1.“What the Research Teaches Us about Our Families”
Adoptive families have unique traits, as do single-parent families, step-families and every other type of “nontraditional” family. Too often, different is portrayed as better or worse, but it’s not; it’s just different. This workshop examines the research on a range of issues relating to adoptive families – from the role of birthparents to children’s developmental stages to school curricula (among others) – and explains how they affect our children and everyone in their lives.
Adam Pertman, Executive Director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute

2. "Making School Better for Adoptees….. and Everyone Concerned"
This panel presentation will offer some unique views and concrete ideas on improving the school experience for adoptees. The panel will consist of a young adult adoptee, a school social worker, and an adoptive parent and adoption educator. Learn firsthand how adoption can impact a student and what
educators can do to help.
Pat Bennett, Outreach Coordinator, Concerned Persons For Adoption; Robin Richards-Greene, School Social Worker for South Brunswick School District; Maria M. Bennett, Adoptee & college student

3. "What My White Parents Did Not Know ... And Why I Turned Out OK Anyway"
Transracially adopted co-presenters offer firsthand experiences and
practical ideas to address the inevitable race and diversity challenges in adoption and foster care. Issues will include dating, dealing with racial jokes, and other everyday issues that transracial adoptees face.
April Dinwoodie and Barry Chaffkin, LCSW, CEO and co- founder for CT Wocat (Changing The World One Child At a Time).

4. "Indications for a Developmental Evaluation and When to Request Early Intervention Services and/or Special Education Services"
Do you wonder if your child's behavior is normal or is related to his/her adoption history? How do you know if and when to request a developmental evaluation for your child? The presenter will answer these questions, as well as describe what services are available to help your child during the important early childhood years of growth and development.
Lisa Nalven, M.D., M.A., F.A.A.P., Director, Developmental Pediatrics, Valley Center for Child Development

5. "Introduction to Adoption"
When it comes to adoption, there are lots of decisions to make and options to consider. The world of adoption has its own terminologies, sets of procedures, and arrays of options. All of this can be very confusing for those just embarking on what can seem to be a long and difficult crossing into a new life. This workshop will help frame important questions and clarify the adoption process.
Nancy Dykstra-Powers, MSW, LCSW, Bethany Christian Services

6. "Redefining the ‘Traditional’ Family: Gay and Lesbian Adoptive Parents Panel"
This panel discussion will feature gay and lesbian adoptive parents. They will share their experiences from the process of adopting and answer your questions. Lauren Fajerman, MSW/LSW, District Supervisor, Adoptions From The Heart

7. "Openness in Adoption: A Birth Mother and an Adoptive Mother Tell Their Shared Story"
When Margaret was 17, she placed a child for adoption with a family that she had not meet. Once the adoptive family, Ray and Laura, contacted her, they formed a phone relationship. Eventually Margaret and her husband adopted transracially. Margaret, a birth and adoptive mother, and Laura, an adoptive mother and adoption professional, share their interwoven stories of how open adoption touched their lives.
Laura Beauvais-Godwin, MPH, Carolina Hope Christian Adoption Agency

8. "Ethiopian Adoption and Humanitarian Aid"
This program will provide basic information about the Ethiopian adoption process, program features, eligibility requirements, timelines, fees, key questions to consider and additional resources to consult. Also discussed will be the humanitarian aid component of Ethiopian adoption, one of its lesser known but very unique and important facets.
Kate Ingalls-Maloney, International Adoption Partner Program Coordinator, Children's Home Society & Family Services of Minnesota

9. "Just Because They Don't Ask … (Doesn't Mean they Don't Want to Know)"
This workshop will address the issue of talking to children about adoption even when they do not make overt inquiries. Adoptees think about being adopted and will often indicate this through their behavior. Examples of how children of different ages express their thoughts and feelings about being adopted and methods of addressing their concerns will be discussed. Specific attention will be given to listening for opportunities to start a dialogue.
Donna Philibosian, MSW, LCSW