Did you know CWA has a family counselor on staff?  Kathy has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Guidance Counseling, is an elementary school guidance counselor, and works part-time for CWA. Kathy works with CWA families in every stage of adoption from registration  throughout post adoption.  Kathy assists families as they manage the emotions related to the adoption process and the complicated  aspects of family transition.  Kathy speaks from experience as both a counselor and adoptive mom.  This first installment from Kathy is a list of thought provoking questions for families considering infant adoption.

When considering infant adoption, are you willing to accept a baby:

• who doesn’t laugh / giggle?
• who doesn’t make eye contact?
• who doesn’t like to be held?
• who isn’t affectionate?
• who has no muscle tone, is weak and limp in your arms?
• who needs to be comforted during the night?
• who needs to sleep with you?
• who needs to be held often?
• who may need to avoid daycare?
• who may not accept strangers?
• who screams when you leave the room?
• who has unexpected medical problems?
• who is developmentally delayed?

This list is not all inclusive, and not meant to scare prospective adoptive parents from adoption.  It is meant to provide questions for realistic contemplation when evaluating your preparedness to adopt an infant.  We believe preparedness is key to family success, whatever success means for your family.  Are you ready to tackle the issues head on and meet reality where your child is?

If you are a CWA family and wish to speak with Kathy, please ask your case manager for more information.  If you are not a CWA family but feel you need  help or support, please contact your palcing agency or home study provider for available resources in your area.  Don’t go it alone!