Category Archives: Adoption

Holistically Serving the Adopted/Foster Child…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Dr. G

In the video, she shares some of her experiences dealing with the emotional struggles of adopted and foster children as they adjust to the reality of becoming part of a new family. She did a great job of describing how the adverse childhood experiences of kids available for adoption and foster care contribute to difficulties “doing church” and shares helpful strategies for church staff and volunteers who interact with them at church. Continue reading →

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The enduring effects of trauma and abuse in childhood

Posted on October 3, 2013 by Dr. G

Christians…and the church can have an enormous impact through helping children to grow up in loving and supportive homes that offer protection (to the degree possible) from toxic stress. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health, PTSD | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The impact of trauma on the developing brain

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Dr. G

The potential effects of trauma and abuse on the developing brain and nervous system are powerful and incredibly complex. Continue reading →

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Weekend reading

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Dr. G

I’d like to share some suggested reading in the event you missed these posts the first time around… Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Adoption, Advocacy, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why after all the hard, did you choose hard again? Guest blogger Matt Mooney

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Dr. G

If I have learned anything from walking a road of loss- one I begged not to go down, then it is encompassed in the following words as best as I am able. God is not about our comfort. He is about His kingdom coming to this earth. And when we seek our own happiness in the ways that seem so native to our mind, we walk straightway into a most miserable life.

His ways are not our ways.
Continue reading →

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DSM-5: Rethinking Reactive Attachment Disorder

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Dr. G

There are many reasons why children adopted from orphanages and children in foster care frequently exhibit severe problems with conduct and emotional self-regulation. Effects of trauma and neglect upon brain development combined with genetic and environmental influences appear to be responsible in most instances…as opposed to a primary attachment disorder. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Controversies, Families, Foster Care, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 81 Comments

An adoptive parent’s plea…Why won’t God show us what to do?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Dr. G

The church also needs to be prepared to come alongside parents through the process of raising kids exposed to trauma or abuse and proactively put the necessary supports in place to allow families who adopt to maintain their active role in their local church family. Continue reading →

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Tales from the special needs ministry front…

Posted on March 8, 2013 by Dr. G

I thought I’d share some very neat updates that have drifted across our radar screen… Continue reading →

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Stuff that’s too good to ignore…Gillian Marchenko

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Dr. G

We’re asking our leaders to forward the links to this post/video to pastors, church staff members or families who would have interest in Gillian’s presentation on loss and grief in parenting children with special needs, along with other Inclusion Fusion presentations in the Stuff That’s Too Good to Ignore series.
Continue reading →

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