 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Adoption Education
Patricia Irwin Johnston, nationally respected Author, Adoption Educator, and Publisher of Perspectives Press is a featured presenter for our pre-adoption education seminars.
Adoptions Preparation Workshops 2011 The Adoption Journey: Another Road to Parenthood* This introductory workshop explores how adoption is different from parenting by birth and how loss colors the adoptive family relationship. feeling expectant and Pat also encourages feeling and behaving as "expectant parents" before placement, offers advice on bringing family and friends on board, and shares practical advice for fostering attachment during the first days and weeks home. Presenter: Patricia Irwin Johnston, author, educator, publisher of Perspectives Press * required for all pre-adoptive families Interracial Families, Interwoven Cultures: In order to grow up as confident and competent adults, children need to understand the customs and expectations of people of the racial or cultural group they "match" as well as to feel completely at home in the cultures of their extended adoptive family. Success demands that they experience close connections to their culture of origin during their growing up years. Parents are usually their guides for this, but when races don't match, this can be challenging. Deciding to adopt a child of color demands a careful examination of parents own lives and their willingness and ability to be flexible enough as a family to move outside of current comfort zones and open ourselves to new neighborhoods, new friendships, new thinking, new actions. Presenter: Patricia Irwin Johnston, author, educator, publisher of Perspectives Press *required for all families adopting internationally or transracially The Birthparent’s Perspective* Gain an understanding of birth parents and their needs as well as what leads them to make an adoption plan for their child. Participants have the opportunity to learn directly from women who have made adoption plans for their children. Presenter: Natalie Stevens, MSW, LSW *required for all families adopting domestically Journey as an Adoptive Parent* Learn how children understand adoptive issues as they develop and how we, as parents, can learn to talk about adoptive issues with them in a developmentally appropriate way. This class offers a developmental framework and allows small group breakout sessions focused on practical application. Presenters: Meg Sterchi, ACSW, LCSW, Executive Director of Adoptions of Indiana *required for all pre-adoptive families Introduction to International Adoption* Learn the specifics related to the country you are adopting from and information regarding international travel. Additional topics include grief and loss, attachment and parent/child expectations. This class meets the criteria of the Hague regulations covering international processing, risks and procedures. You will receive many practical tips and knowledge to help everyone in the adjustment of becoming a family. Presenter: Jennifer Morrissey, MSW, LSW *required for all families adopting internationally Please RSVP to Karen @ 317-574-8950 or ksobol@ad-in.org WHILE WE WAIT Come join other waiting families for an informal dinner and discussion. Facilitator: Allison Montgomery, MSW, LCSW
All meetings are optional but encouraged and will be held at our office. Please RSVP to Allison @ 317-574-8950 or amontgomery@ad-in.org BIRTH PARENT OFFERINGS Birth Parent Network “Where birth parents can relate” Come to talk, cry, laugh listen, and learn with other birthparents who can relate to you! To learn more please contact Natalie at 317-574-8950 or nstevens@ad-in.org 6TH ANNUAL BIRTH MOTHER CELEBRATION Join us to acknowledge and honor birthmothers for their special role in our children’s lives. The evening includes dinner and a remembrance ceremony. All birth mothers and a guest are welcome to join us. Thursday, May 5, 2011 @ 6:30 PM Please RSVP to Natalie @ 317-574-8950 or nstevens@ad-in.org
|
Adoption education is a very important element in preparing for adoption. 