ADOPTION SUPPORT

FRUA National: FRUA supports adoptive families and children around the world. The true experts on adoption from the former Soviet Union and neighboring countries are YOU...the families who have "been there and done that"! FRUA exists to support adoptive families who are considering adoption, in the process of adopting and those who have returned home with their precious children! FRUA is an organization that is for everyone; whether you are just beginning to travel the road to adoption or you've been a forever family for awhile! http://www.frua.org

After Adoption: Bala Cynwyd. Parent/child group meetings. When your child is young (infant to 4/5 years old), you attend with your child and while the children play, you discuss various development issues with child development experts Elaine Frank and Denise Rowe. They also have a group for parents with elementary age children in which case you attend without your children (because they meet during school hours!). For more information, phone 215-879-4030.

GIFT: Lancaster area, Getting International Families Together: Working together to make our families strong through education, support and opportunities for fellowship Offers support group meetings, educational workshops, family mentoring, resource center, cultural and social opportunities. http://groups.msn.com/giftts

SOAR: Lancaster area. A small group providing resources to families of adopted children. Main focus is families who have adopted older, school aged children from Russian and eastern European orphanages, but all adoptive families are welcome to join. Encourages families who are considering adoption to come to meetings to ask questions and talk to experienced families. http://www.soaradopt.org/

Adoption Clubhouse - FOR ADOPTED CHILDREN!! A great resource for adopted children (and their parents) dealing with issues from school assignments, to friends, to everyday life. Includes a message board for children to communicate with other children who have been adopted. Sponsored by the National Adoption Center.www.adoptionclubhouse.org

STARS A family support group located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Theiradoptive and foster care parents are raising children of different races, ages and cultures. www.starsfamily.org

ADOPTION AGENCY RESEARCH

FRUA Chat FRUA National offers a free chat for adoptive and prospective adoptive parents. Please check out the topic "Agencies". www.frua.org

Intercountry Adoption Registry (ICAR)Database designed for international adoption registry and providing adoptive families objective, uncensored information on organizations involved in intercountry adoption.www.adoptachild.org

Adoption Agency Reseach Yahoo GroupThe Adoption Agency Research Group was formed to help prospective adoptive parents in their research and selection of an international adoption agency. The group is for consumers only, agencies are not permitted. groups.yahoo.com/group/Adoption_Agency_Research

List of Agencies Accredited by Russia Check this link to find the accurate and current list of US Adoption Agencies Accreditied to work with Russia. The site is in Russian, but the Agencies are listed in English (scroll down).www.usynovite.ru/international/ru/foreign_agencies/

List of Agencies Accredited by Lithuania Check this link to find a current list of agencies accredited by the Lithuanian government. Dossiers may only be filed through these agencies, www.ivaikinimas.lt. The site is in Lithuanian click on "Akredituotos uÏsienio valstybi Ivaikinimo institucijos" in the left hand column. An English version is due out shortly.

BIRTH PARENT SEARCH ASSISTANCE

Birth Parent Contact Yahoo GroupThis group is for those who have adopted Internationally and are contemplating contacting their child's birth parents or birthfamily. It is also for those who have already established contact with their child's birth parents or other birthfamily. Moderated by Karen Holt, adoptive mother.groups.yahoo.com/group/BirthParentContact/

Post Adopt Birth Parent Seek Yahoo Group. This group is for adoptive parents who have adopted a child from Russia or the former Soviet Union. It is run by Tony Carruthers, adoptive father and profesional searcher.uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/postadoptbirthparentseek/

Siblings Registry - Russia/Ukraine/Kazakhstan/Eastern Europe> Julie S is an adoptive Mom collecting information to connect kids with any biological siblings that have been adopted from Russia, Ukraine, Kazahstan, any Eastern European country. The information will remain strictly confidential and only given out if there is a match,  this information is not stored on the internet EMAIL: mom2russians@yahoo.com

FRUA-PA Birth Parent Seekers Support Please contact Debbie if you are attempting to or have contacted your child(ren)'s birth family. Debbie is not a professional search agent, just a FRUA-PA mom looking those who wish to have support and guidance in their search. EMAIL: debbieM521@aol.com

Lithuanian Birth Sibling Registry Gina Pollock is an adoptive Mom compiling information to connect children adopted from Lithuania with their birth siblings. Information is confidential and only given out if there is a match. No information is stored on the internet. EMAIL: rmprhp@yahoo.com.

