Sessions available for CE accreditation are to be determined and will be marked with *CE Accredited*. 6 to 8 hours of CE credit will be available. To receive CE Certification you must complete both the conference and session evaluations, the CE Request Form attesting to your entire attendance at each of the sessions you have indicated on the form and sign in and out of each session attended. These will be turned into and submitted by GWCA/CAN. CE Certification will be mailed out to you approximately 4-6 weeks from the conclusion of the conference.
All sessions and speakers are subject to change without prior notice.
| FRIDAY - October 28 | |
| Out-of-town attendees and speakers arrival | |
| SATURDAY - October 29 | |
| 7:30am | Registration, Continental Breakfast and Exhibits |
| 8:00am | Welcoming Remarks by Snow Wu, President/CEO of GWCA/CAN |
| 8:15am |
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| 9:15am | Break |
| 9:30am | Breakout Session 1:
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| 10:30am | Break |
| 10:45am | Breakout Session 2:
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| 11:45am | Break |
| 12:00pm |  Lunch Keynote Speaker, Craig Juntunen"Both Ends Burning: The Global Initiative to Transform the Process of International Adoption" - This riveting topic of discussion addresses the current need for change in the international adoption process, by shortening adoption timelines from years to months, and advocating to keep foreign adoption programs open, so that children in need of homes can find their forever families. Mr. Juntunen will share his adoption story from Haiti and provide insight into advocating for children around the world to be granted their right to a family. |
| 1:00pm | Break and Exhibits |
| 1:30pm | Breakout Session 3:
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| 2:30pm | Break |
| 2:45pm | Breakout Session 4:
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| 3:45pm | Break |
| 4:00pm | Session 5: Adoption in China and El Salvador- Presentation and Q&A - Hear from our foreign guests from around the world, who are experts on international adoption. Families are welcome to ask questions after the foreign dignitaries have discussed adoption in their respective countries. A translator will be available. |
| 5:30pm | Family Network Hour |
| SUNDAY - October 30 | |
| 7:30am | Continental Breakfast and Exhibits |
| 8:00am | *CE Accredited* "Life in an Institution" - Dr. Alla Gordina, MD, FAAPP, from Global Pediatrics and Family Medicine provides information on the general characteristics and needs of children awaiting adoption, including data on institutionalized children and the impact of institutionalization on children, the effect on children base on the length of time spent in an institution and the type of care provided by the orphanage. The course will also discuss the impact on a child of leaving familiar ties and surroundings. |
| 9:00am | Break |
| 9:15am | *CE Accredited* "Trends in Adoption: Present and Future" - Chuck Johnson from the National Council for Adoption and Patricia Hickey from the Office of Children's Issues will address current trends in international adoption and what the future looks like for the adoption world. Learn how you can get involved in legislation to help improve international adoption and the welfare of orphans around the world. |
| 10:15am | Break |
| 10:30am | "Haiti Adoption Now" - Kim Harmon, Haiti Program Liaison for For His Glory, the ministry which runs the Maison Des Enfantes De Dieu, and Pierre Alexis, director of the Maison, will speak on the current state of Haitian adoption. Also, Filmmaker Timothy Wolfer will speak about his experience filming his documentary, Adopting Haiti, which features the Maison orphanage, as well as show clips from the documentary. |
| 11:30am | Closing Remarks & Door Prize Winners |
| 1:00pm | Break and Exhibits |
Session Descriptions
BREAKFAST KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 8:15AM - 9:15AM
Health and Development of Orphaned Children
Speaker: Dr. Todd Ochs, Adoption Medicine Expert
Topics to include: effects on children of malnutrition, relevant environmental toxins, and maternal substance abuse and of any other known genetic, health, emotional and developmental risk factors associated with orphaned children. This course will also provide information on the in-country conditions that affect orphaned children. *CE Accredited*
SESSION 1
1A. China's Waiting Children: Finding the Child Meant for Your Family (Waiting Child Track)
Speakers: Stephanie Crouch, Waiting Child Program Manager, Great Wall China Adoption
What is the China Waiting Child program? How are waiting children matched with parents? Learn about Great Wall's Waiting Child program and how you can adopt a child with special needs. This session will provide program information, details on who is eligible to adopt a waiting child, and the types of children available. This session will include a panel of waiting child experts.
