AFSN provides programs and services to all adoptive families in West Michigan without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, parental status, disability, height and weight, etc.
News Updates
AFSN regularly distributes “E-News” containing valuable info on upcoming AFSN programming, adoption-related issues, community events, and resources. To receive the E-News and programming updates, click here: Join AFSN, Sign up to receive E-News, Register for Programs and be involved!
Information Packets
Pre-adoption packets contain useful information for individuals considering adoption as a way of building their family. Post-adoption packets contain valuable information and resources for new adoptive families.
To request a packet contact us by e-mail.
Warmline
(616)458-7608
Warmline is a non-crisis telephone information and referral line that is staffed by volunteers who have been trained to answer questions regarding adoption and community services, as well as give referrals. Volunteers respond to calls within 24 hours. You can reach Warmline here or (616)458-7608.
Resource Guides
Resource Guides provide adoptive families with useful information (books, magazines, articles, movies, videos, etc.) about topics concerning adoption.
Topics Include:
- Adoptive Family Resource Guide
- Books on Transracial Adoption
- Transracial Families
- Teens Adoptee Resource Guide
Teen Adoptee Resource Guide
For more information, please call (616)458-7945 or email.
Support Groups
Support Groups offer parents an opportunity to network with other adoptive parents, learn about parenting, and share personal experiences. AFSN regularly offers support groups. Childcare is also provided. If you are interested in our next group offerings refer to “Events” or e-mail us.
Educational Programs
AFSN presents informational and education programming on a variety of topics useful to adoptive families. If you are interested in upcoming programs refer to “Events” or e-mail us.
Family Fun Events
Adoptive Family Fun Events are social, celebratory, networking activities for the whole family.
- Adoption Celebration is held annually in November during National Adoption Month. This special event is held at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. For more information, e-mail us.
- Judge John P. Steketee Adoption Hero Award
The Adoptive Hero Award is given to an adoption advocate in our community who clearly exemplifies the spirit and legacy of the late Judge Steketee. The Award is presented annually at our Michigan Heart Gallery Premiere. For more information, e-mail us.
If you are interested in upcoming family fun events you can also refer to “Events” or e-mail us.
Curriculum in a Bag (C.I.B.)
There are three C.I.B.s to choose from. Each one provides a framework for groups and organizations interested in supporting families formed by adoption. The C.I.B. was made possible by a grant from the Baldwin Foundation.
Each Curriculum includes: Description of topic, Overviews & Goals, Outline if individual sessions with attachments, Program attendance sheets, Resources, Glossary, stories / Case Studies, Group Member Survey’s, Facilitator Evaluation of the C.I.B.
Topics include:
- “Adoption Support Group for Teens”
- “Trans-racial Adoption Support Group”
- “Support Group for Parents of Adoptees with Behavioral Challenges”
Family to Family Connections
The “Family to Family Connections” program connects families with each other to provide support, encouragement and information. For more information, please call (616)458-7945 or email.