A Network for Connection, Healing, and Ongoing Resources

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), through the Children's Bureau, will fund a cooperative agreement to develop, implement, and evaluate a demonstration program of post-adoption support services for birth parents who have voluntarily placed their children for private domestic adoption. This initiative is founded on the recognition that the well-being of all parties in an adoption is essential. Birth parents often benefit from access to support and resources following their placement for adoption.This demonstration program will provide services including, but not limited to, support groups and supportive services and resources. The goal is to identify and promote effective models of support that contribute to the positive adjustment and well-being of birth parents. A central component of this project is a rigorous evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the services provided and to develop a model that can be replicated by other organizations nationally. This work directly supports ACF's mission to promote the social well-being of families and individuals.

Those who provide (directly or by grant to or contract with public or private agencies or organizations, including adoptive family groups and minority groups) for the provision of technical assistance in the planning, improving, developing, and carrying out of programs and activities relating to adoption, and to promote professional leadership training of minorities in the adoption field. Applications from individuals (including sole proprietorships) and foreign entities are not eligible and will be disqualified from the merit review and funding under this funding opportunity. Faith-based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for awards under this funding opportunity.