There are so many ways to be involved in supporting adoption, no matter your own stage in life. When there are adoptive families in your local community and church, you have additional opportunities to show love and encouragement along with some timely and practical help!
Below is a collection of suggestions from Sacred Selections families about ways they would recommend communities wrap their arms around their local adoptive families as they prepare for an adoptive placement. (Post-placement ideas coming next month!) While these ideas came from adoptive parents, it’s always a good idea to ask or offer first as every family will have its own specific needs.
Preparing For The Home Study
Before a couple can adopt, they must first complete a home study which includes a series of interviews, background checks, doctor’s appointments, and a home visit with their home study provider. The home study exists to help agencies and the court determine if a family and their home are prepared to provide a healthy, stable environment for a child placed with them.
While home study providers are a wealth of support and knowledge, the process can still be nerve-racking or stressful to a family. Here are some ways to support those who are in this stage of their adoption journey:
- Donate things they might need to finish preparing like baby proofing items, a fire extinguisher, baskets or storage bins, or some potted plants to make the front door feel inviting.
- Have a work day to get the inside and outside of the home ready for the home visit.
- Take them out to dinner the night before their home study so the kitchen can stay clean.
- Offer to babysit any older children in the home during phone/online interviews, for a cleaning day, or for other appointments.
- Drop off dinner the evening after the home study. It’s been a big day full of emotions and a little comfort food in some disposable containers goes a long way to show love and support!
- Offer to take family photos for them for their adoption profile book.
- Look into options for training to become trauma-informed. Many families complete some of this training for their home studies and may have resources or recommendations.
Hoping To Adopt
The home study is complete! The family has been recommended by their home study provider to their agency and the courts and they are hoping to adopt. From the time the family begins showing their profile, through the matched stage, and while waiting for the call to come meet the child, it may feel like there is little you can do.
The recommendations from Sacred Selections families for this stage do include things you can do, but they also include some notes about ways to be respectful of the family as they are likely walking through some delicate times.
- Have a prayer meeting and ask the family for suggestions of what to pray for.
- Learn and start using adoption-positive language.
- Organize a fundraiser or attend one in your area to show your support.
- Offer to watch other children during meetings with the agency and/or expecting parents.
- Be mindful of the sensitive nature of topics and questions you may have. Consider asking yourself, “why do I want to know this?” to evaluate if it is from a place of genuine care and curiosity or a less honorable motivation.
- Be respectful if the family declines to answer questions.
- Drop off a meal for a family walking through this journey.
One of the most beautiful and inspiring effects of this kingdom work is seeing the incredible impact when each gives and does according to what he or she is able. In our next article, we’ll share ideas for supporting adoptive families when they first get home and throughout the years beyond their homecoming.
There is so much that we can each do. Whether making a donation, hosting a fundraiser, consistently bringing children and families before God in prayer, or any of the ideas above, thank you for supporting those who have chosen to provide a seat at the table for a child in need!
If you want to learn more about the adoption process and receiving funding support from Sacred Selections, call or text Ellen at 615-777-3946 or email ellen@sacredselections.org.
