Adoption Star

Attachment-Focused Crisis Deescalation With A-OK Family Advocates
2023-08-23 16:00 - 19:00, 2023-11-29 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | NY
This webinar will focus on crisis management for families who are caring for youth with extensive trauma histories and disrupted attachments

This training will provide the framework for how we heal through relationships and how we can best respond to a dysregulated child in a nurturing way that doesn’t jeopardize their attachment and trust. Practical techniques and interventions will be provided to help parents feel well-equipped and confident in managing any behavioral crisis in the home. This training is beneficial for families preparing to parent an older child and ones who have already taken placement—all A-OK Families are highly encouraged to participate in the webinar.
After registering you will receive instructions on how to join the online event.

Contact Adoption STAR at 866-691-3300 or via email at info@adoptionstar.com or visit our website for event dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.

Private Track Training
2023-08-24 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
For clients of Adoption STAR who are currently in the Private Track Program

Adoption STAR’s Agency Assisted Private Adoption Program, often referred to as “Private Track,” provides increased opportunities to adopt an infant. This creative and flexible program will teach you how to advertise yourself with the training, guidance, and support of the agency. With the world of infant adoption always changing, the Private Track is a wonderful way to self-advocate and take active control of your adoption journey!
You must be accepted into Adoption STAR’s Private Track Program to attend this training.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.

ANCHOR A-OK Educational Class, Series 4
2023-08-26 | Adoption STAR Main Office, 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
For those pursuing the domestic adoption of an older child or an international adoption
The A-OK educational classes are referred to as ANCHOR (Attach, Nurture, Commit, Healing, Open-minded, Resilience). They are specific to those considering the adoption of an older child or children. The classes give attendees a great deal of information that prepares them for adopting a child waiting in the United States foster care system or out of country care. Families are given the opportunity to assess personal interest, readiness, and commitment to adopt an older child. If you are considering the adoption of a waiting child or a child from another country, this is for you. Due to the preparation necessary for adoption through the foster care system or coming to the United States from another country, training consists of two parts (A and B) for a total of 23 classroom hours. You must sign up for one A (full session) and one B (full session). Preference is for you to sign up for parts A & B listed together. However, if you are unable to attend for example, part B in the first series, you may attend part B in another series. You must attend part A before part B.
For those enrolled in the A-OK program, a total of 38.5 hours are required prior to being matched with a child. 23 hours are received after attending training sessions A and B. The A-OK program provides you with quality time with your family advocate and social workers (specialists in the field of older child adoption) to help you gain additional educational hours. You will also be provided with a series of assignments that you do independently which will assist in achieving the required hours of pre-adoption preparation.
2023 Series 4
Session A
Saturday, August 26 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, August 27 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Session B
Friday, September 8 5:15 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, September 9 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Pre-Parenthood Educational Class Session 5 (in person)
2023-09-08 17:45 - 2023-09-09 17:00 UTC | Adoption STAR Main Office, 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
For those pursuing a domestic infant adoption
The pre-parenthood adoption classes listed here are specific to those considering the adoption of a child NOT in foster care in the U.S., through the domestic infant programs. Families are provided with the information and preparation necessary to assess communication, exploring child development, understanding of the adoption process, legal aspects related to adoption, etc.
For clients enrolled in the domestic infant program will obtain at least 21 hours of adoption education prior to adopting. You will receive 11.5 hours once you have attended the educational series, known as, Adoption is a Lifelong Process. The other hours are obtained through meetings with your family advocates and social worker as well as through independent study where clients are provided with a chart to assist them in obtaining these additional hours of pre-adoption preparation.
Friday, September 8th – 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Saturday, September 9th – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Reserve your spot now as a limited number of people are accepted for each weekend. Must be a client to attend. Please contact your family advocate for more information.

