After School Programs
Many children receive most of their recreational experiences through these programs. Coaches can be wonderful mentors and for some families after school programs eliminate some daycare needs.

Audiologist
An audiologist provides intervention strategies and services for individuals with deafness or hearing impairments.

Classroom Teacher
Your child’s classroom teacher is the person who will spend the most time with your child and will know her best. A classroom teacher is a valuable resource for helping identify any educational, emotional or social issues the child may be having in school.

Early Intervention Services
Every state offers an early intervention program to help identify infants and toddlers (up to age three) who may have developmental delays or disabilities. An evaluation is completed to determine the child’s cognitive, physical/motor, speech, language, social, emotional and adaptive development. A physician or the local school district can direct families to those services.

Educational Advocate
An Educational Advisor or Advocate helps parents work with the child’s school. As an additional member of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) team, an Educational Advocate provides additional experience and expertise to get the best outcome for the child.

Occupational Therapist
An occupational therapist is a licensed health professional who provides strategies and services to assist individuals with motor or sensorimotor functions, including fine motor manipulation, self-help, adaptive work skills, and play or leisure skills.

Physical Therapist
A physical therapist is a licensed health professional who works with individuals with motor or sensorimotor functioning in such areas as mobility and positioning.

School Counselor
A school counselor may assist in the identification of a child’s needs and may help to determine appropriate responses.

School Nurse
A school nurse provides medical care during the school day, monitors allergic reactions and may administer medication needed during school hours.

School Psychologist
A school psychologist assists in the identification of a child’s behavioral, social, emotional, educational and vocational needs and helps to determine appropriate responses.

School Social Worker
A school social worker is trained to assess a child’s educational needs including social, emotional, behavioral and adaptive needs. She provides intervention services including individual, group, parent and family counseling and serves as liaison between home, school and community.

Special Education Instructional Specialist
The special education instructional specialist provides ongoing support to special and general education instructional personnel. The specialist helps to identify and plan for the least restrictive environment appropriate for the child.

Speech-Language Pathologist
A speech-language pathologist provides intervention strategies and services related to speech and language development as well as disorders of language, voice, articulation and fluency.

Transportation Specialist
A transportation specialist works with the school district to provide special transportation and equipment for students with disabilities.

Tutoring Services
Many children can benefit from short or long-term use of a tutor. Families receiving federal (and some state) subsidies should look to the schools for help rather than Children and Family Services.

• After School Programs
  Many children receive most of their recreational experiences through these programs. Coaches can be wonderful mentors and for some families after school programs eliminate some daycare needs.
• Audiologist
  An audiologist provides intervention strategies and services for individuals with deafness or hearing impairments.
• Classroom Teacher
  Your child’s classroom teacher is the person who will spend the most time with your child and will know her best. A classroom teacher is a valuable resource for helping identify any educational, emotional or social issues the child may be having in school.
• Early Intervention Services
  Every state offers an early intervention program to help identify infants and toddlers (up to age three) who may have developmental delays or disabilities. An evaluation is completed to determine the child’s cognitive, physical/motor, speech, language, social, emotional and adaptive development. A physician or the local school district can direct families to those services.
• Educational Advocate
  An Educational Advisor or Advocate helps parents work with the child’s school. As an additional member of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) team, an Educational Advocate provides additional experience and expertise to get the best outcome for the child.
• Occupational Therapist
  An occupational therapist is a licensed health professional who provides strategies and services to assist individuals with motor or sensorimotor functions, including fine motor manipulation, self-help, adaptive work skills, and play or leisure skills.
• Physical Therapist
  A physical therapist is a licensed health professional who works with individuals with motor or sensorimotor functioning in such areas as mobility and positioning.
• School Counselor
  A school counselor may assist in the identification of a child’s needs and may help to determine appropriate responses.
• School Nurse
  A school nurse provides medical care during the school day, monitors allergic reactions and may administer medication needed during school hours.
• School Psychologist
  A school psychologist assists in the identification of a child’s behavioral, social, emotional, educational and vocational needs and helps to determine appropriate responses.
• School Social Worker
  A school social worker is trained to assess a child’s educational needs including social, emotional, behavioral and adaptive needs. She provides intervention services including individual, group, parent and family counseling and serves as liaison between home, school and community.
• Special Education Instructional Specialist
  The special education instructional specialist provides ongoing support to special and general education instructional personnel. The specialist helps to identify and plan for the least restrictive environment appropriate for the child.
• Speech-Language Pathologist
  A speech-language pathologist provides intervention strategies and services related to speech and language development as well as disorders of language, voice, articulation and fluency.
• Transportation Specialist
  A transportation specialist works with the school district to provide special transportation and equipment for students with disabilities.
• Tutoring Services
  Many children can benefit from short or long-term use of a tutor. Families receiving federal (and some state) subsidies should look to the schools for help rather than Children and Family Services.

