Teenagers struggle with becoming independent from their family. They want freedom and to try new things yet still want the safety net a family can provide. Adopted teenagers may struggle a bit more with independence because they have experienced neglect, trauma or abuse and don’t have as much experience separating themselves from family because they have difficulty attaching to others in the first place.

Adopted teens may need more time to practice life skills or may not be ready at the same age as non-adopted teens to have more freedoms.

What can you do?

• Very gradually decrease parental control as your teen shows he or she is ready
• Give your teen an opportunity to help make decisions. Ask him or her if they are ready for specific responsibilities or privileges.
• Be sensitive to your teens abilities to handle independence.
• Give them opportunities to experience some freedoms in a controlled environment.

RAD or Reactive Attachment Disorder is a lifelong issue and is a challenge. Developing loving and caring relationships and making independent decisions is often difficult for adopted teenagers. Triumph Youth Services has experience working with teens with RAD, teaching appropriate social skills and rebuilding family relationships.

The staff and clinicians at Triumph Youth Services specialize in working with adolescents with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The clinicians are licensed and approved as mental health professionals to provide individual, group and family therapy.

A strong attachment helps your adopted teenager feel safe as they enter the world.

Reference:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/parent_teenager/parent_teenager.pdf