Since I was called to start The Family of the Good Shepherd, I have worked with Adoptive Families as well as Foster Children. While the ministry will continue to serve Foster children, I feel in prayer that the ministry needs to step up our service to adoptive families.
What do I mean by this. There are many adoptive families who struggle with the extreme behavior of their adopted child(ren). I mean the outbursts that last hours with hitting, kicking, biting, throwing things, etc. Parents with these children understand what I am talking about. They want help for their child, but sometimes have a hard time finding the help that is needed.
In serving adoptive families I have found that each family is unique. We usually start with the child spending weekends at The Family of the Good Shepherd home, so I can get to know the child and learn what works for him/her. I then teach this to the parents. I use the weekend approach as many times by the time the parents come to me they are in great need of a break and healing themselves. The process usually takes time. Healing is slow for both the child and the parents who have worked with this child, with the help of professionals, to no avail.
The goal is to help the adoptive family to stay together. Families with these children who have extreme behaviors, don’t want to turn the child back in, but don’t know what to do or who to turn to.
We are here to help! If you are an adoptive family and are struggling with the extreme behaviors of your child, please feel free to contact me. The Family of the Good Shepherd is located in Central NE.
Contact information is on the website: http://www.thefamilyofthegoodshepherd.org