GENERAL ADOPTION EDUCATION/SUPPORT

Pre-Adoption Information & Support:

Thinking of AdoptingThinking of Adopting is a group of adoptive parents, the real adoption experts, who want to help you decide if adoption is right for you. They provide the information you need for your adoption journey. Their mission is to help more people take a “leap of faith” so that more children get their forever homes. Services include: links, chat, teleconferencing with adoption experts, newsletter, and suggested reading.www.thinkingofadopting.com

Pre and Post Adoption Information and Support:

Comeunity Adoption Comeunity webpages provide hundreds of articles and resources for families in all stages of the adoption process. www.comeunity.com

POST ADOPTION DEPRESSION

Articles:

Adoption and Depression Article by Karen Ledbetter http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art385.asp

Baby-Shock: Depression and International Adoption Article by Jean McLeod http://www.adoptionparenting.net/page21.html

Post Adoption Depression - The Silence and the Secrecy Article on PADS http://www.rainbowkids.com/1003depression.htm

Post-Adoption Depression - What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You Article by Ninotchka Beavers http://iparentingadoption.com/resources/articles/pad.htm

When Instant Love Isn't There Article by Susan M. Ward http://www.olderchildadoption.com/parenting/instantlove.htm

Support Groups:

PostAdoptionDepression Yahoo GroupThis group is for support of those who have adopted internationally who are experiencing Post-Adoption Depression: stress, depression, the blues, after bringing home their child/children. You are not alone! This group will be a comfortable and supportive place for those new moms/dads questioning their decision to adopt, their parenting ability, and other post-adoption transition troubles! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PostAdoptionDepression

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Pre & Post Adoption Evaluations:

Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Adoption Consultation Service Website: http://www.nemours.org/internet?url=no/aidhc/svcs/div2039.html Contact Information: Kathleen Cronan, MD, Chief, Division of Emergency Medicine & Co-Director, Adoption Consultation Service; Amy E. Renwick, MD, General Pediatrician Address: Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road Wilmington, Delaware 19803 Telephone Number: (302) 651-5800

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia International Adoption Health Program Website: http://www.chop.edu/consumer/jsp/division/generic.jsp?id=73554Contact Information: Dr. Alyssa Harrison and Dr. Gail Farber Address: 34th St. and Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104. Phone: 267-426-5005 Fax 215-590-3198 Email: chopadopt@email.chop.edu

Center for Developmental Adoption Medicine Website: http://www.devadoptmed.comContact Information: Dr. Harlem Address: 1400 Old York Road, Suite D, Abington PA 19001 Phone: 1-888-817-7303 offering Pre-Adoption Services and Post-Adoption Services including: Developmental Evaluation, Neuromotor Evaluation, Support Services, Psycho-Educational Evaluation, Psychological Services.

International Adoption Health Services of Western Pennsylvania, A Division of Pediatric Alliance, P.C. : Website: http://www.pediatricalliance.com/adoptiondx.cfmContact: Dr. Sarah Springer, M.D. Address: 4070 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Phone: Patient appointments: 412-521-6511 Pre-adoption consultations: 412-697-0887 Fax: 412-521-6512

POST ADOPTION SUPPORT SERVICES

Post Adoption Services Through the Statewide Adoption Network in Conjunction with Welcome House Adoption ProgramSWAN and Welcome House offer a variety of comprehensive services including assessment, case management, support groups, and respite care. Services are available for the entire family, whatever your situation. Help is available, please call 1-800-220-2825

Project Katherine Post Institutional child awareness and support. Offers education, support and awareness initiatives for post institutional children. WEBSITE:www.projectkatherine.org

SPECIAL NEEDS

General

Special Kids Network 614 W. 4th Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 Phone: 570-327-8140  Fax: 570-327-8195  Toll Free: 800-986-4550 Referral network for families of children and adults with special needs. Support groups are available in 6 regions of the state.www.paskn.org

Friendship House Offers services for children ages 2 to 15 who have emotional problems and behavioral difficulties. Serves all of eastern Pennsylvania from facilities in Scranton, Hamlin, Pottsville, Pottstown, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia. Phone 1-800-226-0456 Email mail@FriendshipHousePA.org Website: www.friendshiphousepa.org

Children's Disabilities Information Provides articles and links for researching special needs. www.childrensdisablities.info

Attachment Issues:

Attachment and Bonding Center of Pennsylvania: Assessment and Evaluation, Training/educational programs provided by ABC staff for parents or professionals. Director - Cheryl Nitz, ACSW LCSW Clinical offices in Warminster, PA Phone: 215-443-5060 Email:director@abcofpa.net www.abcofpa.net

Dianne C. Kuchlak, MSS, LCSW, Attachment Therapy and Family Counseling: Offering attachment therapy for children and families, treatment for early childhood trauma, post-adoption counseling.47 Marchwood Road, Suite 2-H, Exton, PA 19341 Phone:  610-280-9555 Fax:  610-280-9532 Email: DCKuchlak@aol.com WEB: www.attachmentdisorderhelp.homestead.com

