Support Programs
IAG understands that adoption is a life long process and families may need support and guidance along the way. We encourage families to contact the agency if they are experiencing any adoption issues with their child or if they have any questions about how to respond to adoption related questions that their child may have as they grow. IAG wants every adoptive family to be a part of our extended family not just during the adoption process but for many years to come!
The following are some of the ways that families can find support and information about both the process of adopting from Russia as well as raising an adopted child into adulthood.
Reading
Click here for our list of Recommended Reading
Mentoring
Prospective parents are linked with a family who has already adopted in an effort to provide an additional layer of moral support throughout the adoption process. The mentoring families volunteer their time to assist and help other families who are in the process.
Annual Reunions
The agency organizes two annual reunions each year; one during January to celebrate Russian Christmas and one during the summer months. In addition, IAG holds a large fund raising weekend event every 5 years that benefits the humanitarian aid fund. This event features fun activities for the entire family and an opportunity for families to re connect with baby home staff and IAG in-country staff.
Humanitarian Aid
The organization was founded based on humanitarian aid efforts and those efforts continue today. Clothing, toys and other necessary supplies are sent regularly to the Baby Homes in St. Petersburg and Moscow. In addition, the agency sponsores other humanitarian aid programs including the establishment of a transitional living facility for children who have graduated from the orphanage system and are working or attending school.
IAG also continues to support the Beginning with Love Program that initially began as a grant funded early intervention program in conjunction with the University of Pittsburgh's Office of Child Development. This important program provides education to the baby home staff regarding ways to encourage infant stimulation and to decrease the stress levels of the children residing in the baby homes.
Free Post Adoption Services Available
Help for adopted children who are struggling with post adoption services through the state wide adoption network (SWAN) and Welcome House.
Who is eligible: All adopted children residing in the State of Pennsylvania are eligible for services once their adoption is legally completed. This includes children who were born in different states and even different countries. It can also include families who have Permanent Legal Custody of their children or families caring for their relative's children.
Help is available! Call 1-800-220-2825
Ask for Post Adoption Services
If you qualify, services are available to you at no cost whatsoever!
Pearl S. Buck International
Welcome House Adoption Program
520 Dublin Road
Perkasie, PA 18944
215-249-0100
215-249-9657 (fax)
info@pearl-s-buck.org