Virtual and In-Person Events in New York

(Free Webinar)
Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit
Thursday, January 16, 2025
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm


Click Here to Register

This free webinar welcomes families who will be adopting internationally or domestically.

Spence-Chapin is partnering with experts at Your Adoption Finance Coach to provide our families with free access to experts, tools and content to take the worry out of financing your adoption. In this webinar, join Kelly Ellison, adoptive mother and Founder and CEO of Your Adoption Finance Coach.

Kelly will provide valuable information about the Adoption Tax Credit which is available to families who adopt internationally or domestically. The adoption tax credit can greatly offset the costs of adoption. Feel free to bring your questions to ask during Q&A!

(Free Webinar)
Voices of Adoption
January 16, 2025
Thursday, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Click Here to Register

This free webinar is open to adopted people of all backgrounds.

Voices of Adoption (V.O.A.) is a virtual space for adopted people 18+ worldwide to join in conversation, meet peers and talk about the topics that are important to them.

Hosted by Jessica M. Luciere, transracial adoptee born in Bogota, Colombia, and Manager of Community Engagement at Spence-Chapin, V.O.A. welcomes adopted people of all backgrounds to experience community amongst other adoptees.

Registration for this event will close at 4pm on the day of the event.

(In-Person Event @ Manhattan, New York)
Cocktails & Conversations with Anthony Hynes
February 26, 2025
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Click Here to Register

Anthony Hynes is a Training Specialist at the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), author of The Son with Two Moms, interracial adoptee, and passionate advocate. He will share his insights and experiences in an inspiring conversation that you won’t want to miss.

This event takes place at Spence-Chapin’s main office in Union Square.
Address: 120 East 16th Street, Floor 11, New York, New York, 10003

 

AGAPE has a number of virtual and in-person events including education, support groups, and social events for post adoption parents, children, and families. All events are free thanks to grants and donations.

Click on each event for more info or to register for these in-Person and virtual events throughout New York State.

Virtual Support Groups for parents, adoptees, and families. There is something for everyone!

Adoption, Foster Care, Surrogacy, and Embryo Donation Conference June 2024

Early Bird Pricing extended to May 25! Click here to register

If you are a professional in the field, click here for info about conference tables and ads.

APC’s Annual Conference serves to promote a better awareness of adoption, and provide members with accurate information concerning adoption and parenting issues.

This one-day event is in-person and will take place at St. John's University in Queens, NY.

Sunday, June 2, 2024
St. John's University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
Building: Marillac Hall (Check In at the Cafeteria, across from entrance to Tobin Business College where the general meeting is located)
Enter through Gate 2, and park in Parking Lot on left
Directions: https://www.stjohns.edu/about/campuses-and-locations/queens-campus/directions-and-area-hotels

- Box lunch option available. The cafeteria at St. John's University is closed on Sundays. Dunkin Donuts will be open from 11am-3pm.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to attend numerous workshops, seminars, lectures and panel discussions. Led by professionals and experts in the adoption field including attorneys, social workers, physicians, adoptive parents, agency representatives, adoptees and educators, the workshops provide up-to-date information as well as a forum for discussions.

Our conference is for those who are considering adoption as a way to build their family, those who have already adopted and for those professionals and advocates who are involved in the adoption and foster care fields.

Come and learn with us, share ideas and join together in promoting the joys of adoption.

Please note: While APC is committed to children, some of the topics discussed at our conference may be sensitive to younger children. Therefore, we do not allow children to attend the conference.

Click Here to Register

March Virtual Social and Support Meeting

This event is open to Adoptive Parent Committee members only.

If an existing member, register here: bit.ly/APCmarch

Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and share good news, struggles, and concerns with the group. There will be separate breakout rooms for pre-adopt and post-adopt chats. Sometimes it's just helpful being with others who are or have gone through similar situations.

If you would like to become a member, there is an opportunity to join when registering for this event for only $25 for the 2023-2024 year. Membership renewals are in August. Members receive access to private Facebook page and special event pricing for select events.

PLEASE NOTE: To confirm membership, you need to register with the email used for your membership. If you are having any issues registering for this event, please email membership@adoptiveparents.org .

EVENT DETAILS

Thursday, March 21

7pm | Welcome and Introductions

7:30pm | Breakout Rooms for Pre- and Post-Adoption Chats

This session will NOT be recorded. But we would like to take a group screenshot!

February Virtual Social and Support Meeting

EVENT DETAILS

Open to members and non-members

Tuesday, Februray 27

7pm | Welcome and Open Discussion

7:30pm | Workshop, Followed by Q&A (Choose 1)

This event is open to everyone (members and non-members).

If you would like to become a member, there is an opportunity to join when registering for this event. Members receive access to private Facebook page and special event pricing for select events.

Option A) Talking to Friends & Family About Adoption Before and After You Adopt
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW, theadoptionmaven.com
This workshop will focus on the many ways to discuss adoption with children, family members, friends, neighbors, teachers, and other people in our lives. This workshop will help attendees learn the language and social skills needed when talking to others about adoption. Attention will be given to understanding why this is difficult and how to develop helpful strategies to having these conversations.