Institute for Children and Families: Areas of expertise: reactive attachment disorder, PTSD, ADHD, adoption issues, pediatric trauma and sexual abuse, childhood anxiety and depression. Institute for Children and Families, 1861 Charter Lane, Lancaster, PA 17601 Phone: (717) 290-7040 Email: info@instituteforchildren.org, AND 790 East Market Street, Suite 300, West Chester, PA 19382 Phone: (610) 431-9508 www.instituteforchildren.com

Life Management Associates, Cheryl Walters, therapist.Specialties: Children and adolescents with particular specialization in Reactive Attachment Disorder, foster care/adoption issues, and victims of abuse. Address: 1848 Charter Lane, Lancaster, PA 17601 Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 7:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm Contacts: Phone: (800) 327-7770 Emergency services after hours Email: info@lmasystems.com Web: www.lmasystems.com

Elizabeth Bogado Briganti, Psy.D. Licensed clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist with a specialty area in infant mental health and parent-child interactions. Passionate about promoting children’s healthy development, she strives to foster adaptive, secure relationships between parents and their children. She believes that early intervention can be a powerful tool in helping children and parents to be the best they can be. Typical reasons for referral: helping child to adjust to the family and vice versa; emotional and behavioral problems in school and/or home; early childhood trauma.Contact & Location: Phone: (267) 475-3744 Address: 28 Garrett Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010 AND 1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1202, Philadelphia, PA 19102

The PA Attachment Disorder Support Group - Find a schedule of meetings for support groups meeting in West Chester and Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Contacts: Dianne Kuchlak, LCSW, diannekuchlak@followingadoption.com AND Nancy Geoghegan 610-255-3664 nancyjhg@followingadoption.com Mailing Address: 119 Liberti Lane, Lincoln University, PA 19352 www.followingadoption.com

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/ Fetal Alcohol Effects

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:Offers resources, education and advocacy. www.nofas.org/

Coalition on Fetal Alcohol and Other Drug Effects - C-FADETraining for families and providers in north central Pennsylvania. Address: 625 W Edwin Street , Williamsport, PA 17701 Phone: 570-326-0565  Fax: 570-326-7582  Contact: Marti Bartlett, Chair

Drexel University College of Medicine-Department of Psychiatry Division of Behavioral Healthcare Education 3200 Henry Avenue , Philadelphia, PA 19129 Phone: 215-842-4340, 2  Fax: 215-849-3229  Contact: Donna McNelis, Director, Taylor Anderson, MSW

Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia - Clinical Genetics Center Diagnosis of FAS/FAE. Main Building 34th Street+Civic Center blvd Rm. 215, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: 215-590-7465, 2  Fax: 215-590-9339  Contact: James Coplan, M.D., Developmental Pediatrician NAD Phone: 215-590-2920  Fax: 215-590-3298  Contact: Elaine Zackai, M.D.

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh - Child Development Unit Diagnostic testing for FAS/FAE. 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Phone: 412-692-5560  Fax: 412-692-5679  Contact: Sara Hamel, M.D., Dena Hofkosh, M.D., Carol Delahunty, M.D.

Harold White, M.D.Diagnosis & treatment FAS/FAE 219 S Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-394-7121 

Joseph Kosakoski, M.D. Diagnosis & treatment FAS/FAE. 230 Harrisburg Ave., Suite 8, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-509-1931  Fax: 717-509-1934  

Marilyn Deutsch, Ph.D., Psychologist Evaluates and treats children. 120 N Abington Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411 Phone: 570-586-4343  Fax: 570-586-2196  

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine - Philhaven Hospital Diagnosis and treatment. 283 S Butler Road, Mount Gretna, PA 17064 Phone: 717-273-8871  Fax: 717-270-2452  Toll Free: 800-932-0359 Contact: Francis Sparrow, M.D., Psychiatrist

Sensory Integration Disorders

Totaly Sense-Sational Jodie C. Seligson, MS, OTR/L, Director. Sensory Integration and Floortime Therapy, Tomatis Consultant, SIPT Certified. 37 East Germantown Pike, Suite 201, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Tel: (610) 941-6101 Email: jodie@totalysensesational.com WEBSITE: www.totalysensesational.com

****NOTICE****

FRUA-PA is not endorsing or recommending any of the above organizations or individuals. We are providing this information to our families as resource information. FRUA-PA has no contractual arrangement with any of the above, nor does FRUA-PA receive any financial benefit from any family utilizing the services provided by the above organizations or individuals.