Jac & Liz Grimes

What are some opinions about the probability of many
>of these children having been misdiagnosed, medicated without need,
>possibly having emotional issues stemming from foster care or previous
>problems that "look" like ADD symptoms, etc.?? How difficult is it to take
>a child off medication? How would you assess the true nature of a child's
>condition, abilities and needs when they are already on medication? How do
>you approach this issue in a way that is healthy and non-threatening to the
>child?

Having adopted five children from the foster care system, I can tell you
that the termoil and upheavel in the child's life during their time in the
system is enough to make them ADHD! They spend so much of their young lives
worried about where they are going to be next, who will care for them, why
they can't be with their birth family, that they have no time or energy to
focus on learning, and paying attention to what is really happening at that
time. They are then diagnosed and medicated (much easier on overworked
fosterparent). Having been a foster parent to many of these children I tell
you how overworked and under supported these people really are. Even though
3 of mine were so young at the time of their adoptions that they had no
diagnosis placed on them, that as they enetered public school and began to
deal with the issues of their placements with us they experienced the same
energy draining and difficulty focusing on current life. And yes they were
medicated as part of a larger program of treatment that included therapy,
and changes in parenting styles to help them learn better coping skills.
Two have been able to use this as the learning tool it was meant to be and
are no longer on meds. The other has more extensive problems and is no
longer on meds for ADHD but is still on mood altering meds.

>
>Should I avoid children who are being medicated as a matter of course?
>Would the situation be too sticky to embroil ourselves in if there is
>psychological drugs present?

Do you object to drugs across the board? Could you use them as the help to
transition a child and give the child the help to learn new coping skills,
and give them the space to work thru their issues with your love and
support. Then they can often be dropped down the road as the child settles
in. If you can't see the use of the meds in this light, then bringing a
child currently on meds into your home might not work.


Anyone have any info to share? Anyone also
>have any leads or suggestions of areas/agencies for us to check into for kids?
>

There is an organization in Rochester New York Children Awaiting Parents
(CAP) that has a photo listing service of children across the country that
need families. You can subscribe to their listing book (716-232-5110).
They also have a website that lists the children. There are several such
websites. The Rocky Mountain photo exchange also has a website. Also check
with your state adoption supervisor about mailings that list children in
your state--even though your social worker may receive this mailing-you may
spot a child that just seems like a good match that the worker would miss
(happened 2X for us.)

I would also recommend contacting Adoptive Families of America -can't find
their phone number right now. They are located in the Twin Cities area and
do have a website and toll free number. This organization has a great
magazine just for adoptive parents covering all kinds of situations. Also
contact North American Council on Adoptable Children (612-644-3036).This
organization can put in contact with a lot of the listing agencies.

Good luck Nanci. This is a very different road on the parenting highway but
very well worth the time and energy. If you want to e-mail me privately for
more info, please feel free to.

Peace,
Liz

Andi Kaufman

liz wrote:
>There is an organization in Rochester New York Children Awaiting Parents
>(CAP) that has a photo listing service of children across the country that
>need families. You can subscribe to their listing book (716-232-5110).
>They also have a website that lists the children. There are several such
>websites. The Rocky Mountain photo exchange also has a website. Also check
>with your state adoption supervisor about mailings that list children in
>your state--even though your social worker may receive this mailing-you may
>spot a child that just seems like a good match that the worker would miss
>(happened 2X for us.)
>
>I would also recommend contacting Adoptive Families of America -can't find
>their phone number right now. They are located in the Twin Cities area and
>do have a website and toll free number. This organization has a great
>magazine just for adoptive parents covering all kinds of situations. Also
>contact North American Council on Adoptable Children (612-644-3036).This
>organization can put in contact with a lot of the listing agencies.

Liz, do you have any of the web sited for thes organization and other phone
numbers. i am in the same situation as nanci and i really appreciate the
info.

Andi...domestic goddess and active volunteer
mom to Isaac
tl2b@...

Never Underestimate the Power of This Woman!