More workshops to be announced!
Workshop list subject to change.
US VS THEM: THE CONSPICUOUS TRUTH ABOUT TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION
Angela Tucker, Keynote Speaker, Transracial Adoptee, Filmmaker, and Author
Panelists will discuss successful domestic adoption and the differences between agency and independent adoptions.
Through storytelling, Angela shares her experience as a transracial adoptee and the insights she has gained over the last 15 years of experience as a mentor to adoptees, consultant to adoptive families, and a cultural commentator.
INCLUSIVE FAMILY SUPPORT MODEL
Angela Tucker, Keynote Speaker, Transracial Adoptee, Filmmaker, and Author
Angela Tucker will share her Inclusive Family Support Model, a blueprint for adoptive families and practitioners working with them to maintain healthy relationships that support the adoptee. Angela will share what open adoption is and isn’t – and it may not be what you think! For example, did you know that even if you don't have direct contact with your child’s birth parents, you can still have an open adoption?
SUCCESSFUL DOMESTIC ADOPTIONS: AGENCY OR INDEPENDENT PLACEMENT – WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Michael S. Goldstein, Esq. | Joy Goldstein, LCSW, ACSW, Executive Director, Forever Families Through Adoption | Laurie Goldheim, Esq. | Zachary Fried, Executive Director, Adoption Star
Panelists will discuss successful domestic adoption and the differences between agency and independent adoptions.
INFERTILITY TO ADOPTION: THE JOURNEY
Anne F. Malave, Ph.D.
This workshop will provide a roadmap for the journey from infertility to adoption with helpful landmarks along the way that will simplify the process and help with decision-making. Topics covered will include readiness to adopt, when to end fertility treatment, and how to let go of the dream of the biological child.
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ADOPTION
Rita Torsney-Sullivan, MBA, Executive Director, Adoptive Parents Committee | Lindsay Bruggeman, Social Media Marketer, Owner of TheHelpfulHAP, and Adoptive Mom | Antwaine Debnam, Podcaster and Adoptive Father
Social media seems daunting for many folks starting out on their adoption journey. Join us for a discussion about social media basics, tips and tricks. We will also discuss where to start and provide resources. The panel will be followed by Q&A from audience.
THE PROCESS FOR INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAMS (IEP) AT SCHOOL
Patrick Baker, Special Education Teacher
IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) cover children with needs from speech to ADHD to autism to physical disabilities. They cover children ages 3 to 21, creating a plan that assists and supports a child through their entire academic career. We will discuss the process of gaining an initial evaluation for an IEP and disability services in the classroom setting, while also continuing to monitor the progress and possible adjustments.
THE MYTHS AND REALITIES OF FOSTER ADOPTION
Lisa Peck Goldberg, Esq , Leslie Silver Hoffman, Esq., Vivian Sklar, Esq.
There are approximately a half a million babies and children in foster care in the U.S. That's way too many! You can build your family and give a child a beautiful life by fostering to adopt. You can pursue foster and private adoption at the same time. Let me explain the system to you, debunk the myths, and get real about how one fosters to adopt.
HOW TO IDENTIFY RED FLAGS AND OTHER PITFALLS ON THE ROAD TO ADOPTION
Jeanine Castagna, Esq.
The adoption process can be exciting, stressful and sometimes overwhelming. In this workshop we will help you get ahead of some of the problems that can arise when you begin advertising, networking and speaking with expectant parents. Learn about the “red flags” for potential problems and scams, so that you can be more confident as you go through this process.
INFANT OR OLDER CHILD ADOPTION: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME/US?
Nicole Cummins, B,A., A-OK Program Manager, Adoption Star
When we look into adopting, sometimes we do not know what path is right for our family. Deciding between an infant or the many older children available for adoption, it often comes down to knowing what to expect within each route. Come learn more about older child adoption, and keeping your heart open to the possibility of adopting a waiting older child from the U.S. It can be the most amazing outcome. Or leave knowing that infant adoption is right for your family.
ADOPTION ADVERTISING FOR THE BUDGET & TIME CONSCIOUS FAMILY
Ben Santiardo, Founder, Tekk Adoptions
This workshop will explore everything you need to know about adoption advertising on the web. 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 also cover the average budget for advertising and what you need to know about online security.
MEDICAL ISSUES IN DOMESTIC ADOPTION
Melissa Jill Goldstein, MD, Carnegie Hill Pediatrics
This workshop will focus on issues relating to some of the medical risks prospective parents may encounter when matching with an expectant mother. We will explore drug exposure, infections, chronic medical conditions, and social characteristics. Being aware of the risk factors will help you be more prepared when making decisions about the kinds of issues a child may have as they grow.
