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American Adoption Congress1998 Southwest Regional Conference
5:30 Registration opens in lobby of hotel
6:30-9:00 Hot Hors d'oeuvres & no-host bar
RENO Finds Her Mom, Comedy Cabaret
7:30-9:00 REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
8:30-9:30 OPENING CIRCLE
9:30-11:00 KEYNOTE: BONDING FROM THE HEART
T/P Joseph Chilton Pearce - We will see how the synchrony of heart and brain can be disrupted by the birth process and through the first nine months of life if the infant is denied appropriate nurturing. And how through the heart-mind connection, this disruption can be mended and bonding between anyone of any age can begin to occur at any time if we know what to do. This offers great hope to all suffering from the effects of separation. By developing our own heart-brain dynamic and consciously applying it in our lives, we can heal past pains and separations and create new intuitive bonds of connection with ourselves and others. Emphasizing scientific-based tools being developed by the Institute of HeartMath to do this, Joe will show how to shift heart intelligence out of sentiment into biology where it can take the energy of attachment and move beyond into true bonding.
SESSION I: 11:15-12:30
1. T/P "Right vs. Wrong: The Intricate World of Adoption Ethics" - Come discuss and debate the key ethical dilemmas confronting adoption today and get a preview of the Adoption Institute's 1999 Ethics Conference to be held in Anaheim, CA. Madelyn Freundlich, MSW, MPH, JD. Executive Director, Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, New York.
2. A/BP "A Pictorial History of the Open Records Movement" - In this multimedia presentation, the history of the open records movement in the U.S. and abroad will be seen in concrete examples of past, present and possible future of the fight for the civil rights of adoptees. Effective strategies for public education and activism will be discussed. Damsel Plum, co-founder of Bastard Nation, Outreach Director for the Adoption Registration Coalition which runs "Reg Day" and founder of the Adoption Ring, over 300 adoption websites (of which PACER is one).
3. AP/P "Thoughts on Adoption: The Foster Youth Perspective" - A panel of four foster youth from California Youth Connection, the advocacy organization consisting entirely of foster youth (ages12-14) who are working from the inside to improve foster care, will present the results of their statewide focus groups on kids' opinions of services. Views will be discussed in an interactive format giving us an opportunity to listen to the experts about the true impact of child welfare practice, policy and laws. Janet Knipe, Statewide Coordinator, moderator and foster teen.
4. T "May the Circle be Unbroken: Transforming Personal Experience into Public Service" - Lynn will discuss how her personal experience with reunion five years ago catapulted her into her quest for understanding and how it underpins her commitment to educating and informing public opinion. She hopes attendees will learn and gain inspiration from her experience that will inform their individual advocacy efforts. Lynn C. Franklin, author of May the Circle be Unbroken: An Intimate Journey into the Heart of Adoption, being released November 1998.
5. AP "Techno-Tots: Similarities Between Third Party Reproduction and Adoption" - Is the experience of donor offspring like that of adoptees? This presenter will look at: how and why secrecy and donor anonymity were institutionalized in reproductive medicine, changes that have taken place in the past two decades, current dilemmas and debates in this area and how adoption and third party reproduction are similar. Jean Benward, LCSW, consultant to Reproductive Science Center of the Bay Area, Chair of Donor Registry Task Force for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
12:30-2:00 LUNCH (Included with full conference fee)
SESSION II: 2:00-3:30
6. T/P "The Marketplace Today: Buying and Selling Babies" - The current situation will be compared and contrasted with earlier periods in the institution of adoption as well as other reproductive methods of family building. Presenter will describe her own experiences of the last half century, with particular emphasis on changing definitions and evolving issues. The notion of supply and demand, feelings of entitlement, and viewing family building as a business with entrepreneurs will be explored. Annette Baran, experienced in the field of adoption since 1949, author, former director of adoption agency, researcher, psychotherapist with private practice, lecturer, expert witness, grant recipient, etc.
7. BP "After the Grieving: Claiming Our Place As Birthparents" - What is the long-term role of the birthparent? This session will be looking at this question whether the adoption is old or new, closed or open or reunited. How do birthparents meet their responsibilities and own needs while considering the needs of their child, the adoptive parents and all other members of the adoptive family? Donna Bergstrom Oman, founding member of PACER (1978-86) PACER group leader, State Board of Directors, Children's Home Society of California (1984-1986), teacher.