1B. Making Your Child's Culture a Part of Your Life
Speaker: Harwood Family (adopted from China) and Boothe Family (adopted from China)
Experts agree that incorporating your child's homeland culture into life in America is important to your child's development and growth. Hear a local adoptive family talk about how they incorporated culture, language, and cuisine into their daily lives.
1C. Development Milestones for Talking to Your Child about Adoption
Speaker: Sylvia Tarver, Licensed Social Worker
Sharing the adoption experience with your child is important for your family. There are many ways parents communicate to their children that they are adopted. Some find out they are adopted in infancy, others find out when they are grown, and some find out when someone in the community notices the cultural difference. During this session, parents will be advised on how to talk openly about their child's adoption. Most experts agree that it is best to discuss the adoption as early as possible. Starting to talk during infancy will set the tone for later in life. *CE Accredited*
1D. Europe: Overview of the Adoption Process
Speakers: Great Wall/CAN Representatives
Great Wall/CAN representatives will share fascinating information about Bulgaria, Latvia, Ukraine, and Russian children available for adoption, as well as who is eligible to adopt. We will also feature special guest speaker Denise, of Beacon House Adoption, who specializes in Russian adoption.
SESSION 2
2A. Health and The Waiting Child (Waiting Child Track)
Speaker: Dr. Todd Ochs, MD
Waiting children deal with specific medical conditions ranging from mild to severe. This session will focus on some of the medical conditions unique to waiting children. Experts will share with you how to deal with the unexpected issues and tell you what medical resources are available for your waiting child. *CE Accredited*
2B. Barriers to Bonding: Understanding Your Child's Grief and Loss
Speaker: Mara Hudock, Licensed Social Worker
Although it's normal that your adopted child will experience grief and loss, it doesn't make it easier. What can you do as a parent to help your child? This session will show you how to help your child through the grieving process so you can guide them into transitioning and bonding with their new family. Learn how to fulfill the attachment process from an expert in child psychology. *CE Accredited*
2C. Asia: Overview of the Adoption Process
Speaker: Great Wall/CAN Representatives
Great Wall/CAN representatives will share fascinating information about China and Philippines, children available for adoption, and who is eligible to adopt.
2D. Adoption Travel: Let's Go!
Speaker: Jenny Teague, Great Wall Travel Advisor
You're preparing for "Gotcha Day" and full of excitement. Most likely, you have many questions on travel preparation. Hear from our travel experts at Great Wall as they share tips with you how to make sure you're ready for the adoption adventure!
LUNCH KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Both Ends Burning - The Global Initiative to Transform the Process of International Adoption
Speaker: Craig Juntunen, International Adoption Advocate
This riveting topic of discussion addresses the current need for change in the international adoption process, by shortening adoption timelines from years to months, and advocating to keep foreign adoption programs open, so that children in need of homes can find their forever families. Mr. Juntunen will share his adoption story from Haiti and provide insight into advocating for children around the world to be granted their right to a family.
SESSION 3
3A. Attachment: Myths and Facts (Waiting Child Track)
Speaker: Dr. Poonam Sharma, Licensed Psychologist
Attachment issues are common in adoptive children but how can you tell what's normal and what's not? Hear from a behavioral expert on the myths and facts of attachment, mental health, and the behavior of your adopted child. *CE Accredited*
3B. The Older Child (Waiting Child Track)
Speaker: Mara Hudock, Licensed Social Worker
Adopting an older child brings unique experiences and concerns. This session will address specific challenges faced by older adoptees. It will also look at behavior and attachment issues common with older child adoptions. A child behavior expert will provide information on how you can deal with these specific issues. *CE Accredited*
3C. Support in the Community – Dealing with Questions from Strangers
Speakers: Cindy Hernandez, Licensed Social Worker and Stephenson Family
Families who have adopted from China often receive many questions from strangers within their community. In this session, we will discuss community support and addressing answers to these questions in an appropriate manner, especially when your child is present.
