Participants in the various groups offered by Spence-Chapin discuss feelings and concerns about a range of issues related to being an adoptive parent, a single adoptive parent, adoptive parents of teens and young adults, or a birth parent. The goals of these groups are to foster open communication in a supportive environment that provides participants with a sense of community and enhances overall coping with the various demands of being part of the adoption triad. Individuals who did not originally use Spence-Chapin services are welcome. All groups are confidential.

Adoptive Parents Group:

Adoptive parents are faced with unique parenting issues. This group focuses on providing opportunities to discuss topics such as:

Talking to your child about adoption

Responding to people's questions and comments child discipline

Negotiating relationships with birth parents

Working with school systems, etc.

This group is open to parents with children under 13 years of age. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, contact Jennie Dunn, LMSW, at 212-360-0215 or jdunn@spence-chapin.org.

Single Parents Support Group:

This group focuses on issues of mutual interest and concern for single adoptive parents. The meetings cover a broad range of topics from the need to be both father and mother to your child, helping your children understand their adoption stories, and exploring the birthparent relationship to navigating the school system and creating a support network. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Kristine Peterson at 212-360-0283 or kpeterson@spence-chapin.org.

Adult Adoptee Support Group:

Spence-Chapin currently conducts an ongoing support group for adult adoptees. Members explore adoption-related issues of mutual concern. Jennie Dunn, LMSW, is the facilitator of this support group. If you are interested in hearing more about this group, please contact Jennie at 212-360-0215 or jdunn@spence-chapin.org.

Birth Mother Support Group:

"My only regret is that I did not contact the agency sooner. I wouldn't have been alone so long."

"I have a renewed energy that I’ve lacked for a long time."

"The women of Spence Chapin are wonderful and fun, and loving and open and non-judgemental."

The purpose of this group is to foster and maintain a positive self-image in an often non-supportive world. If you are interested in more information please contact Kristine Peterson at 212-360-0283 or kpeterson@spence-chapin.org.