Adoption has changed dramatically in the last few decades. What was once a confidential, private, secretive situation is now a more open and honest process. Still, health care and counseling professionals, may not be aware of the changes and may not be able to discuss adoption as one option in facing an unplanned pregnancy.
The Guide to Adoption for Counseling and Health Care Professionals is designed to assist those in the front lines to navigate this new territory, enable them to offer adoption as a viable option to parenting and create an environment that is helpful and respectful.
This guide will help professionals:
Identify their feelings about adoption and how it impacts their work;
Understand the legal process of adoption and to what expect when faced with different situations;
Teach the realities of adoption;
Use ethical practice strategies to help clients work through their decision to parent or make an adoption plan;
Provide a compassionate and confidential environment when working with expectant mothers and adoptive families;
Access resources for learning more about adoption; and
Employ positive adoption language to enhance the understanding of adoption.