This course will help adoption professionals equip and empower adoptive parents who are raising a child of a different race or culture. The speakers will explore practical strategies, insights, and resources to guide adoptive parents through the unique challenges and opportunities of this journey, and to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of identity development and cultural connection in their child's life. Speakers will discuss ways to facilitate open and constructive conversations about race, ethnicity, and cultural heritage, helping parents foster a strong sense of identity and belonging for their child. Attendees will also learn effective techniques to address common challenges, like navigating racial bias and dealing with stereotypes.

Ramya Gruneisen, MS – Lived experience
Laura Ornelas, LCSW – Director, Academy for Advancing Clinical Practice in Permanency, Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
Cindy Hernandez Torchia, LCSW, LCPAA – Texas Director, CCAI
Isaac Etter – CEO & Founder, IDENTITY/IDENTITY MEDIA

Course length: 90 minutes

After attending this webinar, professionals will be able to:
• Explain the significance of cultural and racial identity development for children adopted into families with a different race or culture.
• Examine common challenges encountered by adoptive parents, such as navigating racial bias and stereotypes, employing effective techniques to mitigate their impact.
• Demonstrate how to foster open, constructive conversations about race, ethnicity, and cultural heritage within the adoptive family.
• Describe ways to support the adoptive child in developing a healthy and affirming understanding of their heritage, a positive self-image, and strong sense of identity.
• Identify practical strategies and resources that empower adoptive parents to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities in raising a child of a different race or culture.

Course level: Intermediate
Cost to register: $20
If you are a NCFA member, look for your discount code in the membership portal.
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National Council For Adoption, #1804, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 04/13/2023 – 04/13/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 continuing education credits.

This webinar does not offer credit for NJ or NY social workers. For more information on receiving CE credit please visit the FAQ tab. For additional information on the instructors please visit bit.ly/NCFAGruneisen, bit.ly/NCFAOrnelas, bit.ly/NCFATorchia, and bit.ly/NCFAEtter.

Recorded on 2/12/24.