Give a child the opportunity for a family and a future.

Helping your new family on the journey.

Accompanying you each step of the way.

After you adopt, you will likely have many questions, and challenges may arise. Some areas you may need information on include:

  • The impact of adoption at various developmental stages
  • Grief and loss issues
  • How to deal with questions from strangers
  • Where to get support and specialized intervention

 

Clinical Services at Bethany Atlanta office currently includes three counseling programs.  Intensive Family Intervention is an in-home counseling program specifically designed for children who have a high risk of disruption to their living situation.   

Another program is ADOPTS℠ Counseling, which is a specialized, trauma-based therapy program for pre- or post-adoptive parents and children.  We also offer ongoing Individual & Family Counseling.  We are Medicaid/Peach State providers and are on most insurance panels.  

At Bethany, we realize how important information and support are to adoptive families. Post-placement visits from Bethany staff are routine and required, do not hesitate to contact us when questions arise.

Adoption is a lifelong journey.You may find that you need support years after the adoption has been finalized. We will be here to help.

www.bethanylifelines.org

Learn more about ADOPTS>

How to Apply [Download an ADOPTS Referral Form Here!] 

Adoption support may include:

  • Information
  • Referrals
  • Education
  • Support for search and reunion
  • Mentors or support groups
  • Clinical adoption counseling services

*Not all services are offered in every branch.

 

Growing After Adoption (Promoting Safe & Stable Families)

Adoptive families of a child who was previously in foster care may be eligible to receive a range of services after placement at no cost to them through Growing After Adoption – Bethany’s Promoting Safe & Stable Families program.

Through Growing After Adoption, families are given individualized support from a Bethany Permanency Support Specialist who meets with them after adoptive placement and develops a customized plan for post-permanency services. The family’s plan is designed to provide services meeting common needs of newly-formed adoptive families, including:

  • Skilled counseling services from adoption-competent therapists,
  • Friendship with other families formed through adoption,
  • Assistance with respite care so family members can take care of themselves and “recharge their batteries,” and
  • Help in successfully handling crises that may arise during the initial adjustment period.

Is your family eligible to participate in Growing After Adoption services?

  • A child/adolescent has been placed in your home for adoption or you finalized an adoption less than six (6) months ago;
  • Your adopted child/adolescent is (or was) in the legal custody of the state prior to adoptive placement;
  • Your family lives in Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Clayton, Cherokee, Douglas, Rockdale, Fayette, or Henry County.

If you can answer “yes” to all three of the questions above, then your family likely qualifies for Growing After Adoption. To learn more, or to refer yourself or someone else for services, please contact Bethany’s Post-Adoption Coordinator at 770.274.3015 or postadoptGA@bethany.org.

You may also download the Growing After Adoption referral form and return it to the contact listed on the form.

 

Intensive Family Intervention (IFI) 

This counseling service is provided by a team of mental health professionals who seek to strengthen youth and families through:

  • Personalized Services.  Empowering youth is a main objective, as he or she overcomes behavioral, transitional, addiction, legal family, and school challenges. Every step of the journey is designed to allow the youth to excel. 
  • Strength-Based Approach.  Many programs focus on the deficits in a  youth and family's functioning.  Bethany's approach is different.  We help each family member by building upon strengths and talents. 
  • Community-Centered Solutions.  Members of the IFI team meet when it is convenient for the youth and family.  We meet with the family in their home, but we also use the local community to offer support to the family.  By using community supports, the child and family have the best opportunity to maintain their progress. 

It is our goal that each child and family will be strengthened by the tools they acquire through IFI.  A family who takes advantage of IFI services can depend on: 

  • Three months of service (6 to 11 hours per week)
  • Help with finding and using community resources 
  • A sound direction in developing a plan to enrich their lives 

This program is Medicaid-funded and Bethany will bill Medicaid directly. 

 

Please contact us to verify which services are available at the Bethany office near you.

 

Once you have completed the form, please mail it to the address on the form, fax it to 770.455.7118, or e-mail it to bcsatlanta@bethany.org 

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