How to Talk About Adoption with Children

Whether a child comes home at age two days or age ten years, adoption will be introduced into conversations in much the same way. Talking to your child about adoption only requires that you learn three things: how kids develop their understanding of adoption, common triggers/strategies for adoptees and yourselves, and skills for talking about difficult topics.

Learn how to make the topic of adoption a natural part of your home. Using Eric Erikson’s model of development, this workshop will look at how a child’s understanding of adoption grows along with their shoe size. You will learn some nifty communication tricks that you can use with anyone (not just the kids!). You’ll also discuss how to make a lifebook, how to talk about birth relatives, and what to do when there is little info, no info and/or negative info in your child’s history.

About the presenter: Janie Cravens, LCSW-ACP

Janie Cravens has worked in the field of Child Welfare since 1979, focusing on adoption, infertility, birth parent concerns, orphanage life, child development and attachment.  She was one of the pioneers of open adoption, and continues to be involved in the direct practice of this approach.

Janie teaches seminars on attachment, life-long issues in adoption built families and orphanage milieu.  She consults to agencies and governments regarding child welfare policies and best practices, and instructs social workers on how to provide ethical, respectful services. Cravens provides consultations on difficult adoption/foster cases, search and reunion, media comment, and serves as an expert in legal disputes.

Cravens holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Social Work (received from The Worden School, OLLU, 1979) as well as the designation of Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Licensed Child Placing Agency Administrator, and CEU Grantor for the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners.