Workshop Series

Transracial Adoptive Family Issues

Date:  Sunday, January 24, 2010

Time: Noon to 3 p.m.
Place: IACCenter, 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite A200, Pennington N.J., 08534

This workshop is for prospective adoptive parents, adoptive parents, teens and adults who were adopted into transracial families, and professionals working with these individuals and families. Participants will learn about the challenges of growing up as part of a transracial adoptive family and how can parents and professionals help. This program has been approved by the National Association of Social Workers (provider #886509641) for 3 continuing education contact hours (3 CE credits). 

Speaker and Moderators, Jane Cramer, LSW and Sasha Martone, LCSW, IAC Center Counselors experienced in working with pre-adoptive parents; and transracial adoptive families, which helps them to understand adoption from the perspectives of both the children and the parents.     
A Panel of adults who were adopted into transracial families will share their perspectives and help you to think about the challenges of growing up as part of a transracial adoptive family

This workshop format will be a combination of didactic material, experiential exercises and break out discussion groups. You will learn about:

• Adoptee perspectives on:
• Being of a different race than their family and community
• The complex issues of race and identity at multiple points in the life cycle
• What happens when interacting with non-adoptees from their same ethnic culture
• Dating and relationships
• How parents can help
• Search and reunion or returning to the country of their birth
• Normative emotional and social life cycle issues
• Racial and gender stereotyping
• Effective strategies for families and professionals to optimize self-esteem and sense of positive identity for these adoptees   
• Typical parental and professional blind spots
• Models for success
• The role of the professional in helping children and families

Considering how your child may feel; and examining how you feel about being part of a transracial family is a process. This workshop would best be seen as a constructive point in that journey.

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