ADOPTION SUPPORT FOR KENTUCKY

What is A.S.K. ?

Adoption Support for Kentucky is a consortium of parent-lead adoptive parent support groups throughout the state of Kentucky.

Why are support groups important?

By bringing together people who have been touched by adoption, a parent support group can:

• Validate parents' experiences and frustrations,
• Celebrate the joys and triumphs unique to adoptive parenting,
• Enable parents to share resources, suggestions, and success stories·
• Identify and solve problems,
• Guide parents to a better understanding of adoption's impact on child development,
• Reduce feelings of isolation and self-doubt or guilt when problems arise in the family,
• Provide on-going training, and· Offer encouragement, affirmation, and hope.

Who can be a part of A.S.K.?

Any adoptive family may use the services of A.S.K. These support groups are for any parents that have families formed through adoption: state, private, relative, or international. You may have adopted your child as an infant, older child, or part of a sibling group. You may have adopted twenty years ago, had a child placed with you for adoption last week, or still be awaiting.

What can A.S.K. offer my family?

• Support groups for adoptive parents
• Mentoring with an experienced adoptive family
• Information on policies and procedures
• Educational/Training Programs
• Advocacy assistance
• Lending Library
• Statewide resource information
• Referrals to resources Information on medical/behavioral issues

How do I get involved?

Contact: Carrie Saunders, Director 1 Quality Street, Suite 700 Lexington, KY 40507