Adopted Teen Empowerment and Mentoring Program

Adopted Teen Empowerment and Mentoring Program

What: The Adopted Teen Empowerment and Mentoring Program (ATEAM) is a post adoption service program designed for adopted teens in 6th to 12th grade to help them handle whatever emotions they may be feeling. Through the group support, the goal is to help youth develop stronger family attachments and enhance their future relationships. Adopted youth and adult mentors come together monthly to help validate each others feelings. The program recognizes that In many cases when teens appear happy and well adjusted in their adoptive families, they may still be dealing with the effects of their early life experiences. The ATEAM provides teen participants with an opportunity for mutual support and self-expression through group interactions with other adopted teens. How: Eligible teen participants are those receiving Adoption Assistance that have been in the custody of a state agency and are either in an adoptive placement or a finalized adoption. This program offers a safe, well-supervised environment for adopted teens to have fun with their peers during meetings and retreats. All activities are sequenced to promote trust and build group cohesion. The ATEAM offers a variety of "hands on" activities involving teambuilding initiatives, cooperative games, focus discussion and role-play. Both public and private colleges and youth facilities host these monthly support meetings across the state. Meeting times are generally from 9:45 am - 5:00 pm with two weekend retreats planned each year.

The program goal is to strengthen family attachments and enhance future relationships.

Chris Greer

Family Matters Consulting, Inc.

chris_greer@familymatters-ga.com

770-881-7789; (770)-881-7789