Are you adopting internationally? Join us for a five-part series of interactive trainings led by Spence-Chapin’s clinicians and experts in adoption. Hear from adoptees and fellow pre-adoptive parents. Leave feeling equipped for your journey to adoptive parenthood. All events will be held virtually on Zoom and will incorporate participant questions and feedback.
Trauma-Informed Parenting
Wednesday, April 27th 5:00 – 8:00 PM EST
Parenting a child with a trauma history can feel like you’re following a different set of rules. Learn tips and techniques for building trust and addressing common behavioral challenges including tantrums and eating and sleep issues. This interactive virtual training will help you understand signs of trauma for specific developmental stages, provide suggestions on how to discuss trauma with your child and how to support healing for your child.
Openness and Talking About Adoption: Finding the Right Words
Monday May 2nd 5:00 – 7:30 PM EST
It can be hard to come up with the words in the moment – what if I say the wrong thing? For many parents, knowing the importance of talking openly with their child about adoption is the easy part and knowing what to say and how to say it can be more challenging. Learn how to talk with your child about their adoption story and birth family as they grow and how to respond to questions and comments from others.
Participants are asked to watch the documentary You Follow prior to the training although this is not required.
Medical Issues in International Adoption with Dr. Melissa Goldstein
Tuesday, May 3rd from 7:00 – 8:30 PM EST
Hear from Dr. Melissa Goldstein, a pediatrician specializing in international adoption, about common diagnoses and medical needs of children who are adopted internationally. Dr. Goldstein has spent over 15 years working with adoptive families, providing medical counseling during the home study phase, reviewing referrals and practicing adoption medicine post-adoption. During her career she has also worked abroad, performing pre-adoption evaluations in Russia. Dr. Goldstein practices in New York City and is available virtually to families throughout the United States.
Building a Parent-Child Connection After an International Adoption
Tuesday, May 10th 2:00 PM-4:30 PM EST
Learn the concepts that lead to secure relationships, how to address attachment challenges inherent in adoption, and how to support your child in developing healthy connections that form the foundation for how they view themselves and others. We acknowledge that adoption involves loss for all members of the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents) and will discuss ways to support your child in their grief throughout their life.
Identity Development in Children Adopted Internationally
Tuesday, May 17th 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Identity is an important, individualized, and complex process among adoptees. Through a discussion facilitated by a clinical social worker and an adult adoptee, explore the crucial role parents play in helping their children develop a healthy self-concept that incorporates all aspects of who they are.
©2023 SPENCE-CHAPIN SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.
