Learning Goals

The overarching learning goals for the TAC are that participants will:

1. Learn the theoretical framework and therapeutic approach of adoption-competent mental health practice.
2. Develop clinical assessment and intervention skills in working with birth families, children, and prospective adoption parents in planning for adoption.
3. Develop clinical assessment and intervention skills in working with adopted children and youth and adoptive families on issues of loss, grief, separation, identity formation, and attachment.
4. Develop clinical assessment and intervention 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.
5. Understand how trauma impacts adopted children and how to use tools and techniques to support recovery from adverse beginnings.
6. Understand the issues that impact identity formation for adopted youth and young adults.
7. Learn how to support adoptive parents in developing therapeutic strategies to use in response to their children’s challenging behaviors.
8. Learn the different types of adoptive families, developmental stages of adoptive families, and the process of adoptive family formation and integration; and develop skills to help families achieve appropriate adoption openness and ongoing connections.
9. Develop an understanding of the racial, ethnic, and cultural issues in adoption and how to work with transracial and transcultural families.
10. Identify and utilize evidence-based and evidence-informed practices and interventions with individuals affected by adoption.