ADOPTIVE PARENTS COMMITTEE
Saturday April 17, 2021 Mini Conference
1A CONSIDERING ADOPTION? - WHERE TO BEGIN
Leslie Zindulka, LCSW-R
Deciding to adopt is a big step. This workshop will explore the different paths to adoption, will answer questions about international vs. domestic, agency vs. independent, will demystify and reduce anxiety about what to expect during the home study visit and, age and ethnicity of child, what expectant mothers are looking for, advertising, medical considerations and open adoption. Bring your questions.
1B EXAMINING TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION
Jessica Luciere, Mentorship Program, Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, Raven Bowie, LMSW, Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children
Colorism is deeply rooted in racism and continues to affect communities of color globally. It is a form of discrimination seen systemically, as well as intra-personally within communities and families. In this workshop, we will explore the history of colorism, how it affects adoptive families, and how to advocate for your family against discrimination.
2A ADOPTION ASSISTANCE IN FOSTER CARE
Josh Kroll, Project Coordinator, Adoption Subsidy Resource Center, North American Council on Adoptable Children
In this session, you will learn the basics of adoption assistance for children adopted from foster care. Topics include eligibility, benefits, taxes, and more. Participants will receive state specific information and will come away with concrete information and strategies to better advocate for foster and adopted children with special needs. There will also be an overview of the Federal Adoption Tax Credit
2B. TRAUMA-INFORMED PARENTING FOR ADOPTIVE AND FOSTER FAMILIES
Mark Mihopolous, M.S. Program Manager, Center Programs and Events, LGBTQ Network
How can I effectively parent my non-biological child? Adoptive and foster children (including newborns to teenagers) experienced the traumatic
loss of their biological family, which has a lasting impact. Adoptive and foster parents will learn to be playful, accepting, curious, and empathetic parents who support their children in a meaningful connection of love and understanding!
3A ISSUES IN INDEPENDENT DOMESTIC ADOPTION 2021
Robin Fleischner, Esq, Deb Guston, Esq.
This workshop will address the following issues. Use of social media and adoption platforms, how to identify scams and manage your expectations,
how to collaborate with attorneys and negotiating an adoption plan.
3B EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY
Caryl Svendsen Deiches, Family/Peer Advocate, Family and Children’s Association.
Since COVID-19 has forced some K-12 schools to shift to remote learning or hybrid models, your students' education may look very different. What does this mean for your student? How does this affect a student with IEPs or 504 Plans? Are you a parent who feels frustrated or confused but aren’t sure what you should do? This workshop is designed to help parents and family members understand their legal rights, understand what schools are required to do to support students, and offer family members suggestions for helping and advocating for their students.
