● November 14 & 15
Stay tuned for an announcement of the HHS Approved Breakout Sessions
for credit hours for Iowa licensed foster parents.
A breakout session for foster/adoptive parents and/or those considering it. We address the fear/apprehension of “not having what it takes” and walk through a number of scriptures/stories and examples to help them “reframe” some thinking through those experiences through the lens of the gospel.
(Jason Johnson, Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement with Christian Alliance for Orphans)
So many things attack today’s family that it’s hard to keep your head above water. When you factor in children who have a trauma history, it’s often lonely, overwhelming, and isolating. However, there is a way that families like ours can thrive. In this session, we’ll explore influence and what it truly looks like for foster and adoptive parents. Plus, we’ll get to the heart of the matter and walk through strategies to build lifelong trust and connection as a family unit.
(Mike & Kristin Berry, The Resilient Caregiver)
We are living in a digital world and there are many challenges to raising children who have easy access to the internet and screens daily and can easily get hooked on them. Join this workshop to hear from a mental health therapist and adoptive parent on the risks of excessive screen time, social media, and video games, and learn ways to develop a Tech-Wise Family plan and teach your children to use tech as a tool and not a trap.
(Jill Thomas, LISW, RPT-S, PMH-C)
What do you do when handed two jewels (kids) at the same time who don’t know each other or you, one of who is repelled by you, while the other intensely watches your every move. Add on that both of them speak another language, have significant medical needs, including spina bifida and cancer. You roll up your sleeves with every TBRI trauma parenting strategy you know, ensuring you and your spouse are on the same page.
(Maria Hansen-Quine, LASW, MSW, CSC)
Most of the child welfare system engages children and teens from hard places through an emotionally detached and arms-length approach. This engaging workshop aims to help give a trauma-informed and connection-focused approach to cultivating belonging. We will explore an overview of defining belonging and innovative strategies to bring joy and connection into the lives of those we serve. Led by a licensed therapist, Kristen, who is a foster/adoptive parent, and her non-profit co-leader Lauren who has created an intentional community for foster teens and youth aging out in North Carolina. This will be a time of storytelling, practical strategies and an opportunity to engage with others with similar hearts.
(Kristen Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor – MA, LCMHCA and Lauren Clark, BSW in Social Work and is currently attending Southeastern University for her Master’s in Non-Profit Leadership. – BSW)
You probably have questions, or thoughts, or fears or struggles….or, all of the above. And perhaps you’re not sure if you’re allowed to ask them or say them, or whether or not there’s a safe and understanding place to take them. Now there is. Join us for an unscripted conversational type breakout where you can begin to publicly process what has been largely personal and private in a safe and supportive place. Come with your questions, hopes, fears and dreams. Leave encouraged.
(Jason Johnson, Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement with Christian Alliance For Orphans)
The cost of adoption can be a significant challenge for many families. This discussion will provide practical guidance on available financial resources, including grants, loans, and creative fundraising approaches. Whether you’re considering adoption, currently in the process, or adjusting post-placement, this session will provide you with encouragement and information to help you access the support you need.
(JT Olson, Both Hands and Madison Ziegenbein, Pathways For Little Feet)
This session will explore how Adverse Childhood Experiences affect every aspect of a person’s life. Research from Dr. Bruce Perry will be presented in such a way as to help parents and caregivers best deal with children’s trauma responses. There is a difference between “being safe” and “feeling safe.” Typical triggers will be introduced and discussed. Geared
towards helping children who are or were in the foster care system. Presented by a foster and adoptive parent who has “been there, done that.”
(Kim Combes, M.Ed. Director of FROM PAIN TO PASSION INTERNATIONAL)
Do you ever feel like you don’t know what to say or how to respond when your child is being difficult or having a meltdown? Regardless of the age of your child or whether they came from hard places, we can sometimes feel like we’re speaking a different language and our parenting is ineffective. Whether you’re a veteran parent or preparing to become a parent, this session will help you understand how to communicate and engage the whole child when their emotions are intense and their behavior is challenging. From the perspective of an adoptive parent and Registered Play Therapist, you’ll learn trauma-informed, attachment-based ways to calm, connect, and correct a child so your relationship thrives.
(Jill Thomas, LISW, RPT-S, PMH-C)
Navigating schools and what our kids need is complex, and at times overwhelming. Come and refocus your part in helping your child succeed at school. Learn from a mom of 9 jewels (7 with both special needs and trauma), and a former foster mom, who has been doing it effectively for many years. As a School Counselor of 20+ years, this mom’s insights and knowledge is invaluable. She will walk us through the practical and step by step needs of one of her own elementary age children and also one of her teenage children. Needs encompassed by these two children include trauma, sensory needs, ADHD, attachment struggles, anxiety, speech impairment, hearing loss, an IEP, and a 504.
(Maria Hansen-Quine, LASW, MSW, CSC)
When caring for a child from hard places, it can often put you in your own hard place – one of intensifying pressure and anxiety resulting from their intense hunger for connection. How do we create an environment where everyone’s connection needs are being met? Join Chef Kibby (host of the Hunger for Connection Podcast) as he continues his discussion of food-based neuroscience and how a broader perspective of hunger can help you to show up in your relationships with empathy and compassion – both for yourself and for the child God has placed into your home.
