Parent Support Groups
Why join a group?
Whether parenting for a number of years or just starting to build a family through adoption, support groups provide adoptive and permanency planning parents with access to a network of people who all share similar experiences. It is important for one’s health and effectiveness as a parent to be able to talk about their experiences, exchange ideas, shed a tear, share a laugh, feel less isolated, and network with others who “get it”, all without judgement. We become better parents with this type of support. Whether group members choose to have contact through face-to-face meetings, email contact or social media, they consistently report that the support and understanding they receive from other adoptive parents is extremely helpful.
How do I join a group?
The ACO has a Parent Liaison on staff who assists in the setting up and growing of parent support groups across the province. Our Parent Liaison attends the last session of our Pathways parent training program and helps families that have come together through the Pathways training, create ongoing parent support groups in their community. She also assists other parent support groups in the province. On an ongoing basis, she works with parent support leaders to ensure they have the support and skills that they need to lead the parent support group in their area.
For more information about how to establish or connect with an existing parent support group for adoptive, kinship or customary care parents, please contact Sylvia Gibbons at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
- North Bay
- Thunder Bay
- Sault Ste. Marie
- Barrie
- Muskoka
- Orangeville
- Richmond Hill
- Belleville
- Brockville
- Kanata
- Kingston
- Oshawa
- Ottawa
- Peterborough
- Whitby
- Brantford
- Kitchener
- London
- Owen Sound
- Sarnia
- Windsor
- Brampton
- Guelph
- Hamilton
- Mississauga
- Walkerton
- St. Catherines
- Toronto
Parent Support Group
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The Ontario Adoption Support Network Private Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/325860365819542
The Ontario Adoption Support Network Page
https://www.facebook.com/The-Ontario-Adoption-Support-Network-110375847936081
FASD Pathways Parenting Group
Grankin of Simcoe County
The Grandkins of Simcoe County is a peer support group for grandparents and other kin, parenting again. Currently meeting virtually due to COVID; hope to return to in-person meetings in September 2021.
Toronto
Halton
Durham Region
York Region
Chatham/Kent
Simcoe County Adoption Connection Group
Jewish Family & Child
Noelle facilitates a monthly adoptive parent group in North Toronto. The group provides a safe environment for examining complex issues such as the 7 Core Issues of Adoption. The goal is to help parents feel more confident through the opportunity to examine issues and practice new responses to situations in their families. There is a strong educational and peer led component to this group. All are welcome. Contact Noelle Burke for more information.