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Family Ties Program

FAMILY TIES FAMILY & YOUTH PROGRAM

Our Family Ties Program takes a holistic approach to serving adoptive, kinship, and foster families through strategies that meet the needs of the family and focus on their strengths. Through participating, parents discover the tools, knowledge, and support system they need to successfully parent their child(ren) and children feel safe, supported, and capable of developing healthy habits. The program includes one-on-one support, monthly groups, educational opportunities, peer network building, normalizing family social activities, information and referral, and personal advocacy.

See our Program Calendar for upcoming events!

Connect©

Connect© Parenting Groups are 10 weekly, 90-minute sessions designed to help parents and caregivers of pre-teens and teens (ages 8-19) strengthen their relationships. This trauma-informed, evidence-based program emphasizes the importance of attachment—the "shared partnership" between caregiver and child. Connect© Parenting Groups help navigate the challenges of adolescence as children seek more independence. Parents and caregivers learn skills to:

Open communication
Build trust
Promote problem-solving
Reduce difficult behaviors

 Participants report feeling less stressed, more confident, and hopeful after completing the program.

Connect© is available to adoptive parents, foster parents, and kinship caregivers in Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties. The groups meet virtually via Zoom. Please complete this interest form to receive information on upcoming sessions: https://forms.gle/1otMK23crUb38wbj6

Support Groups

Family Ties Monthly Gathering

Join us each month for our Family Ties Gathering, offering adoptive, kinship, and foster families an opportunity for fellowship, support, education, and fun! Held on the second Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 pm, the gathering begins with a shared meal followed by caregiver peer support, a peer support group for teens, and structured activities for younger children, including yoga and mindfulness. This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and engage in a supportive, enriching environment. Register here.

Transracial Adoptive Parent Support Group

Join us for monthly virtual support groups for parents who have adopted children outside of their own race. These groups provide a structured, supportive space for parents to connect with leaders who have lived expertise and share experiences, challenges, and successes in raising transracially adopted persons. The sessions are designed to foster meaningful discussions and help parents gain practical tools for navigating transracial adoption. These monthly support groups help parents navigate the complexities of transracial adoption while promoting understanding and acceptance within their families and communities. Register here.

ANC/NAMI Caregivers Support Group

In partnership with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), this support group is peer-led and intended for families and caregivers raising children with mental and behavioral health needs. The group provides an opportunity for caregivers' personal needs to be met encouraging empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community. Meeting on the 3rd Monday of each month from 6:30-8 PM over Zoom, this group offers the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and discover your inner strength in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Register here.

One-on-One Support

Adoption Network Cleveland staff provide a compassionate ear, referral to community resources, problem-solving, personal advocacy strategies, and reinforcement of trauma-informed and adoption competent parenting techniques. Parents who use social media are also encouraged to connect with other Family Ties parents through our private Family Ties Facebook Group.

Educational Opportunities

Adoption Network Cleveland provides access to conferences, presentations, and workshops by local, state, and national experts on a regular basis. Examples include parent trainings and our Monday Evening Speaker Series. For up-to-date information on available opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and check our program calendar regularly.

Family Social Activities

Creating normalcy and connectedness through typical family activities such as going ice skating, going to the zoo, attending a sporting event, or meeting friends for a group picnic is an important piece of building a social network. Recent research has shown that having a strong social network (friends that understand your situation and support you) improves physical and mental health, resiliency, education, and overall life contentment outcomes for both individuals and families.

See our program calendar for upcoming Family Social Events.

Family Social Photos