Adoption has a lifelong impact on those it touches,
and members of adoptive families may want
professional help when concerns arise. Timely
intervention by a professional skilled in adoption,
attachment, and trauma issues often can prevent
concerns from becoming more serious problems.
This factsheet offers information on the different
types of therapy and providers available to help,
and it offers suggestions on how to find an
appropriate therapist. Foster parents also may find
definitions and descriptions in this factsheet useful.

Youth in foster care or kinship care often have experienced abuse, neglect, chaotic living situations, and placement(s) away from their families. Their histories can lead to complicated emotions and behaviors, and many experience trauma. While youth can heal, often it will take small steps over time with stability, supports, and services.

Haciendo lo que puedas para sentirte lo mejor possible.
Todos podemos beneficiarnos al aprender qué hacer para tener buena
salud. Los jóvenes en cuidado de crianza (foster care) tienen que enfrentar
muchas cosas estresantes en sus vidas. A menudo, se sienten muy heridos
emocionalmente. A veces sus capacidades de manejar los problemas están
agotadas. Pueden necesitar ayuda en resolver cómo manejar sus sentimientos y
mejorar su salud.
Los adolecentes que se sienten tristes o enojados puede que se sientan mejor si
hablan con una persona en quien confían, si hacen algún pasatiempo preferido
o si hacen ejercicio o juegan un deporte. Los jóvenes que se sienten muy mal o
que se comportan de manera inesperada a menudo necesitan ayuda y apoyo
de otras personas. A veces necesitan terapia y/o medicamentos que los puedan
ayudar a controlar sus emociones y sus comportamientos.
Cuando estás herido, a menudo hay varias cosas que puedes hacer para sentirte
mejor. Imagina si te caes y te lastimas el tobillo—puedes tomarte un calmante,
tratar de no caminar sobre él y/o aplicarle hielo. De la misma manera, cuando
te sientes herido emocionalmente, puedes tomar medicamentos, y evitar las
actividades que empeoran la condición.

Having the tools and information to make healthy choices and knowing how to prevent illness is a key part of staying well. This book is intended for individuals who may be living on their own for the first time and not know how to set up a kitchen, shop for groceries, or the basics of cooking. The recipes contained in this book are a sample of recipes
that contain a limited number of ingredients and steps, to make it relatively easy for individuals to shop and eat healthier.

EACH YEAR, child welfare agencies make over 40,000 requests for home studies to determine whether children in foster care can
be placed with parents, relatives and others living in another state.
Each of these requests is governed by the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (“ICPC”), a uniform law adopted by every state to coordinate the placement of foster children in other states. Under the ICPC, a child can only be placed in foster care in another state after the receiving state conducts a home study and approves the proposed placement.

The decision to adopt a child and fully accept that child as your own is not often made with ease. There is a lot to consider before you make such a commitment. This handbook will provide you with important information regarding general characteristics of available children, who can adopt and a step by step guide regarding the adoption process.