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2023-09-12 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Building Families Through Adoption

Become introduced to Adoption STAR’s A-OK (Adopt an Older Kid) program and the policies, procedures, and services offered to clients interested in adopting an older child.
After registering for this information session you will receive instructions on how to join the online event.
Contact Adoption STAR at 866-691-3300 or via email at info@adoptionstar.com or visit our website for additional information session dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.
REGISTER HERE FOR UPCOMING SESSIONS

Preparing Extended Family for Older Child Adoption
2023-09-19 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-11-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends are all impacted when a child or sibling group is adopted into their family

Adoptive parents often spend a significant amount of time educating themselves about the unique needs of children in the foster care system and specific issues of adoption, but what about other members of the extended family and community who may not understand the issues as well? This webinar will address common concerns extended family members may have, present information on typical experiences of children in foster care, and provide ways extended family can help integrate the child into their family. Extended family members are welcome and encouraged to participate in Adoption STAR’s webinar to better prepare them for an older child joining their lives through adoption.
After registering you will receive instructions on how to join the online event.
Contact Adoption STAR at 866-691-3300 or via email at info@adoptionstar.com or visit our website for additional events https://www.adoptionstar.com.

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2023-09-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-11-08 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Building Families Through Adoption

Become introduced the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures, including the many services and programs we offer.
After registering for this information session you will receive instructions on how to join the online event.
Contact Adoption STAR at 866-691-3300 or via email at info@adoptionstar.com or visit our website for additional information session dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.
REGISTER HERE FOR UPCOMING SESSIONS

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2023-10-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-02-13 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Building Families Through Adoption

Become introduced to Adoption STAR’s A-OK (Adopt an Older Kid) program and the policies, procedures, and services offered to clients interested in adopting an older child.
After registering for this information session you will receive instructions on how to join the online event.
Contact Adoption STAR at 866-691-3300 or via email at info@adoptionstar.com or visit our website for additional information session dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.

Waiting Families Meeting
2023-10-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Waiting families virtual support meeting

We recognize that this is a stressful and overwhelming time for you and would like to hold a virtual support meeting for our waiting families. Our hope is to have a safe space where you can connect with one another around the unique challenges you may be facing right now, as well as some helpful ways to cope with this time.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar. For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.

Financial Planning Webinar
2023-10-26 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | NY
New parents, especially new adoptive parents, need to consider several things related to the financial security & protection of their family

Facilitated by Brittiny Razzano, Esq.
New parents, especially new adoptive parents, need to consider several things related to the financial security and protection of their family. This class is facilitated by an adoptive parent who is a financial advisor along with an estate planning attorney/financial advisor. They will introduce you to overall financial planning for your family’s future, the Adoption Tax Credit, estate planning, and more.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.
Visit our website for additional event dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.

ANCHOR A-OK Educational Class, Series 5
2023-10-28 | Adoption STAR’s Main Office, 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY, 14228, United States
For those pursuing the domestic adoption of an older child or an international adoption
The A-OK educational classes are referred to as ANCHOR (Attach, Nurture, Commit, Healing, Open-minded, Resilience). They are specific to those considering the adoption of an older child or children. The classes give attendees a great deal of information that prepares them for adopting a child waiting in the United States foster care system or out of country care. Families are given the opportunity to assess personal interest, readiness, and commitment to adopt an older child. If you are considering the adoption of a waiting child or a child from another country, this is for you. Due to the preparation necessary for adoption through the foster care system or coming to the United States from another country, training consists of two parts (A and B) for a total of 23 classroom hours. You must sign up for one A (full session) and one B (full session). Preference is for you to sign up for parts A & B listed together. However, if you are unable to attend for example, part B in the first series, you may attend part B in another series. You must attend part A before part B.
For those enrolled in the A-OK program, a total of 38.5 hours are required prior to being matched with a child. 23 hours are received after attending training sessions A and B. The A-OK program provides you with quality time with your family advocate and social workers (specialists in the field of older child adoption) to help you gain additional educational hours. You will also be provided with a series of assignments that you do independently which will assist in achieving the required hours of pre-adoption preparation.
2023 Series 5
Session A
Saturday, October 28 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, October 29 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Session B
Friday, November 10 5:15 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, November 11 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Story Time with Tapestry Books (Online)
2023-11-02 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online
This the perfect event for families with children, as adoption books geared towards children will be read.

