact the agencies and learn about their programs
• Ask about any requirements/restrictions on adoptive parents such as length of marriage, age, etc.
• Ask for brochures on their program • Attend orientation/information meetings
4. evaluate the agency’s program (some good questions to ask)
• Ask about the steps in the agency’s process such as orientation, application, study, parenting classes and the estimated time frames involved. Make a list of special questions you want answered.
• Make sure the agency is licensed; ask when was the last time the agency was visited by a representative from the licensing unit.
• Find out if complaints have been filed against the agency and if so, how they were resolved.
• Find out the staff’s education, background and experience in adoption.
• Ask about the services the agency gives to birth parents and evaluate the completeness and sensitivity of this work. • Learn the costs involved for the screening, orientation meeting, home study, supervisory visits, court reports, educational groups, services to and expenses in connection with birth parents in designated adoptions, extra work in connection with interstate placement and other possible expenses. Obtain written detailed information on all costs involved including the agency’s policy on refunds.
• Ask about any support groups the agency facilitates and any post finalization services they might offer.
• If possible, talk to other adoptive parents about their experience with the agency.
5. after you have chosen the agency
• Keep in regular contact with the agency but be realistic with the staff’s time.
• If you have a complaint or are dissatisfied, talk honestly to the person with whom you are working and, if this is unsatisfactory, than talk to the director.
* Adapted from Colorado Department of Human Services/Division of Child Welfare “Tips for Selecting an Adoption Agency”
there are more
than 100,000 legal
orphans waiting
for families in
the United states.
attachment Booklet | learn | 18
learn how to grow closer
“When emotional, psychological, behavioral or learning difficulties arise with children who were adopted or in foster care—especially children with a history of neglect or abuse—the problem is nearly always rooted in or related to issues of attachment . That’s because kids from hard places tend to be disconnected kids . In negotiating conflicts and impasses with these children, parents need to understand that the ultimate goal is to draw them into a circle of safety and security, disarm their defenses and help them reconnect .”
Attachment Booklet
The parenting of children from hard places can be a challenge for many adoptive parents—but there is hope for even the most complex situations. “Attachment in Adoption” gives adoptive and foster parents in-depth insights into why their child may have difficulty adapting to life in a new family—and gives them hope for success. This positive and informative booklet will show you how your child has formed his or her current behavior and offers tips and resources for overcoming their past and building a bond that is rewarding for both you and your child.
instructions:
Click here to download the “Attachment in Adoption” booklet.
“it’s crucial to remember
that healing comes from
deep, intuitive insight
into the child’s early
experiences and a patient,
painstaking reversal of
their negative effects.”
your guide to adoption | learn | 19
download your own map to guide your
adoption journey!
Your Guide to Adoption
Your Guide to Adoption is an excellent roadmap to help you navigate the journey of adoption from foster care. From small details to the big picture, the Guide to Adoption Map will give you expert advice from those who work within the system and those who have previously adopted children, along with inspiring Scriptures, tips and much more.
instructions:
Click here to download the map!
the number of lives
it takes to make a
difference for one
orphan:
1.
created to connect | learn | 20
download the entire study guide or one
chapter at a time!
Created to Connect
Many orphans have faced abuse, neglect and abandonment that make it challenging to relate to others. This study guide will help you understand and address the unique emotional and spiritual needs of children who’ve experienced trauma.
Created To Connect is designed to help illuminate the biblical principles that serve as the foundation for the philosophy and interventions detailed in The Connected Child.
instructions:
Click here to download a free copy of the study guide from Empowered to Connect™.
Created To Connect Published by Empowered To Connect™ www.empoweredtoconnect.org email: [email protected]
Copyright ©2010 by Karyn Brand Purvis, Michael M. Monroe and Am
y S. Monroe. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form for commerc
ial use without written permission from the authors.
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bib
le, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by perm
ission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked The Message are taken from Th
e Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publish
ing Group.
Editing and interior design: Scott & Annie McClellan Cover design: Matt Donovan
ISBN: 978-0-615-38225-8
Cover
Chapter 1
Hope and Healing
Chapter 2
Where Your Child Began
Chapter 3
Solving the Puzzle of Difficult Behavior
Chapter 4
Disarming the Fear Response with Felt Safety
Chapter 5
Teaching Life Values
Chapter 6
You Are the Boss
Chapter 7
Dealing with Defiance
Chapter 8
Nurturing at Every Opportunity
Chapter 9
Proactive Strategies to Make Life Easier
Chapter 10
Supporting Healthy Brain Chemistry
Chapter 11
Handling Setbacks
Chapter 12
Healing Yourself to Heal Your Child
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free chapter of the book
the Connected Child
