Establishing a Support System Article #2
During the adoption home study many families have a home safety inspection completed by a social worker or another certified person. This very basic check covers the minimum safety concerns and issues all families face. Self sufficient families with a firm support system will have a safety and emergency plan and be ready in the event of sudden injury, illness or other emergency.
Not every adoptive family is required to take First Aid and C.P.R. however every parent really should know the basics. During training the First Aid guide is typically provided as part of the cost of the class. I use my First Aid Guide as a base for putting our family emergency kits together. It is recommended that we all have a kit in our homes and in each of our automobiles. Pre-assembled First Aid kits can be purchased for about $20.00 and these kits along with the First Aid guide can be the base of your safety and emergency planning.
Once a baby or child is placed for adoption with a family we need to be concerned about one major thing genetic families do not–identification in the event our child is missing. Adoptive parents should make it one of the first priorities to get all the identifying information, a current photo and a D.N.A. sample. For my family I use zip-lock bags, one for each family member. Inside the bag I keep updated contact information, personal medical details, emergency contacts, recent picture and an old hair brush or other sample of D.N.A.
No matter where you live it is important to be ready for an emergency or disaster. Can your family survive for at least 72 hours without electricity or any other services including clean water and heat? Some families have found that using a sturdy 32 gallon new and clean garbage can is a simple way to build a family emergency kit. Thinking about the things your family would need if you have to make it for 3 days fill the can up. Remember tools like can openers, batteries and candles. Do not forget diapers, and special needs that the members of your family may have including medications. If you have pets do not forget their food and needs. Our family usually checks the emergency kit once or twice a year and replace or rotate the items.
This series of articles will address establishing a support system for new adoptive parents and families.
- Establishing a Support System Introduction:
- Always Be Prepared.
- Educating Extended Family.
- Organizing Paperwork and Information.
- Finalization and Other Legal Issues
Special Needs and Adoption-Related Terms:
A | B | C | D | E-F | G-H-I | J-K-L | M | N-O | P | Q-R | S | T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z
For more information about parenting special needs children you might want to visit the Families.com Special Needs Blog and the Mental Health Blog. Or visit my personal website.