Oklahoma Adoption Competency Network

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About

There is so much to understand about adoption – loss and grief, attachment, trauma, therapeutic parenting, the impact of race and cultural differences, the role of the biological family after adoption, and so much more. The Oklahoma Adoption Competency Network (OACN) is a statewide effort to come together – adoptive parents, adoptees, biological families, and adoption professionals – to learn, discuss, and support each other in doing our best to support our children and families from adoption in Oklahoma. Below, you can find events the OACN is providing for all those touched by adoption, including Lunch & Learn webinars, book clubs, support groups, adoption competency trainings, and more!  If you have not signed up yet to be on the mailing list for the OACN, please complete the form on the Adoption Competent Mental Health page and share your contact information so we can keep you in the loop.

Upcoming Events

October 8th 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Autism Foundation Training for Families & Service Providers

The Autism Foundation is developing a new training for families and service providers that have adopted youth with a diagnosis of autism. This training will cover the impacts in how behaviors and needs can change throughout the life of an adoptee on the spectrum. In addition to de-escalation strategies, this training will also cover IEP and other educational accommodations.
October 9th 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

A Fireside Chat with Adoptees: Navigating Adoption As A Teenager- Oct. 9th

Teenage adoptees may encounter various comments at school that relate to their adoption, and these comments can range from curious inquiries to potentially insensitive remarks. Some common comments may revolve around questions about their biological family, the circumstances of their adoption, or stereotypes associated with adoption. At this Fireside Chat, guests will share and engage in a conversation on what they've experienced as a teen, and how to address these issues. Please join us for a {virtual} Fireside Chat moderated by Angela Tucker, where guest speakers will share about their experiences.
October 18th 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative(NTI) For Adoptive Parents

Come join other adoptive parents as we walk through the NTI training on adoption competent mental health! Learn about what adoption competency is and all it's components: attachment, identify formation, loss & grief, trauma, and more.
October 22nd 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

ALRT! INTERNET SAFETY PART 1

Join us on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22nd from 12:00pm-1:00pm CST for a presentation on the dangers kids are facing online and ways that you can help protect them! This is a two-part training series, ALRT! Internet Safety Part 2 will be held on Tuesday, November 12th from 12:00pm-1:00pm CST - visit ALRT! Internet Safety Part 2 to register for Part 2!
November 12th 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

ALRT! INTERNET SAFETY PART 2

Without training, our kids are not safe online. Join us on zoom on Tuesday, November 12th to learn about the dangers your kids are facing online and ways you can help protect them. ALRT! is a two-part internet safety series geared towards parents and youth 3rd-12th grade.
November 15th 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative(NTI) For Adoptive Parents

Come join other adoptive parents as we walk through the NTI training on adoption competent mental health! Learn about what adoption competency is and all it's components: attachment, identify formation, loss & grief, trauma, and more.
December 20th 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative(NTI) For Adoptive Parents

Come join other adoptive parents as we walk through the NTI training on adoption competent mental health! Learn about what adoption competency is and all it's components: attachment, identify formation, loss & grief, trauma, and more.
January 17th 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative(NTI) For Adoptive Parents

Come join other adoptive parents as we walk through the NTI training on adoption competent mental health! Learn about what adoption competency is and all it's components: attachment, identify formation, loss & grief, trauma, and more.

Videos

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  • July 30th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- The Value of Adoption Competence for Mental Health Professionals and the Community

    About this video

    Adoption competency is not a single practice or protocol but a comprehensive set of knowledge, values, and skills, based on decades of research and practice with adoptive families, that are more responsive to and effective with adoptive and kinship families. This Lunch & Learn event will explore what we have learned from the research, practice & listening to members of the adoption community about how mental health professionals can best partner with families in ways that are more helpful.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Education
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • July 2nd, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- Building Bridges to Improve Mental Health

    About this video

    Building sustainable bridges between child welfare systems & state mental health systems is key to bringing about systemic change to improve the mental health outcomes for children in care & in adoptive & guardianship homes. This event will provide tailored onsite intensive technical assistance and evidence-informed training to strengthen coordination & capacity among the Oklahoma child welfare & mental health systems to improve the quality of mental health services provided to children, young adults & their families while in care & in adoptive and guardianship homes.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • June 25th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn – From an Adoptee’s View

    About this video

    Come join us for a conversation with Angela Tucker, a transracial adoptee, filmmaker, author, and podcaster as she shares some perspectives on what living the adopted life means to her.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Multicultural
    • Parenting
  • June 11th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- Having Conversations about Mental Health With Your Adolescent

    About this video

    Whether you are in the midst of parenting an adolescent or just preparing for the future, it is a new landscape of parenting. For adoptees, this is a critical time for behavioral health intervention. One important factors in predicting emotional well-being for teens are the conversations they can have with their caregivers. It can be challenging to figure out how to approach conversations about mental health as a parent of an adolescent. This workshop will cover some of the unique aspects of adolescent development & finding ways to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health.

