Being a foster or adoptive parent can be an incredibly fulfilling responsibility, but it is also difficult at times. One way that MFCAA works to support foster and adoptive families is by providing an opportunity for them to connect with each other and share their experiences.

Currently, MFCAA is sponsoring support groups for individuals who are new to the unique arena of Foster and Adoptive parenting. Based in a casual, laidback setting, this group is the perfect place for new foster and adoptive parents to meet together, share experiences, get helpful tips or offer suggestions to help others through their new life journey.

To get more information or to sign up for the groups below, please email or call Justin at 816-350-0215.

Forming Now! Newly Adopted Group/Boys and Girls ages 9 and older
This group will focus on family claiming, shared experiences, and common challenges of joining your family later in life.

Forming Now! Waiting for a Family Group/Boys and Girls ages 9 and older
This group will include peer mentors who have been adopted and who can empathize with and encourage group members.  A focus will be on preparing youth for the possibility of a forever family.

Forming Now! Understanding Adoption Group/Boys and Girls age 6—12
This group will focus on understanding adoption and developing strategies to manage the experience of adoption in daily circumstances.

My Family is Adopting Group/Boys and Girls who are birth children in foster/adoptive homes
This group will focus on anticipating and developing strategies for dealing with the challenges that accompany adopting a child into the family.

Groups for Parents:

New Foster Parents Group
Group for all new Foster Parents

New Adoptive Parents Group
Group for all new Adoptive Parents

Group Therapy

Therapy groups for a variety of special needs (for children and adults alike) are coordinated through MFCAA, and Lifeworks Group Therapy.

Sexual Abuse Reactive Groups

When a child has been the victim of sexual abuse, one of the ways that they may opt to cope is through the demonstration of ‘Abuse Reactive’ behaviors.  These behaviors include a variety of acting out options including subjecting other children to inappropriate touch or abuse.  While this type of acting out is often seen as a ‘perpetrating’ type behavior, these kids are simply reacting to the abuse that they have suffered.

• Level I
  Group for Girls age 9—14
  Group for Boys age 9—14
  These groups will consist of age appropriate sex education, processing past abuse, taking responsibility for offensive behaviors, identifying triggers and learning new coping skills, including how to ask parents or caregivers for help.
  
  
• Level II
  Group for Girls age 9—14
  This group will include information built upon Level I group and admission to this group requires successful completion of Level I group.  This group will consist of identifying sexual abuse/offense cycle, confronting grooming behaviors, and
  relapse prevention plans.