Post Adoption Support Services

What is PASS?
The Post Adoption Support Services (PASS) program provides therapeutic, in-home services to families in Kent County who have adopted or are in the process of adopting a child who has been placed in foster care. These services are therapy focused and are provided within the family’s home.

What is the goal of PASS?
PASS is designed to prevent adoption disruption or dissolution. It also is used to prevent re-entry for the children into the foster care system. PASS strives to maintain children safely in their home by promoting healthy family relationships and supportive services. The focus is to accomplish these goals and keep the family intact.

How will this help my family?
PASS is a program designed to identify risk factors and family needs. It also will work on improving these concerns through social, therapeutic, and other enrichment activities for your child and family.

What can I expect from PASS?
Soon after a child is referred to the PASS program, a therapist from D.A. Blodgett - St. John’s will arrange to meet with the adoptee and their parent(s) to assess the family needs, learn more about the family, and work with the family to develop an action plan. This action plan includes individual and family goals.

What will PASS expect from me?
• to be supportive and cooperative with PASS staff
• schedule weekly individual therapy
• schedule weekly therapy for the adoptee
• schedule monthly family therapy
• make sure the family is at each appointment
• the entire family is expected to participate in mutually agreed upon treatment goals

Services Provided
Individual Therapy Services
Meetings two times a week, once with the parent(s) and once with the adoptee

Family Therapy Services
Minimum of one time per month. As the “crisis” situation improves, we will meet once a week with either the parent(s) or adoptee. Therapy sessions will focus on the goals identified by your family.

Buddy Support Family
Every PASS family will be offered an experienced adoptive family to “walk beside” them through the treatment process. A Buddy Support Family will have regular phone, email, and in person contact with your family. They will also be available in times of crisis to provide support and encouragement.

Crisis Intervention & Counseling
The family is given a Crisis Card that includes the PASS therapist’s number and crisis number. The PASS therapists take turns carrying a crisis phone, which is on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A therapist will respond to a crisis call within fifteen minutes of receiving it.

Respite Care
Respite care will be available for the adoptee to provide regular breaks for the parents. Respite will be available for four hours per week giving the parents time to recoup while the case is open and therapy is occurring. The PASS therapist will work with your family to identify natural supports to provided respite as needed.

For more information or questions, contact Liz Brail at 616.361.5227 or to email her, click here.