LET'S HELP OTHERS: BECOME A VOLUNTEER
When we think about adoption, we often picture joy, new beginnings, families united, love that transcends biology. But in my years of walking alongside adoptive families and listening to adoptees, I have learned that grief is part of the adoption story too. It is just not talked about enough.
Whether you are the adoptive parent, birth parent, or the adoptee, adoption often begins with some form of loss.
For the Adoptee: The First Loss Happens Early
Even in infancy, the separation from a birth mother can leave a profound imprint. This is not a criticism of adoption, it is an acknowledgment of truth. Many adoptees experience what’s called “primal wound” grief, even in loving homes. It may manifest as questions like:
• Why did my first family let me go?
• Who do I really look like?
• Do I have siblings somewhere out there?
These are not signs of ingratitude. They are expressions of a deep, human longing to understand one’s roots.
For the Birth Parents: Love Wrapped in Loss
Whether the decision was voluntary or forced by circumstances, most birth parents grieve silently. They may wonder if their child is safe, loved, or if they will be remembered. Their pain is often unseen, especially in cultures where adoption is shrouded in shame.
For Adoptive Parents: Grief and Guilt Can Coexist with Joy
Adoptive parents may grieve infertility, missed milestones, or the inability to share biological ties. They may feel guilty for their joy when they know someone else is hurting. It is okay to hold both truths: gratitude and grief.
Grief Does Not Mean Adoption Is Wrong
It means that adoption, like all family-building journeys, is complex and human. Grief does not erase love; it deepens it. It grants us empathy, humility, and a more genuine way to support adoptees and families.
What Happens After Adoption? Post-Adoption Requirements in Ghana
Adoption is not the end of the journey, it is the beginning of a lifelong commitment. Many prospective adoptive parents focus heavily on the application process, court hearings, and placement. But what happens after the adoption is finalized?
In Ghana, post-adoption requirements are crucial, and understanding them can help you meet your obligations and ensure the best outcome for the child.
- Post-Adoption Monitoring Reports
If you adopt a Ghanaian child, primarily through intercountry adoption, Ghana’s Central Adoption Authority requires mandatory post-adoption reports. These are typically done at intervals, e.g., at 6 months, 1 year, and annually for up to three years or more, depending on the case and country of residence.
These reports:
• Ensure the child is thriving in their new environment
• Include updates on health, education, emotional adjustment, and general welfare
• May require home visits or reports from licensed social workers or adoption agencies
Failure to comply can affect future adoptions and international partnerships.
- Citizenship and Legal Documentation
After the finalization, adoptive parents must ensure that the child is granted citizenship or residency in their new country (if adopted internationally) and receives:
• A new birth certificate
• Travel documents and legal name change documentation
• Registration with the Ghana Births and Deaths Registry (for local adoptions)
- Ongoing Emotional Support
Adoption is a layered experience. Many children need:
• Post-placement counseling
• Trauma-informed care
• Support groups or peer mentoring, especially if they are older at the time of adoption
In Ghana, there are limited but growing resources for post-adoption support, including NGOs like CharisTouch Support Services that work to fill these gaps.
- Cultural Connection Matters
For children adopted outside of Ghana, maintaining a connection to their heritage is not just optional, it is essential. This could include:
• Speaking local languages
• Celebrating Ghanaian festivals
• Telling the child stories about their roots
It affirms identity and supports long-term emotional well-being.
If you need someone to talk to or are preparing for adoption and want support, write to charistouch.worldwide@gmail.com.
