1. "Nature vs. Nurture: A discussion with The English American".
Discussion of issues prompted by keynote address continued in this workshop on nature, nurture and how the search for her American birth parents helped Alison Larkin find her self. Alison Larkin, adult adoptee, actress and author (1 CEH)

2. "The Hague Treaty and International Adoption – One Year After Implementation".
One year after the US implementation of the Hague process – what’s new, what’s the same and a guess at what’s to come. Information for adoption professionals and parents pursuing intercountry
adoptions. Jared N. Rolsky, MSW, Golden Cradle Adoption Services Inc. (1 CEH)

3. “At Last…..Beginning The Adoption Journey”.
This workshop will present an overview of the basic requirements and options for those considering adoption today, including information on the pre-adoption homestudy, differences in domestic and international adoption, and the role of agencies and attorneys in domestic placements. Lorraine Kolankowski, MSW, LCSW, H.A.P.S. (1 CEH)

4. "Developmental Evaluations: When and How to Access Early Intervention/Special Education Services".
Do you wonder if your child's behavior is normal or is related to his/her adoption history? How do you know if and when to request a developmental evaluation for your child? The presenter will answer these questions, as well as describe what services are available to help your child during the important early childhood years. Lisa Nalven, MD, MA, FAAP, Director, Developmental Pediatrics and the Adoption Screening and Evaluation Program, Kireker Center for Child Development at Valley Hospital (1 CEH)

5. "Post Adoption Parental Blues".
This will be an intense view of how parents feel in the first days of adoption and it will be a primer on how to help parents adapt to their new lives. Issues include parental exhaustion, disappointment, expectations, and attachment. Jane E. Aronson, D.O., Director, International Pediatric Health Services, PLLC, Founder and CEO, Worldwide Orphans Foundation (WWO) 1 (CEH)

6. "Parenting Your Older Adopted Child".
The workshop is intended to give adoptive parents a basic understanding of the needs of a child adopted over the age of two. Discussion includes attachment theory, how the impact of cumulative trauma affects the child's' development of attachment, how the adoptive parent’s history can impact their parenting, typical behaviors associated with older adopted children and specific coping strategies. Bridget Devine MSW (1 CEH).

7."Are you too afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone what is going on in your family?"
Come to discuss the things that you may not have been able to say to your therapist, social worker, family, or friends because you’ve been too embarrassed or ashamed. Sit with 2 adoptive parents who’ve
experienced the pain and rewards of their challenging children and get tips and ideas on how
they made it and are making it through the difficult times. This session is for NONPROFESSIONALS
ONLY. Anna Marie O'Loughlin and Pat Bennett, CPFA (NO CEH)

8. "Birthmothers and Adult Adoptees in Reunion".
A panel of birthmothers will speak about their experience leading up to the adoption and their experience many years later after being reunited with their adult children. The panelists are birthmothers who have been reunited with their adopted children for varying periods of time. Charron Hodge (1 CEH)

9. “Story Hour… Your Attitudes and Beliefs and How They Will Influence Your Child’s
Adoption Tale”.
Parents’ attitudes and beliefs about adoption influence the narrative they tell their child about the adoption experience. The importance of using ‘adoption appropriate’ language with both extended family and the child, and information on child’s developmental level and types of communication will be offered to help parents narrate their adoption story in a manner that best serves the child and family. Dina Vecchione, MSW, LSW; Lynette Leming, BA; Kim Hanbury, MSW,
Family Options (1 CEH)