The Cradle Supports Adoptive and Foster Families as They Head Back to School
As the new school year approaches, The Cradle, a nonprofit, licensed child welfare agency, recognizes the unique challenges that adopted and foster children may face as they go back to school. The Cradle is committed to providing lifelong support for adoptive and foster families, and offers a range of programs that help families and children feel prepared and supported as they enter this time of excitement, as well as new expectations and demands.
The Cradle is a proud facilitator of W.I.S.E. Up!®, an empowerment program designed to create a safe space for children to express their feelings about being adopted and prepare them for intrusive questions and insensitive remarks from peers and others. The Cradle’s upcoming session on Sept. 14 is tailored specifically for third and fourth graders. This program is open to all adoptive and foster families. The Cradle is the only organization in Illinois trained to facilitate program W.I.S.E. Up!. Learn more at cradle.org/wiseup.
For those looking for 1:1 support or are outside of the grade limits for W.I.S.E. Up!, The Cradle’s adoption-competent counselors offer support for anyone touched by adoption. They can work with all members of birth or adoptive families at any stage of life — whether the adoption was through The Cradle or not, and however the placement was made: through agencies, attorneys, foster care or kinship.
“A new school year is full of transitions, new relationships and new expectations,” said Deva Suckerman, one of The Cradle’s adoption-competent therapists. “While these shifts can be challenging for any child, typical developmental struggles can be heightened for those who have been adopted. Cradle therapists work with families to unpack challenges and build on strengths and can consult with school staff as needed to support success and understanding in the school environment.”
The Cradle Blog also has resources for parents seeking guidance on how to support their adopted child during the new school year. Blogs like, “Four Ways to Support Your Adopted Child in a New School Year,” provide valuable insights and practical tips. This resource is part of the organization’s ongoing effort to equip families with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of adoption. These resources can be found at cradle.org/blog.
For schools and workplaces looking to educate and prepare their staff, The Cradle offers presentations and trainings. These sessions are designed to help educators and employers understand the unique experiences of adopted children or introduce students and staff to career opportunities in the field of adoption. In October, The Cradle will give a presentation entitled Communication + Curriculum that Works for All Students to a group of parents, teachers, social workers and caregivers at Morgan Park Academy in Chicago. To learn more about this presentation, visit cradle.org/adoption-training-education. To learn about future presentations and to request a training specifically for your organization, join our mailing list or email outreach@cradle.org.
The Cradle, with a reputation for ethical adoption practices, is non-sectarian and passionate about diversity and inclusion. It is committed to providing services and resources to all families. Those interested in learning more about services and back-to-school resources can visit cradle.org.
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About The Cradle:
Celebrating 100 years of building families through adoption, The Cradle has facilitated more than 16,000 domestic and international adoptions since its opening in 1923. The organization has been a pioneer in open adoption, African American infant adoption, and placements with LGBTQ+ families. The Cradle remains the only adoption agency in the country with an on-site nursery providing 24-hour care for infants. Learn more at cradle.org or call 847-475-5800. For 24-hour toll-free HELPLINE assistance, call 800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534).
