The landscape of search and reunion in adoption has changed dramatically in recent years, with easier access to genetic information, genealogical records, and the ability for global online communication. Therefore, adoption professionals must be equipped with current expertise and strategies for supporting adopted individuals, birth parents, and adoptive families through the search and reunion process. In this webinar, NCFA staff moderate a panel discussion with staff from NCFA member agency Holt International. The discussion is centered on the current dynamics of search and reunion across domestic and international adoption, and provides clinical guidance to professionals as they prepare and support all of those involved in this process.

Nancy Crouch, LCPC – Domestic Program Director, Holt

Pam Shepard, LCSW – Supervisor of Clinical Services, Holt

Steve Kalb, LMSW – Director of Post Adoption Services, Holt

Webinar length: 60 minutes

After attending this recorded webinar, professionals will be able to:

• Describe the concept of search and reunion and recognize the changing dynamics of search and reunion in recent years, as they relate to domestic and intercountry adoption.
• Give examples of how the ease of connecting and communicating online has impacted search and reunion and contrast the benefits and challenges of utilizing online mediums.
• Demonstrate how adoption professionals can take a proactive approach in discussing openness and search and reunion with families.
• Give guidance and rationale on when search is helpful for those involved, and what challenges adopted individuals and their families should be aware of.
• Identify critical steps in preparing adopted individuals, adoptive families and/or birth parents for these meetings, and identify appropriate responses for ties when an individual does not want to connect.

Course level: Beginning, Intermediate

Cost to register: $15

If you are a NCFA member, look for your discount code in the membership portal.

National Council For Adoption is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0681. Social workers completing this course receive 1 contact hour.

This course is for NY social workers ONLY. If you are NOT a social worker licensed in New York, do not complete this course for continuing education credit, instead visit the CE course here.

In order to receive contact hours, attendees must participate in the entirety of the recorded webinar training, have their attendance verified, and complete a course evaluation and post-test with at least 80% correct. Upon completing these items, attendees will receive their contact hours certificate of credit to the email address provided at registration.

Other Questions? For questions, concerns or to request special accommodations, please contact us at ncfa@adoptioncouncil.org or 703-299-6633.

Click here  to register. Once registered, you'll be redirected back to this page and you can click on the webinar title below to get started.