Programs: Our primary domestic program and service is our infant adoption program, where we are finding adoptive homes for babies, insuring that they have a permanent family at the youngest possible age. In this program, we provide counseling for women and their partners who face an unplanned pregnancy and are trying to figure out if they can keep and raise their child or to put an adoption plan in place. We help them sort through the issues and make an informed and thoughtful decision. In 2014, we provided assistance for 173 parents in this situation. In order to provide these clients sufficient time to carefully consider their options, we provide family care for babies in certified private homes until the child can go home to its biological parent(s) or be adopted. In fy14, 34 children were admitted to interim care and stayed for an average of 30 days after birth; 26 of these children were placed with adoptive families. Our other domestic program is "a special adoption program" (asap). The placement of subsidy eligible, special needs infants and children. In asap, we place children born with very significant special needs such as down syndrome, cerebal palsy, prader-willi syndrome and the like. In 2014, 8 children had these special placement considerations. Adoptive families for children are recruited from all over the country. We provide extensive education for prospective adoptive parents to ensure that they are prepared for the challenges of parenting and the uniqueness of being an adoptive family.
spence-chapin's international programs and services include the placement of school-age children, their siblings, and the children with special medical needs from bulgaria, colombia and south africa. Prospective adoptive families participate in an extensive educational programs. During fiscal year 2014, 288 people attended information sessions either online or in person and 50 applied to adopt. In fy14, we placed 15 children. In 1998, spence-chapin spearheaded the creation of the granny program, an initiative that provides nurturing and care for children in orphanages overseas, many of whom will never be adopted and are at risk for physical, cognitive and emotional delays. The granny program brings women from the community into the institutions to care for one or two children every day, giving them one-on-one love and attention, engaging them in activities that nurture their physical and emotional development. In 2014, the agency supported 2 granny programs providing care to 54 children with 27 grannies.
spence-chapin provides support, education and counseling to families, adoptees, birth parents, and professionals through the modern family center. We provide background search and reunion counseling and supportive services. Programs include educational workshops, groups for young children, mentorship programs, support groups and counseling. With few exceptions, these programs are open to the general public. In fiscal year 2014, our social workers provided 526 counseling or consultation sessions. The agency's mentorship program provides support and services to 23 young adoptees. A significant part of our post-adoption work is with the adult adoptees, where we provide assistance to those interested in learning about their original backgrounds. In fy 2014, 92 adoptees contacted us for this help.