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH BIRTH PARENTS PRE AND POST PLACEMENT
Joy Goldstein, LCSW, ACSW, Executive Director, Forever Families
Through Adoption, This workshop will explore how to locate and deal effectively with birth parents on the telephone, and how to best handle the anxieties common to all contacts between adoptive and birth families.
NEW YORK LAW: BIRTH MOTHER AND BIRTH FATHER RIGHTS
Laurie Goldheim Esq.
This important workshop will cover the rights of birthparents during the adoption process. Join us to learn about revocation periods, expenses and the legal process in New York.
USEFUL ANSWERS TO PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Herb Piktowsky, Esq.
This workshop will focus on a discussion of basic estate planning: Why you need a Will; What happens if you don't have a Will. How to designate a Guardian and Trustee for your minor child's person and property. The need and benefits of having a Durable Power of Attorney, various types of Trusts. Availability and eligibility criteria for Adoption Tax Credits.
EXPLORING TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION: THE SHIFT FROM COLOR BLIND TO COLOR CONSCIOUS
Zachary Fried, Executive Director, Adoption STAR
This workshop will explore the recent recommendations by leading child welfare advocates to revise federal laws dealing with transracial adoptions. With concerns that the needs of black children are not met by a “colorblind” approach to placement, adoption advocates are recommending that race should be considered in selecting adoptive families and that race-oriented pre-adoption training be a necessity in transracial adoption. We will focus on assessing family’s needs when adopting transracially and methods to assist in developing cultural competence and awareness of “color consciousness” in raising their child.
A COMPARISON OF FOSTER AND PRIVATE ADOPTION
Lisa Peck Goldberg, Esq. | Leslie Silver Hoffman, Esq. | Vivian Sklar, Esq.
Can you simultaneously pursue foster adoption and private adoption? Can you use the same home study for both? Are the financial considerations the same? Do you need an attorney or an agency to guide you? How are these different types of adoption similar and different? This workshop will educate you on the similarities and differences of public and private adoption.
STARTING THE ADOPTION PROCESS – CERTIFICATION IS THE FIRST STEP
Jeanine Castagna, Esq.
All the answers to the questions you haven't asked! What is a certification? What to expect during the home study? How to prepare for your home study? What is your attorney's role in certification? What is the next step?
CREATING ADOPTION PROFILES
Joy Goldstein LCSW, Executive Director, Forever Families Through Adoption, Alicia Margiotta, Forever Families Through Adoption
Your profile book/website is often the first way an expectant parent can learn about you. Showing who you are through your profile is very important. This session will focus on adoption profile books (hard copy and internet sites) and will include such topics as content and proper terminology.
LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES ON ASIA ADOPTIONS
Sama Alghali, MSS, LMSW, Branch Director, Holt International Children’s Services
The presentation will give an overview of adopting from countries in Asia and then will focus specifically on adoption in China and Taiwan. We will present the current guidelines, timelines and everything you need to know to complete an adoption from these two countries. There will be time for Q & A after the presentation.
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. Our youth advocates will share insights from their journeys and our Director of Homefinding and Placement Services will provide details on the process of adoption from foster care.
NY DOMESTIC ADOPTION: AGENCY vs PRIVATE PLACEMENT ADOPTION
Mia Diamond Padwa, LMSW, Director, Adoption & Children’s Services/Compliance Officer, Family Services of Westchester, Melissa Struck
There is no “right” answer as to which path to adoption is best for you. In this workshop, we explore the pros and cons of agency vs private adoption, and what considerations about you in particular might make one path rather than the other the right one for you.
SURROGACY, EGG DONATION, SPERM DONATION, EMBRYO DONATION
Laurie Goldheim, Esq, Rebecca Mendel, Esq.
Come learn the legal landscape of Assisted Reproduction. This program will explain the legal process, legal considerations and much more.
AFFORDING ADOPTION
Raymona Griffiths, A Child Waits Foundation
How can we afford to adopt? What are the financial risks involved? How do we protect ourselves? Join us to learn about the financial aspects involved in all types of adoption, including grants and other funding source available to families. This interactive workshop is a necessity for those considering adoption.
MEDICAL ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
Paul Lee, MD, AdoptionDoctors.com
This workshop will focus on issues relating to some of the medical and developmental risks prospective parents may encounter when adoption a child from abroad, living in foster care or an institutional environment. These include failure to thrive, rickets, exposure to infectious diseases, anemia, lead exposure, tuberculosis, developmental delays and sensory issues.
CROSSING STATE LINES: ISSUES IN DOMESTIC ADOPTION PLACEMENT
Rebecca Mendel, Esq .
