Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2023-04-25 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-06-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-09-12 18:00 - 19:30 (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://www.adoptionstar.com.
REGISTER HERE FOR UPCOMING SESSIONS

Teen ACE (Adoptee Circle of Experience) (Virtual)
2023-04-26 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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.

Preparing Extended Family for Older Child Adoption
2023-05-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-09-19 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 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.

Private Track Training
2023-05-17 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-08-24 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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.

Waiting Families Meeting
2023-05-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-10-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Healing-Centered and Attachment-Focused Caregiving
2023-05-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
This training will provide psycho-education about trauma, emotion, regulation, and attachment, as well as effective parenting strategies .

Facilitated by Samantha VanHout
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.
May 20

May 27

June 3

June 10

June 17

June 24

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 event dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.

Adoption STAR Online Adoption Information Session
2023-05-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-07-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-09-28 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.
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

Race and Racism Through The Voices of Transracial Adoptees
2023-05-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Buffalo Bisons Star Wars Night with Adoption STAR
2023-06-03 18:05 - 21:05 (America/New_York) | Sahlen Field, 1 James D Griffin Plaza, Buffalo, NY, 14203, United States
Join Adoption STAR at one of the ballpark’s signature nights! Star Wars Night XIV!

This night is a must-attend for both baseball and Star Wars fans! Even before the Bisons take the field, fans rush to Sahlen Field to enjoy Fan Costumer Appearances throughout the ballpark’s concourse starting when ballpark gates open (time TBA). There are also Laser Sword sales to benefit the Compass House as well as Game-Worn and Autographed Jersey Auctions (before the event) and Jersey Raffles (at the event). This year, the Bisons players are wearing custom-made Ewok Jerseys as we pay tribute to our favorite little furry bipeds that saved the day in Return of the Jedi. Of course, the night doesn’t end until a thrilling Postgame Show that includes Fireworks!
F﻿or more information go to: https://www.milb.com/buffalo/events/star-wars
Only 50 seats available! Tickets on sale through May 15th! Tickets will be mailed or can be picked up at our main office.
G﻿roup ticket price is $12.50 (+ processing fees = $15.18 each)

Attachment-Focused Crisis Deescalation With A-OK Family Advocates
2023-06-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2023-08-23 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
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.

NACAC (North American Council on Adoptable Children) Conference
2023-07-18 - 2023-07-21 | Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, 1 East Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, United States
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. https://www.nacac.org/get-training/conference/

Blue Rose Meeting
2023-07-20 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.
Visit our website for event dates https://www.adoptionstar.com.

Birth Parent Panel
2023-07-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
A panel of birth parent speakers who have made adoption plans will share their stories.

This staff moderated panel will include a question-and-answer session with panel participants, including questions from the audience. This workshop will provide genuine and real insight into the birth parent experience and demystify common birth parent myths. You won’t want to miss this!
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

Annual Adoptive Family Summer Picnic (Buffalo, NY Area)
2023-08-06 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Ellicott Creek Park, Shelter 8, Tonawanda, NY, 14150, United States
Please join Adoption STAR adoptive families, staff and their families, for a spectacular afternoon! Families who have adopted through Adoption STAR, as well as those along the path to adopting are invited!
Catered by Ted’s Hot Dogs!
Ted’s Food Truck serving 1:00 – 3:00 pm
A dessert or a side dish to pass would be greatly appreciated, but not required!

Hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs, water, pop, and french fries will be provided.

Voluntary donations in an amount of your choice would be greatly appreciated to help offset the cost of the Birth Family Holiday Party in December. (We will gladly accept donations of new unwrapped toys, gift cards, cash/check, etc. at the event. Not required to attend).

This event is rain or shine! We will communicate via email, if the event is cancelled due to severe weather or county/state COVID-19 protocols.
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
2023-10-17 18:00 - 19:30 (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://www.adoptionstar.com.

Financial Planning Webinar
2023-10-26 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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.
