For More Information:

Liz Jimenez, Post-Adoption Services Coordinator; lizj@jfcs.org; 707-303-1509

Post-Adoption Services

We offer a variety of services for families formed by adoption in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Napa counties. This program is funded by a grant from the California Department of Social Services.  FREE to all families formed by adoption.  Services include:

Crisis Intervention, Counseling, and Consultation

Whether your family is experiencing a crisis, or you just want support to improve communication or attachment, we have experienced therapists and parent educators here to help.

Play Groups

Young children who might be experiencing difficulties in developing positive social interactions with peers and adults can benefit from learning to “play well with others.” These groups are designed to help children learn to deal with the conflicts, frustrations, and excitement of relating to others and to have the chance to recognize the impact of their behaviors and attitudes. Emotional regulation skills are modeled.

Socialization Playgroup for Preschoolers: meets Thursday mornings 9:30 - 11:00 am beginning January 14th. This group helps adopted preschoolers to strengthen social skills, build positive relationships, and learn to handle conflict and frustration. Facilitated by Amy McIntyre, MA. Concurrent parent support group facilitated by Liz Jimenez, MSW. Parents Place, 1360 N. Dutton Ave., Suite C, Santa Rosa. RSVP required, to register or for more information call Liz Jimenez at 707-303-1509.

Socialization Group for Young Children (6-9).  Help children in the early school years develop healthful social skills and practive "talking about" adoption. This small group will provide adopted children with a natural peer group of other adopted children and encourage them to establish positive peer relations and strengthen self-esteem. Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45 pm, beginning February 2nd. Facilitated by Amy McIntyre, MA.  

Support Groups

Santa Rosa Parent Support Group: meets on the third Wednesday of each month, 5:30-7:30 pm. This monthly support group is open to all adoptive parents and offers child care free of charge. First 30 minutes is a family brown-bag dinner. Facilitated by Liz Jimenez, MSW. Parents Place, 1360 N. Dutton Ave. Suite C, Santa Rosa. RSVP required, to register or for more information call Liz Jimenez at 707-303-1509.  

Petaluma Parent Support Group: meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 5:45-7:45 pm. This monthly support group is open to all adoptive parents. Facilitated by Liz Jimenez, MSW. B'nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave. Petaluma.  RSVP required, to register or for more information call Liz Jimenez at 707-303-1509.

Teen Socialization Group: Exploring Relationships Through Popular Media. A study of the dynamics of teen relationships with peers, family, and school, examined through such media as film, music, art, and literature. Interest list now forming; please call Liz Jimenez for more information. RSVP required, to register or for more information call Liz Jimenez at 707-303-1509.  

Creating Lifebooks

A lifebook is a collection of words, photos, graphics, artwork, and memorabilia that creates a life record for an adopted child. We offer ongoing lifebook classes for parents and children.

Creating Your Child's Lifebook: meets Thursday mornings,  9:30-11:30 am (1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/8, 5/6 & 6/3). Come and learn about the group and about "lifebooks" at Introduction to Lifebooks either January 5th, 6-7:30 pm at B'nai Isreal Jewish Center, or March 8th, 10-11:30 am at Parents Place, 1360 N. Dutton Ave., Suite C, Santa Rosa. RSVP required, to register or for more information call Liz Jimenez at 707-303-1509.

Parent and Professional Trainings

Full- and half-day sessions occur throughout the year to build skills on adoption-related issues. For more information about the full range of JFCS adoption services, visit Adoption Connection, our agency for domestic and international adoptions.

Events

Post-Adoption Services Annual Picnic

Date: Sunday, May 16, 2010, Time: 11:00 am to  2:00 pm, Galvin Community Park, Santa Rosa

Please join us for:

Burgers, Hot Dogs, Drinks & Dessert (all provided by Parent’s Place) Please bring a side dish to share! Jolly jump, face painting, games, prizes …

RSVP by May 10 to Liz Jimenez 707-303-1509 / Lizj@jfcs.org