3D. Latin America: Overview of the Adoption Process
Speakers: Great Wall/CAN Representatives
Great Wall/CAN representatives will share fascinating information about Haiti and Peru, children available for adoption, and who is eligible to adopt.
SESSION 4
4A. The Journey to Me: Waiting Child Stories (Waiting Child Track
Speaker: Presentation and Family Panel (Sockwell, Aleman and Laymon Families)
Experts will review information about becoming a multicultural family. Parents who have adopted a waiting child say it's the best choice they ever made. A panel of parents will share what made them choose to be a part of the China Waiting Child program. Hear the inspirational journey of parents finding their waiting child, the journey home and their experiences in uniting as a family.
4B. Affording Adoption: Understanding Financial Planning and Tax Credit
Speaker:Cherri Walrod, Resources 4 Adoption
There are many resources available to help you afford adoption but they can be overwhelming and hard to understand. Financial experts are here to break down tax credit and financial planning so that you can find the right resources for your family. Plus, it's never too early to start planning for your child's future. Our financial expert will give you tips on how to plan for college and other milestones down the road.
4C. Africa: Overview of the Adoption Process
Speakers: Great Wall/CAN Representatives
Great Wall/CAN representatives will share fascinating information about adoption from African countries (such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda), children available for adoption, and who is eligible to adopt.
4D. We're Home, Now What?
Speaker: Susan Paquet, Adoption Attorney
You've finally brought your child home. Now what comes next? Experts will address post-adoption family adjustments and concerns and common paperwork processes such as obtaining a birth certificate and social security numbers. Law experts will also provide information on the re-adoption process for those interested in adopting again. *CE Accredited*
China and El Salvador Adoptions: Q&A and Presentation, 4:00PM - 5:15PM
Foreign Guests from China and El Salvador
BBC attendees will have the opportunity to hear from our distinguished foreign guests from around the world, who are the experts on international adoption from their respective nations. This includes a Q&A session. Confirmed guests include the Director of Shenzhen Social Welfare Institute in Shenzhen, China, the Vice Consul General of The People's Republic of China Consulate in Houston, and the Attorney General from the Central Adoption Authority of El Salvador.
Sunday Sessions
8:00AM - 9:00AM "Life in an Institution"
Speaker: Dr. Alla Gordina, MD, FAAP
Provides information on the general characteristics and needs of children awaiting adoption, including data on institutionalized children and the impact of institutionalization on children, the effect on children base on the length of time spent in an institution and the type of care provided by the orphanage. The course will also discuss the impact on a child of leaving familiar ties and surroundings. *CE Accredited*
9:15AM - 10:15 AM "Trends in International Adoption: Expert Panel"
Panelists: Charles "Chuck" Johnson, COO National Council for Adoption; Patricia "Tish" Hickey, State Department's Office of Children's Issues on Adoption
Chuck Johnson from the National Council for Adoption and Patricia Hickey Office of Children's Issues will address current trends in international adoption and what the future looks like for the adoption world. Learn how you can get involved in legislation to help improve international adoption and the welfare of orphans around the world.
*CE Accredited*
10:30AM - 11:30AM "Haiti Adoption Now"
Speaker: Kim Harmon of For His Glory; Pierre Alexis of Maison Des Enfantes de Dieu; Timothy Wolfer, filmmaker of Documentary Adopting Haiti
Kim Harmon, Haiti Program Liaison for For His Glory, the ministry which runs the Maison Des Enfantes De Dieu, and Pierre Alexis, director of the Maison, will speak on the current state of Haitian adoption. Documentary Filmmaker Timothy Wolfer will also speak on his experience filming his documentary, Adopting Haiti.
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