Join us for two days of important and interesting training for adoptive families. With special guests and teachers, we will discuss important issues ranging from adoption basics to the importance of biological ties. Sign up using the form below the schedule to secure your seat for the K-PARC Family Retreat!
You can sign up for individual sessions or the full days, whichever is most convenient for you.
Training Schedule:
DAY 1 – 10/1/2021
9:00am – Adoption 101
Kristalle Hedrick
Adoption from foster care can be a confusing process! This session will give you an overview of the process, basic information about what to expect as well as an opportunity for Q&A.
11:00am – How do Adoptive Parents work with Biological Parents?
Jennifer Meyer
Research shows that when adoptive parents and biological parents have a relationship, it is better for the children. Join Jenn Meyer, trainer and adoptive parent, and Crystal Hunter, current foster and adoptive parent, for ideas on how to begin a relationship with your child’s biological parents, or strengthen the relationship. We will also look at challenges and how to work through them.
1:00pm – Peer Support Networking
Joni Hiatt and Casie Davidson
Join Casie Davidson, Family Advocate and Joni Hiatt, Kansas Director of Family Programs for an informational session around Peer Support. Consider what you personally have to offer as well as ideas to help identify Peer Support. We will discuss topics around common issues, setting healthy boundaries and developing a strong support system.
3:00pm – Mental Health Concerns in Adopted Children
Jennifer Meyer
Up to 80% of foster children are diagnosed with a mental illness. If your child has been diagnosed, you are not alone! In this session we will share common mental health illnesses that adopted children may be diagnosed with. Included will be an overview of the illness, what to look for, and ways to help. We’ll also share resources for each illness with you.
DAY 2 – (10/2/2021)
9:00am – See My Color, Acknowledge My Trauma, Change the Outcome
Crystal C. Rozelle-Bennett, LMSW
According to research, transracially adopted children may struggle with feeling “different” and experience challenges with developing a positive identity. It is not enough for caregivers to simply love and treat a child like their own without seeing the color of the child, understanding and validating the impact of race on the child and being intentional about racial socialization.
Through the use of lecture, discussion and reflection opportunities, participants will evaluate the necessity in acknowledging the role that race plays in the experience of systemic oppression, marginalization, internalized oppression and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Strategies to increase safety, break down barriers and practice humility will be presented as well as the use of racial socialization as a protective factor.
11:00am – The Impact of Trauma and the Power of Attachment
Dr. Tiffany Willis
In this course, you will learn the physiological impact of trauma on the body and on the developing brain of infants and young children. You will also gain an understanding of the importance of attachment and relationship as a tool for building resilience and recovery from traumatic experiences. This course is intended to help you understand the value you bring to shifting the trajectory of a child’s life.
1:00pm – Sexuality Education for Foster/Adoptive Families
Seth Middleton
Talking about sexuality with kids can be daunting – especially with children who have experienced trauma. In this session, we will discuss sexual and gender identity development in children, strategies for addressing healthy sexual boundaries, trauma-informed approaches to sexuality education, and practical resources for talking with children about hard topics. This training utilizes a harm reduction/safer sex framework.
3:00pm – Impact of Trauma: Childhood through Adolescence
Jennifer Meyer
This session will discuss the different types of trauma, signs of trauma and trigger responses. We will identify concrete methods to help children de-escalate and heal. We will also share the effects of secondary trauma for caregivers and how self-care should play an important part in the family’s recovery.
Sign up today to join us for the Family Retreat on October 1 and 2. This is a digital training that will take place over Zoom. A link will be provided after sign-up is completed.
