SYF WEBINAR: Emptying the Nest - The Art of Launching Differently

Date Feb 19, 2026

Time 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Cost $ 15.00

Strengthening Your Family Webinar

Emptying the Nest: The Art of Launching Differently

Thursday, February 19th, 2026 | 1:00PM – 2:30PM EST

Use promo code NEST at checkout to redeem your free registration.

Registration Deadline is Feb 19, 2026
Extended Access Available Feb 19 – Mar 21, 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: 3/3/2025 – 3/3/2026. 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.

In 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.

As we envision the future for our children, we often hold hopes and dreams about what their transition into adulthood will look like. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the world we live in has undergone significant changes. Recent research indicates that young adults are now taking longer to embark on their independent journeys, and in some cases, they may even return home for an extended period after their initial departure.

For parents, the process of emptying the nest has become increasingly challenging, particularly when dealing with the added complexity of a history of trauma. It requires a collective effort from all family members to support our children as they navigate their path toward independence. These various factors coming together can sometimes lead both parents and their children to question whether achieving true adulthood is attainable.

This interactive webinar aims to delve into the art of emptying the nest, addressing the complex needs that may arise along the way, and providing guidance on where to find the necessary support.

Download Learning Objectives & Timed Agenda

Meet the Presenter

Leslie Hales, LCSW, PIP

Leslie Hales, LCSW, PIP, is a trauma-certified social worker, speaker, and trainer committed to helping professionals and families navigate the complexities of adoption and foster care.

With her relatable approach, Leslie is known for making even the most challenging topics approachable. More than a social worker with 24+ years of experience, Leslie is an adult who has experienced her own childhood trauma. She is the adoptive parent of a 27-year-old daughter and co-parents a sibling group of five, all from foster care. Between her lived experience and expertise, she’s able to resonate with audiences of professionals and families alike.

Leslie brings a wealth of professional knowledge from her extensive social work career. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s degree from The University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. She has served in various capacities in her career from child welfare to medical social work, holding roles at the Jefferson County Department of Human Resources, the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama, Grandview Medical Center, and most recently Alabama Select Network.

Also serving as a Credentialed Course Instructor & Field Liaison at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Social Work, Leslie’s dedication to the field extends beyond her professional roles to include building up the next generation of social workers.

With topics ranging from balancing expectations, launching, and impacts of trauma, Leslie is an empathetic speaker who’s not afraid to tackle tough topics. Balancing professional insights and research with personal anecdotes, she effortlessly bridges the gap between theory and practice for all who hear her speak.

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

SYF WEBINAR: Emptying the Nest – The Art of Launching Differently