Adoption Services through Holt's Central States Branch

Adoption services for families in IA, IL, KS, MO, NE, SD and WI are available from Holt’s Central States Branch, even if you are using another placing agency.

We can help you adopt via international or U.S. adoption. If you are already working with another agency, we can complete your homestudy and provide post-placement services.

Join us for an upcoming adoption information meeting!

These remote meetings are open to families anywhere in the U.S.

Adoption Information Meetings

Want to learn more about international or domestic adoption? Attend a free adoption information meeting to learn about the adoption process from an experienced Holt social worker. We will cover eligibility requirements, the homestudy, common child profiles and Holt’s mission of finding a loving and secure home for every child. Our hope is to help you navigate through this process and answer whatever questions you may have. To register through Eventbrite, please click the link below.

Have You Already Adopted?
We Can Help.

Holt offers a range of services to adoptive parents and adoptees through its post adoption services team in Holt’s Eugene, OR headquarters as well as through staff in our branch office. Any family or adoptee can utilize Holt’s services even if you adopted from another agency.

Birth Search & Reunion Support
Citizenship & Documentation help
Adoptee Connections and Advice

Birth Search

If you are interested in beginning a birth parent search, begin here.

Get Help

Citizenship & Documentation

Need help or advice on obtaining records or learning about citizenship? Contact us.

Learn More

Post Adoption Coaching & Education

Adoption can result in emotional challenges and questions. We’re here to help.

Get support

Therapy Services for Adoptive Families and Adoptees in Illinois

Pam Shepard, LCSW

Pam is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has over 25 years of experience in child welfare and is extensively trained to provide therapy for adopted children, teens, adult adoptees, adoptive parents and families. Pam has been trained in Theraplay, DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy), RMT(Rhythmic Movement Training), EMDR (Eye Movement,Desensitization and Reprocessing), Brainspotting, and is also a TBRI® (Trust Based Relational Intervention) Practitioner.

For more information or to a schedule a consultation, contact [email protected]

Consultation

This is an initial session to discuss and answer questions regarding your child or your family’s specific situation. Resources and referrals are available. Ongoing therapy sessions at Holt could be an option if you live in IL.

Individual Therapy

These are ongoing sessions based on the progress of your identified goals and objectives. Treatment plans are individualized and based on your unique needs. One-on-one therapy sessions are with the identified client (you or your child) and the therapist.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a session with all members of the family, or at least one parent, the child and the therapist.

Group Therapy

On ongoing group session with other identified clients. Arranged based on similar age ranges, the presenting problem/issue and maturity level.

Adoptee Support Groups

We regularly hold group sessions for parents and adoptees of all ages.

TBRI

We hold a regular, four-part Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)® series geared towards parents of children who have experienced early childhood trauma. TBRI is built on the founding principles of connecting, empowering and correcting.

Therapy Services FAQs

Is my child’s behavior related to adoption?

Has my child experienced trauma?

Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience or physical injury. Even if your child came home with you from the hospital that they were delivered in, they experienced a separation from the mother that carried them for nine months. As a baby grows in the womb, they hear and are exposed to everything that their mother experiences.

The risk factors associated with complex developmental trauma are as follows: prenatal trauma, difficult labor and delivery, early hospitalization, medical issues, abuse, neglect and environmental trauma (such as a car accident or hurricane) and multiple other life transitions or events that greatly impact a person. Current neuroscience reflects that trauma lives within the body; so even if there are no conscious memories of a disturbing experience or distressing event, our body remembers for us.

What does the therapy process look like?

Therapy is catered to fit the unique needs of the individual client and/or family that is seeking services. There is an initial intake phone call followed by an in-person or virtual consultation with the child’s parents or the client themselves, if they are an adult.

At Holt International, we develop a plan, goals and objectives that specifically address the identified issue. Our therapists use an eclectic and holistic approach that relies heavily on evidenced-based modalities in attachment and trauma including Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy® (DDP), Theraplay®, EMDR and Brainspotting.

Many parents and children are surprised to learn that the type of therapy we do is fun, active and engaging! Frequency and duration of therapy is decided based on the needs of the client and their reasons for seeking therapy.

Do you only work with Holt adoptive families?

What is the payment and insurance plan?

Where do you work?