(Chef Kibby, Professional Chef, Public Speaker, and Podcaster)
Did you know that our brain’s favorite way to grow and change is through play? SO much so, that learning to play can speed up the process tremendously. As a therapist who believes strongly in the power of play, l cannot wait to invite you into exploring healing through a time of intentional laughter and creativity. This workshop will cover some of the neuroscience behind play and help you discover the unique way you were created to play. It will a low pressure time, with lots of opportunity for new skills and hilarious memories!
(Kristen Thomas is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor – MA, LCMHCA and Lauren Clark, BSW in Social Work and is currently attending Southeastern University for her Master’s in Non-Profit Leadership. – BSW)
One of the primary areas of early childhood development impacted by trauma is the ability to attach to a caregiver in a healthy way. Disrupted attachment is hard to understand, let alone rebuild. In this session we will help you gain a full understanding of disrupted attachment, and walk through principles and strategies to help you repair and build trust with your child.
(Mike & Kristin Berry, The Resilient Caregiver)
This session will be about how to choose an adoption agency, things to consider when looking at domestic and international agencies, and what questions to ask when choosing an agency. We will show you resources that are available to help in the process of choosing an agency. In addition, we will discuss various opportunities for grants to assist with the adoption costs.
(Sarah Hofland, New Horizons Adoption Agency)
The Connected Families’ unique parenting framework is trauma-informed, brain research-backed, and easy to learn and apply. This workshop will highlight the four messages of the Connected Families parenting framework including ”You are safe with me;” “You are loved no matter what;” You are called and capable;” and “You are responsible for your actions.”
(Vicky Wieben, LISW, RPT-S + Owner of Bright Light Counseling in Johnston, Iowa)
Coming Soon
(Darcie Van Voorst, LMSW/therapist/trainer/consultant)
(During the lunch period)
Coming Soon
(Melissa Pearson, Cornerstone Church City Ministry Director, Anchored Hope Founding Board Member, Local Business Owner)
(During the lunch period)
Guys, you are pouring yourself out in order to love and lead your families well through the foster care or adoption journey. It’s amazing, beautiful and exhausting. We get it, and you’re not alone. This workshop is designed for men, husbands and dads just like you that are living through shared experiences and can relate to your journey. You’ll be encouraged in the gospel, inspired in your calling and challenged to take your next best steps forward in a healthy, sustainable way.
(Jason Johnson, Director of Church Mobilization and Engagement with Christian Alliance For Orphans)
(During the lunch period)
Coming Soon
(Austin Ludwig)
Hunger is one of the most powerful forces on Earth – for good and for bad. The same force that keeps us alive and weaves our lives together can also isolate and divide us. This could not be more true for the child God has placed into your home. Chef Kibby (host of the Hunger for Connection Podcast) combines the latest in neuroscience and the study of our relationship with food with his personal journey as a caregiver to bring new insights into how a broader perspective of hunger can help you better understand the social, emotional, mental, and behavioral challenges faced by disconnected youth and how to use the food you serve to feed not only their bodies but also their hunger for connection
(Chef Kibby, Professional Chef, Public Speaker, and Podcaster)
Foster, kinship, and adoptive parents go to great lengths to help the children in their care with therapy and connection. But all too often, we forget to prioritize our own mental health, which is critical for caring well for children. This session is all about finding the right support for you—from trauma-informed therapists to support groups and connections with others who truly understand the journey.
(AJ Doyle, Wildwood Collective; Traci Schermerhorn, Foster Squad; Madison Ziegenbein, Pathways For Little Feet)
It’s exhausting and defeating to try to make sense of, and manage, extreme behaviors with your children. Most of the time, you’re in the middle of the grocery store when outbursts occur. What if there was a proven plan to help you respond to behaviors effectively and bring calm to the middle of chaos? In this session, we will walk you through a 4-step behavior response blueprint and go-to scripts you can use in multiple situations you may face with your child.
(Mike & Kristin Berry, The Resilient Caregiver)
This session is designed to help adoptive families, caseworkers, agencies and attorneys understand how the adoption tax credit works and how it helps families plan their financial decisions surrounding adoption. We will explain when to claim the credit and how to claim the credit on their tax return. The amount of the adoption tax credit and income exclusion will be discussed, along with the Modified Adjusted Gross Income limits.
We at Bills Tax Service have been blessed by adoption. Our objective is to help as many families as possible understand this amazing credit. There is so much misinformation out there that we want to make sure families use this credit.
We walk will through a simulated tax return, show how it affects your return, how to carry it forward, what documentation you will need if the IRS requests documentation.
(Becky Wilmoth, Adoption Tax Credit Specialist and Enrolled Agent for Bills Tax Service)
COMING SOON
(Shaq Hardy)
COMING SOON
(Darcie Van Voorst, LMSW/therapist/trainer/consultant)
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Through 100 Bikes For 100 Kids you can be a part of giving new bikes to children in Iowa Foster Care.
TOGETHER we can make a difference! Will you join us?