A Hard but Helpful Step: Navigating Residential Treatment for Adopted Kids

Are you considering residential treatment for your adopted child? We speak with Daniel Hochstetler of Fair Play Camp in South Carolina about preparing our families for residential treatment, navigating the programs, and how to set our families up for success after treatment. 


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In this episode, we cover:

  • Pursuing residential treatment is one of the hardest decisions adoptive families can face. Based on your experience, how should we think about residential treatment within the broader picture of supporting our adopted kids? (i.e., exists on the spectrum of resources and interventions)
  • Before we get into the details, what do you want adoptive families to hear right away if residential treatment is something they think they may need to consider?
  • When we say residential treatment in this conversation, what does that mean?
  • How is it different from other supports families may have already tried, like therapy, out-patient programs, or in-home services?
  • What kinds of needs is residential treatment for adopted kids designed to meet?
  • In your experience, how can residential care be helpful for kids and families who are really struggling?
  • What are some misunderstandings that make this option feel more frightening or confusing than it needs to be?
  • This is where many parents feel stuck. What are some signs that a family may need to start thinking about a higher level of care?
  • Who should be part of making this decision? How can adoptive parents make sure they’re not making it in isolation?
  • When a family finds it necessary to move forward to placement in residential care, how can they talk with their child about residential treatment in a way that keeps the relationship intact?
  • What reactions should parents expect, and how can they respond in ways that don’t escalate their child’s fear or shame?
  • How can families stay connected while their child is in care?
  • What helps parents partner well with the treatment team?
  • Coming home is an important goal for parents and their kids to work toward. But it’s not a reset button that magically clears the cache. It is, however, another transition. And transitions can be hard on everyone.
  • What can you help our listeners understand about the transition home from the child’s perspective?
    • How should we be talking with our kids before leaving the residential program?
    • What are realistic expectations for those first few weeks?
  • What supports should already be in place before a child comes home? (work with caseworker from treatment, get recommendations, referrals, etc.)
  • What are some simple ways to rebuild a connection without overwhelming the child?
  • When old behaviors resurface—and they often do—how should parents respond?
  • What does progress actually look like in real life during this phase?
  • This experience affects everyone in the home. How can parents support siblings who may have been impacted by what’s happened?
  • Parents are often exhausted by this point. What does realistic, doable support look like for caregivers themselves?
  • If a parent listening today feels like they’re nearing this decision, what’s one step they can take to feel more grounded and prepared for the experience?

Resources:


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Music Credit: Michael Ashworth; Podcast Producer: megownsoundworks.com; Photo by Kate Andreeshcheva from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-man-starting-a-campfire-in-forest-setting-30537294/