Youth & Families
Hope and Healing Through Adoption Competent Care
We all need a little extra support at times. When we do seek mental health services, it is vital that we are able to connect with a provider who can understand and help us. Welcome to your one-stop shop for learning about how adoption competent mental health services can help you and your family!
What is Adoption Competence?
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Adoption competence means having the skills, values, and knowledge to meet the unique mental health needs of children and families impacted by child welfare.
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Adoption competent therapists possess deep understanding of:
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Grief and loss that may be ongoing and complex
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Attachment disruptions and the need for secure, lasting relationships
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Identity development shaped by family background, life experiences, relationships, and communities
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The lifelong need for connection and belonging
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What Makes Adoption Competent Care Different?
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This is more than traditional therapy.
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Adoption competent providers are uniquely trained to:
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Use a trauma-informed lens to understand and respond to children’s behavioral and emotional needs
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Prioritize secure attachments between children and caregivers
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Support children and youth in navigating their story and identity
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Provide ongoing, family-centered support
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Focus on strengths and resilience, not just challenges
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Hope and Healing Through Adoption Competent Care
Adoption Competence Resources
A Brief Introduction to Adoption Competency
Finding the Right Mental Health Therapist
NTI Training: A Family Perspective
Access the National Center Knowledge Hub for more Adoption Competence resources.
Research shows that families who work with adoption competent professionals build more trusting relationships with their therapist and feel more satisfied with services and outcomes.
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