Learning Objectives

The general learning objectives for the TAC are that participants will:

1. Learn the theoretical framework and therapeutic approach of adoption competent mental health practice.
2. Understand the legal and ethical issues that impact adoption.
3. Develop clinical skills in working with birth families, children and prospective adoption parents in planning for adoption.
4. Develop clinical skills in working with adopted children and youth and adoptive families on issues of loss, grief, separation, identity formation and attachment.
5. Develop clinical skills in working with adopted children and youth and adoptive families on issues related to the impact of genetics and past experiences on adjustment and the psychological well-being of adopted children.
6. Understand how trauma impacts adopted children and tools and techniques to support recovery from adverse beginnings.
7. Understand the issues that impact identity formation for adopted youth and young adults.
8. Learn how to support adoptive parents in developing therapeutic strategies in response to their children’s challenging behaviors.
9. Develop assessment and intervention skills with different types of adoptive families and with birth families.
10. Learn the developmental stages of adoptive families and the process of adoptive family formation and integration.
11. Develop skills in working with adopted children, youth and adults, adoptive families and birth families on issues of adoption openness and ongoing connections.
12. Develop an understanding of the racial, ethnic and cultural issues in adoption and how to work with transracial and transcultural families.
13. Identify and utilize evidence-based and evidence-informed practices and interventions with individuals affected by adoption.
14. Learn how to work effectively with service systems and the community  on behalf of adoptive families.
15. Reinforce and strengthen the learning process through the case consultation process, resulting in strong transfer of learning to practice.