SYF WEBINAR: Bridging the Gap: Preparing Expectant Parents for Open Adoption

SYF WEBINAR: Bridging the Gap: Preparing Expectant Parents for Open Adoption

Date May 21, 2026
Time 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Cost $ 15.00
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Strengthening Your Family Webinar

Bridging the Gap: Preparing Expectant Parents for Open Adoption

Thursday, May 21st, 2026 | 1:00PM – 2:30PM EST 

Use promo code EXPECTANT for free registration at checkout.

CE registration is $15 at checkout.

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Registration Deadline is May 21, 2026
Extended Access Available May 21 – June 20, 2026

Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), Provider #1972, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/3/2026 – 3/3/2029. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 general continuing education credits.

Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7463. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

 

Jockey Being Family Logo under Strengthening Your Family Webinar Logo Graphic Image of People Holding HandsIn conjunction with our adoption advocacy partner, The Jockey Being Family Foundation, C.A.S.E offers 600 FREE registrations to each Strengthening Your Family (SYF) Webinar with 10 webinars offered each year. These webinars focus on a variety of relevant topics for adoptive, foster and kinship parents as well as the professionals who serve them.

In the adoption world, open adoption is often marketed to expectant parents and emphasized in adoptive parent education. However, expectant and birth parents frequently lack essential tools for long-term success in open adoption relationships. This interactive webinar is led by two birth parents working in the field — bridging the gap and offering agency professionals comprehensive strategies to educate and support expectant and birth parent clients throughout their open adoption journey. We explore open adoption fundamentals and provide teachable techniques for fostering healthy relationships and enhancing communication skills. We aim to equip adoption professionals with improved pre-adoption education for expectant and birth parents, contributing to more positive outcomes for all parties in open adoptions.

Download Learning Objectives & Timed Agenda

Meet the Presenters 

Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Ethical Family Building 

Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard is the Director of Policy & Advocacy at Ethical Family Building, where she leads state and federal efforts to enhance protections for all parties in private adoption and center children’s long-term well-being. As a birth mother in an open adoption and a longtime professional in private adoption, she brings uniquely modern insight to adoption reform policy. Kelsey is dedicated to spotlighting the lived experiences of all parties in adoption through storytelling and advocacy; she is the co-author of the 2023 book Adoption Unfiltered, co-founder of Utah Adoption Rights, and co-producer of the documentary Carrying (2026). She also serves on the Advisory Council of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, lending her lived and professional expertise to national conversations on adoption and child welfare policy. Kelsey resides in Southern California.

Katie Monroe, MSW, Social Worker at Dignity Health

Katie Monroe, MSW, has worked as an adoption social worker since 2007, with extensive experience supporting expectant and birth parents. Much of her professional work has focused on providing ethical, trauma-informed, and attentive care to expectant parents and birth parents as they navigate pregnancy, potential adoption decisions, and post-placement support. Katie also brings valuable lived experience to her work. She is a birthmother who placed her first daughter for adoption in 2002, a perspective that deeply informs her practice and advocacy. She is committed to centering ethical practice, informed choice, and long-term support in adoption-related services. Katie resides in Southern California.

For questions, concerns, or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact
Lauren Lynch at lynch@adoptionsupport.org