• Clergyperson
  Your clergyperson can help you and your family in many ways. They can provide advice and counseling when you need someone to talk to; help you make connections to others within the congregation; and can point you to additional resources if your family needs more help.
• Respite Caregiver
  Everybody needs a break now and then. Medical providers, state organizations, and faith-based institutions may be able to provide respite assistance, to help out so you can regularly have a bit of time to yourself.
• Support Group
  Support groups offer an opportunity to discuss the adoption with others who have shared that experience and can provide valuable advice and referrals. Support groups exist in all fifty states and on the Internet, and may be sponsored by state welfare agencies, adoption agencies, or independent local organizations.

• Accountant/Tax Advisor
  Many adoptive parents are able to file for a federal adoption tax credit for qualifying expenses for an eligible child. Your accountant or tax advisor should be able to help you determine which tax credits you are eligible for.
• Community-based Resources
  Investigate community-based organizations for resources or funding. Families receiving federal (and some state) subsidies are required to exhaust local avenues for funding first.
• Employer Benefits Specialist
  Some employers offer assistance to employees who adopt a child. Benefits may range from financial assistance to time off. Adoptive families should consult their employers to determine what assistance is available, and a tax advisor to determine if those benefits are deductible.
• Federal Subsidies
  Under the Federal Title IV-E adoption assistance program, payments to the parents of an eligible child are available for the ordinary and special needs of the child. Payments are not designated for a specific purpose such as medical expenses, maintenance or special services, but may be used for any identifiable need of the child.
• Insurance Agent
  Your insurance agent can help you evaluate your current coverage and determine what changes, if any, need to be made to accommodate the addition of a child to your family.
• State Subsidies
  A child adopted from the child welfare system may be granted an adoption subsidy if the child has, or is at risk of developing, special care needs. The adoption subsidy is a financial incentive to encourage the adoption of that child, and assists families in meeting the costs of caring for a child. Your child’s caseworker should be able to help you determine if your child is eligible for this assistance.
• Scholarships/Tuition Waivers
  Many states offer college tuition waivers or scholarships for adopted children who were once in foster care. Availability and eligibility requirements vary widely, so parents will need to contact their state agency directly for more specific information.

• Mentor
  Family members, friends, coaches, other parents, and other adults can all be mentors to your child. A mentor is especially important for a child in a single-parent family. Look for mentoring programs through your school, church, or community.
• Spouse/Partner
  Your spouse or partner is your primary emotional support when raising your child. While you may not always agree on the best way to care for the child, it is important that you present a unified front when conflicts occur. Remember that both of you are important to your child, and one parent should not be the sole caregiver.
• Siblings
  Your brothers and sisters can be a valuable support system. They can listen when you need to share your concerns, they can share their own child-rearing experiences, and they can provide a familiar face when you need additional child care assistance.
• Parents
  Your parents can be a valuable support system. They can listen when you need to share your concerns, they can share their own child-rearing experiences, and they can provide a familiar face when you need additional child care assistance. They may even be willing to care for children while you travel abroad to bring a new child home.
• Children
  Older siblings often are very helpful when it comes to caring for a new family member. They can provide a different perspective on family dynamics and may be more sensitive to a new child’s needs and concerns.
• Extended Family
  Your child will want to know all the members of your family, and you will want them to feel a connection to your child. Extended family members may feel flattered and be eager to help if you need additional assistance with your child.
• Friends
  Your friends can provide support in many ways, both tangible and intangible. They can help care for your children, give you hand-me-downs of the right size and gender, or can give you a cup of coffee and a smile when you need a boost. Don’t be afraid to call on your friends for help or just to chat, if things seem overwhelming.
• Childcare Providers
  It is important to find good, trustworthy child care providers, as soon as possible. While one parent should plan to spend as much time as possible with the adopted child after he comes home, finding a responsible caregiver is important. A break can be good for both parents and children, and the child needs to learn that others can be trusted to care for his needs.
• Support Group
  Support groups offer an opportunity to discuss the adoption with others who have shared that experience and can provide valuable advice and referrals. Support groups exist in all fifty states and on the Internet, and may be sponsored by state welfare agencies, adoption agencies, or independent local organizations.

