A program of the New Brunswick Adoption Foundation
A peer to peer support network for adoptive families, people
waiting to adopt as well as professionals working in adoption
to exchange information, share experiences, ideas, strategies
and support.
LEARN from other adoptive and waiting parents:adoption process, resources available, etc.
CONNECT with other families who know what you are going through.
SHARE the joy, challenges and successes of parenting our adopted children.
WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS DOES THE NETWORK OFFER:
Parent group meetings for parents at all stages of the adoption process.
Gatherings for adoptive parents and their children.
One-on-one support from other adoptive parents.
Educational and information workshops, sessions and conferences.
At present there are several hundred children in the permanent care of the Minister of Social Development with this number increasing by as many as 100 children every year. Many of the children have special needs, like a brother and sister who would like to stay together. Some have different cultural backgrounds, some are emotionally and physically fragile, and some were exposed to drugs or alcohol in-utero. These children range in age from 2 to teenage years. Many are aged 12 and older.
Some stats...
Nearly half or more of children in the permenant care of the Province of NB are aged 12 and older.
For many New Brunswick teens turning 19 really means “out on your own.”
The Average Age for a Young Adult raised in his own family to leave their home of origin and set up a “real” home...26.
The Average age that young adults raised in their own families consider themselves settled into a “real job” with some promise of security, benefits, and full time hours...28.
A recent Canadian study states that within 2 to 4 years of leaving foster care:
50% of youth have not completed high school,
50% are unemployed,
60% of females have given birth, and
20% are self-supporting
Check out this video to see Zoe's story of being adopted as a teen...
