Welcome to the IAC Adoptive Parent Resources Page – we have complied some of the best adoption resources for you to review and use throughout your adoption journey. The Independent Adoption Center provides support and resources for their adoptive parents through the following avenues:
- IAC Online Adoption Forums
- IAC Support Group Meetings
- IAC Open Adoption Newsletter
- Gay & Lesbian Resources
- Things To Do While Waiting
- Preparing for Baby
- Internet Resources
(Note: membership is exclusively for Independent Adoption Center adoptive parents and birthparents)
Our online forum is a wonderful resource that you can tap into for support throughout your adoption journey as a Birthparent or Adoptive Parent through IAC. Some of the valuable resources that you will find in becoming an IAC Adoption Forum Member are:
- You can connect with other people who have placed a child, adopted or are waiting to adopt through the Independent Adoption Center.
- Share your stories, offer support or create discussions on open adoption topics.
- Read and reply to group message.
- View monthly adoption statistics.
- Share in the joy of being a part of the open adoption community.
We offer 3 different adoption forums groups to choose from...
- Forum for our Adoptive Parents
- Forum for our Gay & Lesbian Adoptive Parents
- Forum for our Birthparents
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IAC offers support groups for birthmothers and IAC clients waiting to adopt. Our Adoptive Parent Support Groups are for IAC clients only. Please see below for more information on a group in your area.
Please call ahead to verify support group meeting times and locations, as they are subject to change.
Please note that in the State of California attendance at these sessions counts as part of your agency required post-placement contact (after you have signed the Adoptive Placement Agreement), as well as for fost-adopt visits. To comply with your agency required post-placement contacts, your new baby must accompany you to this group and both parents must attend.
SUPPORT GROUP TIMES
Northern California
Southern California
Indiana / Midwest
Georgia
North Carolina
Northern California
PLEASANT HILL SUPPORT GROUP AND POST BIRTH GROUP
When: January 8, February 12, March 12 (2nd Thursday of each month)
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Place: Pleasant Hill office - 391 Taylor Blvd., Suite 100, Pleasant Hill, CA
Led by: Kerrin Tomek, MSW, Home Study Supervisor/Adoption Coordinator
NORTH BAY/SAN FRANCISCO AREA ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When: January 13, February 10, March 10 (2nd Tuesday of each month)
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Place: Location to be announced
Led by: Teresa Pletka, MSW, Adoption Coordinator
SOUTH BAY/PENINSULA ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When: January 15, February 12, March 12 (2nd Thursday of each month, except in January)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Place: Christ the Good Shepherd Church: 1550 Meridian Avenue San Jose, CA 95125
Led by: Karen Tirlia, MSW, Adoption Coordinator
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Southern California
LOS ANGELES ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When:
January 20, February 17, March 17
(3rd Tuesday of each month)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm PST
Place: Encino Hospital – 16237 Ventura Blvd. (Between Haskell & Havenhurst - on the first floor in the Encino classroom)
Led by: Jennifer Bliss, PsyD, MSW, LCSW, Branch Co-Director
ORANGE COUNTY ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When:
January 12, February 9, March 9
(2nd Monday of each month)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm PST
Place: First Presbyterian Church in Anaheim – 310 West Broadway. (The cross street is Harbor Blvd. The site is one mile north of the I-5 freeway and Disneyland off Harbor Blvd.)
Led by: Kathleen Warschefsky, MSW Open Adoption Counselor
SAN DIEGO ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When:
January 20, February 10, March 10
(2nd or 3rd Tuesday of each month)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm PST
Place: Private Residence in El Cajon. Call the LA office (310) 215-3180 for location and directions.
Led by: Guylaine Hubbard-Brosmer, PhD, MSW, Branch Co-Director, Adoption Coordinator
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Indiana/Midwest
ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When: January 24 & March 28 (sorry, there will be no meeting in February)
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm EST
Place: Midwest Office – 5162 E Stop Rd., Suite 1 , Indianapolis, IN 46237-8674
Led by: Michelle Keyes, MSW, Adoption Coordinator
RSVP: (317) 887-2015 if you plan to attend
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Georgia
ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When: January 8, February 12, March 12 (2nd Thursday of each month)
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
Place: Georgia Office – 3774 Lavista Rd., Suite 100, Tucker, GA
Led by: Hailey Phillips, MSW, Open Adoption Counselor and Amber Burfeind, MSW, Branch Director/Adoption Coordinator
RSVP: (404) 321-6900 if you plan to attend
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North Carolina
ADOPTIVE PARENTS SUPPORT GROUP
When: January 13, February 10, March 10 (2nd Tuesday of each month)
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EST
Led by: to be announced
RSVP: (919) 676-6288 if you plan to attend
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A quarterly adoption newsletter written by staff at the IAC, the newsletter provides up to date adoption information. Contents include articles by alumni, adoption lawyers, open adoption experts, adoption statistics and calendar of IAC events nationwide.
>> View Newsletter Archive
