In the age of Google and tech-savvy toddlers, answers to questions about adoption are often just a click away. For adoptees looking to start the process of tracking down birth parents, these national websites offer a jumping-off point:
Adoption Registry Connect
Adoptive Families
American Adoptions
Center for Adoption Support and Education
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Find My Family
How to Investigate
OmniTrace
But while the information may be more accessible, the emotions surrounding adoption can still prove complicated. Here are local support groups and services for adoptees and their parents:
Abbott House
100 N. Broadway, Irvington; 914-591-7300
Places children in permanent, adoptive homes. Understanding difficulties and challenges are something that every family must overcome; Abbott offers programs during and after adoption. Counseling, educational advocacy, and support groups are offered to parents and children.
Catholic Guardian Society and Home Bureau
1011 First Ave., Manhattan; 212-371-1011
A domestic and international adoption program that offers its services throughout the metropolitan area. The organization serves families and children in all communities and at all stages in the adoption process. Counseling is also offered to expectant mothers seeking parenting options.
Children’s Village
1 Echo Hills, Dobbs Ferry; 914-693-0600
Offers services to adoptive families and support for children of all ages, including parenting support groups and trainings, medical services, and case management. The organization also processes child placement for children.
Family Services of Westchester Adoption and Children’s Services
1 Gateway Plaza, 4th Floor, Port Chester; 914-937-2320
Helps birth parents make decisions regarding unplanned pregnancies. Counseling and support on adoption options are available as well as assistance through the adoption process.
Forever Families Through Adoption
62 Bowman Ave., Rye Brook; 914-939-1180
An adoption agency and resource center, FFTA seeks to educate the community about adoption as well as related parenting issues. Through counseling and education, FFTA aims to promote a positive adoption experience.
KidsPeace
5 W. Main St., Suite 104, Elmsford; 914-784-010
Offers foster care and adoption services, with a focus on children who have emotional or behavioral issues and/or have experienced abuse or neglect.
Leake and Watts
463 Hawthorne Ave., Yonkers; 914-375-8700
Creates strong foundations for children and families by offering foster care and adoption services that include placement and medical assistance. The organization also offers therapeutic support groups and aids adoptive parents in building healthy and caring homes for their families.
New York State Citizen’s Coalition for Children
501 Fourth St., Park Slope; 607-272-0034
Provides support, information, and advocacy for foster and adoptive parents and professionals in New York state.
Westchester County Department of Services
Offers a range of resources for birth parents and adoptive parents concerned about adoption and foster care.
