Explore Adoption AssistanceAdoption Assistance
At UConn Health, we’re here to provide post-adoption support, including assessments, education, brief counseling, and referral services to adoptive families, and to families formed through guardianship.
The Adoption Assistance Program (AAP) is a confidential assessment, education, brief counseling and referral service available to adoptive and guardianship families, and to professionals requiring guidance and support for their clients.
We know that families formed through adoption or guardianship may face challenges. Whether you have a simple question or are seeking support around something difficult, we are here to guide you.
UConn Health Adoption Assistance Program
Supporting Adoptive Families
Adoption is more than a way of building a family; it is a lifelong process of joys, personal growth, and challenges for all involved. At the Adoption Assistance Program we understand that families may need support from time to time. If you are an adoptive parent and have a question or concern, we are a phone call away.
Supporting Relative Guardians
The placement of a child with kin offers the benefit of being raised by familiar people, staying connected to siblings, and supports a sense of identity and belonging. But kinship care has logistical, financial, and unique social challenges as well. If you are a relative guardian and need guidance, we are here to help.
Supporting Educators & Community Providers
If you are a teacher, school administrator, therapist, or other professional, we are here to support the work you do with adoptive and guardianship families. We offer informational meetings, training, consultation services, and more.
Support Groups
The AAP offers monthly support groups for parents. A virtual teen group for adoptees is offered periodically. Please contact us to learn more.
What Kind of Concerns Do You Help Families With?
- Birth family connections
- Bonding and attachment
- Child development in the context of adoption
- Childhood trauma
- Difficulties at home, school, or among peers
- Grief and loss
- Identifying resources
- Identity and self-esteem
- Navigating new family relationships and roles
- Parenting children with social, emotional, and behavioral issues
- Preparing for adulthood
- Talking with your child about adoption
- Transitioning from foster care to adoption
What Parents Say
“AAP provided emotional support that continued after the adoption until we felt confident going it alone. We weren’t abandoned. This kind of support is critical to all adoptive families.”
– Adoptive Parent
Your Questions, Answered
Who Is Eligible?
The program is designed to support Connecticut families formed by adoption or guardianship.
Is There a Cost for AAP Services?
There is no cost to you or your family member for AAP services. If you receive a referral to an outside resource or service, insurance may assist in offsetting the cost.
What About Our Privacy?
The AAP is a voluntary and confidential service. Information is never released without your written permission or as necessary by law.
Locations & Directions
Office Address: 195 Farmington Avenue, Suite 2000, Farmington, CT 06032
Mailing Address: 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6020
In the Spotlight
Connecticut Adoption Community Network
Email: Adoption@uchc.edu
Connecting adoptive and kinship families, adoption professionals, and all those interested in adoption to form a strong, supportive, and resourceful adoption community.The ACN meets twice a year. New members are welcome!
The next meeting is scheduled for 3/18/24. Time and location to be announced closer to the meeting date.
Connecticut Adoption Community Network
195 Farmington Avenue, Suite 2000
Farmington, CT 06032-6020Virtual AAP Information Sessions
The AAP offers monthly virtual information sessions to learn more about our services. Sessions are open to foster, adoptive, and guardianship families, DCF social workers, and community providers. To join a noontime session, click here. To join an evening session, click here. Please see flyer for times and additional information.
Virtual Adoptive Parent & Guardianship Support Group
See Flyer for Registration InformationFacilitated by the Adoption Assistance Program and Family and Children's Agency
Fourth Tuesday of every month; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 6:30-7:30 PM via Zoom
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