8. AP "Color me Yours: Everything You Suddenly Need to Know About Racism" - Content and objectives are: to define racism as it applies to and affects transracial families, to understand from a developmental perspective the experience of transracially adopted children, to explore the issue of "white privilege" and the experiences of white couples who adopt children of color, practical ways to prepare children for possible encounters with racism, safe and appropriate responses to everyday racism. - Casi Kushel, MS, MFCC, director Finding Common Ground, university instructor, family therapist.
9. A/BP/P "Adoptees in School: Negotiating the Educational System " - A look at what adoptive parents need to prepare for in dealing with schools and what is the situation facing adoptees. How and why is change possible? Virginia Bowman, EdD, adoptive parent, reading specialist
10. AP "We Are Family: Lesbian and Gay Adoptive Families" - Common characteristics and themes for gay and lesbian families, similarities and differences from traditional families, and current legal issues related to this topic will be discussed. Judy Schwartz, MFCC, Moderator, with partner Carolyn Pines, Executive Director Congregation Beth Sholom, Jon Logan, organizer of Our Family and partner Kevin Woodward, Dan McPherson, PhD, adoptive parent
SESSION IIIA: 4:00-6:00
11. T "Writing It Out: An Authors' Panel" - Very special two-hour literary session with six authors, (birthmothers and adoptees), who will talk about how writing has facilitated their personal process in living with adoption. Lynn and Sarah will have books just published at conference time. B.J. Lifton, PhD, Moderator, with Carol Schaefer, Lynn Franklin, Jean Strauss, Paula Friedman and Sarah Saffian
12. A/BP "Searching and Activism on the Net" - This information-packed session will show you all you need to know to start your on-line search or to engage in activism. Issues involving advantages and disadvantages of on-line search will be explored and handouts will include instructions for accessing various lists, websites and sources with descriptions of each. Damsel Plum (see Session I, #2 for credentials)
13. AP/P "International Adoption: Are We Solving or Creating Problems?" - Special two-hour session involving a panel of representatives from several international adoption agencies moderated by Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute Executive Director, Madelyn Freundlich.
The objective is to look critically at ethical issues and possible solutions inherent in this rapidly growing means of adoption.
SESSION IIIB: 4:00-5:00
14. A "Your Birth Family Medical History: What to Ask for and Why" - The workshop will define medical/genetic history and establish the importance of such a history for the adoptee and his/her family. Specifics on how to obtain such a history, what questions to ask and what tests to obtain when records are scanty or unavailable will be covered by adoptee presenter, Peter T. Watson, MD, Medical School professor & Director, Northwest Perinatal Center. Portland, OR.
15. A/BP/P "Conceived in Rape" - The goals of this session are better understanding about conception after rape, a critical look at myths surrounding conception by rape and seeing the lifelong impact of conceiving a child in rape and being a person conceived in rape. Darlene Gerow, reunited birthmother of a daughter conceived in rape and Betsy Goodwin, M.A., also reunited birthnother of a son conceived in rape
16. AP/P "Preserving Cultural Heritage: Adoptions and the Indian Child Welfare Act" -These experienced presenters will describe the process of Indian adoptions, the law that governs these and how to comply with it. The cultural issues surrounding non-Indian and Indian children and the effects of placements in and out of Native cultures will be discussed. Carol Rosetta White Mountain, MSW and a Lakota enrolled as a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe & Kevin Sanders, MSW and member of Western Cherokee Tribe of Oklahoma
SESSION IIIC: 5:00-6:00
17. T "The Ups and Downs to Happy Reunions" - This entertaining and informative workshop will focus on the expectations of all three sides of the Triad as a reunion takes place. It is most often that problems or missed opportunities happen because of different expectations which each member brings to the reunion. Included is a discussion about genetic attraction and its effect on reunions. Bill Bossert, M Div, SW Regional Director of AAC, reunited adoptee
18. BP "A Birthmother's Healing Journey Using Sandplay" - Presenter will give overview of sandplay process and the therapeutic value of sandtray work in dealing with Triad issues. This multimedia case presentation will culminate in a birthmother's final sandtray with her voice describing her life journey including teen pregnancy, relinquishment and reunion. Actual completed sandtray available. Sue Drese, MFCC, professional college lecturer, counselor, reunited adoptee
19. A/BP/P "Building Racial Justice into Adoption Policy and Practice" - This multimedia workshop will include readings of creative writing by transracial adoptees as a powerful medium to convey the complex experiences of children of color raised in white families. Speakers will include adoptees, adoption professionals and academics who will provide diverse perspectives on building racially just child-centered adoption policies. Julia Sudbury, Assistant Professor, Mills College, adoptee and founder of Sankofa transracial adoptee association
