FAQs for Adoptive, Foster & Kinship Families Facing RAD

You’re not imagining it—raising a child with RAD is different. These are the questions most adoptive parents ask when they first realize something more is going on, from working with schools to finding community.

This website contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases — but I only recommend books and resources I’ve personally used or truly believe will help families.

“I feel so alone: Where can I find my people?”

Attach Families Private RAD Support Group
(Attach Families)

The Underground World of RAD
Associated with Mother Ranch

Raising Devon
Supporting caregivers of troubled children with Reactive Attachment Disorder with resources, community, encouragement, and validation.

But, He Spit in my Coffee: A reads-like-fiction memoir about adopting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder
(Keri Williams)
This book will enable your family, friends experience for themselves what raising a RAD kid is like. It will enable therapists and other service providers to see for themselves the nuances of a family in crisis. Available in paperback, audio, and e-book and is always free on Kindle Unlimited.

Find more resources here: Support, Coaching & Community for Families

“DCF/CPS is investigating me: What should I do?”

RAD Advocates
Provides training, coaching, advocacy, an annual conference, and educational materials and resources.

What to do when CPS comes knocking
(Diane Redleaf, Civil Rights Attorney)
In this interview, I asked Diane how falsely accused parents and caregivers can successfully navigate the child protection system. While this cannot substitute for legal advice or address individual circumstances, she offers our families invaluable guidance and tips.

Find more resources here: Legal Help for Adoption/Foster Families Dealing with RAD

“My kid’s teacher doesn’t get it: How can I educate them?”

Tips to Work with Your Child’s School
This is all about how you as a parent can work more successfully with your child’s teacher.

A Day in Our Shoes
Excellent website and Facebook page offering special education advocacy and IEP tips. The information is very practical and often state specific.

Find more resources here: School Advocacy for Kids with Attachment Challenges

“I think my child needs to go to residential: Where do I start?”

Issues in Child Support Enforcement: When Adopted Children Return to the Foster Care System or Enter Residential Treatment  
These are the Federal laws and policies about how treatment programs are to be funded and what happens with adoption subsidies when adopted children need to go into residential care.

Best Choice Admissions
A free to parents service that helps find the right therapeutic school for their child. Programs across the US cost $500 to $18,000 per month and are usually not covered by insurance.

RAD Advocates
Provides training, coaching, advocacy, an annual conference, and educational materials and resources.

Find more resources here: Making Therapy & Treatment Affordable

“I’m thinking about relinquishment: Where do I start?”

Relinquished Retreat For Parents
For caregivers of kids with RAD who are struggling with their own grief and trauma. This retreat is especially useful for anyone who has placed their child in out of home treatment or gone through relinquishment – or is considering doing so.

Wasatch International Adoptions
Provides regulated, legal “second chance” adoption services for children who are not thriving in their adoptive homes.

Relinquished “When Love Means Letting Go”
(Carrie O’Toole)
A heartbreaking story of love and loss that shows us that sometimes relinquishment is the best option for everyone.

Find more resources here: Adoption-Competent Organizations & RAD Advocacy

“I’ve tried everything: What parenting strategies work?”

Live virtual training: Living with Childhood Challenging Violent and Aggressive Behavior
Practical, hands-on training from adoptive father and Advanced Non-Violent Resistance Practitioner, Al Coates. This is UK based, but well worth navigating the any time zone differences. Outstanding material that you can put to use in your home right away!

A-Z of Survival Strategies for Therapeutic Parents: From Chaos to Cake
(Sarah Naish)
This book is all about how to cope and survive with 80 strategies from an experienced adoptive parent.

The guide to raising kids with reactive attachment disorder that you won’t find in bookstores
(Amy VanTine, founder of RAD Advocates)
This blog post offers essential tips you need for parenting a child with RAD.

Find more resources here: Parenting Strategies: Adoptive & Foster Families