Parent Support Groups

About Parent Support Groups

Adoption is a wonderful way to build a family, however, it is still not the norm. Although family and friends may be supportive of parents by adoption and their children, they may not truly understand the rewards and unique challenges surrounding adoption.

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

Northern Ontario
  • North Bay
  • Thunder Bay
  • Sault Ste. Marie
Central Ontario-north of GTA
  • Barrie
  • Muskoka
  • Orangeville
  • Richmond Hill
Eastern Ontario
  • Belleville
  • Brockville
  • Kanata
  • Kingston
Central Ontario-east of GTA
  • Oshawa
  • Ottawa
  • Peterborough
  • Whitby
Western Ontario
  • Brantford
  • Kitchener
  • London
  • Owen Sound
  • Sarnia
  • Windsor
Central Ontario-west of GTA
  • Brampton
  • Guelph
  • Hamilton
  • Mississauga
  • Walkerton
  • St. Catherines
Toronto
  • 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.