Connected Families Podcast

Parenting Adopted Children: Building Safety and Connection After Trauma


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Welcome back to our usual podcast rhythm, listeners! November is National Adoption Month, and many Connected Families listeners have grown their families through adoption and foster care. Adoption often brings unique parenting challenges that prompt families to seek creative, compassionate solutions.

Many adoptive and foster families have discovered that the Connected Families Framework provides exactly what they need to cultivate Christ-like love and deep connection in their homes. The Framework’s emphasis on helping parents grow in self-awareness while responding to their children’s needs with grace and truth has proven especially valuable for families navigating the complexities of adoption.

Join host Stacy Bellward as she chats with Cindy Wilson, Ministry Partnership & Research Program Manager at Connected Families, and Sara Wilson Worley from Lifeline Children’s Services about adoption, faith, and building Connected Families.

Key Points:
  • Adopted/foster children’s brains are wired for hypervigilance due to early trauma
  • Building attachment can take 1-2 years minimum
  • Connected Families Framework helps us respond with confidence, even when we can’t pinpoint the exact cause of behaviors
  • Mentioned in this Podcast:
    • Ep. 242 | Game-Changing Family Ministry Ideas for Churches of Any Size
    • Ep. 244 |What Works When “Calm Down!” Doesn’t: How to Help Your Angry Child
    • Connected Families Partnership Program
    • Check out our website for more resources to support your parenting!

      This podcast was made possible by members of The Table, whose monthly support creates a ripple effect of change for generations to come. We’d love to have you take a seat at The Table!

      Love the podcast? Leave a review to help other parents discover the show!

      Guest Bio:

      Sara Wilson Worley is originally from Florence, Alabama. She currently serves as the Regional Program Manager for the Asia Team at Lifeline Children’s Services. Sara attended the University of North Alabama and received her Bachelor’s in social work. She has two Master’s degrees in Church and Community Ministries and Social Work. Sara loves to read and has many hobbies (i.e., kayaking, antiquing, and watching soccer).

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