This manual presents a structured, evidence-based protocol for mental health treatment for families that adopt vulnerable children. Children who are adopted at an older age through foster care and those adopted from overseas orphanages are at high risk for behavioral and emotional distress. This important manual presents a structured, evidence-based protocol for providing mental health treatment to families adopting vulnerable children. Drawing on their extensive clinical experience as founding members of premier national organizations that serve adopted children and their families, the authors of this book describe the typical presenting behavioral problems of adopted children, as well as the underlying issues contributing to these problems that uniquely affect adoptive families. These include concerns related to parent child attachment, loss and grief, trauma, the child's understanding of his or her adoption "story," identity development, and birth family connections. Therapy sessions deliver evidence based child coping strategies and positive parenting approaches that are tailored to account for the child's past history, alongside resiliency focused, trauma competent, attachment based treatment. The book's companion website provides free in-session handouts for practitioners. Given the unique needs of this clinical population, this book is essential for therapists who treat adopted and foster youth and their families.

This text is designed to support mental health professionals who work with aspecific group of children: those who have lived in foster care, those who have moved from one substitute home to another, and those who must survive repeated loss of contact with people they trust and love. Because of increased efforts to find permanent homes for these children, many more have been brought to the attention of clinicians. The background and problems of these children differ significantly from those of children who have not experienced separation and loss. This book is intended to provide guidance to professionals who are trying to assess and treat children in foster care or adoptive situations. The editors provide an overview of how the child welfare system DEGREESaffects the children and parents, therapy that can be used, and basic definition of terms. The 23 contributors include professionals with extensive teaching and practical experience in the field, This book will be a basic source for mental health professionals In the field of adoption.

Creative arts therapists and others who work with children in counseling, nursing, teaching, and related fields will find insights on the use of creative arts therapy with adopted children and children in foster care here. Theoretical perspectives and psychological constructs of adoption and foster care are described, and approaches to treatment, including art, drama, music, play, and sand therapies, are presented in case study format. An entire section is devoted to transcultural and transracial issues. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Addresses a variety of potential psychological and physiological concerns, for adoptees, adoptive parents, first families, and mental health professionals. Provides insight, advice, and personal stories which highlight the specific nature of the adoptee experience.

Originally published in 1993, this classic piece of literature on adoption has revolutionised the way people think about adopted children. Nancy Verrier examines the life-long consequences of the 'primal wound' - the wound that is caused when a child is separated from its mother - for adopted people. Her argument is supported by thorough research in pre- and perinatal psychology, attachment, bonding and the effects of loss.

Music therapy is a valuable method of support and treatment for those dealing with trauma within the adoption community. Music Therapy in Adoption and Trauma offers a timely and much-needed perspective for music and creative arts therapists, as well as families themselves. Addressing topics such as contemporary adoption processes, potential resulting trauma, attachment and adoption breakdown, the book looks at why music therapy specifically can help. Throughout, it centres the value of lived experience in increasing understanding of trauma and effective support. Following a decade of dramatic change within the adoption practice, this book is an invaluable resource for those looking to support individuals and families impacted by adoption.

'Handbook of Adoption' addresses topics in adoption that reflect the many dimensions of theory, research, development, race adjustment and clinical practice which can affect adoption triad members.