Series of Interviews on Foster Care and Adoption

The Examiner in Dayton, Ohio is presenting a new foster care and adoption interview series. 

"Although social workers and other experts can tell you a lot about the foster care and adoption process, they can't give you the nitty gritty details about the experience. Only someone who has been through the foster care or adoption process can tell you what it is really like."

Continue reading the first interview here.

Helping Foster Children throught the Educational System

"As little as two percent of Americans have experienced foster care, but statistics show that as much as half our homeless population have been involved with the system."


In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, Fostering Media Connections, a group dedicated to changing the foster care system through the power of the media, is kicking off a series of town-hall type meetings that address foster children in the educational system.  These meetings titled, "On the Road to Educational Equality" tour can be viewed and streamed live.

Here's a terrific article (and video) about the tour (and foster children & education) written by Daniel Heimpel, Project director of Fostering Media Connections:
On the Road to Educational Equality: Addressing the Educational Needs of Foster Care Youth

The Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children Annual Conference to be Held in September

Reported in the May issue of Adoption Today Magazine:

The Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children (ATTACh) is hosting its 23rd annual confernce Sept. 21-24, 2011 in Omaha, Neb. This year’s conferences focuses on Attachment and Trauma: through the Eyes of a Child. For more than 20 years, ATTACh has been advocating for improved treatment services for children who have experienced significant traumas affecting their attachment.

This year, ATTACh is bringing the conference to the Plains area. Approximately 400 attendees from across North America, as well as other countries, are expected to attend. Attachment-related traumas can include
child maltreatment, separation and loss of a parent, exposure to post-partum depression, domestic violence, and other overwhelming early life experiences that affect the child’s sense of security. Research over 50 years has demonstrated that the nature and quality of the attachment relationship between a child and primary caregiver influences virtually all other spheres of development — neurological, behavioral, social, emotional and moral.

The ATTACh Annual Conference is an opportunity for parents and professionals to network with peers and to learn from world renowned experts about the most recent developments, research and training in the fields of attachment and trauma. The conference will include 35 workshops designed for parents and experienced professionals, as well as those new to the field. Two keynote addresses are also planned by Edward Tronick, Ph.D., developer of the Still-face paradigm, author, researcher and Harvard professor; and Laurie Anne Pearlman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist from Massachusetts, who specializes in vicarious trauma. Full day presentations at the postconference institute will feature John Briere, Ph.D., author, researcher and professor at Keck School of Medicine, LAC-USC; and, a special workshop led by Victoria Kelly, Ph.D. and Lori Thomas, experts in the area of therapeutic parenting techniques for families parenting children who have experienced trauma in early childhood. For more information, contact Lynn Wetterberg at 847-356-3506 or Jackie Meyer at 02-336-4841.

Help for Adoptive Families Whose Children Had a Rough Early Life

Adoption Learning Partners is offering four new online courses to prepare parents to raise children who arrive with difficult early experiences. The "Tough Starts Matter Series" covers topics that are timely and meaningful not only for pre-adopters—including brain development, treatment, parenting, and families—but also for families who are already in the thick of it, and are looking to help their children gain new skills.

The Tough Starts Series equips adoptive parents with insight into how their child's tough start in life may lead to troubling behavior years later.  Importantly, it also helps parents learn what they can do now to intercede, helping their child to heal and their family to thrive

Experts like Karyn Purvis, Ph.D., and Judy Stigger, LCSW, weigh in via short videos. The package includes four online courses totaling five hours. Buy the package for $60 at adoptionlearningpartners.org (a 29-percent discount from the list price per course).

Hurt children, of all ages and with all sorts of challenges, benefit when their parents (and professionals) receive extra support and preparation to transition them into a family. If your family is facing this situation, don't hesitate to sign up.

Help for Those Families Struggling with Sleep Issues

Are You Sleeping?


Expert advice for adoptive families struggling to get a good night's sleep.
Webinar
Thursday, May 19, 2011
7:00 - 8:00 PM Central
Q & A: 8:00 - 8:30PM Central
Cost: $15

REGISTER for this webinar

Join Dr. Julian Davies for a practical, humorous, and balanced exploration of why adopted children (and their parents!) often sleep so poorly, and what to do about it!
This webinar will help adoptive families:

• Explore the reasons behind sleep problems in adopted children

• Formulate short-term and long-term sleep strategies for adoptive families

• Trouble-shoot specific sleep problems

• Add many practical sleep tips to your toolbox


Speaker:  Dr. Julian Davies
Julian Davies, MD, is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, where he co-directs the Center for Adoption Medicine, and works at the longest-running FAS clinic in the country. His interest in foster care and adoption started in Russia, where he started a summer arts and clown camp for Russian orphans. He now has a pediatric practice where 2/3 of his patients were fostered or adopted. Dr. Davies also created an award-winning online resource for pediatrics and adoption: http://www.adoptmed.org/

Please Note: Registrants will be contacted and asked to submit questions prior to the event

Sponsored by:
Adoption Learning Partners & Joint Council on International Children's Services

Grace Landing First Annual Foster Care/Adoption Summit April 9 in Osceola Co.

