Spence-Chapin provides adoptive families with programming for every life stage to help them thrive. From toddler playgroups to identity workshops to mentorship programs, our team of dedicated and caring professionals is there to help guide you and your family and connect you to a supportive community.
We are always adding great new programming for families!
For updates on all of our programming and upcoming events, sign up for our newsletter or visit our events calendar!
Discover the strength of community at Spence-Chapin, where our adoptee-led programs offer support for adoptees. We deeply understand the unique challenges and emotions within the adoptee community. With a commitment to empowerment, cultural competence, and advocacy, our adoptee-led programs provide a space where adoptees can find support, a sense of belonging, shared identity, and a network of individuals who truly understand their journey.
It is so important that our little ones know they are not alone in their journeys. Our Children’s Programs create a community for young adoptees to connect with peers who share similar experiences.
Bagels & Blox and Play Café both provide welcoming spaces for young adoptees and their parents to connect with other families, have fun, and build community. Bagels & Blox is designed for adoptees ages 0–5 to enjoy mats, toys, crayons, art supplies, and games, while Play Café offers adoptees ages 6–10 the chance to engage in conversations, games, and activities that incorporate light, age-appropriate adoption topics.
Designed for adoptees and their siblings in elementary school, our Mini Camps are a place for kids to have fun and make friends on days where school is out on break. Each day is full of activities, crafts, games, plus lunch and snacks to fuel the fun.
Our Lifebook events allow children ages 6-11 to document their adoption story in a special and personal way! Spence-Chapin provides all the materials and prompts to guide a meaningful experience during which parents and children collaborate to create a book of the adoptee’s life story.
A huge part of adolescence is discovering personal identity. Community programming can provide a place just for teens and tweens to gain guidance, support, and a positive sense of self, thus preparing them for a successful transition into adulthood.
Adopted tweens ages 10-12 are welcome to join in on exciting monthly events throughout NYC! Mentorship is an adoptee-led program where adolescents can make new friends and talk about adoption topics with a group who really gets it.
Adopted teens ages 13-18 are welcome to join in on helpful discussion-based days and exciting monthly events throughout NYC. Mentorship is an adoptee-led program that helps adopted young adults grow up confidently with a strong support system.
This free virtual community-building group is open to adoptees ages 13-17 located anywhere in the world! Participants can join to listen to peers’ stories, make new friends, and find support from a group full of adopted teens just like them in a space created just for them.
At Spence-Chapin, we believe support does not come with an expiration date! Intentionally designed for adult adoptees, our programming creates a supportive community where individuals with common journeys can connect and engage.
This free virtual community-building group is open to adoptees ages 18+ located anywhere in the world! Participants can join to listen to others’ stories, form connections, and find support from a group full of adopted adults just like them in a space created just for them.
Join Adopted People ages 18+ for an afternoon of creativity, introspection, and guided exploration of identity and life experiences. Led by adoptees, this community event offers a unique opportunity to create a personalized book that reflects your journey.
Being an adoptive parent creates its own set of unique adventures and challenges that are always changing. Virtual community-developing groups allow for adoptive parents to hear and learn from one another in a safe, discussion-based space.
Check out our events calendar to see when the next relevant parent group event is. We host groups for adoptive and prospective parents of children ages 10-12, parents of children ages 13-18, and parents who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Making an adoption plan is an act of courage that deserves ongoing support. Birth Parents at any stage in their placement journey can find a community of those who took similar steps through our programming.
Making an adoption plan is an act of courage that deserves ongoing support. At Spence Chapin, we provide free counseling to help process relinquishment grief and evolving open adoption relationships. Through support groups, workshops, events, and resources, you can find connection and understanding. Your voice and story matter – let us support you before, during, and after adoption.
Waiting Children Profiles
Thank you for your interest in adopting through Spence-Chapin! We are able to share the profiles of children who are considered to be the most in need and are waiting internationally to be matched with an adoptive family. The children featured on this page have been waiting for the longest to find families and consist of children who are older, part of a sibling group, or children with a diagnosed medical condition. In order to respect the privacy of these children, this page has been password protected.
Spence-Chapin takes the privacy rights of the children that we are seeking to place very seriously, and share the profile with you under the following conditions:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PASSWORD ACCESS
That you acknowledge and understand that
1. Misuse of the content, and/or linking to any sites that reflect practices that involve the sale, abduction, exploitation, or trafficking of children is strictly prohibited.
2. You have been given limited access to confidential information in the form of images that you will not disclose to any person or in any manner that is inconsistent with applicable policies and procedures of Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children.
3. The confidentiality obligation shall continue indefinitely, including at all times after my association with Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children.
4. You are not permitted to release, copy, distribute, or sell any of these images to third parties in any form.
5. Impermissible disclosure of the images may result in legal actions being taken against you, by or on behalf of that person.
6. You are doing this freely, voluntarily and with a full understanding of what you are agreeing to by entering/accessing this blog.
7. Thank you for your interest in providing a loving home for a waiting child! We look forward to connecting with you soon to continue discussing adoption paths at Spence-Chapin. We hope that you like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter, and keep up with our families through our adoption blog!
Warm regards,
The Adoption Team at Spence-Chapin
Phone: 212-400-8150
Email: [email protected]