Dinner on Your Own AND
7:00-8:30 "BEACH BLANKET BABYLON"
Theater tickets are available with advance purchase
OR
8:00 - 9:30 Choose from these sessions:
20. "Listening Circles: A Place to Be Heard" - An experiential and reflective workshop about communication and the power of deep listening in a safe place to those who have often not been heard. Doug Ross, PhD, support person to Triad member
21. "Creating Comedy From Your Tragedy" An enlivening and interactive workshop where participants will learn what their primary drama is, what roles they are playing in it, who they are recruiting to be a part of this drama and how to move into spontaneity, fun and play! Amy Jane Cheney, reunited adoptee
22. Film "Unlocking the Heart of Adoption" - The issues of loss, abandonment, powerlessness and the need-to-know for adoption Triad members are defined by the personal experiences of the people in the film. Experiences of Triad members are validated offering greater understanding and communication among Triad members, professionals and those considering adoption. Sheila Ganz, filmaker, birthmother, adoption reform activist
23. Birthparent, Adoptee, Triad and Adoptive Parent Support Groups available. Look for sign-up sheet at conference.
24. An Evening of Poetry Reading - Always a favorite at conferences, this is a wonderful opportunity to read your poetry to others who can share your feelings and experience. Bring your work and don't be shy! Moderated by Pam Parsons, RN, reunited birthmother and budding poet.
8:15 - 9:15 OPENING CIRCLE
SESSION IV: 9:30-11:00
25. T "So Now Who Are We? Identity Issues for Everyone After Reunion" - This workshop will identify and define the individual issues for adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents during and after reunion such as depression and despair, genetic sexual attraction, lifestyle concerns, intimacy and effects on other relationships and families. Dianne Mathes, MSW, reunited adoptee
26. T "Writing as Healing Practice" - A publisher of two books of writing practice pieces and currently completing a WRITEBOOK for Writing Enthusiasts, this popular workshop facilitator and former family therapist will teach dynamic communication skills to carry in your family relationships' survival kit. These tools are useful "to enhance intimacy in relationships with others, survive and thrive in parenting and heal our frazzled selves." Sarah Spaulding Phillips, MFCC
27. T "Playback Theatre: Transforming Personal Stories On The Spot" - Playback Theatre transforms personal stories into theater pieces on the spot using movement, music, ritual and spoken improvisation. The spontaneous enactment of personal experience builds connection between people by honoring the dignity, drama and universality of our stories and enables us to view our lives in new ways. We see that our lives are a fit subject for art and recognize the universal longing for affirmation and connection with others. Bring a story or just watch! Jacqueline Hayward, actor, director and drama therapist as well as founder of Sonoma County Playback Theatre, and her troupe
28. AP/P "Open Adoption: Over Time, Through the Years" - While recognizing that each open adoption is unique, these parents will shed light on the common ground of negotiating the changing relationships over time. The reality of open adoption will be seen through the experiences of families in open adoptions with children ranging in ages from 5-19! Micky Duxsbury, MFCC, Moderator, Toni Maines, Colleen Houlighan
29. T "Pre & Perinatal Experience: Lifelong Effects of Early Rejection" - We will cover the long-lasting psychological impact of adoption for all parties involved. Methods of dealing with and healing the effects of the separation will be presented. Barbara Reid Findeisen, MFCC, co-producer and narrator of Journey to be Born, An Introduction to Pre-and Perinatal Psychology, VP, Assoc. for Pre- & Perinatal Psychology and Health
30. P/BP "Shame on Us: How Shame Affects the Sexuality and Intimacy of Birthmothers" - Presenter will identify how the shame and guilt of birthmothers impacts their ability to maintain intimate relationships and develop a healthy sexual self. Audience will be invited to discuss issues of sexuality, genetic attraction, body shame and emotional intimacy. Delores S. Teller, reunited birthmother, Pres, of Oregom Adoptive Rights Assoc. and Education Chair and NW Regional Director of the AAC
31. A/BP "Search 101" - Basic search workshop with a real pro. Bring your search papers and find out how to take the next steps to finding the missing people in your life. C. Curry Wolfe, editor, The Original Bluebook
SESSION V: 11:15-12:30
32. T "All in the Family: Kinship Adoption" - Recognizing the value to a child of being raised in his/her birthfamily, this session will look at the gifts and challenges that can arise and offer participants the opportunity to share their experience or ask questions about the experience of the presenters. Glendora Patterson, MSW, PhD, Moderator.