Option B) International Adoption 101
Debbie S. Price, Executive Director, Children’s House International
Each year thousands of children join their family through international adoption from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Who are the children? What are their needs? What countries are currently placing? What is the process? When you leave this workshop you will know the answers to these questions. This workshop will lay a foundation for someone new to adoption or help those who have started the process learn about countries now placing children.

Option C) Adoption from Foster Care: Learn Why and How
Rachel Hood LMSW, Director of Homefinding and Placement Services, You Gotta Believe
This interactive workshop will explore the benefits of adopting older youth from foster care. We will use short video clips to spark conversations about youth and teens in foster care, why they need families, what developmental needs they have, and what joys they can bring to any family willing to make an unconditional commitment. Come and learn about the details on the process of adoption from foster care.

Online Workshop Jan 24 7pm

7pm Welcome and open discussion

8pm Workshops (Choose 1)

Pre-Adopt: Domestic Adoption: Agency vs. Independent

Denise Seidelman, Esq, Mia Diamond Padwa, LMSW
Director, Adoption & Children’s Services/ Compliance Officer, Family Services of Westchester

There is no "right" answer as to whcih path to adoption is best for you. In this workshop, we explore the pros and cons of agency versus independent adoption, an dwhat considerations about you in particular might make one path rather than the other the right one for you.

Post Adopt: Is it Just ADHD? Understanding Your Adopted Child’s Behavior

Elaine Schulte, M.D. MPH, Medical Director Adoption Program, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore

We all want our kids to be successful and happy at home, in school and with friends and family. Whether you adopt and infant, toddler, preschooler, or older child, it's important to observe adn be aware of their behavior. In this interactive discussion, Dr. Schulte will help parents to identify what are developmental issues in childhood and when you may need to seek professional help. Areas covered will icnlude attachment, PTSD, and attention and learning challenges.

CANCELED - January Long Island In Person Meeting (Members Only)

Unforunately due to expected inclement weather, this in-person event has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

Sunday, January 21

1 - 4 pm

St. John's Lutheran Church

1 Van Roo Ave Merrick, NY 11566

*Enter through the preschool entrance on Margaret Blvd, located next to the parking lot.

Pre-adopt: Open Discussion and Q&A

Post-adopt: AGAPE facilitating a Tween/Teen Chat Support Group

If you would like to become a member for only $25 a year, there is an opportunity to join when registering for this event. Members receive access to private Facebook page and special event pricing for select events.

This event is open to APC members only.

"Adoption = Love" New York Movie Premiere 10/21/23

Join us for FREE to watch the New York movie premiere of Adoption=Love on Saturday, October 21 at 7pm. The movie will be followed by a Q&A. 


Link to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adoption-love-new-york-movie-premiere-tickets-715665373397?aff=oddtdtcreator


This is both an educational opportunity for those in the adoption field, those interested in the adoption process, or those who want to share in an emotional telling across all aspects of the adoption journey. 


Adoption=Love is a documentary that shares all aspects of the adoption process from the start of the journey to the adoption finalization. It captures experiences and emotions of adopted parents, birth parents, and adoptees. It spans the "Rainbow of Adoption" across adult, international, private, foster care adoptions, and agency adoptions.


Narrated by Darryl McDaniels of Run-D.M.C.

Produced by The New York State Judicial Institute.


Please note, this movie contains adult content regarding suicide awareness, drugs, and other material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. Suggested rating is PG13. Young children are not able to join us for this event.


Click here to watch the movie trailer (or copy/paste: https://wowza.nycourts.gov/vod/wowzaplayer.php?source=ji&video=Adoption_Equal_Love_Trailer.mp4)


EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, October 21, 2023

7pm - Doors Open

7:30 pm - Welcome

8 pm - Movie Premiere Begins

Q&A to follow the premiere.


St. John's University

Marillac Auditorium

8000 Utopia Parkway

Jamaica, NY 11439


Enter through Gate 4 on Union Turnpike and park in the lot to the left.

Directions: https://www.stjohns.edu/about/campuses-and-locations/queens-campus/directions-and-area-hotels


This event is a partnership between the Adoptive Parents Committee, The New York State Judicial Institute, and St. John's University Office of Alumni Relations.


Link to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adoption-love-new-york-movie-premiere-tickets-715665373397?aff=oddtdtcreator


2023 Adoptive Parents Committee Spring Conference

2023 Adoptive Parents Committee Spring conference

SAVE THE DATE for Adoptive Parents Committee (APC)'s in-person Adoption Conference on May 7, 2023! APC’s conference promotes a better awareness of adoption, and provides attendees with accurate information on adoption and parenting issues. There will be over 60 workshops on all aspects of adoption, adoption-related exhibits and a book store.

Our conference is for those who are considering adoption as a way to build their family, for those who have already adopted, and for those professionals and advocates who are involved in the adoption and foster care fields. 

Registration is now open: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adoptive-parents-committee-annual-conference-may-2023-tickets-529736033737

Conference Schedule

Conference Journal

In Person Meeting - January 28, 2023

Adoptive Parents Committee Meeting

January 28, 2023

Where: St John’ s University 8000 Utopia Pkwy Jamaica NY 11439

We are face to face, in person!!!!!

