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SUNDAY’S CHILD

Sunday’s Child is Harry Bobby, 1

Harry Bobby is a year old. His foster mother describes him as a happy baby who likes to be held. He is doing well in his foster home.

Born prematurely and diagnosed with Pierre Robin sequence, Harry Bobby is fed with a g-tube because of severe reflux issues. He is at risk for neurological issues. He can have periods of severe agitation, but typically will calm down when he is held. Of course, he loves to be held. And often he can sleep through the night.

Harry Bobby’s social workers are open to a home of any constellation for him, but prefer a two-parent family given his ongoing medical and developmental needs. Ideally, one parent would stay home with him, because he cannot be placed in day care. His caretakers will need to be certified in CPR and be able to work collaboratively with the numerous providers who have been involved in this baby’s care.

Harry Bobby is not yet legally free for adoption.

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What is MAPP training?

Part of the process to adopt a child from foster care is a training course. After an initial home visit by a social worker, you may be invited to attend the Massachusetts Approach to Partnerships in Parenting (MAPP) training. The 32-hour MAPP course is typically held one night a week for eight weeks. It is designed to help you gain the best possible understanding of, and preparation for, parenting an adopted child.

MAPP training includes information about the needs of children who are waiting to be adopted and what behaviors they might exhibit. It teaches communication, positive discipline, and self-esteem-building techniques. It also discusses the resources and supports available to adoptive families. A couple considering adoption should attend MAPP training together.

To learn more about Harry Bobby, and about adoption from foster care, call the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678) or visit www.mareinc.org. The sooner you call, the sooner a waiting child will have “a permanent place to call home.”

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