Pre-Parenthood Educational Class Session 6 (in person)
2023-11-03 - 2023-11-04 | Online
For those pursuing a domestic infant adoption
The pre-parenthood adoption classes listed here are specific to those considering the adoption of a child NOT in foster care in the U.S., through the domestic infant programs. Families are provided with the information and preparation necessary to assess communication, exploring child development, understanding of the adoption process, legal aspects related to adoption, etc.
For clients enrolled in the domestic infant program will obtain at least 21 hours of adoption education prior to adopting. You will receive 11.5 hours once you have attended the educational series, known as, Adoption is a Lifelong Process. The other hours are obtained through meetings with your family advocates and social worker as well as through independent study where clients are provided with a chart to assist them in obtaining these additional hours of pre-adoption preparation.
Friday, November 3rd – 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Saturday, November 4th – 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Reserve your spot now as a limited number of people are accepted for each weekend. Must be a client to attend. Please contact your family advocate for more information.

Diagnoses 101
2023-11-08 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
This workshop will introduce, describe, and provide information on the most common conditions identified for children in care

The information provided will help familiarize waiting adoptive parents with common terms, conditions, and needs described in the records of children in foster and group care.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.
T﻿o view future events go to adoptionstar.com/event-directory

Story Time with Tapestry Books
2023-11-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Adoption STAR, 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY, 14228, United States

Newborn/Infant Care Class (Webinar)
2023-11-13 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Adoption STAR is offering a newborn/infant care class that is open to the agency’s prospective adoptive parents!

The class will be facilitated by a group of practicing nurses that are currently pursuing an additional nursing degree at Daemen College. By attending, clients currently in the midst of a home study will earn 2 hours towards the 6 hours of independent study they need. Topics for discussion will include bathing, feeding, swaddling and more.
Please call 716-639-3900 or e-mail info@adoptionstar.com for more information.

Adoption Forum: Getting Your Family Involved in Your Adoption Journey
2023-11-15 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
This class is for our clients who have finished the pre-parenthood or ANCHOR classes

We welcome you to extend the invitation to one or more family member and/or friends to learn more about adoption. Now the important people in your life will be introduced to many of the subjects you have already learned about! A panel of adoption professionals will introduce the process that you have gone through to receive a home study, including the classes. The panel will address questions from your family members and friends.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.
To view future events go to adoptionstar.com/event-directory

Blue Rose Meeting
2023-11-16 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
This session is specific to birth parents who have made an adoption plan for their children.

It is a safe place to talk about your personal experiences, emotions, challenges and triumphs.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.
Visit our website for event dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.

Older Child Adoption Live Virtual Q&A Session 1
2023-12-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NY
On Wedneday, December 6, Adoption STAR will host TWO free live, Older Child Adoption Q & A sessions, at noon and at 7:00 pm.
These are informal discussions to answer any questions you may have. They are NOT required for the home study approval process, but are strongly encouraged!
We will share everything you need to know about becoming an approved Adoptive Home with Adoption STAR, and answering any questions you may have. These are hour-long informational gatherings that highlight:

An overview of preparing for and being an adoptive parent
What you can expect when embarking on your home study journey
Who are the youth in foster care?

Whether adopting has been on your mind lately, you are ready to get started soon, or are planning for a journey in the future, these live sessions are geared for you!
After signing up to attend, you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar. For more information, please contact us at 1-866-691-3300 or email us at info@adoptionstar.com.
One can register at any point leading up to the event!
We look forward to seeing you!

Older Child Adoption Live Virtual Q&A Session
2023-12-06 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NY
On Wednesday, December 6, Adoption STAR will host TWO free live, virtual Foster Care/Adoption Q & A sessions, at noon and at 7:00 pm.

