Ministry to Adoptive Families
Support Groups
As we describe support groups, we are not suggesting that these should be professionally run counseling groups. These support groups are just an opportunity for those who are going through some of the same situations in life to be able to meet together to encourage, pray for, cry with, laugh with, and generally support each other.
Focus on the Family provides two great resources for adoption and foster care support groups: One resource that has been used is the Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family and the other is a brochure named WRAP Around Adoptive Families.
Transracial Families
Life can get complicated for transracial families. This support group will allow families to discuss issues related to adopting children who are of a different race.
Families with Special Needs Children
Life can get complicated for families who have children with special needs. This group might also include couples who have given birth to children with special needs. Parents who understand what others are going through will be able to share real-life joys and frustrations of raising children with special needs.
Families Waiting to Adopt
Families who are in the waiting process during an adoption appreciate the opportunity to share with others who understand the wait. Invite parents who have completed adoptions to share their experiences.
Playgroups for Internationally Adopted Children
This is an easy, yet effective, ministry. Have a set day and time for families of internationally adopted children to play together at a playground. The only other needs will be a water fountain and a restroom. This becomes a great opportunity for parents to get to know each other. Get the word out through community announcements, Yahoo! groups, local agencies, and newsletters of other churches.
Prayer Groups
Have a monthly, semi-monthly, or weekly prayer time for adoptive families. Pray for those who have brought children home, for those in the process, and for those whom God is calling to adoption.
Parents’ Night Out
Some families who have adopted may require older, more mature caregivers for their children as opposed to teenaged babysitters. Recruit adults who would be willing to go to the families' homes and take care of the children so parents may have a night out.
Buddy Families
Recruit families who have completed their adoptions to be mentors or "buddies" with families who are currently in the adoption process. It works best to find families who are in the same program as the mentors were in for their adoption. If a family is adopting from China, pair them with a couple who has already adopted from China.