Postadoption Support Services

Whether adopted at birth or later on in early childhood, we know children are at a greater risk for prenatal drug and alcohol exposures, prenatal stress, postnatal trauma and transitions. These early traumas often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which can lead to serious secondary negative impacts in physical, mental and developmental health in early adolescence and adulthood. Early prevention and intervention before puberty is key to mitigating these secondary negative impacts.

Here at the Adoption Medicine Clinic, our comprehensive multidisciplinary team will:

• Assess children for complex medical, developmental, dental and mental health conditions related to trauma and early childhood adversities
• Support families with child-caregiver attachment, helping children feel safer during transitions
• Connect families to resources in their communities and schools to provide support to children at home
• Educate professionals and caregivers on best practices for supporting positive identity development in children 

Comprehensive Child Wellness Assessments (CCWA) are 60 to 90 minute clinical assessments that evaluate the mental, developmental, physical and oral health of children that have been placed into foster or kinship care. CCWAs are for children ages 0-10 years old as our services focus on early intervention and prevention.

ASSESSMENTS INCLUDE:

• Head-to-Toe Physical Exam & Review of Medical History by a Pediatrician
• Developmental Screening by an Occupational Therapist
• Mental Health Risk & Assessment by a Child Psychologist
• Medical Screening for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• Lab Work to Screen for Underlying Medical Problems
• Oral Health Assessments by a Dental Hygienist (Monday Clinic Only)
• Referral & Resource Support
• Continued Follow-up through Early Childhood Development

Note: Upon request, children over the age of 10 may request an appointment specifically for FASD Medical Screening. Appointments must be requested through iac@umn.edu and the child must have a neuropsychology assessment completed prior to scheduling with the AMC. 

Learn about CCWAs and How to Schedule an Appointment

45-minute coaching sessions for parents of adopted, fostered and kinship children of any age that are seeking consultation and coaching by an adoption specialist.

TOPICS THAT COACHING CAN HELP ADDRESS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Understanding the potential impact of early adversities, multiple caregiver transitions, prenatal exposures and trauma
• Helping you gain confidence and comfort in your parenting relationship with your child
• Helping you build your own inner strength and resiliency as a parent and caregiver 
• Supporting your child in their positive identity development as an adopted or foster care person 
• Supporting your child’s identity in a transracial/transcultural family
• Building child-caregiver alignment as a child enters into early adolescents and adulthood

Learn About Post-Placement Coaching