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TN Adoption Support and Preservation's monthly e-newsletter |
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Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP) provides support for Tennessee's adoptive families. To make a referral, call toll-free 1-888-848-2727, or visit www.tnasap.org.
ASAP Regional Coordinator Contact Information
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What Does ASAP Mean to You?
Most likely, because you are receiving this e-newsletter, you already know that ASAP is a program, funded by the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, that is here to help adoptive families. But what does ASAP really mean? Some would say ASAP stands for "As Soon As Possible!" ASAP actually stands for "Adoption Support and Preservation". Maybe some would guess that ASAP is just another program, one of several available resources designed to assist families in need. But, for us, ASAP is a job that has become a way of life. Tennessee's ASAP Family Therapists are some of the best therapists working in our state. All are Master's level clinicians with extensive training and specialized skills in the field of adoption. These skills allow our therapists to provide uniquely focused help to adoptive families and their children, many of whom have suffered trauma and all of whom have experienced losses that led them to the care of Tennessee's child welfare system. ASAP therapists will tell you that their work is more than just a job, that the time they spend with their "families" (the clients they serve) is very meaningful to them.
Why does ASAP matter? These quotes offer examples of what ASAP services have meant to just a few of our client families:
"Our Family Therapist has been so helpful!! She has been professional, kind, and supportive. This has been a very traumatic year for our family, and she has been a source of calm and encouragement. I am so appreciative! I feel hopeful and supported in this journey of adoption." - Adoptive Mother
"(Ms. Smith) feels that the ASAP Family Therapist is providing the BEST intervention her family has ever received from any psychologist or therapist. She said her boys are doing much better." - DCS Employee
"Our Family Therapist has helped our daughter so much. I've had our daughter in counseling since she was two years old, and ASAP has helped us more than any place we ever took her." - Adoptive Mother
So, as you can see, ASAP is very special to us, and our services have meant a great deal to many special families. What does ASAP mean to you? We would love to hear from you. Please e-mail us and share your story - how has ASAP made a difference for your family?
Michael McDonald, LCSW
TN ASAP West Regional Coordinator
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Finding Our Children Unconditional Support (FOCUS)
Each month, ASAP's e-newsletter features a child who is in full guardianship of the state of Tennessee. There are hundreds of unclaimed children in Tennessee with no prospect of a forever family. Our calling is to find families willing to open their hearts and homes to these children. To view this month's featured child, click here. (3.5 minutes in length).
What makes adopting in Tennessee unique? Our Adoption Support & Preservation program - ASAP - is a gift of comprehensive counseling and support services. We will walk with you through the challenges and joys adoption can bring. Will you be the promise of family for one of these children? Please visit www.parentachild.org to learn more about other waiting children in Tennessee.
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Sarah Lane, LMSW, is an ASAP Family Therapist in the Middle Tennessee region. Sarah received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Murray State University and her Master's in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. Sarah began work with ASAP as an intern and happily stayed on after school. Her work experience includes her job as a clinical assistant in the youth program at Cumberland Heights of Nashville, an alcohol and drug treatment center, where Sarah worked with teens in a residential setting. She also facilitated groups for Adventureworks, focusing on teambuilding, trust, communication, and personal empowerment. Sarah is currently working toward her LCSW.
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by Mary Lee, Special to
The Commercial Appeal
May 17, 2009
"Who would help me? That's what I was wondering almost 15 years ago, when I entered the foster care system because of abuse and neglect.
I was 12 years old and so scared when I became one of the thousands of 'older children' in foster care in Tennessee."
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from NACAC Adoptalk
Spring, 2008, by Jane Brown
"When I ask children in my Adoption Playshop sessions what they like best and least about their family, their answers reflect the importance of sibling relationships - real, imagined, yearned for, or lived-at-a-distance. They speak of siblings with affection, sadness, anger, longing, resentment, envy, gratitude, guilt, or bitterness."
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For more information about ASAP Adoptive Family Support Groups in your area, contact:
East Region: Heather Butcher, ASAP Family Advocate -
(865) 356-4848
Mid Region: Brenda McElyea, ASAP Family Advocate -
(615) 352-3087
West Region: Kris Bowen, ASAP Family Advocate -
(901) 634-8199
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ASAP's Adoption Preparation Training
Helping families begin their adoption journey well-prepared for a lifetime commitment
Adoption Preparation classes are free to any Resource Parent who is adopting, or is considering adopting, a child or children in DCS custody.
When & Where: June 9, June 23, July 14, July 28, and August 11 (if needed), 2009
6:00 - 8:00 pm
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Parish Hall
401 N. Washington St., Cookeville, TN
For more information, contact:
Brenda McElyea, ASAP Mid Region Family Advocate
Phone: (615) 760-1018
e-mail: bmcelyea@cctenn.org
Adoption Preparation training classes are coming to Nashville and Murfreesboro in Fall 2009.
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What is ASAP?
ASAP is designed to create and maintain a seamless state-wide system of pre- and post-adoption services in Tennessee. ASAP is an innovative program that supports children and families as they create and maintain connections and access services that support permanency. ASAP is working to develop the capacity of communities across Tennessee to better nurture their adoptive families.
ASAP seeks to increase the availability and accessibility of adoption support services in Tennessee, and to decrease the incidence of disrupted or dissolved adoptions. Motivated by the needs of families and children in all stages of the adoptive process, ASAP offers a comprehensive and coordinated continuum of services.
ASAP is a collaborative project of Harmony Adoptions of East Tennessee, Catholic Charities of Middle Tennessee, and AGAPE Child and Family Services of West Tennessee. ASAP is partnered with DCS for the cooperative implementation and further development of our program.
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