Oklahoma Adoption Competency Network

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

December 5th 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Lunch & Learn – Therapy- Understanding the Different Types

We will discuss some different types of therapy, the differences between them, what each is focused on, and good ways to determine what is a good fit for your family.
December 16th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Adoption Outreach Connection

Bring your family to our first FREE Adoption Outreach Connection event for some connection with other adopted families, time for Post Adoption staff questions, and some family fun at the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art. Please let us know if you are coming, hope to see you there!
December 19th 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch & Learn – The Importance of Self-Care

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

Past Events and Media

  • 11/29/2023 - Navigating the Holidays - Teen Group

    Calling all teen adoptees! Join us for a one-time, hour and half group for grades 9-12, to share ideas for how to navigate the holiday season. For some this is a time of fun and celebration, for others a time of uncomfortable memories or unmet expectations. We want to hear from you about what has worked and what has not worked during the holidays and hope to offer some ways to manage what might be hard. Group will be led by Abby Doff, Sarah Sullivan and Barb Franck of C.A.S.E.

  • 11/27/2023 - Navigating the Holidays - Planning Ahead for the Joys and Challenges of the Season

    Join us for a hour and half group to explore navigating the holidays with families built by adoption, kinship, or foster care. We will offer some guidelines and tips to help support honoring family traditions and to build new traditions to meet the needs of all family members. There will also be opportunities for us to hear from you about what has or has not worked when celebrating holidays. Group will be led by Abby Doff, Sarah Sullivan and Barb Franck of C.A.S.E.

  • 11/14/2023 - Lunch & Learn – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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

  • 10/31/2023 - Lunch & Learn – Positive changes in practice since becoming adoption competent

    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.

  • 10/25/2023 - Parents of Teens Virtual Support Group

    The Parents of Teens Virtual Support Group is for adoptive and foster parents of teenagers looking to make connections and build a network of support with other parents in a similar stage of life. This 6-session virtual support group will be held on the following Wednesdays (drop-in): Oct. 25th. Facilitated by Mari Itzkowitz, LCSW, Adoption-Competent Therapist & Trainer. This is a drop-in group and participation at every session is not required. Please note, certificates of attendance will not be provided.

  • 10/17/2023 - Lunch & Learn – College Preparation

    Lacey Sorrels LMSW will talk about different scholarship/grant options and requirements for adopted children.

  • 10/10/2023 - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Parent Support Group

    Family Hope House is offering a Parent Support Group for Parents of children with prenatal exposure to alcohol or illicit drugs. Learn how to best support yourself and your child, enhance family functioning, and connect with others who share your struggle. There is a $100 enrollment fee per person (50% add-on spouse discount). Limited spots available, call Miss Linda to secure your spot 918-488-8002. Where: On-Site Group Meetings at the Family Hope House (FHH) Offices 6711 S. Yale Suite 106 Tulsa, OK 74316 When: October 10, 17, 24, 31 12:00 PM -1:00 PM

  • 10/03/2023 - Lunch & Learn – The Power of Grief and Loss Through Adoption!

    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.

  • 09/19/2023 - Lunch & Learn Age-Appropriate Development for Children ages 0-8

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

  • 09/05/2023 - Lunch & Learn Psychological Evaluations

    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.

  • 08/22/2023 - Lunch & Learn Medication Management

    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.

  • 08/08/2023 - Lunch & Learn Sensory Processing and Regulation

    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.

  • 08/04/2023 - NTI Virtual Coaching 2023

    Join with other mental health professionals across the state to complete the NTI training on adoption competent mental health! We will meet monthly for a discussion of the material for each module and application to practice. Please reach out with any questions to Bonni Goodwin, Ph.D., LCSW, Statewide Coordinator of Adoption Preservation Services, at bgoodwin@ou.edu. Register for the free, web-based training at National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). We will be going through the mental health version which is 10 modules, for a total of 10 coaching sessions, starting Friday, June 9th. We will meet at noon every first Friday of the month. For more information on adoption competent mental health, please visit okfosters | Adoption Competent Mental Health.

  • 07/25/2023 - Lunch & Learn IEP and 504 Plans

    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.

  • 07/11/2023 - Lunch & Learn Indigenous Adoption

    Join us as we explore the history of Indigenous Adoption.

  • 07/07/2023 - NTI Virtual Coaching 2023

    Every 1st Friday of the month. Join with other mental health professionals across the state to complete the NTI training on adoption competent mental health! We will meet monthly for a discussion of the material for each module and application to practice. Please reach out with any questions to Bonni Goodwin, Ph.D., LCSW, Statewide Coordinator of Adoption Preservation Services, at bgoodwin@ou.edu. Register for the free, web-based training at National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initiative (NTI). We will be going through the mental health version which is 10 modules, for a total of 10 coaching sessions, starting Friday, June 9th. We will meet at noon every first Friday of the month. For more information on adoption competent mental health, please visit okfosters | Adoption Competent Mental Health.

  • 06/20/2023 - Lunch & Learn Life Books

    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!

  • 06/16/2023 - Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens Chapter 7 & Afterword

    Please join us in reading through Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens, a book that explores common adoption stuck spots for adopted adolescents and how therapy may help adoptive families learn and grow together. We are going through this book a couple chapters at a time, meeting every other Friday at noon. For any questions, please email bgoodwin@ou.edu.

  • 06/06/2023 - Lunch & Learn Six Stuck Spots for Adopted Teens

    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!

  • 06/02/2023 - Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens Chapters 5-6

    Please join us in reading through Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens, a book that explores common adoption stuck spots for adopted adolescents and how therapy may help adoptive families learn and grow together. We are going through this book a couple chapters at a time, meeting every other Friday at noon. For any questions, please email bgoodwin@ou.edu.

  • 05/19/2023 - Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens Chapters 3-4

    Please join us in reading through Beneath the Mask: Understanding Adopted Teens, a book that explores common adoption stuck spots for adopted adolescents and how therapy may help adoptive families learn and grow together. We are going through this book a couple chapters at a time, meeting every other Friday at noon. For any questions, please email bgoodwin@ou.edu.

  • 05/16/2023 - Lunch & Learn Human Trafficking

    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

  • 05/15/2023 - Circle of Care Post Adoption Support Group

    Circle of Care is running online support groups for adoptive parents in Oklahoma! You do not need to have been previously associated with Circle of Care to join in. Groups will stay small to allow an optimal environment to share and connect with other adoptive parents who have adopted from Oklahoma child welfare.

  • 05/02/2023 - Lunch & Learn Behind the Behavior Part 2

    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.

  • 04/25/2023 - Lunch & Learn Empowering Families of LGBTQ+ Youth

    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.

  • 04/17/2023 - Lunch & Learn Oklahoma’s Adoption and Post Adoption Support Efforts

    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!

  • 04/11/2023 - Lunch & Learn Transracial Adoption: Beyond Colorblindness

    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.

  • 03/28/2023 - Lunch & Learn Behind the Behavior

    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.

  • 03/21/2023 - Lunch & Learn The History of Adoption

    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!

  • 02/21/2023 - Lunch & Learn Adoption Competency

    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!