Description

Adoption trauma can be described as the immense emotional distress associated with being separated from birth families through adoption. Some say this “primal wound” might be a source of trauma. The impact of prenatal stress and preverbal trauma on development is both a topic of education and treatment focus. Children and teens may present with surface-level symptoms related to the effects of prenatal, preverbal, or developmental trauma. While adoption can be a positive experience, some experience psychological trauma regardless of the quality or stability of the family environment. Even once settled with an adoptive family, an adoptee who remembers their biological family may miss them. As children mature, they process their adoption experience through a different cognitive lens. This trauma can result from a variety of experiences, including separation from biological parents, placement into unfamiliar surroundings, and the loss of cultural and familial ties.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify core knowledge, values, and skills that characterize an adoption-competent mental health professional.
• Recognize the importance of using positive adoption language.
• Identify and integrate clinical interventions to address the unique mental health needs of children, youth, and their families.

Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.

For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Clinical, Evidence-Based Practices, and General Skill Building continuing education training.

Course Instructor: Tonya Logan