Description

Post-Adoption Services: Disruptions, Support, and Mental Health Among Foster and Adoptive Children in the Child Welfare System

An overview of the capstone project will be focused on addressing post-adoption services within the child welfare system through bi-annual training for adoptive parents. The current scope of post-adoption services will be discussed, including its history, starting with The Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980.

A synthesis of the literature that addresses training, support, and services for adoptive parents will be explored, and gaps in the effectiveness of post-adoption services will be identified. A theoretical framework encompassing attachment theory and ecological theory will be proposed.

This framework will guide the implementation of bi-annual training for adoptive parents to learn about services, programs, and supports to assist their adoptive children and their families. Lastly, a proposed training protocol will be provided, which includes frequency of delivery, supports and resources for adoptive parents, and strategies to enhance their learning in mental health services and behaviors and trauma of adoptive children.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain knowledge about the history of post-adoption services within child welfare services in the United States.
2. Attain knowledge of attachment theory and ecological theory and understand how these theories can assist with decreasing placement disruptions.
3. Develop an understanding of bi-annual training, which, if implemented, could assist adoptive families with becoming more knowledgeable about services, supports, and programs in their area that would help their adoptive children who are struggling with trauma and mental health.

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

 

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider 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: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Melissa Whitaker at melissa.whitaker@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.