Workshop Series

W.I.S.E. Up! Workshop

Launch Date: Saturday, September 24, 2011

Launch Time: 3pm to 7pm. Followed by a pizza & ice cream party social!

Launch Place: 210 Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, PA

Launch Fee: $50 per family includes the W.I.S.E. Up! Powerbook.

Workshop facilitated by: Joni Mantell, LCSW and Jane Cramer, LCSW, both of the Infertility and Adoption Counseling Center (IACC) www.iaccenter.com

Hosted by: the International Adoption Health Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

What is WISE UP?

The W.I.S.E. Up! Workshop is for pre-adoptive and adoptive parents, as well as adopted children ages 6 - 12. Families are welcome to bring non-adopted siblings as well.

Did you know nearly every adopted child is asked questions about their adoption at some point in their childhood and adolescence? Within the community a family lives, children may face very pointed, difficult questions by “curious” others such as questions about their race, about how they were adopted, if they remember their orphanage or pre-adoption life situation, etc. These challenges may start as early as age 3 with: "Why don't you look like your mom?” For others, it may not begin until ages 6, 7 or even 8 with: “Why were you adopted?” or “Where is your real mother?” Teens grapple with deeper questions about their identity and can be particularly troubled when asked personal questions related to their adoption.

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 to decide the most comfortable ways to communicate about their adoption story with others. The design of this program recognizes that it is vital for parents and children to have the same platform for discussion of these difficult and unique life challenges. The workshop is facilitated by IAC Center Counselors with adult adoptees as assistants. The format includes separate and joint sessions for parent and for children groups.

• A common language to use in communicating about these issues within the family
• Strategies and tools to deal effectively with difficult adoption-related situations
• To feel empowered when confronted with inappropriate comments and questions

You may REGISTER by emailing the registration form. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by September 17, 2011. For additional information about the workshop content and whether your child is ready, contact Joni Mantell, LCSW at the IAC Center at JMantellmsw@iaccenter.com or 609-737- 8750. If your child is too young to participate, but you would like to attend to gain knowledge for your family, please contact Amy Lynch, PhD, OTR/L at chopadopt@email.chop.edu.

For registration completion or questions, please email or call Amy Lynch or Rashea Edmond at phone: 267-426-5005 or fax: 215-590-2180 and email registrations to CHOPADOPT@email.chop.edu

DIRECTIONS and Parking Information will be sent with your confirmation email.