2010 Program Schedule

2 Easy ways to register:

1. Online
2. Call 301-476-8525

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Find out about Ongoing Groups & Meetings

Specialty Workshops

Unless noted otherwise, workshops will be held at the C.A.S.E. office in Burtonsville. When offered, childcare is for ages 5 and older – pre-registration/payment required. All programs will begin promptly. Attendees needing childcare, please arrive 15 minutes early to comfort and settle your child.

S.A.F.E. at Schools: Support for Adoptive Families by Educators
Thurs., Feb. 18th (9-10:30 p.m.)
WEBINAR!

Research has shown that children's long-term self-concept as an adoptee is strongly influenced by feedback received in the school environment. Although adoption is very common, educators may not have accurate, current knowledge of adoption today. Well-meaning teachers may not be aware of the negative impact of curriculum/assignments on their adopted students or how to assist these students when classmates ask about adoption. This webinar for parents and educators will provide five pro-active strategies for creating an adoption-sensitive school environment. Presentation will also address communication between parents and school for the purpose of ensuring that their child is "safe" at school. Led by Ellen Singer, LCSW-C. Fee: $25.

Making the Decision to Adopt
Sat., Feb. 27th (9:00 a.m. –noon) 
Burtonsville, MD

There are many important questions that all prospective adoptive parents should ask themselves to help determine both IF adoption is the right option for them to build their family and WHICH OPTION they may wish to pursue (domestic vs. international, same race vs. transracial, open adoption, infant vs. older child, etc.) This workshop will provide an overview of the both the benefits and challenges that are unique to the different kinds of adoptive family experience. Waiting parents are welcome to attend. Led by Ellen Singer, LCSW-C. Fee: $40 per person/couple.

Beyond Placement: Family Adjustment to Foster Care Adoption
Thurs., Mar. 11th (9-10:30 p.m.)
WEBINAR!

After an adoption is finalized, it is not uncommon for both adoptive parents and their children to experience a period of adjustment as they transition to the changes that occur with finalization: the absence of previously ever-present (available) professionals, changes in the schedule of birth family visitation, changes in family dynamics, etc. Families may experience challenges around their child's reworking issues related to loss and grief of birth family ties. Some families may struggle with how to fulfill the obligations of their open adoption agreement. This webinar will help parents understand and successfully navigate through these concerns. Led by Madeleine Krebs, LCSW-C. Fee: $25.

W.I.S.E. UP!sm for Children and Parents
Sat., Mar. 20th (10 a.m. – noon)
Burtonsville, MD

Most adopted children (and parents!) are subjected to intrusive and unwanted questions and comments about adoption, which can cause great discomfort and hurt. For some, questions come as early as age 3: "Why don't you look like your mom?" For others, not until age 6 or 7: "Where is your real mother?" W.I.S.E. UP! gives children a powerful tool to help them cope with these questions and comments and teaches them that they can decide if, when and how to share their adoption story. Concurrent parent workshop will teach parents how to support their children with W.I.S.E. UP! at home. Children 1st-6th grade are invited to participate. Led by Ellen Singer, LCSW-C and Ann Roth, LGSW. Registration includes a W.I.S.E. UP! Powerbook (reg. $15). Fee: $65/family.

"Living on the Fault Line: Where Race and Family Meet"
Sat., Apr. 17th (1-4 p.m.)
Burtonsville, MD

Come join a panel of transracially adopted adults who will share their personal stories, after participants view this documentary film that explores the experiences of transracial families created through adoption. This film takes "an honest, open-hearted look at race in America. It is an intimate portrait that reveals the challenges transracial families face as children of color grow up. Shot in a naturalistic style, Living on the Fault Line profiles nine families telling the untold story of transracial adoption, revealing the complex, challenging and emotional costs of racial discrimination brought into the privacy of the family." This event is not to be missed! Fee: $40 per person/couple.

Adoption and Sexuality
Thurs., Apr. 22nd (9-10:30 p.m.)
WEBINAR!

