Introducing the Association of TAC Professionals: A New Era in Adoption Competency

The journey of adoption is one filled with unique challenges and profound rewards, both for the families who welcome adopted children into their homes and for the professionals dedicated to supporting them. Recognizing the need for continuous growth and a strong support network, we are thrilled to announce the formation of the Association of TAC Professionals. This new national network is designed to support the ongoing development, clinical skill building, and networking among TAC-trained professionals, enhancing their ability to serve the adoption community. The Association of TAC Professionals is a significant effort towards fulfilling this mission, providing a robust support system for those who have completed the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program.

Why the Association of TAC Professionals?

Adoption Competency is a journey, much like the adoption process itself. Just as parents need support, education, and a sense of community to navigate the complexities of adoption, so too do the professionals who work to ensure the well-being and permanence of adopted children and their families. The Association of TAC Professionals aims to create a nurturing environment where therapists can come together to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices.

Member Benefits: A Comprehensive Support System for Clinicians

Joining the Association of TAC Professionals offers a host of exclusive benefits, designed to enhance professional growth and provide a supportive network of like-minded individuals. Here are some of the key benefits members will enjoy, along with the parallels to the adoption journey:

• Professional Development: Just as parents benefit from education and guidance to navigate the complexities of adoption, therapists also need ongoing training to provide the best support. These benefits include the following:
  • Three free virtual clinical webinars annually, each providing continuing education credits (CEs) to help therapists stay current with the latest adoption competency practices.
  • Access to two free in-demand webinars each year, covering a wide range of adoption-related topics to broaden your expertise.
  • Discounts on additional training and clinical consultation opportunities offered by CASE.
  • An invitation to the Association’s annual virtual summit at a discounted rate, providing a platform for learning and networking.
• Community: Both parents and professionals thrive in environments where they can share experiences, seek advice, and build connections. The Association fosters a strong, interactive community that brings together therapists who are dedicated to improving adoption outcomes. Members will have opportunities for networking and peer support with TAC graduates across the country, growing a sense of shared purpose. This aspect is supported by the following:
  • A platform to share knowledge and expertise and seek resources from others in the TAC community.
  • A quarterly newsletter filled with updates, events, and news from C.A.S.E. and TAC sites nationwide.
• Research and Advocacy: The challenges faced in the adoption journey require adaptability, growth, and resilience. By staying informed about the latest research and best practices, and through community support, both parents and therapists can better navigate these challenges.
  • The Association ensures that members stay informed about ongoing research and best practices related to adoption competency, equipping all with the most up-to-date information.
  • Opportunities to get involved in advocacy efforts and policy developments relevant to the TAC community, such as increasing reimbursement rates for adoption-competent specialized practice and supporting funding for post-adoption supports in all states.

Kickoff Event: The TAC Virtual Summit

We were honored to launch the Association of TAC Professionals with our first annual TAC Community Virtual Summit in June. This event provided a unique opportunity for the TAC community to come together, continuing the journey of building adoption-competent knowledge, values, and skills that can be used in our work with members of the adoption kinship network. The Summit also served as a celebration of our growing TAC community and the official launch of the Association.

During the Virtual Summit, 115 participants had the chance to engage in insightful discussions, attend educational sessions, and network with peers. Highlights of the event included:

• How We Got Here with Debbie Riley: Debbie Riley discussed the C.A.S.E. journey and how we have become a leader in adoption competency training, sharing the milestones and achievements that have shaped our mission and impact.
• Parenting in the Trauma Trenches with Allison Davis Maxon: Allison Davis Maxon provided an in-depth look at the 7 Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency, offering practical tools for working with parents and youth to address the challenges they face.
• Transracial Adoptees on Transracial Adoption: A Collaborative Interview with Angela Tucker and Tony Hynes: Angela Tucker and Tony Hynes integrated research-informed best practices with their personal experiences to take the audience deeper into understanding the sensitive and complex topic of transracial adoption.
• Connection and Reflection: Participants took part in smaller breakout sessions to discuss the needs of the community and help bring shape to the Association as a whole.

The event was a resounding success, setting a strong foundation for the future of the Association and highlighting the importance of ongoing professional development and community building.

Shaping the Future Together

The Association of TAC Professionals is more than just a membership; it is a collaborative effort to shape the future of adoption competency. We invite all parents, donors, therapists, and supporters of the adoption community to celebrate this milestone with us. While the Association is specifically for TAC-trained clinicians, its creation signifies a broader commitment to enhancing the support systems available to adopted children and their families.

Special Offer for TAC Graduates

To celebrate the launch of the Association, we are offering the first year of membership free to anyone who has completed the TAC final assessment. After the first year, the annual membership fee will be just $75, providing exceptional value for the wealth of resources and opportunities available. The formation of the Association of TAC Professionals marks a significant milestone in our commitment to adoption competency. By joining, TAC-trained clinicians will be part of a dynamic, supportive community dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of adopted children and their families.

For more information and to sign up, please visit: https://associationoftacprofessionals.wildapricot.org

Together, we can continue to advance adoption competency and support the vital work of TAC professionals across the country.