When: Doors open 7pm for orientation and welcome.

730 PM Workshops begin

ADOPTION ADVERTISING FOR THE BUDGET & TIME CONSCIOUS

FAMILY: PRACTICAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF ADVERTISING ON YOUR

ADOPTION JOURNEY

Ben Santiardo, Founder of Tekk Adoptions, Brian Esser, Esq

Join us to learn about legal and practical ways to connect with birthparents legally and

‘safely. We will talk about the differences between digital and print advertising. We will

discuss Facebook and its pitfalls, using a profile vs. using a website. We will talk about

budgeting and online security and discuss aspects of the law related to online advertising

and interstate adoption.

Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome

For more information, please call 212 304 8479

www.adoptiveparents.org

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/adoptive-parent-committee-meeting-tickets-513630882797

2022 Mini Conference - FREE ADMISSION!

ADOPTIVE PARENTS COMMITTEE

2022 MINI CONFERENCE – IN-PERSON!

 

Join us for our first in-person gathering!

WHERE: ST FRANCIS COLLEGE 180 REMSEN ST. BROOKLYN NY 11201

WHEN: SATURDAY APRIL 30 2022 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

 

Register HERE

 

6pm Doors Open: Registration- Meet and Greet

6:30-7:15 PM Welcome

7:15-8:15

A) Domestic Adoption 101 -Joy Goldstein, LCSW, Michael Goldstein,

Esq, Zachary Fried, Brian Esser, Esq

B) International Adoption Panel- Spence-Chapin and Holt

International

C) Understanding the Potential Developmental Effects of In Utero

Substance Exposure Stephanie Rolin, MD, MPH

 

8:30-9:30

A) Transracial Adoption- Questions to Consider – Zachary Fried

B) The Adoption Homestudy in NY and NJ Kathy Brodsky, LCSW

C) Open Adoption – Brian Esser, Esq

Light Refreshments will be served

All are welcome

Virtual APC Meeting Saturday September 25, 7:00 PM

Sept 25, 7-9pm

Fall Kick-Off Virtual Meeting - Adoption During COVID

 

All are welcome to join the Adoptive Parents Committee (APC) for the Fall Kick-Off Virtual Meeting.

7pm - General Meeting: get to know each other, news/updates, open floor for questions

8pm - Featured Workshop: Adopting During COVID - 10 Things to Consider with Laurie Goldheim, Esq., Adoption Attorney

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-kick-off-virtual-meeting-adoption-during-covid-tickets-168956801341

ANNUAL PICNIC AND CANDLE LIGHTING

DATE: Saturday, June 12th - 12:00 to 4:00pm

LOCATION: Ridge Road Park - Pavilion 1
287 Ridge Road, Hartsdale, NY

It's been a long long year since we have been able to be together as an organization!

Please join us for our Outdoor Gathering and our Annual Candelighting event.

This event will be held Rain or Shine, there is enough room & coverage under the open-air, covered pavilion. The park is a short 8-minute cab ride for those coming from the White Plains Metro-North station.

Cost per family is $10.00, which includes free parking, a playground exclusively for our children to play, and restroom facilities.

Please Bring Your Own Food and Drinks in order to comply with Covid Safety Regulations.

Toward the end of our gathering we will hold The Candle Lighting service. This special service is for: all those families who have had the blessing of a child enter their family, for families who are continuing their adoption journey in hopes of adopting, for the waiting children, as well as honoring any child.

We look forward to seeing you and partaking with you during this momentous time in your lives.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER *IF you are lighting a candle either as a hopeful family or in honor of a child please indicate that when purchasing your ticket.

Any questions, contact Sam Pitkowsky at 212-304-8479 or
samapc@aol.com

2021 Mini Conference - Saturday April 17, 2021

APC’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE SERVES TO PROMOTE A BETTER AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF ADOPTION AND PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH ACCURATE INFORMATION CONCERNING ADOPTION AND PARENTING ISSUES.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to attend numerous workshops, seminars, and panel discussions. Led by professionals and experts in the adoption field including attorneys, social workers, adoptive parents, agency representatives, adoptees and educators, the workshops provide up-to-date information as well as a forum for discussions.

Our conference is for those who are considering adoption as a way to build their family, those who have already adopted and for those professionals and advocates who are involved in the adoption and foster care fields.

This year, our event is virtual so join us from the comfort of your home, and learn with us, share ideas and partake with us in promoting the joys of adoption! 

All workshops are being recorded. if you have a conflict between two workshops at the same time, recordings of workshops will be available shortly after conference to all registrants There will be a virtual exhibit hall of adoption professionals open for you to visit at the conclusion of the workshops. There will also be a journal of information about conference speakers and supporters during the conference as well as after the conference.

**This event is for MEMBERS ONLY and registration includes RECORDINGS OF ALL THE WORKSHOPS. You may Join/Renew/Reinstate your membership at the ticket purchasing page - if you are unsure of your membership status prior to purchasing.

Register Here