This page is a description for a free live webinar scheduled November 4, 2025 from 1-2:30pm Eastern Time. If you'd like to register for the live webinar, you can do so here: https://adoptioncouncil.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WQZj8KvoTG6b6Hc0Fy8_Ww..

This session explores the fundamentals of adopting older children and teens by answering common questions and offering guidance to support the adoption journey. Adopting older children brings both unique opportunities and considerations. Older children and teens joining families through adoption carry with them a range of life experiences, often including histories of trauma, multiple placements and transitions, and other factors that can shape their emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. This webinar will provide an introduction to the needs of adopted teens and offer recommendations for promoting long-term success and stability in the adoptive home.

Saara McEachnie, LICSW, LCSW-C - Director of Adoption Programs, The Barker Adoption Foundation

Marilyn Rippetoe, LICSW, LCSW - Adoption Clinical Manager & Placement Support Specialist, The Barker Adoption Foundation

Webinar length: 90 minutes

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

• Describe the common emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of older children awaiting adoption.
• Identify supports and services that help older children and teens successfully transition into adoptive homes.
• Demonstrate strategies for promoting long-term stability for older children and teens joining families through adoption.

Course level: Beginning

Cost to register: FREE

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 1.5 contact hours.

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

The live webinar will also include an interactive time where attendees can submit questions for response in real-time. To participate in this live webinar, attendees must have the Zoom application downloaded to their device.

Please note that NY contact hours will only be offered for the live webinar. For more information, please visit the FAQ tab.