Adoptive Families Program

Enriching and enhancing the lives of adoptive families
Promoting adoption-friendly communities & schools

Why was the Adoptive Families Program begun?

Adoptive families face unique challenges and require therapists who specialize in treating adoption-related issues. Unfortunately there is a shortage of mental health providers with expertise in this area. In one study, adoptive parents cited mental health counseling as their major unmet need following adoptive placement.

Since its inception in 2000, the Adoptive Families Program at The Family Institute has pursued innovative ways to address some of the special challenges experienced by adopted children and their families. Through direct services for families, as well as outreach to schools, agencies and professionals in the adoption field, the program strengthens adoptive families and provides support to help adoptive children grow into successful, productive adults.

Direct Services for Adoptive Families

The Adoptive Families Program provides specialized services geared to the unique needs of adoptive families. These include:

• Counseling and Psychotherapy for parents, children & entire families
• Family Consultations focused on specific issues
• Educational Programs for Adoptive Families for parents & children

Program Therapists

• Marina Eovaldi, PhD, LMFT
• Ben Gorvine, PhD
• Isabela Marchi, MEd, MSEd
• Cheryl Rampage, PhD
• Leah Rubin, LCSW
• Catherine Weigel Foy, LCSW, LMFT

If you're interested in counseling, psychotherapy or family consultations call 847-733-4300, ext. 0 and ask the Intake Coordinator about therapists in the Adoptive Families Program.

Educational Programs for Adoptive Families

Parent & Child Enrichment Series

This series provides an opportunity for adoptive families to meet one another and benefit by sharing their experiences.

Families with Elementary School Children (ages 6-10)

• Parent Sessions: Parents meet for a series of seminars led by Adoptive Families Program staff. The seminars address how to handle questions about the adoption experience and birth family, how to help the adopted child cope effectively with loss and sibling issues and how parents can successfully work with teachers and school systems on adoption-related issues.
• Children Sessions : The children meet in small groups led by Program staff. The groups are activity based and interactive. They allow children to discuss a variety of adoption-related issues with peers who have similar experiences.
• Support Groups : Following the series, parents may elect to continue to meet as a support group facilitated by an Adoptive Families Program staff member.

Families with Pre-Adolescent/Adolescent Children (ages 11-17)

Physical changes, expanded cognitive abilities, internal drives and societal and family expectations all converge during adolescence. Each adopted adolescent must incorporate all of these elements as well as the mysteries of their past into their emerging identity.

• Parent Sessions : In these seminars led by Adoptive Families Program staff, parents learn how to encourage independence without cutting their adolescents adrift and how to assist their adolescents by exploring strengths and gifts as well as losses associated with adoption.
• Teen Sessions : The teen group runs concurrently with the parent group. Led by Program staff, the teens meet to discuss questions and issues relating to adoption.

To find our more about these educational offerings, please call 847-733-4300.

Articles & Links

Featured Articles

• 'Childproofing' your Marriage when Adopting a Child
  by Ben Gorvine, PhD
• Dealing with Peers about Adoption
  by Catherine Weigel Foy, LCSW, LMFT and Leah Rubin, LCSW
• Here's Your Map: Navigating Play with Your Child
  by Leah Rubin, LCSW and Kate Surmeier, LCSW

Recommended Links

These links provide additional information about adoption issues and resources:

• www.adoptionlearningpartners.org - The vision of Adoption Learning Partners is to offer highly valuable, timely, web-based educational resources for adoptive parents, adopted individuals, birth parents and the families that love them.
• www.adoptioninstitute.org - The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute provides a wealth of information and research findings about adoption. It works to promote sound adoption policies, practices and laws that reflect ethical standards and reliable research.
• www.cradle.org - The Cradle is a private, non-profit child welfare and adoption agency based in Evanston, Illinois. It is licensed by the States of Illinois and Kansas. Its mission is to benefit children by providing education, guidance and lifelong support on parenting choices.
• www.CAFFA.org - CAFFA (Chicago Area Families For Adoption) is one of the largest adoptive parent support groups in the Chicago area. The organization is dedicated to providing information, education and support to adoptive and preadoptive families. CAFFA represents a diverse population, including many member families that have made transracial/transcultural adoptions.