Workshop Series

W.I.S.E. Up! Workshop

Dates: February 28, 2009 in Princeton, NJ
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be served
Place: TBA

This workshop is for pre-adoptive and adoptive parents, as well as adopted children ages 5-12. Babysitting will be provided for children younger than 5.

Did you know nearly every adopted child is asked questions about their adoption? For children in trans- racial families, it can begin as early as age 3:”Why don't you look like your mom?” For others, it might not begin until they're 6, 7 or even 8: “Why were you adopted?” or “Where's your real mother?”

Now you can empower your child with W.I.S.E. Up! The nationally recognized tool developed by C.A.S.E. to help parents just like you empower their children to handle comments and questions and then decide the most comfortable way to communicate about their adoption story with others.

In this workshop parents and children will learn: Specific tools and strategies to deal with difficult adoption related situations and a common language and set of tools for families to improve communication about these issues within the family and effectiveness in dealing with inappropriate comments, awkward moments, teasing and bullying.

Session 1:

        Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

        Parents will meet with one IAC Center therapist while children meet with a second IAC Center           therapist.  Adults who were adopted will assist with the children's group.

Each group will identify difficult situations and learn the W.I.S.E. Up tools and strategies for dealing with them.

Lunch and Chat:

Time:  12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Lunch will be served and participants will have a chance to speak informally with IAC Center therapists, and adults who were adopted who are assisting the IAC staff.

Session 3:
          Time: 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.
          Parents and children will meet together with the 2 IAC Center therapists and the adults who           were adopted.

Seating is limited. Pre-registration is required and should be completed at least one week prior to the event. Payment must be received in order to confirm your registration. Cancellations must be received at least three days prior to the event.

For additional information:
Phone 609-737-8750, or E-mail: JMantellMSW@iaccenter.com

E-mail: workshops@iaccenter.com