Clinical Articles

Answering the Postplacement Service Question: Why Are We Doing This?
by Laura Stevens, MSW, PhD
While most prospective adoptive families are familiar with the need for a homestudy, postplacement services are not as well known and, like the homestudy, are often misunderstood.

Beneath The Mask - A Book Review
by Deb Shrier, MSW, LICSW
Browse the shelves of any bookstore and you will find a growing number of titles which are geared towards helping bewildered parents maneuver themselves through the maze of the most challenging developmental stage in life: their child's adolescence.

Celebrating Family: the Role of Holiday Rituals
by Barb Drotos, LICSW
Most families have rituals over the holidays. Some are simple and unspoken, some are elaborate with the finest details. Some families come together and fill a house with the hustle and bustle of gifts, laughter, and high energy.

China Ties Program: A Homeland Tour
by Heather Ames, MSW, LICSW
Do younger children benefit from a homeland tour? Can they tolerate two weeks of travel? How will they feel about visiting their orphanages?

A Homeland Tour to Russia
by Heather Ames, MSW, LICSW
It has been 14 years since Russia opened its doors to international adoption. Many of the pioneer families who adopted in the first five years of the program are now thinking about a return trip with their children.

The Importance of Connection and Roots in Identity Development
by Heather Ames, MSW, LICSW
At some point in their life, international adoptees who join families of a different race often describe experiencing a feeling of confusion about who they are and how they fit in the world.

Parent Education: Back to School Basics
by Deb Shrier, MSW, LICSW
My child is beginning kindergarten this year. He was adopted domestically as an infant. Do I need to share this information with his teacher or the school?

Post-Adoption Depression
by Judy Grob-Whiting, MSW
When I first heard the term, post adoption depression (PAD), it seemed like a paradox.

Sticky Situations & Peanut Butter Crackers: Advocating For Your Child
by Deb Shrier, MSW, LICSW
You need to be your child's biggest advocate..." Remember hearing that in your pre-adopt class?

Things to Consider When Deciding on a Homeland Tour
by Pat Hoopes, MSW, LICSW
Homeland tours are becoming increasingly popular in the adoption community. Parents are opting for these trips as a way to help connect their family, and their adopted children in particular, with their children's country of birth.

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