Talking with children about sex can be one of the most challenging aspects of parenthood. This task may generate additional anxiety in adoptive parents because adoption stories and sexuality are intertwined in complex, emotional ways for both adoptive parents and their children. This webinar will discuss the information and guidance that children and teens need in order to develop self-esteem and positive sexual identity -- that will result in decisions that ensure their emotional and physical health and safety. Parents will learn how to communicate with teens who are often reluctant to talk with parents about sexuality. Led by Sean Delehant, LCPC. Fee: $25.

The Dream of Adoption and the LGBT Community
Wednesday, May 12th (9-10:30 p.m.)
WEBINAR!

Many agencies will consider adoption by LGBT persons, both singles and couples. We believe that every child has the right to a loving, nurturing and permanent family, and that people from a variety of life experiences offer strengths for these children. This webinar will provide an overview of LGBT adoption and offer valuable resources. Led by Vanessa Marshall, LGSW. Fee: $25.

Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility
Thurs., May 13th – June 3rd (6-9 p.m.)
Must attend all four sessions Burtonsville, MD

Love and Logic is an effective parenting program that eliminates power struggles and teaches children responsibilitiy and self-control. Developed by internationally recognized child psychiatrist, Foster Cline, M.D. and leading educational consultant Jim Fay, this seminar uses videos, books and interactive lecturing to strengthen parents' ability to raise children to become self-confident, motivated and equipped to cope with the real world. This series will offer concrete strategies for dealing with problematic behaviors. Led by Sean Delehant, LCPC. Fee: $150/person or $200/couple – parent workbooks included with registration.

Ages and Stages for Adoptive Families: Talking with Children about Adoption
Sat., June 5th Part A (Pre-school years) 9-10 a.m. Part B (1st-6th grades) 10-noon
Burtonsville, MD

This is our most requested workshop for both pre-adopt and post-adopt parents! This workshop will teach parents what children understand and think about adoption as they grow, how to share their adoption story and how to encourage children to comfortably share their questions, thoughts and feelings. Time will be available to address specific questions and concerns. Led by Ellen Singer, LCSW-C. Fee: $50 per person/couple for both Part A&B or $35 per person/couple for one part only. Child care available with pre-registration - $20 per child.

Love is Not Enough: Parenting in Transracial Adoption
Tues., Jun. 8th (9-10:30 p.m.)
WEBINAR!

What does it mean to be a multi-racial family? How does the loss of culture and/or religion impact adopted children? This workshop will explore the special challenges faced by children, adolescents and parents in both domestic and international transracial adoption. Parents will learn how to help their children/teens with issues related to identity, self-esteem, peer relationships, and racism. Led by Debbie Riley, M.S. Fee: $25.00.

The Value of Family Therapy for Adoptive Families
Thurs., Jul. 15th (9-10:30 p.m.)
WEBINAR!

Your child has issues and you think adoption may have something to do with it. Family communication has broken down and conflicts quickly turn into eruptions. Your child is asking questions that you weren't prepared to answer. Or new behaviors, such as angry meltdowns, anxiety, withdrawal or changes in sleep patterns, are disrupting your happy home. You think its time to consider professional help. Find out how adoption-competent family therapy can help families understand those concerns, assess how they are handling them and learn new ways to interact around those issues. Led by Hannah Worthington, LGMFT. Fee: $25.00.

Ongoing Groups & Meetings

Yoga Workshops for Adopted Teens and Young Adults!

Sun., Feb. 21st (2-4p.m.) "Building Your Greatest Potential: Letting go of the Past, Becoming the Present!"
Sat., Mar. 13th ( 2-4p.m.) "Learning Self Acceptance, Opening to the Beauty Within!"