• Adjunct State/Federal Agencies
  You may need to contact any number of state or federal agencies. For example, you’ll need to contact the Social Security Administration to get a new Social Security number for your child and if you need to draw Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
• Caseworker
  Caseworkers, also known as social workers, may work for an adoption agency or a state family services department. Their duties may include preparing adoption home studies, pre-adoption certification, post-placement supervision of adoptive families, and counseling adoptive families.
• Early Intervention Services
  Every state offers an early intervention program to help identify infants and toddlers (up to age three) who may have developmental delays or disabilities. An evaluation is completed to determine the child’s cognitive, physical/motor, speech, language, social, emotional and adaptive development. A physician or the local school district can direct families to those services.
• Post Adoption Services Liaison
  Post Adoption Services Liaisons may be known by other titles but they work for a state family services department and even families who have not adopted through the child welfare system may consult them for post adoption services.
• Respite Care
  Respite care is temporary or short-term home care of a child provided for pay or on a voluntary basis by adults other than the parents. Social service agencies, faith-based organizations and some adoption agencies may provide respite care to help parents get a break.
• Search and Reunion Services
  Many state child welfare agencies provide search and reunion services for adoptive parents, adult adopted persons, and birth family members. These services provide non-identifying information located in official files, medical and genetic information, and names and addresses of family members.

• Adoption Attorney
  A legal professional who has experience with filing, processing, and finalizing adoptions in a court having jurisdiction.
• Court-Appointed Special Advocate
  Court-appointed special advocates are usually volunteers who serve to ensure that the needs and interests of a child in child protection judicial proceedings are fully protected.
• Family Advocate
  Family advocates assist the parties to reach an agreement on disputed issues, namely custody, access and guardianship. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the Family Advocate evaluates the parties’ circumstances in light of the best interests of the child and makes a recommendation to the Court with regard to custody, access or guardianship.
• Family Court Judge
  The family court judge makes judgments involving juveniles and their family members.
• Guardian Ad Litem
  A person appointed by the court to make certain that the interests and legal rights of the child are given adequate consideration and are adequately protected in a legal proceeding.
• State’s Attorney’s Office
  This office is responsible for making a child legally free to be adopted.

• Adoption Therapist
  An adoption therapist has training, experience, and expertise in helping families with adopted or foster children. They are well-trained in dealing with the kinds of disorders that such children may experience, and will work with both the child and the family, using a variety of interventions.
• Audiologist
  An audiologist is trained to evaluate hearing loss and related disorders and rehabilitate individuals with issues.
• Neurologist
  A neurologist is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
• Neuropsychologist
  A neuroppsychologist specializes in diagnosing and treating brain disorders, using a predominantly medical (as opposed to psychoanalytical) approach.
• Occupational Therapist
  An occupational therapist is a licensed health professional who provides strategies and services to assist individuals with motor or sensorimotor functions, including fine motor manipulation, self-help, adaptive work skills, and play or leisure skills.
• Pharmacist
  Your child’s pharmacist can help answer questions you have about any diagnosed medications and possible drug interactions. They can also recommend over-the-counter remedies for day-to-day ailments.
• Physical Therapist
  A physical therapist is a licensed health professional who works with individuals with motor or sensorimotor functioning in such areas as mobility and positioning.
• Physician
  Your child’s pediatrician is often the first point of contact when your child has medical issues. Some issues may require specialists.
• Psychotherapist
  A psychotherapist will use a variety of techniques to improve the mental health of an individual or their relationships with others.
• Speech-Language Pathologist
  A speech-language pathologist provides intervention strategies and services related to speech and language development as well as disorders of language, voice, articulation and fluency.