Adoption Star

Adoptive Parents Committee 40th Annual Conference
2020-11-21 09:00 - 2020-11-22 18:00 UTC
-CONFERENCE WILL BE VIRTUAL-
Several Adoption STAR staff are speakers!
APC’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE SERVES TO PROMOTE A BETTER AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF ADOPTION AND PROVIDE MEMBERS WITH ACCURATE INFORMATION CONCERNING ADOPTION AND PARENTING ISSUES.
Conference participants will have the opportunity to attend numerous workshops, seminars, lectures and panel discussions. Led by professionals and experts in the adoption field including attorneys, social workers, physicians, adoptive parents, agency representatives, adoptees and educators, the workshops provide up-to-date information as well as a forum for discussions.
Our conference is for those who are considering adoption as a way to build their family, those who have already adopted and for those professionals and advocates who are involved in the adoption and foster care fields.
Come and learn with us, share ideas and join together in promoting the joys of adoption.

Tapestry Books Story Time
2020-11-24 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for Story Time with Tapestry Books!

Popular books relating to adoption from the Tapestry Books collection will be featured for ages 0-6 years old.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-866-691-3300.
After registering for this event you will receive information on how to join the Zoom Meeting.

Private Track Group Training Webinar
2020-12-09 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
This creative and flexible program will teach you how to advertise yourself.

Adoption STAR created The Agency Assisted Private Adoption Program, often referred to as “Private Track” to provide increased opportunities to adopt an infant. This creative and flexible program will teach you how to advertise yourself. Learn from the professionals!
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.

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2021-01-05 17:30 - 19:00, 2021-02-10 17:30 - 19:00, 2021-03-20 11:00 - 12:30, 2021-05-19 17:30 - 19:00, 2021-07-13 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
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://adoptionstar.com.

Pre-Parenthood Educational Class Session 1 (Virtual)
2021-01-08 17:45 - 2021-01-10 15:45 (America/New_York) | Online
For those pursuing a domestic infant adoption
The pre-parenthood adoption classes are specific to those considering the adoption of a child NOT in foster care in the U.S. 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, January 8, 5:45 pm – 8:45 pm
Saturday, January 9, 10:00 am – 11:45 am and 2:00 pm – 3:45 pm
Sunday, January 10, 10:00 am – 11:45 am and 2:00 pm – 3:45 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.
The classes are typically held at Adoption STAR’s main office, in Amherst, NY (suburb of Buffalo). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, classes are currently being held virtually.

Adoption STAR Online Ohio Adoption Information Session
2021-01-27 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-04-21 18:00 - 19:30, 2021-07-21 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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 and catered towards Ohio residents.
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://adoptionstar.com.

Understanding & Responding to Sexual Trauma
2021-02-03 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
This new training, which will be offered in all 2021 ANCHOR classes, increases participants knowledge and skills to identify “developmentally expected” sexual behaviors of children and youth and distinguish developmentally expected behaviors from those that might be inappropriate. Information will be provided on how to assess and respond to these behaviors in ways that model good communication, empathy, and accountability.
*Please note*: this webinar is a standard workshop offered in ANCHOR educational classes as of October 2020. If you took classes in October 2020 or anytime after, you have already completed this webinar.
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.

Preparing Extended Family for Older Child Adoption Webinar
2021-02-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-06-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and friends are all impacted when a child or sibling group is adopted into their extended 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 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.

Calling All Single Adoptive Parents
2021-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Panel Facilitated by Kathy Crissey, LMHC and Shannon Boeheim, MSW

Are you single? Single by choice; single before or after you adopted; single because of separation, divorce, death. Single parenting is filled with joy, as well as unique challenges. Join us for a discussion around this experience as you can find support from those on a similar journey.
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.

A-OK Parent Support Group
2021-03-04 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
A-OK families that are home study ready are invited to attend an agency facilitated support and discussion group.

Adopting out of the foster care system can be a highly emotional journey. By identifying and building relationships with other parents who are facing, or who have faced, the same challenges, adoptive parents will feel empowered and confident in navigating their adoption path. This group provides a space for adoptive parents to get practical information, share experiences and resources, feel validated, and deepen their connection with other adoptive parents.
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.

Private Track Training
2021-03-10 17:30 - 19:00, 2021-07-14 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Presented by Shaun Doyle

Adoption STAR created The Agency Assisted Private Adoption Program, often referred to as “Private Track” to provide increased opportunities to adopt an infant. This creative and flexible program will teach you how to advertise yourself. Learn from the professionals!
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
2021-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
Facilitated by Lara Smith and 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, 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.

Blue Rose Meeting
2021-03-25 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-07-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Adoption STAR's "Honoring Motherhood" Virtual Fundraiser April 20th - May 4th
2021-04-20 00:00 - 2021-05-04 09:00 (America/New_York)
What do baskets, bears, and a bike have in common, other than all starting with a B?
They’re some of the featured prizes in Adoption STAR’s “Honoring Motherhood” virtual fundraising event this month!
Get in on the action starting April 20th and participate in a basket auction, bid on some great silent auction items, and take a chance on our 50/50 drawing – without leaving the comfort of your favorite chair!
Everything is all laid out for you to explore, just click the link below to visit the “Honoring Motherhood” website. You will be directed to create an account.
To use the “Text-To-Register” feature, text HONORINGMOMS to 243725 and a registration link will be sent to your mobile device.
And with Mother’s Day and Birth Mother’s Day less than one month away – you might just find that perfect gift! You can even bid on air travel through JetBlue and Southwest Air for that big trip you’ve had to put off!
Proceeds will support Adoption STAR’s The A-OK Program, Adopt an Older Kid program. Created to identify families for children waiting in foster care, the A-OK Program certifies families to adopt children from foster care. Permanency planning is our number one goal!
Winners will be selected at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 4. Auction closes at 9:00 am.
Of course, as always, donations are graciously accepted at any time!
VIEW THE VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING SITE
Generous supporters like you are critical to the event’s success, and make it possible for Adoption STAR to continue to pursue its mission. We hope that we can count on your support and please, share this message with your family, friends and colleagues so they can help too!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kristin Ackerman at kristin@adoptionstar.com or contact our office at (716) 639-3900. We sincerely thank you in advance for supporting the outstanding work and mission of Adoption STAR.

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2021-04-20 17:30 - 19:00, 2021-06-17 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
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://adoptionstar.com.

Newborn/Infant Care Class (Webinar)
2021-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Birth Mother’s Day Virtual Event
2021-05-08 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Every year, the day before Mother’s Day is Birth Mother’s Day

To honor you on Birth Mother’s Day, Adoption STAR is hosting a virtual event for mothers who have made an adoption plan with us. Birth mother and adoption advocate, Tamra Hyde, will join us to talk about her personal experience with adoption. We welcome you to this event where we can support one another by just listening or sharing the experiences, emotions, challenges, and triumphs of our adoption journey.
For more information contact Lucy at 866-691-3300 or email lucy@adoptionstar.com.
After registering for this event you will receive instructions on how to join the webinar.

Estate Planning
2021-06-16 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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 estate planning attorney/financial advisor, who has young children. She will introduce you to overall financial planning and estate planning for your family’s future, the Adoption Tax Credit, 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.

Waiting Families Support Meeting
2021-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Waiting Families Support Meeting
2021-06-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Virtual support meeting for waiting families.

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.
