Workshops: Session 1

10:30 am - 11:45 pm

(A) Family Diversity in the Classroom
Presenter: Kala Lilani, MSW/LCSW, AFTH Adoption Consultant & Family Therapist

Families have changed. There are single parents, same sex parents, children in foster care and adoptive homes, and grandparents raising children. Do your lesson plans accommodate these issues?
Recommended for: teachers, adoptive families, social workers, therapists

(B) Adoptee & Identity: Finding Yourself
Presenter: Rita Roitman, MSW/LCSW

Discuss the role of the adoptive family in the process of searching for identity.
Recommended for: teachers, adoptive families, social workers

(C)The Man's Prospective
Presenter: Sam Wojnilower, LCSW, AFTH adoption social worker, adoptive parent

Reflect on the path to choosing adoption, the adoption process, and preparing for and adjusting to the new role of fatherhood. The workshop is presented by an adoption professional and father of three children adopted from two different Eastern European countries. For men only.
Recommended for: adoptive families, social workers

(D) Walking in the Shoes of the Adopted Child
Presenter: Pam Hasagawa, B.A., adoptee, adoption educator, advocate & Bob Hafetz, B.S./R.T. author & adoptee

Through experiential exercises, participants will gain insight into the inner worlds of relinquished children's life experiences and have an opportunity to "get it" in a visceral way.
Recommended for: All members of the adoption triangle, social workers, teachers, nurses

(E) Open Adoption and the Hospital Experience
Presenter: Michaelina Bending, Adoption Consultant, adoptive parent.

Join medical professionals and adoptive parents to discuss the needs of the birthmother at the hospital. Learn how to support the birthmother during her hospital. Learn how to remain respectful of the birthmother's adoption plan and how to support her decision. Also, learn the appropriate adoption terms as well as tips on creating a written Hospital Action Plan
Recommended for: nurses, adoptive parents, social workers

(F) Adoption Challenges for Same Sex Couples
Presenter: Helen Casale, Esq.

Same sex couples encounter challenges in building their families. In this workshop, discussion will include the challenges and options available to them.
Recommended for: adoptive families, social workers