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Parenting
  • May 7th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- The Importance of Birth Family Connections within an Adoptive Family

    About this video

    Building and Maintaining a relationship with birth families in an adoptive placement requires work and commitment but it is of vital importance for children and youth who are adopted. Connection with safe members of the child’s birth family are in the best interests of the adoptee. The purpose of this Lunch & Learn is to examine the benefits of these connections, discuss concerns around these connections and look at practical ways to make and sustain these connections.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Multicultural
    • Parenting
  • April 23rd, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- Keys to Connection: Building Stronger Bonds

    About this video

    This one-hour session will expand on the impact and importance of healthy attachment by providing participants with techniques and activities to build stronger connections within their relationships. This session includes discussion, group participation, and modeling of these attachment building activities.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • March 26th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- Special Education Advocacy

    About this video

    Join us on Zoom on Tuesday, March 26th for the CE Event, "Special Education Advocacy," presented by Liberty Daniels (Program Field Representative for Child Welfare). Have you struggled with not understanding your child's rights in school? Join us as we discuss appropriate avenues and effective ways to empower parents in advocating for their children in school with IEP’s and 504’s.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Education
    • Kinship
    • Parenting
  • March 12th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- Trauma Sensitive Youth Violence Prevention

    About this video

    Join us for a presentation on ways to engage youth in bullying prevention supports with a focus on trauma sensitive language and tools.
    (1 Social Work CEU available for purchase for $10.00)

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Education
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • February 20th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- Therapeutic Parenting for Children with Trauma

    About this video

    Join us for a presentation on the various ways trauma impacts children. Therapeutic parenting recognizes parents as the primary vehicle for healing. With a focus on high levels of structure combined with a high level of nurture, therapeutic parenting addresses behaviors while supporting bonding & attachment. (1 Social Work CEU available for purchase for $10.00)

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
  • February 6th, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- Advocating for Adopted Children with Developmental Disabilities

    About this video

    This Lunch and Learn will discuss ways for both parents and professionals to advocate for adopted children with developmental delays and share ideas of how to start the journey of finding services that best suit these children. (1 Social Work CEU available for purchase for $10.00)

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Health
  • January 23rd, 2024

    Lunch & Learn- The Effects of Trauma on the Brain

    About this video

    Join us on Zoom for a presentation on how trauma is stored in the body, the physiological effects that trauma can inflict on the brain & body, how these effects show up in behavior, as well as how these effects can be changed in a positive way. (1 Social Work CEU available for purchase for $10.00)

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Health
  • January 9th, 2024

    The Importance of Adoptee Connections

    About this video

    Join us on January 9th as Dr. Bonnie Goodwin will be discussing the importance of adoptee connections. Having a community of individuals that have also been adopted allows adoptees to feel deeper levels of support and can provide additional safe spaces for processing past, current, and possible future life experiences.

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Adoptee
    • Multicultural
    • Parenting
    • Resiliency
  • December 19th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn – The Importance of Self-Care

    About this video

    We will be discussing the importance of self-care as caregivers.

    Topics

    • Health & Wellness
    • Resiliency
    • Self-Care & Support Groups
  • November 14th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

    About this video

    Come join us on November 14th with a medical professional to learn about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the possible lifelong effects it can have.

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • October 31st, 2023

    Lunch & Learn – Positive changes in practice since becoming adoption competent

    About this video

    John Bracken, MA, LPC and Dr. Bonni Goodwin will talk about how understanding and becoming more competent in providing professional support for adoptees and adoptive families has changed the way they practice.

    Topics

    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Mental Health Professionals
  • October 3rd, 2023

    Lunch & Learn – The Power of Grief and Loss Through Adoption!

    About this video

    Dr. Bonni Goodwin will be discussing how the grief and loss of family and other attachments made while in care can have a continued effect on adoptees.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Grief & Loss
    • Resiliency
  • September 19th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Age-Appropriate Development for Children ages 0-8

    About this video

    Join us for a discussion about age-appropriate milestones and behaviors of kiddos age 0-8.

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Health & Wellness
    • Parenting
  • September 5th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Psychological Evaluations

    About this video

    Join us for a conversation about Psychological Evaluations. We will discuss the different types and which one is the best fit for you. We will also discuss the purpose and benefits of psychological evaluations and explore local resources.

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Education
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
  • August 22nd, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Medication Management

    About this video

    Dr. Sara Coffey will be joining us to share her expertise on medication management, specifically as it relates to children with mental health challenges in a post adoptive setting.

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Education
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • August 8th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Sensory Processing and Regulation

    About this video

    Join us to learn about our 7 senses, how they interact, and influence behavior, with a specific focus on how sensory challenges impact a child’s ability to regulate.