Grace Landing, a mentoring ministry for young adults , is sponsoring their first annual foster care & adoption summit this Saturday, April 9, at Heartcry Chapel in Kissimmee, FL.  The main speaker for the summit is Doug Sauder from 4Kids in Ft. Lauderdale and author of The One Factor.  He is an amazing speaker and has so much to say about helping kids in the foster care system. You can go to www.gracelanding.com for more information and also to register.

Register Now for Christian Alliance for Orphans' Summit VII

Some of this year's speakers inclue Russell Moore, Karyn Purvis, and Dennis Rainey.  There will be pre-summit events, numerous break-out sessions, and musical guests.  This is THE conference to attend for  pastors, lay leaders, ministry professionals, and individuals seeking knowledge on adoption, foster care, global orphan care, and advocacy.  Visit the Summit site to register or for more information.

Date Set for Christian Alliance For Orphans Summit VII

Save the Date...

SUMMIT VII

May 12-13, 2011

Southeast Christian Church

Louisville, KY

If you missed Summit VI, recordings are available online 

Considering Adoption or Foster Parenting?

A representative from Community Based Care of Seminole County (CBC) will be in the foyer after every service from Saturday, May 1 to Monday, May 3, and from Saturday, May 8 to Monday, May 10 at the Northland Longwood and Oviedo sites. Also, CBC of Seminole will hold a Foster and Adoption Information Session on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. in room 4206-07 at the Longwood site. Experts in fostering and adoption will discuss the process to foster and adopt in Florida and will answer commonly asked questions. For those interested in beginning the foster or adoption process, CBC of Seminole will hold a Foster and Adoption Course (PRIDE) from May 19 through August 4 at Northland. This 30-hour course is required by the state of Florida to become a licensed foster or adoptive parent. Details, and information sessions or orientation sign-up: Rhonda Murphy (rmurphy56@cfl.rr.com or 1-866-90-CHILD).

April 29 Is Approaching Quickly!

This is a reminder that there is still time to register for Christian Alliance for Orphans' annual Summit!

http://www.christian-alliance-for-orphans.org/summit/

Invitation to learn about a voluntary program designed to prevent child abuse and neglect for children in our community

Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 pm, Alison Schminke of Bethany Christian Services, will present Safe Families for Children, a new program which is coming to Central Florida.

What is Safe Families? It is a voluntary program designed to prevent abuse and neglect for children in our community. A Safe Family is a volunteer who opens their home and provide a child with a safe, nurturing place to live while their parents work to bring stability back to their family. Families who are in crisis are given training and support so that they can get to a place where they are ready to bring their child(ren) back home.

You are under no obligation whatsoever to sign up to become a Safe Family by attending the meeting on Oct 20. Perhaps you know someone who might be interested. The commitment is much less than becoming a foster family with children staying up to 90 days in your home. You can say no to a placement if it is not the right time to add a child to your home for a short time.

If you think you would like to learn more, we would love to have you attend on October 20. If you could let me know you are attending it would help with knowing who to expect. You are always welcome to just show up. Please feel free to pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested.
For questions or more information contact Tracy Matheson at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park @ 407-644-2906 ext 256.

Announcing a Hope for Orphans Event in Greenville, SC

On Saturday, October 17th, Hope for Orphans will present "Your Church and the Orphan" at First Baptist church of Simpsonville, South Carolina (http://fbcsimpsonville.org/). Together for Adoption is privileged to be one of the sponsors of this excellent event. Join others from your church who are passionate about the needs of orphans at this group workshop experience led by Hope for Orphans (http://www.hopefororphans.org/), a ministry of FamilyLife. It will be a powerful, interactive, and fun one-day event that will provide the necessary information and tools to explore how your church can effectively minister to orphans and waiting children. This workshop will be from 9:00AM - 4:30PM on Saturday, October 17, 2009. The $20 per person cost includes lunch and snacks. To register call 1-800-358-6329 or visit: http://www.hopefororphans.org/Display.asp?Page=scheduledworkshops

Foster Care Orientation Meeting

Are you interested in becoming a foster parent?

You are invited to an Orientation Meeting regarding the ministries of foster care through the Florida Baptist Children's Homes. We look forward to meeting each of you, discussing the services we offer, and answering any questions you may have about Foster Care.

