2010 EUROPEAN ADOPTION SYMPOSIUM
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Lauterstrasse 1, Kaiserslautern, Germany Date: 8 May 2009
“Building Families through Adoption”
Sponsored by the KMC Adoption Support Group and the USAF 86TH AW/CH Outreach Program
SYMPOSIUM SEMINAR DESCRIPTIONS
1. “How To Get Started With Adoption” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: The basics for beginners starting with a review of the process in general. What will help me compare and contrast the various domestic and international programs? What countries are available for adoption? How do I avoid unnecessary delays in getting this started? What is a home study? What are the different considerations in choosing an agency? What about immigration laws and process? What’s the Hague got to do with it? Presented by David Slansky, J.D., from Journeys of the Heart Adoption Services
2. “Top Ten Issues of Post Adoption” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: After a long and arduous adoption journey families often find themselves with a new set of issues once they return home with their adopted child. We will share the top ten issues that our clients have shared with us since 1990 and hundreds of post adoption visits. Presented by Randy Barlow & Jane Santos from American Adoption Professionals Abroad
3. "Funding Your Adoption" DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: Explanation of the tax benefits and grants available to help you with adoption. Also, where does the money go in Adoption? Break down of costs. Presented by Dr. Carol Albers, from Adopt Abroad
4. “Ten Considerations for Families Wanting to Adopt” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: There are several considerations that families must make prior to making the final decision to adopt. For Americans abroad there are special considerations because of where they live and the mobile lifestyle many military and US Federal Employees endure. It is certainly possible to adopt while living abroad, many people have over the years. We have taken the top ten considerations that our families have shared with us since 1990 to help prospective adoptive families make wise choices. Presented by Randy Barlow & Jane Santos from American Adoption Professionals Abroad
5. “Older & Sibling Group Adoption & Dealing with Behavioral Needs” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: Adopting older children comes with many blessings and challenges. The discussion will revolve around the “ins and outs” of adopting older children. These parents bring hands-on experience to issues including birth order, discipline, and regressive behaviors of the older adopted child as well as attachment disorders and where and when to get professional treatment. Presented by Lisa/David Martin & Melissa/Mike Pontiff
6. “To Russia with Love” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: Everything you wanted to know about Adoption from Russia. Requirements, Cost, Travel, Children in Orphanages and why Russia remains one of the top sending countries for International Adoption. (Meets Hague standards for Pre-adoption education 1.0 Credit hours available) Presented by Denise Hoppenhauer from Beacon House (View/Download notes from seminar)
7. “The Role of U.S. Immigration/citizenship Services in International Adoption” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: A great seminar to answer questions about US citizenship and what needs to be done to make this possible for your adopted child. Presented by TBA from USCIS
8. "Open Adoption—it may not be what you think” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: More and more members of the adoption triad are entering into agreements for continuing contact. This session will discuss some of the legal issues involved, let you know which states recognize and enforce such agreements, also the agency's (and birth parent's) view and positive social and emotional impact of open adoption for the adopted child and try to answer questions you have about open adoption. Presented by David Slansky, J.D. from Journeys of the Heart Adoption Services
9. "Adoption Options: The Book of Letters & Using Networking" TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: Come find out how to join the Book of Letters--it can open the door to a private US adoption. We will cover how this program works, what needs to be completed, examples of how to write the letter (but you must do what fits your personality), stories from those that found their child through this avenue. Examples of networking by using word-of-mouth, emails, business cards, ads in papers etc can open the door to your child. Hear stories of how it worked! Presented by Jeanie Veith, MHR and Dave and Manoli Thomas & Bonnie Sims (View/Download notes from seminar)
10. LUNCH TIME SEMINAR: “You Can Adopt When You Are Single!” TOPIC OF DISCUSSION:: Many singles are able to adopt and this workshop will have a panel of singles that have adopted. They will share experiences and knowledge they have of the process and things to do that will help. Moderator: Shari Dietzel
11. LUNCH TIME SEMINAR: “Things I learned from the adoption process" TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: A panel of parents that have adopted will give you their experience and wisdom of things to do and not to do in the adoption process. Moderator: Celeste Hardin and Michelle & Ron Salts (View/Download notes from seminar)
12. “Adopting a Toddler” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: Ideal for first time parents, preparing for the arrival of your toddler or older infant. Includes basic childcare information while addressing the unique need of adopted children. (Meets Hague standards for Pre-adoption education 1.0 Credit hours available) Presented by Denise Hoppenhauer from Beacon House (View/Download notes from the seminar)
13. "Medical Tests for Adopted Kids" DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: Review of different tests and what to look for in the medical aspect of considering you child for adoption and tests post-adoption. Presented by Kate Mills, R.N. (View/Download notes from seminar)
14. “Let Us Tell You Our Story”—Adopting While Living Overseas” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: Listen to personal stories of how families found their children, financial aspects, emotional and other issues they faced before, during and after adopting. Panel Moderator: Krista Karp, CISW
15. “Adopted—the Movie of Trans-Racial Adoption” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: This media production reveals the grit rather than the glamour of trans-racial adoption. It goes deep into the intimate lives of two well-meaning families and shows us the subtle challenges they face. Facilitated by David Slansky, J.D., from Journeys of the Heart Adoption Service
16. “Adoption After the Hague for Overseas Families” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: How the implementation of the Hague Treaty has affected families living overseas and adopting internationally. Discussion about both Hague and Non Hague countries and how the effect may be different depending on where you live and your status as an overseas family. Discussions will include adopting from countries such as China and Ethiopia and what you can do to resolve these issues. Presented by Michelle Jordan from Children’s House International and by Randy Barlow / Jane Santos from American Adoption Professionals Abroad
17. “Growing Up Adopted”--An Adoptee’s lifespan perspective. DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: A panel of adoptees (teen and adults) will share their experiences of adoption and how it has impacted their lives on many levels. Panel Moderator: Krista Karp, CISW
18. “Military Resources” DESCRIPTION OF SEMINAR: Find out how to get through the maze of the military entitlements like getting command sponsorship, registering for DEERS, filing for the military reimbursement, and leave time. There are also pre-adoption resources like getting fingerprints, background checks, or the fact that the notary can meet you at the doctor’s office. Presented by Ron Salts and Celeste Hardin
