Rooted in Love is a two-day adoption training conference hosted quarterly by Lifeline. This conference offers worship, fellowship, and gospel-based adoption training for families adopting domestically and internationally. During the course of the conference, families learn alongside other couples on a similar journey from experts on both our International and Domestic teams. Our desire is

These discussions of trauma and attachment can, at times, leave a parent feeling paralyzed in how to respond to misbehavior for fear they will cause further damage and trauma...As we provide discipline, (training that corrects, molds, and encourages moral character) rather than punishment (which can be punitive and create fear in a child), we help that child find the secure foundation they need.

As a foster or adoptive parent, it is important for you to seek childcare for your children where the workers understand and can provide at least a very base level of trauma-informed care. These training videos can help prepare everyone from your favorite date night babysitter to church nursery workers as they care for children

Is someone you love a foster or adoptive parent… or perhaps he or she is planning to be? Do you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of caring for that individual or couple as they travel down this unknown path? We want to help equip you! Here are some brief videos that will greatly assist you

At Lifeline, we know that families struggle post placement, and we expect challenges to arise as part of the journey. We desire to be a safe place where they can seek help from those struggles. Throughout the following frequently asked questions, we want to shed light onto what counseling at Lifeline looks like and to help answer some lingering questions many adoptive and foster families may have.

When I ask families how they are adjusting at home with their new child, they will often state, almost as an apology, “All we do is play; we are just playing.” When I hear this answer I want to shout from the rooftops “Hooray! Hooray! Hooray! They are engaging in play!” Play is the most

Crossings is so important because it helps prepare families to parent children from hard places. These children have so much trauma and hurt in their past and often do not respond well to "typical parenting."

Video Topics Include: An Overnight Family - Becoming Victorious in the Midst of Infertility - Post Adoptive Questions - Becoming Part of the TEAM - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder - Trauma Sensitive Teaching - Older Child Adoption - Special Needs Adoption - Preparing Children at Home for the Arrival of Fostered or Adopted Siblings - Post Adoption Depression - Trauma and the Brain

When children come into our care from hard places, whether as a newborn or an older child, they have experienced trauma. Our privilege as a parent is to walk with them through the healing that their hearts need. Is it easy? Absolutely not. However, shepherding a child in this process can be one of the

When God’s people respond to His command to care for vulnerable children, our churches will become faith families to parents, children, and siblings who are navigating the journeys of fostering and adoption. Children who have experienced neglect, abuse, and trauma often require a unique mindset when dealing with behavioral challenges and even in everyday interactions.

For Newly Adoptive Families We often think about the holidays with fond memories and a desire to be around those whom we love. Now, think about the craziness of holidays and consider how they could impact a child who has never been around such festivities, particularly with excited loved ones who are not familiar with

As the holidays roll in, you may find yourself in a time of longing and waiting—waiting for your family to be complete; waiting for your child; and waiting on the Lord’s perfect timing. One friend of Lifeline said, “My younger sister was adopted, and I remember my parents . . . being so consumed with

What is the difference between willful defiance and a trauma reaction? Children who have experienced relational or circumstantial trauma can express themselves in ways that are typically regarded as defiant misbehavior. Their minds, however, are often reacting to how their bodies have been programmed to deal with unpleasant situations, particularly responding out of fear. In

Lifeline understands the beauty of adoption, but we also understand the loss from which it arises and the trauma surrounding the hearts of vulnerable children and their new families. Individuals who are familiar with adoption often say, “Adoption is not for the faint of heart.” Knowing the needs of families and children who come through

From the moment your child is placed with you, you can begin bringing up adoption, your child’s birth country and how God brought him/her into your family.  As your child learns to trust you and as your child has questions or feelings to process about adoption, he/she will be more likely to come to you

The symptoms of PADS and the symptoms of post-partum depression are quite similar: Feeling depressed or particularly irritable for most of the day. Diminished interest in activities that used to be enjoyable. Significant weight loss or gain, and/or a change in appetite. Changes in sleep pattern. Noticeable increase or decrease in motor activity (others notice

Many times people assume children will grieve their losses in a fostering or adoption situation; however, it is not always assumed that the parents might grieve as well.  Foster or adoptive parents can sometimes grieve certain things they miss about their lives before their new child came home, even if they are thrilled to have

The process of development of stranger anxiety will occur over time and at different stages.  Think of newborn babies who do not have any fear of people; over time they develop a bond with mom and dad and the desire to stay with them rather than be passed around or left with a stranger.  This

The bonding and attachment process is referring to building trust, mutual affection, love, and security.  It is important to see that connecting with your child will affect all aspects of daily life and is the most important factor in positive adjustment for the adopted child and family overall.  These are some reminders that might help:

The fostering and/or adoption process can be challenging for siblings already in the home as well as for the child new to the home.  All relationships are going through transitions. Here are some things to remember: Expect there to be jealousy between sibling relationships with the amount of attention the new child is receiving and