Just one caring heart can stop suicide

Danni was a beautiful young lady who had some things happen in her life that put her into the foster care system at 16.  She had many struggles in her life and at 17 returned to biological home to have what she thought would be a "chance to be a happy family".  By the time she hit her 18th birthday we was back on the streets, homeless.  

Danni struggled with loss of her family, grief and loss of friends and grief loss of her foster sibling at which point she had it with life, everything seemed to be going wrong but....... 

She never turned to anyone so Danni made a decision that she could not take back, she took her life. 

This program is dedicated to Danni and we hope to help children communicate, practice communication of difficult issues, to change outcomes and decision they make for their future.  By coaching them we can make the future look a lot different especially when they are open to change. 

Now accepting applications for ages 5-17.

FLYER

Niagara County children sponsored by Niagara County Youth Bureau.

#OneHeartCanStopSuicide

Trauma comes in many forms, and we work with children to help them move forward from their traumas. Sometimes we don't think of what can be a trauma.  Adoption is a blessing but can be a trauma.  There are many other traumas and we work to help them with those traumas, coaching and developing skills to work towards recovery. 

By: Carmaletta Zandi, Phd Candidate, MSW, SIFI, NPMC

Adoption is a complex process that involves the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from one individual or couple to another. For children who have experienced neglect, abuse, or other forms of trauma, adoption can offer a chance at a better life. However, the process of adoption itself can also be traumatic for the child.

Adoption involves significant changes in a child's life, including separation from their birth parents and familiar surroundings, living with new caregivers, and adjusting to a new family and community. These changes can be overwhelming and distressing, particularly for children who have experienced instability, uncertainty, and loss in their early lives.

Many children who are adopted have experienced significant trauma before the adoption process even begins. They may have experienced abuse or neglect, been removed from their birth family and placed in foster care, or suffered from other forms of instability and disruption. All of these experiences can affect a child's emotional and psychological well-being, making them more vulnerable to the stress and uncertainty of the adoption process.

In addition to the initial trauma of separation and adjustment, adopted children may also experience ongoing challenges as they attempt to navigate the complexities of their new family dynamics. They may struggle with issues of identity and belonging, particularly if they have been adopted across racial or cultural lines. They may also feel a sense of loss or grief over their birth family and early life experiences, even if they were traumatic.

Some adopted children may also experience issues related to attachment and trust. Having experienced early forms of neglect, abuse, or other forms of trauma, these children may be hesitant to form close attachments with their new caregivers or may struggle to trust that they will be cared for and loved unconditionally. This can make it difficult for them to develop close relationships, feel safe in their new home, and adjust to the routines and expectations of their new family.

Adoption can also be traumatic for children who have been adopted later in life. These children may have stronger attachments to their birth family or may have had more experiences that shape their sense of identity and self-worth. Adoption can feel like a disruption to their existing sense of self, particularly if they are moved away from familiar surroundings or placed with a family that is culturally or linguistically different from their own.

While adoption can be a positive and transformative experience for many children, it is important to recognize that it can also be traumatic. Children who are adopted may experience a range of emotional and psychological challenges as they adjust to their new family and community. Adoptive parents and caregivers must be aware of these challenges and provide the support and resources that children need to cope with the trauma of adoption and thrive in their new home.