At C.A.S.E., we have learned from working with thousands of children and teens who have been adopted that having opportunities to directly address thoughts and feelings about adoption can reduce stress, calm children’s fears, and bolster self-esteem.
Our Kids’ Adoption Network (K.A.N.) is one of our signature programs created to provide opportunities for groups of children, teens, and adoptive parents to share their common questions, experiences and challenges around adoption in a safe, supportive environment.
Kids benefit from interaction with their peers, and group participation promotes the normalization, and validation of feelings, and reduces feelings of isolation. Feeling different from their non-adopted peers is especially challenging for adopted children and teens.
Does your child know anyone else who is adopted? Does she wonder about her birth mother? Does he ever tell you that he wishes he looked more like you? These comments are typical for children who were adopted!
K.A.N. groups meet weekly for 6-week or 8-week sessions and incorporate arts, games, role plays and most importantly, peer feedback that facilitates discussion of key adoption topics. These topics include identity, birth family, feelings, W.I.S.E. UP! and much more! Adoptive parents benefit from having the opportunity to share their concerns, questions and feelings with others who truly understand. Held concurrently with the K.A.N. Group, three parent sessions are facilitated by one of our therapists. These sessions provide the opportunity for parents to problem-solve together, exchange ideas and provide the camaraderie that can help you through the most challenging of times.
A pre-group assessment is required. For information about K.AN. groups:
Looking for all the benefits of a K.A.N. group condensed into three days? Try a K.A.N. Express session. K.A.N. express groups are generally offered during school holidays/vacations and are offered a couple of times a year. A pre-group assessment is required. See group contacts above to request additional information.
Each November, during National Adoption Awareness Month, C.A.S.E. invites adopted children in 1st-12th grades and their parents to participate in a cleverly themed action-filled full day event culminating in a carnival. Make sure you are on our mailing list so you don’t miss information about this signature event!
While children and teens enjoy their entertainment and activities, parents participate in an educational program designed to increase their knowledge and confidence in addressing the common concerns inherent in raising adopted youth. Prospective parents and parents whose children are not yet old enough to participate in the conference are welcome to attend our Parent Program.
See more photos from last year’s K.A.N. conference.
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