Location: 5808 Midhill Street, Bethesda, MD 20817(Bethesda home/yoga studio)

Yoga has become a powerful, physical practice in the United States to make us feel good in our bodies and manage a more balanced life. But have you ever known that yoga can also help adopted adolescents and young adults feel safer in the world, feel more proud of their unique selves, and feel more hopeful about their own potential? Because identity, self esteem, depression, and loss issues are common themes among adopted adolescents, these yoga workshops will help open up new pathways in the body for positive thinking, enhancing self esteem, integration of different selves, and letting go of loss. Through a well rounded, yoga practice using physical poses, breath-work and visualization, youth will be guided into a place of self acceptance and peace. All yoga props will be provided. Maximum registrants are 10 in each workshop. Participants may attend one or both sessions. Taught by Sharon Hyman, an Anusara inspired yoga teacher and C.A.S.E. psychotherapist! Pre-registration is required. Contact Sharon Hyman at sharonhyman@in-joy.com. Fee: $50.00 for each session.

You're Never Alone: It Takes a Village
Adoptive Parent Support Group
First Wednesday each month: (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
Burtonsville, MD

Raising a challenging teen/young adult with serious behavioral or emotional challenges can be frustrating and overwhelming. This monthly parent support group, lead by Debbie Riley and Kathleen Dugan, will provide participants with a connection with others who share and understand the challenges. In addition, participants will benefit from effective parenting strategies and learn about community resources to help take control. Monthly attendance strongly encouraged! Fee is $25.00. Pre-registration required.

Kids' Adoption Network Group (Grades 4th & 5th)
Weds., Feb. 17th – Weds., April 14th (6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Burtonsville, MD

This popular 8-week series encourages children from various adoptive backgrounds to engage in art, games and discussions that explore various issues surrounding adoption including identity, birth family and their adoption story. Children will learn skills to manage the questions and comments from others. Two sessions for parents will run concurrently. Pre-assessment required. Contact Valerie Kunsman, MSW (Kunsman@adoptionsupport.org) or (301) 476-8525 for information and to schedule a pre-group assessment. Fee $50 per child/per session and $40 per parent/per session.

Middle School Adoption Group (Grades 6th & 7th)
Weds., Feb. 3rd – Weds., Mar. 24th (7:00-8:30 p.m.)
Burtonsville, MD

This 8-week series provides a unique and safe place for pre-teens to learn more about themselves and strengthen their self-esteem through art, games and discussions. Each session focuses on a specific aspect of adoption including identity and their adoption story. Two sessions for parents will be offered during the series. Pre-assessment required. For information and to schedule a pre-group assessment, contact Vanessa Marshall, LGSW (Marshall@adoptionsupport.org) or (301) 476-8525. Fee $75 per teen/per session and $40 per parent/session.

TEEN Adoption Group (Grades 8th-12th)
Tues., Feb. 2nd – Tues., Mar. 23rd (7:00pm – 8:30pm)
Burtonsville, MD

This group facilitated by an adult adoptee and a male therapist is a fantastic opportunity for teens to share their thoughts, feelings and experiences around adoption with their peers! There will be eight group sessions for teens and three group sessions for parents, concurrently. Pre-assessment required. For information and to schedule a pre-group assessment, contact Sean Delehant, LCPC (Delehant@adoptionsupport.org) or (301) 476-8525. Fee $75 per teen/per session and $40 per parent/session.

Maryland Office : Silver/Spring Burtonsville
Address:	4000 Blackburn Lane, Suite 260 Burtonsville, MD 20866 301-476-8525
Email:	caseadopt@adoptionsupport.org
Maryland Office : Bethesda
Address:	4933 Auburn Avenue Bethesda , MD 20814-2631 301-476-8525 Fax-301-476-8526
Virginia Office
Address:	King's Park Professional Building 8996 Burke Lake Road, Suite 201 Burke , VA 22015 703-425-3703 Fax-703-425-3704
Directions to our offices

Our cancellation policy is as follows.
If you are unable to attend a program for which you have registered, you may transfer your registration to someone else or received "credit" towards another C.A.S.E. program. If we cancel a scheduled workshop, we will refund your fee in full (if requested) or will give you credit, as above.