First Families
Acknowledging the overlooked reality that once adoption paperwork is finalized, biological families—commonly known as “First Families”—are frequently sidelined, with little to no follow-up resources or support.
These families are left alone to navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with the adoption process, often feeling isolated in their grief and uncertainty.
Navigating the Gaps is dedicated to bridging this divide by connecting with first family advocates from across the United States to provide meaningful assistance and resources, ensuring that these individuals receive the support they need as they navigate the often trivialized aftermath of their decision.
Did you know?
Most infant adoptions in the United States occur due to a lack of resources for the biological family. Organizations and community provided resources exist to assist you if you wish to parent your child.
Former Foster Youth & Adult Adoptees
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by individuals who have been adopted or experienced foster care as children, Navigating the Gaps seeks to address these critical issues by providing connections to mental health services, peer support networks, and other resources aimed at helping adult adoptees and former foster youth heal and thrive.
Research highlights alarming statistics regarding the mental health and wellness of these adults, with many grappling with higher rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and feelings of identity loss or abandonment.
These struggles are often compounded by limited access to specialized resources and support systems tailored to their needs.
Foster Parents
Rules, regulations, and laws surrounding foster care can vary significantly by state, creating confusion and inconsistency in the support and guidance provided to foster families.
Many foster parents report that they were not equipped with the trauma-informed education necessary to understand and meet the emotional and psychological needs of the children entering their care—children who have often experienced significant trauma.
Navigating the Gaps aims to bridge these critical divides by connecting foster parents with the training, resources, and community support they need to provide compassionate, informed care that addresses the unique challenges faced by children who experience the United States Foster Care system.
Who better to learn where the gaps are located than from those adults who experienced the foster care system first hand as children?
Adoptive parents
Recognizing the wealth of knowledge now available from adult adoptees with lived experience—individuals who are uniquely positioned as subject matter experts on “What not to do”, having witnessed firsthand the challenges within the adoption experience - Navigating the Gaps works to facilitate connections between adoptive parents and the adult adoptee community, fostering open dialogue about how to build healthier, more understanding relationships moving forward.
These adult adoptees provide invaluable insights into the emotional, psychological, and identity-related struggles that can arise, offering guidance on what they wish their adoptive parents had known or done differently.
Through these shared experiences, todays adoptive parents can gain a deeper understanding of their child's journey, and learn how to provide the support necessary for a thriving family bond.