33. T "International Search" -An exploration of nuances of culture, race, language and geography that are part of international search in a personal perspective of an international adoptee who has successfully searched. Susan Cox, reunited Korean adoptee and international adoption professional.
34. T "Closed Adoption & Grief" - The focus will be on the many ways we avoid the grieving process and how we tend to handle loss with denial and shame particularly in closed adoptions. The session ends with a safe and non-threatening experience in letting go of old ghosts and grief. Ellen Roseman, Adopton consultant
35. A/BP "Birth Fatherhood" - Based primarily on personal experience this session will describe a birthfather's experience including surrender, separation, reunion, post-reunion adjustments and responses of spouse and other children. Fred will contrast attitudes of "knowing" and "unknowing" birthfathers and will consider reunion stresses, adoptee "reparations" and spousal viewpoints. Fred Greenman, birthfather and Sr. Attorney for the AAC in the Tennessee litigation (Doe vs. Lundquist)
36. AP "Growing up with Adopted Children" - A participatory discussion of how, when and how much to tell your children about their being adopted, talking with family members, school faculty and others about adoption, working with open adoptions, sibling relationships, the changing meaning of adoption as children age, culture issues and more. Reuben Pannor, MSW, LCSW & Jonathan Pannor, MSW, LCSW
37. A/BP "Our Reunion: Through the Labyrinth to Relationship" - Carol Schaefer, author of The Other Mother, is presenting with her reunited son, Jack Ryan. They will help guide participants through the "labyrinth" of relationship after reunion. Over the 13 years since their reunion, Carol and Jack have moved through numerous emotions and all the developmental stages while interweaving the lives of their family members.
12:30-2:00 LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
SESSION VI: 2:00-3:30
38. T/P "Men in Adoption" - This rare and wonderful panel of men including two adoptive fathers, a birthfather and an adoptee will share their stories and experiences. This is an opportunity to ask your questions and share your own stories. Jay Cooper - Moderator, Brian Jacobson, Rick French, Al Holstrom
39. T/P "Why is Reunion so Challenging? What You Need to Know" - Are you worrying about/struggling with your reunion? This is the workshop for you. A birthmother and an adoptee, both therapists who specialize in reunions, will present their insights and experiences working with individuals and families over time in reunion. Tracy Squier, MSW & Donna Portuesi, MSW
40. AP/P "Attachment: The Impact of Disruptions and Hope for Healing" - This workshop will be of interest to everyone interested in learning how attachment develops and the impact of disrupted attachments. Treatment ideas will be discussed for healing. Maureen Wallace, LCSW & Sally Clark, MFCC
41. (BP/AP) "Living Open Adoption" - The birth and adoptive parents of three children will discuss the joys and challenges and realities of living open adoption day-to-day. You'll hear strategies for improving relationships and ways to remain sure that the focus remains on what is best for the child involved. Beth Hall, PACT co-director and adoptive parent, Moderator.
42. AP/P "Making History: Creating your Child's Lifebook" (1:30-3:30) An unusual opportunity to learn about homemade lifebooks/baby books as tools for helping your child understand the complex family relationships in adoption. Please bring your own photos and momentos as there will be time to begin preparing your child's lifebook. Cate Green, LCSW, Tom Maloney, LCSW, Elsje Gurko Note: Session starts early to allow time to begin your Lifebooks. $5.00 additional fee for materials.