When: Thursday, June 25, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

Where: First Baptist Church Orlando
3125 Bruton Blvd.
Training Room between the Pregnancy and Counseling Centers

Please RSVP by contacting Laurie Ingram, Area Social Worker
laurie.ingram@fbchomes.org or 407-514-4394

Together for Adoption Conference 2009

Franklin (Nashville), TN
October 2-3, 2009

Conference 2009 page:
http://www.togetherforadoption.org/?page_id=11

MAPP Class Starting Soon

If you're interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting from the foster care system, you are required to take a 10-week MAPP (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) class. There's a new one starting May 12 in the Winter Garden area on Tuesday evenings. If you would like to join or would like more information contact Debbie at gstddt@mac.com

You are invited to Hear Tom Davis Speak

There will be two opportunities to meet Tom Davis and hear him speak when he comes to Orlando next month.

1. Friday, April 3 at 10:00am

CNL Center II
420 South Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL
Naval Center Conference Room, 13th Floor

2. Saturday, April 4 at 6:00pm

Westwood Church

4412 N. Apopka-Vineland Rd.

Orlando, FL

Tom Davis is the president and CEO of Children’s HopeChest, a global orphan advocacy organization serving children around the world. He travels worldwide encouraging individuals, families, and churches to fulfill the biblical mandate to love and care for the orphan. Tom is the author of four books; Fields of the Fatherless, Red Letters, Confessions of a Good Christian Guy, and Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World (to be released June, 2009). He is also a teacher, a pastor, a professional leadership development trainer (of Fortune 500 CEO’s and their executive staffs), a husband, and father of five children.

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit reminder

Reminder to register for the Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit coming up next month!
http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/summit/

Tom Davis coming to the Orlando area

Tom Davis, acclaimed author, fantastic speaker, and president of Children's Hopechest (http://www.hopechest.org/), will be in the Orlando area in April. CGC and Westwood Church have him tentively scheduled to speak Saturday night, April 4, 6pm, at Westwood Church. Save the date!
























To hear Tom Davis talk about his new book, Fields of the Fatherless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euSXS7ZaRU4

Training Opportunities for Adoptive Parents (in Colorado)

1. Beyond Consequences training with Heather Forbes. She is excellent, and truly understands issues of adoptive parents as both an adoptive parent herself, and as a social worker. This is especially excellent for any of you who feel like you have tried everything without good success in discipline. She bases her approach on the stress model, which is a great thing for every adoptive parent to be familiar with. Plus, if you buy her book (~$20 at her website or at amazon.com) admission to a full day training is free...a steal. If you aleady hae volume one of her book, she just released volume 2! Here's the link for more info (Mar. 28, 9:00-4:00, Wheatridge):

http://www.beyondconsequences.com/bcilive/registration.html (this training seminar will also be in other cities around the country)

To learn more about Beyond Consequences: http://www.beyondconsequences.com/

2. In Colorado -

Parker Adventist Hospital has made a special commitment to adoption, and is offering "Empowered Adoptive Parent" training ($20/person/class or $30/couple/class), including:

Lifelong Issues in Adoption February 23, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm

This 2.5 hr class will provide an overview of the 7 core issues of adoption as they relate to adoptees, adoptive parents, birthparents and siblings.

Tools and Resources March 19, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm

Come learn about the post-adoption resources available in Colorado. In addition, this training will provide an overview of behavioral concerns most frequently asked about by adoptive parents.

It’s a Package Deal: Your Children, Their Trauma April 20, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm This class will address how trauma affects the developing brain in international and domestic infant adoption. We will discuss the impact of trauma on child development, attachment, and sensory integration, as well as the effects of neglect.

We Don’t Match, But Our Hearts Do May 14, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm

This class addresses transracial and cross cultural parenting as well as the common question, “Do I belong here?”

The Current Trends in Infant Adoption June 18, 2009 6:00 8:30 pm

This class will address the new face of infant adoption, issues around openness, and newborn transition and bonding.

You can see a little more at:
http://www.parkerhospital.org/index.php?s=861&parent_id=1836#empowered

They are also hosting a FREE Event with Nationally Renowned Author, Sherrie Eldridge -February 28, 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Cherry Hills Community Church

Cherry Hills Community Church and the Family to Family Adoption Support Program will be hosting nationally renowned author, Sherrie Eldridge.
Who would have ever guessed that the newborn baby girl, abandoned at birth, named Baby X by hospital workers, and a “failure to thrive baby” by physicians, would someday extol the wonders of adoption?

Sherri Eldridge is the author of many well loved books such as Forever Fingerprints and Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew.

More on Sherry: http://www.sherrieeldridge.com/

Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit

The Christian Alliance for Orphan Summit V will be held April 30 & May 1, 2009 at Irving Bible Church in Dallas, Texas.

According its website,

Summit V is an opportunity to worship God by learning about how He is caring for orphans around the world through His people... and how YOU can join Him. Detailed breakout sessions and strategic networking opportunities have been designed to equip the lay person, the church pastor & the orphan care worker with tangible steps they can take to love the orphan in their home, in their church, and through trusted organizations.

For more information and to register: http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/summit/