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Health
  • July 25th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn IEP and 504 Plans

    About this video

    Both Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans can offer formal help for K–12 students. They’re similar in some ways but quite different in others. We will compare them in order to understand what they are, recognize the differences, and be better equipped to advocate for your child’s educational supports.

    Topics

    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Education
    • Health & Wellness
  • July 11th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Indigenous Adoption

    About this video

    Join us as we explore the history of Indigenous Adoption.

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Kinship
    • Multicultural
    • Parenting
  • June 20th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Life Books

    About this video

    For this Lunch and Learn we will be discussing the roles and benefits of a Lifebook within both family and therapeutic settings. We will address practical ideas for creating a Lifebook during various stages of a child’s development as well as ideas of what to include. Additionally, we will look at how utilizing a life book can help with challenges relating to the understanding of a child’s adoption story, biological family, pre and post adoption experiences and identity!

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Adoptee
    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Grief & Loss
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
    • Self-Care & Support Groups
  • June 6th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Six Stuck Spots for Adopted Teens

    About this video

    Join us as we discuss child development, adolescence, identity formation, and what role adoption plays during this exciting and, at times, challenging time for our adopted teenagers. Definition of “six stuck spots” for adopted adolescents from Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens will guide the presentation and discussion. Parents, professionals, and adoptees, please come and share your experience and questions!

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Adoptee
    • Grief & Loss
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • May 16th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Human Trafficking

    About this video

    Join us for a presentation on Human Trafficking. We will be discussing what human trafficking is, it’s prevalence, risk factors for becoming a victim, and what we can do as parents to protect our children. Meeting ID: 960 928 0680 Passcode: Adopt2020

    Topics

    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Multicultural
    • Parenting
  • May 2nd, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Behind the Behavior Part 2

    About this video

    Join us for part II of Behind the Behavior, a presentation on trauma and behavior. This lunch and learn will take a deep dive into the physiological and genetic effects that trauma has on the brain and body. We will then look at how these effects show up in behavior, as well as how these effects can be changed in a positive way.

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Education
    • Grief & Loss
    • Health & Wellness
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
  • April 25th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Empowering Families of LGBTQ+ Youth

    About this video

    Join us for a lunch learn on Empowering Families of LGBTQ+ Youth. During this session we will facilitate a discussion about building a foundation of support and understanding. We will provide some real world tips on how to create an affirming home and advocate for your child.

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Adoptee
    • Kinship
    • LGBTQ+
    • Parenting
  • April 17th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Oklahoma’s Adoption and Post Adoption Support Efforts

    About this video

    Come and share ideas for change within Oklahoma’s Adoption and Post Adoption support efforts for all children and families impacted by adoption. Be a part of a team working to build Adoption Competency within our state as parents, adoptees, and professionals within the field. During this session, we will facilitate a discussion about support – are you connected to others who have experienced adoption the way you have? What type of connection and support are you interested in? Facilitators will be ready to connect with you and set dates and times for support groups, book clubs, social meetups, and whatever else the group decides! Come and share your thoughts and perspective!

    Topics

    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Health & Wellness
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
  • April 11th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Transracial Adoption: Beyond Colorblindness

    About this video

    In this lunch & learn, we will be exploring the importance of talking about race/culture in adoption, being color conscious versus color blind, discussing common challenges faced by transracial adoptees, and providing resources for further learning.

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Adoptee
    • Kinship
    • Multicultural
    • Parenting
  • March 28th, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Behind the Behavior

    About this video

    Join us for Behind the Behavior, a presentation on trauma and behavior. This lunch and learn will take a deep dive into the physiological and genetic effects that trauma has on the brain and body. We will then look at how these effects show up in behavior, as well as how these effects can be changed in a positive way.

    Topics

    • Adolescent/Teen
    • Child & Adolescent Development
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Education
    • Grief & Loss
    • Health & Wellness
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
  • March 21st, 2023

    Lunch & Learn The History of Adoption

    About this video

    Adoption Competency encompasses turning over every stone within adoption including exploring the history of adoption. To better understand the future of adoptions as a whole, we have to explore the evolution of adoption throughout history the good, the bad, and the ugly. Come explore with us so that we can build a better future!

    Topics

    • Adoptee
    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Parenting
    • Resiliency
  • February 21st, 2023

    Lunch & Learn Adoption Competency

    About this video

    Adoption Competency is an all-inclusive approach that sharpens the lens for recognizing the many different aspects of adoption and how it impacts those involved. We are on a mission to explore, support, and empower adoptive families, adoptees, and professionals. Come and learn with us!

    Topics

    • Cross-System Conversations
    • Health & Wellness
    • Kinship
    • Mental Health
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Multicultural
    • Parenting