Welcome to our new website! The Adoptive Families Association of BC is now the Belonging Network.
Can’t find something you need? Noticed a problem? Let us know at communications@belongingnetwork.com.

Toolkit

Ask the expert

This toolkit offers adoptive and permanency families heartfelt guidance on complex topics. Through a series of articles, experts address questions on subjects like identity, children’s mental health and trauma, and communicating with birth parents, providing you with the support and insights you need on your journey.

Featured Resources

Article

Ask the expert: Dr. Mark Bailey on learning disabilities assessments

Q: My six-year-old son’s teacher says that he has learning disabilities and...

Article

Ask the expert: Mental health and trauma in children

Britta West is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Traumatologist...

Article

Ask the expert: Occupational therapy for kids

Occupational therapist Gina Fernandez explains what OT is, who it...

Article

Ask the expert: How to communicate difficult information to birth parents

Navigating relationships with a child’s birth parents can be complex...

Article

| April 17, 2020

Ask the expert: Trauma-informed care

Rebekah Craig, former Education Manager at the Belonging Network, sat down with Registered Clinical Counsellor Carrie DeJong to discuss trauma-informed care. You can also view the full video of the...

Article

| June 26, 2014

Ask the expert: Identity matters

Lisa Gunderson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who focuses on multicultural issues. She is an award-winning educator and inclusivity consultant for educational and organizational institutions. During her Ph.D. in clinical...

Article

| September 28, 2013

Ask the expert: Dr. Michael Grand

Over the past 30 years, Dr. Grand’s professional activities and research have been focused on search and reunion, adoptive family identity, provision of adoption services, and openness in legislation and...

Article

| September 16, 2013

Ask the expert: Drug and alcohol exposure

Jan Radford is a Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience working with children as a clinician, administrator, researcher and educator. She worked with substance-exposed infants and children for...

Article

| September 6, 2013

Ask the expert: Jan Radford

Article

| August 13, 2013

Ask the expert: When parenting gets tough

Adoption is a rewarding journey, but it can come with unexpected challenges. If your child is struggling to adjust, you’re not alone. Social worker Susan Lees shares insights and resources...

Article

| March 31, 2013

Ask the expert: Adoptees on identity

A new report reminds us of the challenges some adoptees have in forming their identity, and what could make it easier. A major new study finds adoption has a profound...

Article

| March 31, 2013

Ask the expert: Open adoption

This article explores what open adoption really means and how it can benefit everyone involved. My wife and I are looking to adopt. We’ve been told that open adoption is...

Article

| June 21, 2011

Ask the expert: The parentified child

Many children in foster care exhibit parentified behaviours, making it difficult for them and their new parents to negotiate healthy parent-child relationships. We spoke with Anne Melcombe, BSW, an adoption...

Article

| April 21, 2011

Ask the expert: How to communicate difficult information to birth parents

Navigating relationships with a child’s birth parents can be complex for adoptive families, especially when challenges arise. How much should you share? When is it appropriate to involve birth parents,...

Article

| March 21, 2010

Ask the expert: Adoption and the school

Jennifer Hillman, a former Belonging Network regional coordinator, shares advice for helping children navigate hurtful comments about adoption. My six-year-old daughter came home from school very upset after a friend...

Article

| March 21, 2003

Ask the expert: Dr. Mark Bailey on learning disabilities assessments

Q: My six-year-old son’s teacher says that he has learning disabilities and wants to have him assessed by a psychologist. What would these tests involve and how will they help? A: A psychological assessment...

More Toolkits

Toolkit

2SLGBTQIA+

The Belonging Network has welcomed 2SLGBTQIA+ people and celebrated all families for decades. This toolkit has resources for and about 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers, and children and youth.

Toolkit

Adoptee voices

We believe it’s vital to centre adoptee voices and perspectives. Inspired by the #FlipTheScript campaign founded by adopted people, this toolkit gathers some of our best resources by and for adoptees.

Toolkit

Permanency for youth

This toolkit provides valuable resources to support youth on their journey to permanency. Whether you’re a professional, parent, or caregiver, you’ll find helpful information and insights. Youth looking to learn about permanency? Check out AgedOut.com!

Toolkit

Prenatal Substance Exposure

A collection of resources about prenatal drug and alcohol exposure and associated conditions, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Neonatal Abstinence Disorder (NAD).

Toolkit

Youth in and from care

Hey, youth! This toolkit is made just for you. Inside, you’ll find helpful resources and personal stories to support you on your journey. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, be sure to check out AgedOut.com!