Positive Steps for Families in Crisis and Those Heading That Way

Crisis planning solutions for all family types faced with extraordinary challenges

Dr. Rita Laws is a recognized authority on many issues related to challenging behaviors, and she is also the mother of 12 children (by birth and adoption). In her 24 years of advocacy, support, and education, she has worked with thousands of families.

More of this Feature •Introduction • Definitions • Correct Diagnosis • Professional Involvement • Maintaining Records • Contingency Plans • Resources

It has been said that adoptive families are like any other families, and then some. With the exception of the childbirth experience, they experience the same joys and challenges as all families, with a few additional ones added. For example, people who adopt "high risk children" and children with special needs are more likely to need the help of professionals while raising their kids. They are more likely to have extensive involvement with the medical profession, and with the mental health establishment. For those adopting children with emotional and behavioral problems, adoptive parents are also more likely to deal with the juvenile justice system and with residential treatment facilities.

Of course, adoptive families are not the only kind that face crisis situations. Foster families, stepfamilies, blended families, and families built through childbirth can also face a crisis, unexpected or not. So it's a good idea for all parents to learn the "lingo" and review the process of avoiding or minimizing a family crisis.

Table of Contents

• Definitions
Within the context of crisis-planning, it's important to know the terms that will affect your family and that are used by others who will help you along the way.

• Preparation is Key
There are four important steps to take in order to help yourself and your family be prepared for a potential crisis.

1. Correct diagnosis of the problem or problems creating the crisis;
   
   
2. Professional involvement in the treatment of problems;
   
   
3. Maintaining a record of efforts made on behalf of the child (the paper trail);
   
   
4. Developing several different contingency plans in the event of a crisis.

• Resources for Parents & Teens
In addition to resources listed in the sidebar, there are places to find help and guidance on the Web and in person.

Every child with special needs or risk factors is unique. Some are highly resilient, some are not. Some respond well to treatment and some need much longer to recover or improve. But what all of these children have in common is the fact that their best chance for normal lives lies in being members of permanent committed families who are willing to seek out a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan as soon as possible, and work to prevent or minimize crisis situations.

When it comes to children with special needs and high-risk kids, love is not enough. Love is a crucial component of the treatment plan but love by itself is just one rung on the ladder of success.

Next Page: Definitions

© Rita Laws and Nancy Ashe. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

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