Many of these topics pertain to all families, while others speak more to issues that adoptive or foster families face. All classes are open to all families, whether they are in the process of adoption or whether they already have children at home. 

In your family, do you have a child who’s having a problem with extreme tantrums? Defiance? Huge meltdowns over little things? Behavior problems can be stressful for the whole family. Unfortunately, sometimes run-of-the-mill parenting techniques don’t work with our out-of-the-box kids.

This seminar is designed to give support and guidance to parents with children who are exhibiting challenging behaviors.  We will discuss parenting strategies that work, and talk about how to create a healing environment for our families. 

This class provides an overview of Trust-Based Relational Intervention®, developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross. TBRI has been successful in helping children and families in a variety of contexts, including adoptive and foster families with children with very extreme behaviors.  However, all types of families can benefit from the tools presented by TBRI.

Join us to exchange ideas about how to stay engaged, present, and sane in this wild ride of parenting.

This class discusses the importance of creating a lifebook for your child and provides ideas about how to start.  We'll cover issues such as handling sensitive information, generating a child-centered narrative, and incorporating the lifebook into your family traditions.  Specific scrapbooking materials will not be provided, but a list of local and on-line resources will be available.

When a child reaches school age, parents encounter a new set of questions:  How much (if any) information should be given to teachers about my child’s history?  How can my child’s needs be best met in the school environment?  How can I help my child navigate school assignments that may trigger issues of grief?  How do I help my child handle questions from peers?  In this seminar we discuss these school-related issues and share ideas and information

Are you about to introduce a new child to your family, and you’re not certain about how your current child will adjust?  Or maybe you already have multiple children home, but things aren’t settling in as easily as you expected?  In this class we’ll address questions you may have about sibling issues—how to introduce a new sibling, how to encourage kids to get along, and how to create a peaceful environment for everyone.

See class description under Pre-Adoption Series  for details. The class is open to both pre-placement and post-placement adoptive and foster parents, as well as to parents whose children may have experienced other types of grief or loss.

See class description under Pre-Adoption Series  for details. The class is open to both pre-placement and post-placement parents.

See class description under Pre-Adoption Series  for details. The class is open to both pre-placement and post-placement parents.

Check out our Class Schedule to see when these classes are being offered.