SPARK focuses on maximizing a child's growth from birth through adolescence. Our specialists are here to give adoptive parents and professionals information about the impact of adoption on the acquisition of developmental skills; and to provide an understanding of age-cognitive, verbal, social, emotional and physical skills. We offer phone consultations, counseling, playshops for children and workshops for parents, plus trainings for professionals and educators.

Consultation & Counseling

Counseling at SPARK is designed to fit the needs of each child and/or situation. Our staff is very knowledgeable about the developmental issues and social-emotional challenges sometimes experienced by adoptive families. Once a particular concern has been identified, we work with the family on the interventions that will be most helpful. We not only provide ongoing support through office and telephone consultations, but we can also make home visits.

Referral Database

When the need for specific therapies arise, our counselors can make a referral from SPARK's database of over 200 experts who are aware of how adoption impacts the family and developmental issues. Our database is comprised of specialists in the tristate area with practices in speech and language, sensory integration, developmental pediatrics, family therapy and more.

Professional Training

SPARK staff are available to present seminars on the dynamics of today's diverse adoptive families and how to understand the impact of adoption on children and their development. Their content can be tailored to private practitioners, those working in child welfare or mental health agencies and other clinicians; to educators working with children in the school system; or to adoption conferences.

Family Education

From September through June, SPARK staff members give workshops in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Long Island and New Jersey to help parents better understand the behavior of children, as well as the impact of adoption. Playshops are held for toddlers and their parents where development can be assessed and age-appropriate skills encouraged. Kids' Groups give children a chance to discuss their experience with their peers and parenting courses are offered to support families formed through adoption. These workshops and playshops are also open to families who have adopted privately or through other agencies.