New Jersey Adoption Resource Clearing House

Helping Children Heal from Sexual Abuse is a Free, virtual Parent Support Group for adoptive, foster, or kinship families raising children who have previously suffered sexual abuses.

WHEN: Scheduled to meet monthly on the third Tuesday at 7 PM

WHERE: Exclusively in the in the AFFCNY.Network

Just Adoptees: A Monthly Virtual Support Group JUST for Adopted Adults

Have you ever been told or made to feel like you’re Just an Adoptee? If so, then have we got the space for you! The fourth Wednesday of the month is, currently, set aside for Just Adoptees.

“Just Adoptees” is a peer led adoptee-centric support group just for adopted adults. We believe being adopted can come with complexities that only another adopted adult can understand. Our goal is to let every adopted person know they aren’t alone and the way they feel is normal for a not normal situation. This isn’t therapy – it’s better! It’s a group designed to be a “safe space” for adopted adults to gather and share experiences regarding their adoption experience without judgement or expectations.

February 25, 2026; March 25, 2026; April 22, 2026; May 27, 2026; June 24, 2026; July 22, 2026; August 26, 2026; September 23, 2026; October 28, 2026; November 24, 2026; December 22,2026

Please join Hudson Valley AGAPE team for an open parent support group via video chat. We will provide educational discussion-based concepts of self-care, advocacy support for your child through their sometimes-difficult behavior, and a safe space to connect with other parents who share similar experiences.

We encourage all foster, adoptive, and guardianship parents to build connections with others who “get it.” During our bi-weekly virtual Hudson Valley Connection Group, we will show a brief training; leaving plenty of time to discuss the topic and open the floor up to anyone looking for resources, advice, or a non-judgmental space to share what’s on their mind.

2026 Schedule: 1st and 3rd Thursday from 7:30-9:00 pm–

May 21; June 4, 18; July 2, 16; August 6, 20; September 3, 17; October 1, 15; November 5, 19; December 3, 17

Have you ever been told or made to feel like you’re Just an Adoptee? If so, then have we got the space for you! The fourth Wednesday of the month is, currently, set aside for Just Adoptees.

Facilitated by our HelpLine Coordinator, Chester Jackson , and our Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator, Annette O’Connell, “Just Adoptees” is a peer led adoptee-centric support group just for adopted adults. We believe being adopted can come with complexities that only another adopted adult can understand. Our goal is to let every adopted person know they aren’t alone and the way they feel is normal for a not normal situation. This isn’t therapy – it’s better! It’s a group designed to be a “safe space” for adopted adults to gather and share experiences regarding their adoption experience without judgement or expectations.

“Just Adoptees” empowers adopted adults by allowing their voices to be elevated. This brings encouragement, a sense of community, support and a launching pad in finding their voices as they navigate their experience…together.

Scheduled to meet monthly on the fourth Wednesday

May 27, 2026; June 24, 2026; July 22, 2026; August 26, 2026; September 23, 2026; October 28, 2026; November 24, 2026; December 22, 2026

A Free, Virtual, Parent Support Group for adoptive, foster, or kinship families.

All the single parents (all the single parents) Put your hands UP!

We have a support group just for YOU! The parent who is doing the most rewarding and challenging job in the world!

We know single parenting isn’t for the faint of heart and we face unique issues. We don’t have a partner to “tag out” with when our kid is overwhelming us with their needs or to share the sense of pride when our kid learns to walk, scores a goal or graduates from high school. Our hope is to have a safe place where you can connect with other single parents to share your triumphs and joy, your strategies for staying sane amidst the chaos and also find new ways to recharge and take care of the most important person in your child’s life…YOU!

Scheduled to meet monthly on the second Friday from 7 to 8:30 PM

June 12, 2026; July 10, 2026; August 14, 2026; September 11, 2026; October 9, 2026; November 13, 2026; December 11, 2026

Professional Adoptees Networking is ONLY for those adults who have been adopted AND who work or volunteer in the field of adoption/child welfare. 

Are you an adopted adult who works or volunteers within the field of adoption and/or child welfare?

It’s time we reinvest in our own mental health. Let’s get together to talk, laugh, vent, maybe even scream about the emotional labor that goes into being a professional in this arena. Let’s face it…it ain’t easy. We want to know what’s on your mind and if there are any emotional landmines you, too, find yourself stumbling over. It will be a relaxed, open forum, where we can sit with each other as we navigate the intersections of our personal and professional lived experiences.

Remember, this isn’t a panel, it’s not therapy..it’s an open conversation that will center our – adopted person – voices and experiences. No filters … just honesty. Sometimes, sitting with that honesty can be uncomfortable or unsettling. Sometimes it can be triggering. But we all need to unpack our baggage, and we’d like this to be a space where everyone will feel comfortable doing that without fear of judgement or criticism.

June 17, 2026; July 15, 2026; August 19, 2026; September 16, 2026; October 21, 2026; November 18, 2026; December 16, 2026

WHEN: 1st Thursday of Each Month, 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST

WHERE: Zoom

COST: FREE!

In this monthly group facilitated by adult adoptees Tony Hynes and Rachel Shifaraw, adoptees will share, build community, and learn from other adoptees as they explore their experiences. In acknowledging the lifelong journey of adoption, the Adult Adoptee Support Group fosters an environment where participants will be able to voice some of the challenges, triumphs, and identity work unique to adult adoptees. We look forward to seeing you there!