On Wedneday, December 6, Adoption STAR will host TWO free live, Older Child Adoption Q & A sessions, at noon and at 7:00 pm.
These are informal discussions to answer any questions you may have. They are NOT required for the home study approval process, but are strongly encouraged!We will share everything you need to know about becoming an approved Adoptive Home with Adoption STAR, and answering any questions you may have. These are hour-long informational gatherings that highlight:

An overview of preparing for and being an adoptive parent
What you can expect when embarking on your home study journey
Who are the youth in foster care?

Whether adopting has been on your mind lately, you are ready to get started soon, or are planning for a journey in the future, these live sessions are geared for you!
After signing up to attend, you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar. For more information, please contact us at 1-866-691-3300 or email us at info@adoptionstar.com.
One can register at any point leading up to the event!
We look forward to seeing you!

Older Child Adoption Live Virtual Q&A Session 2
2023-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
Informal discussion to answer any questions you may have. They are NOT required for the home study approval process, but are strongly encouraged!
We will share everything you need to know about becoming an approved Adoptive Home with Adoption STAR, and answering any questions you may have. These are hour-long informational gatherings that highlight:

An overview of preparing for and being an adoptive parent
What you can expect when embarking on your home study journey
Who are the youth in foster care?

Whether adopting has been on your mind lately, you are ready to get started soon, or are planning for a journey in the future, these live sessions are geared for you!One can register at any point leading up to the event! We look forward to seeing you!
After signing up to attend, you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar. For more information, please contact us at 1-866-691-3300 or email us at info@adoptionstar.com.

Older Child Adoption Live Virtual Q&A Sessions
2023-12-06 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
On Wednesday, December 6, Adoption STAR will host TWO free live, virtual Older Child Adoption Q & A sessions, at noon and at 7:00 pm.

On Wednesday, December 6, Adoption STAR will host TWO free live, virtual Older Child Adoption Q & A sessions, at noon and at 7:00 pm.
These are informal discussions to answer any questions you may have. They are NOT required for the home study approval process, but are strongly encouraged!We will share everything you need to know about becoming an approved Adoptive Home with Adoption STAR, and answering any questions you may have. These are hour-long informational gatherings that highlight:

An overview of preparing for and being an adoptive parent
What you can expect when embarking on your home study journey
Who are the youth in foster care?

Whether adopting has been on your mind lately, you are ready to get started soon, or are planning for a journey in the future, these live sessions are geared for you!
After signing up to attend, you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar. For more information, please contact us at 1-866-691-3300 or email us at info@adoptionstar.com.
One can register at any point leading up to the event!
We look forward to seeing you!

A-OK Q&A Sessions
2024-01-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-02-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Exploring adoption of older children

Those interested in Adoption STAR’s A-OK Program, as well as those exploring adoption of older children can ask all questions relating to older child adoption. The Q&A is an informal opportunity to gain answers to everything you are wondering about as it relates to children being placed from foster care.
After registering for this Q&A session you will receive instructions on how to join the online event.
To register for future Q&A sessions click HERE

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2024-01-10 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Webinar
Become introduced the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures, including the many services and programs we offer.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.

Race and Racism Through The Voices of Transracial Adoptees
2024-01-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Zack Fried will lead an interactive conversation amongst a panel of transracial adoptees.

Zack Fried will lead an interactive conversation amongst a panel of transracial adoptees and attendees, focusing on the topic of navigating race and racism. Growing up within a transracial adoption comes with its own complexities, and those extend into adulthood when we take a look at what’s going on in the world around us. This candid conversation will touch on the issues people of color face every day, and how one can navigate those issues while holding on to a positive self-identity. Join the conversation, and hear what these powerful voices have to offer!
Prospective adoptive parents who are clients of Adoption STAR are eligible to receive additional hours toward their educational requirements when they attend any of these workshops. Clients who have already adopted and non-clients are also welcomed. Please remember to let the agency know you are attending!
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.
