KAFM Community Affairs Show: MCDHS Adoption Training
At noon on the third Thursday of every month, Mesa County Department of Human Services conducts an interview on relevant topics as a part of the KAFM Community Affairs program. The latest episode features host Jesse Baalman and Adoption Supervisor Kim Espindola, who discuss upcoming adoption training sessions. Please follow the link to listen!
Adoption training is crucial for adoptive families both before and after adopting a child because it helps them navigate the complexities of adoption and ensures they are fully prepared to meet their child’s needs. Here’s what you can expect from each session:
Session #1: Adoptive parents often enter the foster to adopt process with certain misconceptions. A common one is that when the adoption is finalized, everything will be normal. Adoption is a lifelong journey where we as the department will support and provide resources throughout a child’s life after adoption has been finalized. Adoption is expensive; legal expenses are little to none if adopting through Child Welfare. Adoption Assistance can also be available to assist children and families.
Session #2: Many adopted children in the foster care system may have experienced neglect, abuse, or multiple placements. Learning about attachment and family systems can give families a better understanding on what some of the challenges look like as a child develops. Many of our children are exposed to substances in utero, which can have significant effects on their life. Our presenter on FASD will explain not only the physical effects, but also the behaviors to be aware of and some techniques on how to handle certain behaviors.
Session #3: Our post adoption support has grown over the years. Our post adoption case manager has helped many families by providing resources including referrals to our Family Empowerment team for those families who need a little more support than what she can do by herself. Our Family Empowerment program is a non court involved voluntary program that assesses what the family’s needs are. It can include building social connections, assisting in increasing knowledge of parenting skills and child development and overall providing concrete support.
If you are on the fence about adopting a child through the child welfare system, these training sessions will not only provide all the information you will need, but will also allow attendees to ask any questions they may have.
To register, please email kim.espindola@mesacounty.us or call 970-248-2869.
