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How to Start an Adoptee Support Group

by Shannon Wakeland

Overview

At some point in his life, a person adopted as a young child or teen may want to search for a birth parent, brother or a sister. This desire to know usually occurs when the adoptee is an adult. Without a support system, the task of searching may be difficult. Towns and cities may offer adoptee support groups; however, if they do not, there is always the option of starting your very own.

Step 1

Network with other adoptees. You may work with someone who is adopted. Talk to that person about adoption. Find out if he is interested in attending or helping you with a support group. That one person may have a friend or family member who is also interested in meeting with others who are adopted.
Step 2

Consider listing an ad in the classified section of the newspaper about a future adoptee support group. List a number and email address for others to contact you. Once you receive several responses, choose a neutral meeting place for the adoptees interested. A public meeting area, such as a book store or coffee shop, may be a good idea in the beginning .
Step 3

Go online and place an ad on Craigslist.com. Be sure to list the information in the correct city and state. Consider including an email address and a phone number to allow a couple of options for adoptees to contact you. Meet in a public place to assure comfort and ease to all.
Step 4

Visit adoption forums and websites on the Internet. Once you are registered and have made a few posts, reach out to others who may be in the local area. Send messages or make a post regarding your interest in starting an adoptee support group. You may find that there are others out there who like the idea and will offer their support in various areas.
Step 5

Arrive at the first support group location. Meet and greet the others. Thank everyone for attending. Talk a little about yourself and explain why you chose to start an adoptee support group. Open up the floor to allow others the chance to talk as well. Ask for suggestions regarding what others feel would make for a successful support group.
Step 6

Set up the next meeting for the support group. Gather names, numbers and email addresses from the adoptees and keep in touch with each member. Send out reminders about upcoming meetings. Ask adoption specialists, adoption angels, lawyers and even adoptees who have been reunited with loved ones to come and speak at a meeting once a month.

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Offer a few refreshments at the meetings such as coffee and donuts.
Offer a few refreshments at the meetings such as coffee and donuts.
Bring along a family member or friend to the first meeting, especially if you are not sure who will be there.
Bring along a family member or friend to the first meeting, especially if you are not sure who will be there.