WHEN: 5/5/26, 6/2/26, 7/7/26, 8/4/26, 9/1/26, and 10/6/26 from 7:30 – 8:30 PM EST

WHERE: Zoom

COST: FREE!

A monthly drop in space for audience members across the constellation of adoption to connect in dialogue over questions surrounding the adoption experience. To promote dialogue certain months have different intended audience groups, ie. adoptees, individuals with foster care/kinship care experience, adoptive parents, partners of adoptees, etc.. This is intentional to promote safe spaces for folks to connect, learn and grow.

WHEN: Third Wednesday of Every Month, 7:00-8:30 PM EST

WHERE: Zoom

COST: One-time fee of $25

This support group will provide a space where interracial adoptive parents of children (and adults) of all ages can share their experiences about parenting children of a different race, while fostering a sense of community. Without the support of their parents, interracial adoptees are at a disadvantage. However, sometimes, it can be hard for parents to know what is going on with their children and when to step up, step back, or take a different route entirely. This support group offers a free-flowing environment where participants can share anything relevant to the discussion surrounding their families. Additionally, within the support group, how to form and maintain secure attachments in interracial adoptive households, the importance of creating diverse environments, how to talk about race and racism with children, navigating birth family relationships, and the urgency of examining our own biases as we attempt to support the needs of interracial adoptees, are all topics the group expects to talk about with great vulnerability. We look forward to seeing you!

Open to ALL Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Parents Throughout the State!

Dates:

July 23, 2026; August 27, 2026; September 24, 2026; October 22, 2026; November 26, 2026, rescheduled for 3rd Thursday November 19^th; December 24, 2026, rescheduled for 3rd Thursday December 17th

Individual Ticket – August: $25.00

Please join Spence-Chapin and Certified Doula and Newborn Care Educator, Robin Douthit, LCCE, CD (DONA), CLC, MA to learn all about the basics of caring for a newborn. This Baby Care Basics Workshop is designed for families who are preparing to welcome a newborn through adoption. Spence-Chapin’s adoption competent professionals will guide you through essential newborn care, including what to expect in the early days and ways to build confidence in daily care. Participants will leave the workshop feeling better prepared for the first weeks of parenting and supported in their journey.

Fee: $40.00

Join us for an interactive webinar for families navigating open adoption and relationships birth families. Well explore common questions, discuss how relationships with birth families can evolve over time, and share practical ways to build trust while maintaining clear and healthy expectations for all.

Price: $0.00

Voices of Adoption (V.O.A.) is a virtual space for adopted people 18+ world-wide to join in conversation, meet peers and talk about the topics that are important to them. Hosted by Jessica M. Luciere, transracial adoptee born in Bogota, Colombia, and Manager of Community Engagement at Spence-Chapin, V.O.A. welcomes adopted people of all backgrounds to experience community amongst other adoptees.

FREE!

Talking to your child about suicide is one of the hardest conversations a parent can have, but opening up this dialogue is crucial for their safety and emotional health. Join our upcoming webinar as we share guidance on recognizing the warning signs, preparing for this difficult conversation, and building a strong support system for your child. Together, we can take steps to protect our children and foster resilience during challenging times. Don’t miss this important discussion.

PLEASE NOTE: *If a couple will be watching the webinar from one device, registration must reflect the names of both individuals. *Certificates will only be generated in the names of registered individuals attending the live webinar event. *This training webinar is only to be viewed by individuals who registered for the training and by members of their households. The training link, as well as the recording, should not be shared with other individuals or groups. Custom trainings for groups or organizations can scheduled by contacting us at training@harmonyfamilycenter.org.

Join us to learn about our new Costa Rica Adoption Program. Our Costa Rica Adoption Program is open to singles, married couples, and welcomes gay and lesbian parents. In this webinar, we will detail the pathways to adopt from Costa Rica. We will share information about the system of child protection in Costa Rica. We will discuss common medical and special needs of children who are awaiting adoption in Costa Rica. We will speak about eligibility factors for prospective adoptive parents in Costa Rica. Bring your questions – we’ll save time for Q&A.

Mentors are adoptees ages 21+ who volunteer their time once a month to be a support and positive role models for younger adoptees.

The program welcomes adoptees born internationally and domestically. Mentors do not have to be Spence-Chapin adoptees themselves to participate.

Mentors are folks who are interested in learning more about themselves while supporting younger adoptees by sharing their stories while also acting as positive role models.

Join us for an informative session learning about adoption & foster care options in Pennsylvania.

The information session can help you decide whether you are comfortable taking the next steps to become a licensed Diakon foster family. Sessions are offered without obligation; participants are not required to proceed following the presentation.

Pre-registration is required so that the ZOOM link can be shared.

Spence-Chapin’s Birth Parent Support Group is a virtual meet-up for individuals who made an adoption plan (with Spence-Chapin or elsewhere) and are in any stage in their placement journey. This group is a safe place to get support and know that you are not alone. Topics will include coping with feelings of grief and loss, sharing challenges and successes with open and closed adoption, and improving communication with friends and family around your adoption plan.

There is no cost to attend.

FREE!

Free monthly virtual support calls provide a safe space for adoptive parents of color to connect and share their experiences.

This is a group intended to meet the needs of people of color who have built their families through domestic adoption, kinship adoption, international adoption, foster care, same race and transracial/interracial adoption.

This programming is for adoptive parents of color.  Please be respectful of their space.

4 – 5:30 PM PT, 7 – 8:30 PM ET