You have decided to adopt, and depending upon your plans, it is possible that your child may be born out of state. This workshop will explore the process, challenges and resources needed for adoptive parents who must receive approval from both the sending and receiving states in order to cross state lines with their child. We will focus on New York ICPC and will discuss personal issues and practical perspectives for adoptive parents to consider in caring for an infant out of state in a hotel after placement, before finally being able to come home.
TALKING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT ADOPTION
Ellen Murphy Keeley, LMSW
This workshop will focus on the many ways to discuss adoption with children, family members, 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. We will explore how to have conversations with children who have been adopted, family, friends, neighbors, school staff and the general public. Attention will be given to understanding why this is difficult and how to develop helpful strategies.
10 QUESTIONS YOU WANTED TO ASK YOUR AGENCY OR ATTORNEY BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
Brian Esser, Esq.
Join attorneys from an independent practice and an adoption agency to discuss some important questions. Anything from wondering about money, to what if the expectant family decides to parent, will be answered for you. Bring your questions and concerns.
TALKING WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT THEIR ADOPTION STORY
Monica Baker MSW, Senior Director of Domestic Adoption Services, Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children
It is not always easy to talk to your child about adoption, to know what to say and when to say it. We will share strategies to help parents start talking and keep talking with their children about their adoption story and birth parents. Varying ages and stages of development will be covered with a focus on younger children.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION: BULGARIA, COLUMBIA, HUNGARY AND VIETNAM
Megan Chen, International Program Coordinator, Alliance for Children James M. Greenberg, Esq. Colombian Program Coordinator, Alliance for Children, Leslie Zindulka, LCSW, Alliance for Children
The workshop will focus on adopting from Bulgaria, Colombia, Hungary and Vietnam. Special attention will be given to who is eligible to adopt from these countries and what are some of the particular factors families should consider when applying such as: Who are the children eligible to adopt? What must you as an adoptive parent be willing to accept when it comes to the referral/placement process? What factors impact how long the placement and adoption will take? The workshop will be geared towards families ready to adopt internationally, a child that is not of infant age and with some special medical or physical needs.
UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY FROM EARLY CHILDHOOD THROUGH ADOLESCENCE
Deena Abbe, Ph.D.
This workshop will focus on understanding the mechanisms of anxiety and how it presents from preschool through teens. We will talk about strategies to help your child. Bring your questions!
THE ADOPTION HOMESTUDY IN NEW YORK
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW
What is the social worker really looking for? How many interviews are there and with whom? Get an in-depth view of the home study process and learn how to take the anxiety out of the experience.
HOW TO ACCESS POST-ADOPTION SUPPORT IN NY
Caryl Svendsen Deiches, Family Support Specialist, AFFCNY
The Adoption and Foster Family Coalition of New York (AFFCNY) is a post-adopt support service funded by the Office of Family and Children Services in New York State. AFFCNY unites foster, adoptive, and kinship care families, giving them a voice and providing support, information, and advocacy. No foster, adoptive, or kinship care family in New York State will feel alone or unsupported, come learn what tools, support and community is available to your family through post adopt support in NYS.
ADOPTION FROM INDIA
Emily C. Marshall, LCSW-C, LICSW, Director of International Programs, Barker Foundation
Adoption from India is a great option. Come and learn about the process. We will talk about eligibility, steps in the process, timelines, and fees. You will learn about the children who are served (ages, needs and referral information) and what will be involved in the post placement process, such as visits and reports, as well as resources available to families once they return home.
HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE WHILE YOU’RE WAITING
Leslie Zindulka, LCSW
The wait for your adopted child can seem never-ending. You’ve already decided between domestic or international adoption, between independent attorney or agency adoption, between transracial, age range, special needs and level of openness and have completed your Home Study. You have been in fact “waiting” to add a child to your family for what seems like forever already and “now” you’re told is when the waiting starts?
The true and dreadful answer to that question is “Yes.” However, this time of waiting does not have to be filled with anxiety or checking each day off of that calendar in your kitchen. Share your feelings about your hopes, desires, and dreams for your future child. Share your fears about the unexpected and the struggle of waiting.
This workshop will include my “Social Worker Approved” tips for surviving the wait!
POST ADOPTION AGREEMENTS AND BIRTH FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Michael Goldstein, Forever Families Through Adoption | Alicia Margiotta Forever Families Through Adoption
We will speak on Post Adoption Contact Agreements (“PACA”) and “open” relationships in an adoption. A PACA is a written agreement between the parties to an adoption. A PACA can detail how and when contact and/or communication will take place following finalization of the adoption, so long as it is in the child’s best interests. The enforceability of a PACA and the effect it will have on an adoption prior to and after finalization will be discussed.