Ongoing Adoption and
Kinship Support
Adopt America Network has worked with adoptive and kinship families for decades to help children achieve permanency. During this time, we have seen the need for support for families once they have adopted or have accepted a kinship placement. The OAKS program was created: to be a dedicated resource to assist families as they continue to adjust and grow through support and community connection.
We understand that adoptive and kinship families face unique challenges in parenting their new child or children. These families frequently feel alone, and perhaps at time overwhelmed, without access to the supports that could assist them in maintaining their family. Without the needed services that might assist with overcoming challenging behaviors and bonding issues, families can become discouraged and disheartened. This is where the OAKS staff can step in with the services it offers.
For more information on the OAKS program, contact sbenefield@adoptamericanetwork.org or visit our OAKS Facebook page.
How to Receive Services
If you are a member of a foster, adoptive, or kinship family and would like access to any of the services offered below, please click the “self-referral” button above. Once you complete and submit the form, an OAKS staff member will contact you.
If you are a member of a social services agency and know of a family who might benefit from the OAKS services, please click the “Agency Referral” button above. Please complete and submit the form and upload an information release. An OAKS staff member will then contact the family.
Available Services
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Our experienced staff members are knowledgeable about current resources available for adoptive and kinship families. Navigating these programs alone can be overwhelming. The OAKS staff can help families find and help them through the process of engaging with various community resources.
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The OAKS staff wants parents and children to feel supported. We address these needs by offering support groups, both in person and online. The support group allows for parents to connect with other parents in similar situations who can share their perspectives and lived experiences. These support groups are facilitated by OAKS parent coaches and family counselors. We also offer an online support group via Facebook.
We currently have the following support groups available:
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The OAKS offers therapy to families who need additional support. This therapy can be conducted in the Adopt America Network offices, virtually, or in a family’s home. A licensed professional counselor (LPC) works with the entire family on a consistent basis, in order to help each family member contribute to the family in the healthiest way possible. The frequency of sessions and the kinds of therapeutic models utilized are based upon assessment. All LPCs affiliated with OAKS have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families, specifically parenting youth from foster, Adoptive, or Kinship placements. Therapists are trained in, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Training for Adoption Competence( TAC), and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). Medicaid is accepted for payment in full, we do not charge families for OAKS services.
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The OAKS program provides parent education and coaching in a variety of venues, including in a family’s home, in the Adopt America Network offices, or virtually. These services are performed by staff trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) strategies and the Exchange Parent Aide Model. These attachment-based interventions offer parents tools to help better build successful interventions for their children.
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The OAKS program also has experienced staff who may act as an educational liaison to families in need. The liaison helps support families through the process of establishing Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for children. The liaison is also available to help identify and find solutions for other educational needs children in a family might have, such as alternative school settings and tutoring.