Adoption Doesn’t End at Finalization
November is National Adoption Month—a time to celebrate the families who have been united through adoption and to bring attention to the children still waiting for their forever homes. While the moment of placement is often filled with joy and hope, it’s crucial to understand that this is just the beginning of a deeply meaningful and complex journey.
Adoption is one of the purest forms of love, but it also comes with its own unique challenges. Many children adopted from foster care carry the weight of trauma, loss, and instability. And while adoptive parents open their hearts and homes with boundless compassion, they may find themselves facing unexpected emotional and behavioral challenges. This is where post-adoption services become a lifeline, offering the support families need to navigate this journey together.
In Pennsylvania, thousands of families finalize adoptions each year, many welcoming children from the foster care system. These children often bring with them stories of resilience but also scars from past experiences. Adoption provides a sense of permanency, but it doesn’t erase the challenges that may linger. Post-permanency services are not just helpful—they are transformative, giving families the tools to heal, grow, and thrive.
When a judge signs the adoption decree, it’s a moment of celebration—a culmination of months or even years of effort, hope, and perseverance. But adoption is not the end of the story; it’s the beginning of a lifelong commitment. This journey requires ongoing support, understanding, and connection as families build their future together.
The National Picture
Each year, approximately 50,000 children in the U.S. are adopted through the child welfare system. These adoptions bring love, safety, and stability, but they also come with challenges that can emerge long after the paperwork is signed.
National studies reveal:
- Over 40% of adoptive families face emotional or behavioral challenges post-adoption.
- Children adopted from foster care are more likely to have experienced trauma, neglect, or multiple placements—factors that can impact their development, relationships, and mental health for years.
- Many adoptive parents feel isolated or overwhelmed when challenges arise, unsure of where to turn for help.
This is why post-adoption support isn’t just a resource—it’s a necessity.
The Impact in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is leading the way in recognizing the value of post-adoption support. Through the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) and its affiliate providers, families have access to services tailored to their unique needs. The results speak volumes:
- Families who engage in post-permanency services report stronger bonds, reduced stress, and improved relationships.
- Support groups and parent mentors provide reassurance, reminding families they are not alone.
- Children who receive trauma-informed therapeutic services show better emotional regulation, school performance, and social connections.
What Are Post-Permanency Services?
Post-permanency services are free resources available to qualifying adoptive families, including those who adopted privately, internationally, or through Permanent Legal Custodianships (PLC). Funded by SWAN, these services include:
- Case advocacy and coordination
- Respite care
- Support groups and peer connections
Why Do These Services Matter?
Even in the most loving homes, adoption-related challenges can arise months or years after finalization. Children may struggle with identity, attachment, or grief stemming from early adversity. Parents may face unexpected hurdles and feel unsure of how to help. Post-permanency services provide the guidance and tools families need to navigate these challenges—and to thrive.
When families receive support:
- Parent-child relationships grow stronger.
- Children develop trust and resilience.
- Emotional regulation and school performance improve.
- Family stress decreases, and confidence grows.
- Disruptions and dissolutions become less likely.
These outcomes remind us that when families are supported, they don’t just survive—they flourish.
Finalization Is a Milestone—Not the Finish Line
Adoption is not a single event; it’s a lifelong journey. And that journey deserves lifelong support. This National Adoption Month, let’s celebrate adoptive families not just with recognition but with resources. Let’s advocate for greater access to post-adoption services, because every child deserves not just a family, but a future filled with hope—and every family deserves the support to build it.
Need Support?
If you are an adoptive or kinship family in Pennsylvania, help is just a call away. Contact Erin Howard, Director of Families United Network Permanency Services, at (717) 307-9817 or ehoward@families4kids.org. You can also reach out to the SWAN Helpline at 1-800-585-7926 or SWANHelpline@diakon-swan.org.
Because every family deserves a future filled with love, hope, and the support to make it possible.