43. BP/AP "Searching for Sophia: Feminine Principles of Relationship Among Birth and Adoptive Mothers" - This workshop will explore how adoption practices impact birthmothers' and adoptive mothers' wisdom of their own feminine nature in relationship to their child, to their child's other mother and to themselves and their culture. Martha Hulbert, MA, PhD candidate
SESSION VIIA: 4:00-6:00
44. A/BP "Reunion: Healing After the Honeymoon" - Even a good reunion can be a bumpy ride. Ronda Slater and her birthdaughter, Jodi, will explore their fourteen-year journey and share secrets for building a solid relationship. Ronda Slater, author and performance artist & Jodi Fields
45. T "Putting the Pieces Together - Create Your Life in Collage" - Our lives are like a puzzle-many pieces and experiences shape us. Explore, create and share the puzzle of your life. We will create an image of your life in collage form. Sharonfaith Horton, MS, MFCC and CUB facilitator
SESSION VIIB: 4:00-5:00
46. T "Adoption & Sexuality" - The goal is to acknowledge and validate that sexuality and intimacy can be affected in obvious and subtle, certainly profound, ways for Triad members in a society that confuses sexuality, promiscuity, reproduction, intimacy and morality. Participants will be helped to feel comfortable addressing sexuality and intimacy problems. Sue Drese, MFCC
47. T/P 1998 Study of Reunited Adoptees and Birthparents- Paper presentation of research based on a sample of 100 ISRR (Soundex) matches in first six months of reunion. Authors examine the effects of reunion on our adoption practices now and for the future. Reuben Pannor, MSW and Joseph H. Davis, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine
48. A/BP "The King's True Children:" Adoption in Traditional and Personal Stories - Writer, storyteller and performer, Nancy Schimmel presents universal adoption stories and some of her own. She weaves folktales, poems and songs written by herself, her daughter and her mother as well as selections from correspondence between herself and her daughter. This moving presentation shows that love of performance is hereditary and we'll see that storytelling is one way to process the reunion experience. Nancy Shimmel & daughter, Nancy Ibsen
SESSION VIIC: 5:00-6:00
49. T "How to Support a Triad Member" - This session is for significant others of Triad members to share experiences about how best to be supportive and nurturing. There will be opportunity to discuss how difficult it is to watch a partner ride the waves of emotion that come up in dealing with adoption. Doug Ross, PhD
50. T/P "Foremothers: The Importance of Family Connections"- A multimedia presentation about her maternal heritage including herself (an adoptee), her birthmother (also adopted), her birth grandmother (orphan) and her birth greatgrandmother (also adopted). This entertaining and provocative program will define the issues and relevance of family history. Jean Strauss, author of Birthright & The Great Adoptee Searchbook
51. AP "Sensory Needs of the Very Young Child" - Learn how children can be supported in very early childhood to alleviate some of the learning difficulties that can arise later in a school setting. Simple sensory integration techniques, and others particularly helpful for adopted children who are more likely to be at risk for "learning differences" will be demonstrated and experienced. Jenefer Merrill, educational consultant & teacher
7:00 Cocktails
7:30 Dinner
8:30 Entertainment: Betsy Rose
"If I Had Not Lived in Hope" - One-woman musical play, plus songs from the recently-released CD, "Motherlight."
SESSION VIII: 9:00 - 12:30 PACER BENEFIT BRUNCH
9:00 - 10:00 Remembering our history and honoring of past PACER board presidents, board members, members, and support group leaders in celebration of our 20th anniversary. Jane Calbreath, current board president, will preside with Donna Oman, founding member of PACER.
10:00 - 11:00 Brunch
11:00 - 12:00 Betty Jean Lifton
"The Adoptee's Journey"
12:00- 12:30 Betsy Rose will lead us in a musical closure of the conference.
San Francisco is one of the top tourist destinations in the world! In addition to the maps, restaurant recommendations and suggested itineraries which will be contained in your conference packet, we are offering the following two special events:
"Beach Blanket Babylon" Friday Night
"Beach Blanket Babylon" is a cabaret-style spoof of pop culture that has captured the irreverent heart of this city by the bay for 24 years. It is the longest-running musical revue anywhere and continues to thrive because it evolves and remains fresh with skits on current topics. Tickets for Friday night's 7:00 p.m. performance (which ends at 8:30 p.m.) are $35.00 and advance registrations are required, as the show always sells out. Have dinner afterwards in North Beach, noted for Italian restaurants.
Cable Car Tour of San Francisco: Sunday after Brunch
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