Adoption Star

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2025-07-16 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-09-16 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-12-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-24 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

Attachment-Focused Crisis Deescalation With A-OK Family Advocates PART 2
2025-07-22 18:00 - 19:30 | NY
This webinar will focus on crisis management for families who are caring for youth with extensive trauma histories and disrupted attachments

This webinar (PART 2 of 2) 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.

A-OK Q&A Sessions
2025-08-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-05 12:00 - 13:00 | 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
2025-08-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-10-09 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-11 18:00 - 19:30 | 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.

Annual Adoptive Family Summer Picnic (Buffalo, NY Area)
2025-08-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Ellicott Creek Park, Shelter 8, Tonawanda, NY, 14150, United States
Please join Adoption STAR adoptive families, staff and their families, for a spectacular afternoon!

Welcome to the Annual Adoptive Family Summer Picnic in the Buffalo, NY Area! Join us on Sun, Aug 10, 2025 at Ellicott Creek Park for a day of fun, food, and family. This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with other adoptive families in the area and enjoy a beautiful summer day outdoors.
Families who have adopted through Adoption STAR, as well as those along the path to adopting are invited!
A dish to pass is not required – but appreciated! Catered by Fat Bob’s Food Truck.
This event is rain or shine! We will communicate via email, if the event is cancelled due to severe weather.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Please sign up HERE if interested.
For more information contact us at 866-691-3300 or email info@adoptionstar.com.
We can’t wait to see you there!

Teen ACE (Adoptee Circle of Experience) (Virtual)
2025-08-13 18:00 - 19:30 | NY
For Adoptee Teens Only Ages 13 – 18

Adoptees ages 13 – 18 are welcome to join in on an interactive discussion on many hot topics such as school, bullying, prejudice, the highs and lows of being an adoptee, a son, a daughter, a sibling, friend, and student. Join us!
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.

Blue Rose Meeting
2025-08-21 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 | 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.

Pre-Parenthood Adoption Educational Classes, Session 2
2026-11-06 | Adoption STAR, 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 our adoption specialists 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.

The following are required classes for families pursuing a domestic infant adoption:
2026 Session 2
Friday, November 6 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm (in person)
Saturday, November 7 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (in person)
Tuesday, November 10 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, November 12 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)

ANCHOR A-OK Educational Class, Series 3
2025-09-09 | Adoption STAR, 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 and international 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 a total of 28 classroom hours. You must attend the entire series (the in-person and virtual components).
2025 Series 3
Tuesday, September 9 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, September 11 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Saturday, September 13 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (in person)
Sunday, September 14 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (in person)
Tuesday, September 16 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, September 18 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, September 23 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, September 25 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, September 30 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, October 2 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)

Exploring Your Adoption Options
2025-09-18 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
Domestic infant! Domestic older child! International! Private Attorney! Foster Care! Private agency!

This workshop will allow you to hear from a variety of experts within the adoption community, as the different adoption options are discussed. Perhaps you are in the midst of an adoption journey, and are thinking about what other options are out there. Perhaps you have not officially started the formal process, and want to learn more about your options. Either way, this workshop is for you!
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.

Families Rising (formerly known as NACAC) Conference
2025-10-06 - 2025-10-08 | NY
The conference has sessions designed to inspire, inform, and encourage all members of the adoption community, including adoptive parents raising children with special needs, professionals seeking families for older children, mental health or other professionals supporting adoptive and foster families, international adoptive parents, adopted persons, and others with personal or professional connections to adoption.

Preparing Extended Family for Older Child Adoption
2025-10-14 18:00 - 20:00 | 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.

Race and Racism Through The Voices of Transracial Adoptees
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
A Layered and Open Discussion. 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!
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.

Adoptive Parent Panel
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
With A-OK Family Advocates

This panel will consist of adoptive parents who have adopted children through Adoption STAR’s A-OK program. The panel will provide an opportunity for prospective parents to hear the experiences, beautiful and difficult moments, and advice from those who have successfully adopted older children.

Story Time with Tapestry Books
2025-11-04 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-12 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:00 | NY
This the perfect event for families with children, as adoption books geared towards children will be read.

It’s a relaxing and fun way for you and your child/children to do something adoption related during National Adoption Month.

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.

Newborn/Infant Care Class (Webinar)
2025-11-17 18:00 - 20:00 | 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 who are currently pursuing an additional nursing degree at Daemen University. The topics being discussed at this class will be home safety, car seat safety, immunizations, and safe sleep. By attending, clients currently in the midst of a home study will earn 2 hours towards the 6 hours of independent study they need. This workshop is open to all.
Please call 716-639-3900 or e-mail info@adoptionstar.com for more information.
After registering you will receive instructions from Eventbrite on how to join the webinar.

Adoption Forum: Getting Your Family Involved in Your Adoption Journey
2025-11-18 18:00 - 20:00 | 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

Preparing Extended Family for Older Child Adoption
2026-02-17 18:00 - 20:00 | NY
Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends are all impacted when a child or sibling group is adopted into their family

Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends are all impacted when a child or sibling group is adopted into their extended family. While adoptive parents often dedicate significant time to learning about the unique needs of children in the foster care system and the complexities of adoption, extended family members may not have the same level of understanding.
This webinar addresses common questions and concerns extended family members may have, offers insight into the typical experiences of children in foster care, and provides practical strategies for helping a child successfully integrate into their new family. Extended family and close friends are encouraged to participate in Adoption STAR’s webinar to better prepare for welcoming an older child through adoption.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.

Blue Rose Meeting
2026-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 | NY
This session is specific to birth parents who have made an adoption plan for their children.

These sessions are 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.
