Maintaining Relationships With Families of Origin

Date: March 2026
Maintaining Relationships With Families of Origin

Series Title: Bulletins for Professionals

Author(s): Child Welfare Information Gateway

Year Published: 2026

File Size: 532 KB

Children who are adopted need to maintain relationships with their families of origin (when possible and safe to do so), and it's vital that both caregivers and professionals support them in nurturing these relationships. Ongoing contact with important connections is in children's best interests as it may reduce feelings of grief and loss due to separation. It can also have positive impacts on their mental health, sense of identity, and long-term outcomes. This bulletin provides information to help professionals support children and adoptive families in developing and maintaining connections with families of origin.

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