Talking with Tweens About Adoption
March 6, 2021 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Whether a child comes home at age two days or age ten years, adoption will be introduced into conversations in much the same way. Creating great conversations about adoption matters requires three things: you need to know how kids develop their understanding of adoption, what the common triggers/strategies are for adoptees and yourselves, and to learn the communication skills needed to talk with children.
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!). We’ll be discussing the tools of the trade – lifebooks, creation stories, dealing with society’s questions/comments, 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.
Cost: $150/Family
Space is limited for this interactive training. Register early to secure your spot.
