Some adopt, slot the child in place, and expect to move on without a ripple in the family pond. Some adopt and immediately look for therapists to deal with anticipated problems. Most fall somewhere in between. But almost all adoptive parents struggle with how and when to talk to their children about adoption. Should they wait for questions? Bring it up? Do the LifeBook thing? Should they have the story ready so there's a pat answer when questions do arise? Should they duck it until some undefined future time when the child is "older?"

In her book, "The Language of Blood," Jane Jeonga Trenka writes,

"My forehead scrunches up, and I feel something like a burn... more

Conference: New York, October 13-14, 2006

St. John’s University Manhattan Campus 101 Murray Street New York, NY 10007

This conference, hosted by St. John’s University, will focus on transracial and transcultural adoption. Our continually growing conference will feature two days of speakers, workshops and presentations. There will be a screening and discussion of several films Friday evening.

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Ruth McRoy Dr. Amanda Baden Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao Dr. Betty Jean Lifton Dr. John Raible Hollee McGinnis (MSSW) Sue Harris (MSW)

For... more

Conference: Oregon: October 18-21, 2006 hosted by Holt International

Posted with permission. Please feel free to distribute and invite others.

A conference for international leaders working on behalf of orphaned, abandoned and vulnerable children around the world.

The Intent — to examine the issues and challenges facing homeless and vulnerable children.

The Goal — to bring together non-traditional partners to collaborate more effectively on behalf of children—to share ideas and strengthen the collective child welfare community.

The Challenge — to explore how global forces,... more

Conference: New York: May 11-13, 2006

17th annual statewide conference

An opportunity to meet with adoptive and foster parents, agency
professionals, state administrators, and other advocates from
throughout the state.

Conference brochure is available at http://www.nysccc.org/Conferences/2006Conf/2006ConfBrochure.pdf

Conference: California: March 16-17, 2006

March 16 & 17, 2006
Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA
(near Los Angeles; fly into Ontario Airport, Ontario, CA)

This conference is co-sponsored by the Kinship Center, the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, and the Berger Institute for Work, Family & Children. For more information on the plenary speakers and 25 workshops, and for registration materials, go to:

http://www.kinshipcenter.org/biology_and_beyond_conference.html