Thank you for your interest in AHA’s Online Support Group! We believe this peer group is an excellent opportunity for adoptees to connect with one another, share common thoughts and emotions, and provide mutual support.
The AHA Online Support Group is FREE and open to adoptees and formerly fostered individuals over age 18. Julie Hart and Amy Fjellman, both adult adoptees, will be live online to facilitate the group the first Tuesday of every month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. CST. Participants are welcome to post comments at other times and interact with one another without the facilitators present. The focus is Minnesota adoptees and fosterees, but the group is open to others outside of Minnesota.
Online Peer Support Group Model
- Group is facilitated by adult adoptees with experience in adoption.
- Participants can expect to share personal stories without being judged or criticized by others.
- Participants are encouraged to give and receive support.
- Participants will likely find commonality with and validate others in the group.
- Participants further along in their adoption journeys will be encouraged to help guide newcomers, but may expect to receive support for themselves as well.
- Participants may assume that this is a secure forum and that all posts and discussions will be and remain confidential.
Some examples of topics discussed in adoptee support groups include, but are not limited to, the following: General feelings and experiences related to being adopted or fostered; developmental stages of adoptees; identity/dual identity; relationships with family members, extended family members, friends, significant others, teachers, others; search and reunion; grief and loss; books, articles and newsletters; adoption related movies or television; current events in adoption; adoption activities, conferences and events; birth country travel.
Providing some personal information for registration is voluntary but highly encouraged and appreciated. All applicants must have a valid email address. AHA analyzes the information to advocate for additional ongoing adoptee-specific supports and resources. However, no identifying information will be shared or sold to any third party.
All information will be confidential.
By signing up for this group, you agree that:
- You are at least 18 years of age.
- You will not criticize or personally attack other users, family members, individual adoption professionals or agencies. This includes demeaning comments related to gender, sexual orientation, race, politics, religion and adoption type.
- You will not use profanity.
- You will not post identifying information, either about yourself or about others.
- All the information posted in this group is strictly confidential and cannot be shared outside of the group unless granted permission from the user(s).
- You will not solicit or promote personal products or services.
- Your posts reflect your views and opinions only and do not reflect those of AHA.
- These boards will be monitored and moderated as necessary to uphold the stated usage of the rules. If you violate any of these rules, you will lose posting privileges.
