10.“Beyond Culture Camp: Building Positive Identity in Adopted Children”
What do adopted children – particularly those who were born in other countries and who are of a different race or ethnicity from their parents – need in order to grow up with healthy identities? What do adult adoptees themselves say works best? This workshop draws on a groundbreaking new study by the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute to answer those questions (and many more) for parents, professionals and, Adopted persons.
Hollee McGiniss, Policy Director, Evan B . Donaldson Adoption Institute

11. "Attachment in Adoption: Parents and Children are Partners in this Process"
Attachment for parents and children is a two-way street. This talk will review that delicate dance of attachment which includes post adoption depression for parents and the relationship of poor self-regulation and developmental delays in newly adopted children with parental expectations and all the ups and downs of the post adoption transition.
Jane E. Aronson, D.O., Director, International Pediatric Health Services, PLLC, Founder and CEO, Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO)

12. "Once They Hear My Name: Korean Adoptees and their Journeys Toward Identity"
Based on the book of the same title by Ellen Lee, Marilyn Lammert & Mary Anne Hess, school experiences and issues of racism and identity will be highlighted in this panel discussion of Korean Adoptees talking about how they became the adults they are today.
Moderated by Marilyn Lammert, co-author of "Once They Hear My Name: Korean Adoptees and their Journeys Toward Identity"

13. "A Child’s Trauma and the Impact on the Foster/Adoptive Family"
Applying what has been learned from recent studies, this session will discuss the findings from the perspective of families raising adopted children whose early histories include trauma. Among the topics to be discussed are the realities of parallel process and traumatic reenactment and their effect on the family. The presentation will focus on the impact of trauma on children and the organizations that provide treatment, as well as material to help participants understand how trauma manifests in symptoms for children and explore ways of managing those symptoms to promote healing for children and their families.
R. Tito Del Pilar, Director Of Training, Andrus Center for Learning and Innovation

14. "Autism and Adoption"
The trauma of institutionalization can sometimes cause behavior that mimics autism. What are the early signs? How do you tell the difference between a serious neurological disorder and post traumatic stress in adopted children? What can you do to help your child? This workshop will help answer these questions.
Lisa Nalven, M.D., M.A., F.A.A.P., Director, Developmental Pediatrics, Valley Center for Child Development

15. “Is Russian Adoption as Confusing as it Seems?”
Russia has been on again and off again - one of the biggest international programs, one of the fastest, one of the topsy-turvyest. Is it possible to make sense of Russian adoption? Why do different agencies vary so much if they’re all working in the same country? This workshop will help dispel the confusion around Russian adoption, in a no-nonsense manner.
Carol Wahl, BA, MPH, Program Manager, Russian & European Programs, Children's Home Society & Family Services of Minnesota

16. "Third-Party Parenting and Adoption: What You Need to Know in NJ"
This workshop will focus on the legal and practical aspects of egg, sperm and embryo donation and domestic and international adoption in NJ.
Elizabeth Swire Falker,Esq.

17. "Creating an Adoption Lifebook"
This workshop is for parents in all stages of adoption: from pre-adopt to post-adopt, and is equally applicable to domestic, international and foster care/adoption. You will learn the basics about creating an adoption lifebook, how to get started, what to include and mistakes to avoid. An adoption lifebook begins with the child's birth and can serve as a tool to discuss the specific circumstances surrounding your child's birth and adoption.
Sasha Martone, MSW, LCSW

18. "What You Need to Know to Parent an Adopted Child"
Parenting an adopted child is different. This workshop will describe early influences on a child’s life, the critical role of attachment and the developmental steps necessary for achieving maturity. Parenting an adopted child requires a good understanding of the developmental process and additional skills throughout the childhood years.
Jean Roe Mauro, LCSW and Sara-Jane Hardman, co-authors of "If I Love My Kid Enough"