Adoption Forum: Getting Your Family Involved in Your Adoption Journey
2024-11-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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

A-OK Q&A Sessions
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-05 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-17 18:00 - 19:00
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

Race and Racism Through The Voices of Transracial Adoptees
2024-12-05 18:00 - 20:00
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.

Attachment-Focused Crisis Deescalation With A-OK Family Advocates
2024-12-11 16:00 - 19:00
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
2024-12-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Webinar
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.
To register contact Chris Fancher, Office & Intake Manager, at chris@adoptionstar.com.

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2025-01-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-12 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-05-15 18:00 - 19:30
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
2025-02-04 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-10 18:00 - 19:30
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.

Pre-Parenthood Educational Class Session 1 (in person)
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-08 | 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 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.
2025 Session 1 (in person)
Friday, February 7 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Saturday, February 8 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.

ANCHOR A-OK Educational Classes, Series 1
2025-02-15 | 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 1
Saturday, February 15 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (in person)
Sunday, February 16 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (in person)
Friday, February 28 5:15 pm – 9:00 pm (virtual)
Saturday, March 1 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, March 4 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (PANEL – virtual)
2025 Series 2
Tuesday, April 29 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 1 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Saturday, May 3 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (in person)
Sunday, May 4 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (in person)
Tuesday, May 6 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 8 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, May 13 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 15 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, May 20 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 22 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
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)

Blue Rose Meeting
2025-02-20 18:30 - 20:00
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.

Preparing Extended Family for Older Child Adoption
2025-02-25 18:00 - 20:00
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
2025-03-25 18:00 - 20:00
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.

Healing-Centered and Attachment-Focused Caregiving
2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:00
Facilitated by Samantha VanHout, Ph.D
Similar to TBRI, this training will provide psycho-education about trauma, emotion, regulation, and attachment, as well as effective parenting strategies to utilize with your unique child(ren). There will also be opportunities to problem solve around specific concerns and situations you are currently dealing with or anticipate occurring. This training will run for two hours each Saturday (dates below) and will be held via Zoom. The fee for this training is $125 per family, and we have a strict cap of 8 families. Registration is first come, first served. Please only register if you are able to attend all 6 dates.
Sessions will be held on the following Saturdays from 10am to 12pm:
4/5, 4/12, 4/26, 5/3 , 5/10 and 5/17
Please reach out to Nicole Cummins (nicole@adoptionstar.com) with any questions about the training or registration.

Navigating Open Adoption
2025-04-08 18:00 - 19:30
Open to waiting families, those who have already adopted, especially for those who may be struggling with their own birth parent connection

A webinar workshop where we address questions from participants, as well as have discussion around maintaining the connection, boundaries and the importance of communication etc. This workshop is open to waiting families and those who have already adopted, especially for those who may be struggling with their own birth parent connection. Examples of topics to be covered are approaching visits with birth family, discussing the difficult things, and boundaries.
We welcome you to submit questions ahead of time as well. You are also able to pose and discuss your questions and comments during the live workshop. Please contact Adoption STAR at 866-691-3300 or via email at info@adoptionstar.com for more information.
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)
2025-04-14 18:00 - 20:00
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.

Adoptive Parent Panel
2025-04-16 18:00 - 20:00
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.

ANCHOR A-OK Educational Classes, Series 2
2025-04-29 | 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 2
Tuesday, April 29 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 1 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Saturday, May 3 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm (in person)
Sunday, May 4 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (in person)
Tuesday, May 6 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 8 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, May 13 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 15 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Tuesday, May 20 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
Thursday, May 22 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm (virtual)
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)

Celebrating a Silver Anniversary!
2025-05-17 00:00 - 23:30, 2025-05-18 00:00 - 23:30, 2025-05-19 00:00 - 23:30, 2025-05-20 00:00 - 23:30, 2025-05-21 00:00 - 23:30, 2025-05-22 00:00 - 23:30
Basket raffle and silent auction fundraiser
