Workshop Series

Parenting the Older Adopted Child

Date: Saturday March 20, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be served
Place: First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ,
40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 07042
This is one block south of Bloomfield Avenue in downtown Montclair between The Crescent and Plymouth on South Fullerton. Attendees should use the entrance on "The Crescent" (that is the name of the street) that goes down stairs. I will try to put up a sign.

This workshop is for parents, parents-to-be considering adopting a child over the age of two, and professionals working with these individuals and families.   Participants will learn typical characteristics and behaviors of children adopted over the age of two years and the long term parenting skills necessary to facilitate a successful outcome. This program has been approved by the National Association of Social Workers (provider #886509641) for 5 continuing education contact hours (3 CE credits). 

Speaker and Moderator: Bridget Devine, LSW, IAC Center Counselor, with extensive clinical experience working with all adoption triad members; and experience an adoption agency where she prepared couples and singles to become adoptive parents, facilitated their home study process and provided counseling once the children were home. In addition, she has experience working with the families of children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues; as well as teenagers.
A Panel of Adoptive Parents and Teens who were adopted at an older age
The Workshop Format will include didactic presentation, panel, experiential exercises, question and answers, and discussion.
You will learn:

• Who are the children who need forever families?
• How the abandonment, neglect, abuse and other trauma experienced by these children impacts the development of attachment and the trust
• About trauma and it's effects
• Motivations for adopting the older child and how to decide if it is right for a particular family.
• Characteristics of Families with Successful Older Child Adoptions
• Strategies, Approaches and Tools to help both the child and the family

Schedule:

9-10am	Who are the children who need forever families?	Bridget Devine, LSW film (16 min) Multiple Transitions: A Young Child’s Point of View of Foster Care and Adoption
10-11am	Characteristics of Families with Successful Older Child Adoptions	Bridget Devine, MSW
11am-12:30pm	Panel - Bridget Devine,LSW moderator	2 Adoptive Parents 2 Teens who were adopted at an older age
12:30-1:30pm	Small group activities to reinforce information and strategies
1:30-2:30pm	concluding remarks, Questions, Discussion	Bridget Devine, LSW

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: info@iaccenter.com