|
TN Adoption Support and Preservation's monthly e-newsletter |
|
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
|
Working with the ASAP program, one of my job duties is to answer our toll-free Helpline and route each new referral to the appropriate Regional Coordinator in West, Middle, or East Tennessee. Every call is different, but they often have similar questions, stories, and needs in common. Most importantly, every call is made because someone cares about improving the life of a child. Sometimes, the calls are difficult; parents are reaching out one more time, seeking help for hurt and troubled children no one has been able to help, hoping someone can help them keep their family from falling apart. Other times, a parent or helping professional just recognizes that a child or family needs some extra assistance in order to meet the challenges of adoption and be successful. Since that phone call is often a family's first contact with ASAP, I feel a great sense of responsibility to point them in the right direction and get them started on the road to understanding and real support.
When parents contact ASAP to request services, or they are referred by a professional, they've taken the first step, but they might not know what to expect. I answer their questions about the program and let them know that they'll soon be contacted by a Regional Coordinator or an ASAP Family Therapist. Families in crisis are contacted within 24 hours of referral, and initial home visits are scheduled as soon as possible. When parents are discouraged, exhausted, or don't know what to do next, the promise of a quick response from a qualified, caring professional can feel like a lifeline. It's also reassuring to learn that all our ASAP Family Therapists are Master's level clinicians with extensive experience and specialized training in attachment and adoption issues, and that they can expect a family-centered approach to therapy.
This year, ASAP services have expanded to include Adoption Preparation education, for adopting families prior to finalization and for resource parents considering adoption. This growth has been exciting for all of us. We are so pleased to be helping families start their adoption journeys strong, informed and empowered. Parents can refer themselves for pre-adopt services, or, as often happens, they can be referred by DCS adoption personnel.
ASAP's toll-free Helpline, 1-888-848-2727, is answered 8:00 am - 6:00 pm EST, Monday thru Friday. I look forward to speaking with you!
Caroleigh Heaton
|
|
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 who currently have 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.
|
Kimberly Liberatore, M.Ed., is an ASAP Family Therapist with Harmony Adoptions, in Maryville, TN. Kimberly was born and raised in the warm and sunny state of Florida. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, and Education Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Florida. Before joining the ASAP team, Kimberly worked at PACE Center for Girls in Ocala, Florida, counseling at-risk adolescent girls who were struggling to heal from the past and make positive changes in their lives. Kimberly enjoys riding horses, reading, traveling the world, and cheering on the Florida Gators! She lives in Knoxville with her best friend and 2 pit bull terriers.
|
ASAP proudly recognizes our West Regional Coordinator, Michael McDonald, recipient of a 2009 Angels in Adoption award. Michael will be honored, along with more than 190 other Angels, at an awards ceremony and gala event in Washington, DC, on September 30, 2009.
"The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's Angels in Adoption™ Program provides Members of Congress the opportunity to honor an individual or entity from their district that has made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of children in need of homes. These heroes hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and represent the wide spectrum of individuals involved in the adoption and foster care process. Since the program's inception, over 1400 Angels have received this honor."
Congratulations, Michael! We're all cheering for you! Tennessee's foster and adoptive children are fortunate to have an advocate like you working hard on their behalf.
| |
|
by Dee A. Paddock, M.A., NCC
"So even when traumatized children 'look' normal, they may be reacting to normal life events as though they are in imminent danger. This hyper-aroused, hyper-vigilant state interferes with a child's ability to pay attention, to learn, and to develop normal relationships."
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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: Anna Dempsey, ASAP Family Advocate -
(901) 634-8199
|
|
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.
| |
|
|
|
