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

Course length: 90 minutes
Certificate type: This course offers an attendance certificate.

Recorded 11/4/25

PLEASE NOTE - This course does not provide continuing education credits. To receive social work CEs, please complete the course developed for professionals instead: Adopting Older Children and Teens 101.