Thursday, October 22, 1998

6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Pre-Registration in Hospitality Room

Friday, October 23, 1998

7:30 - 11:00 am Registration

Friday, 9:00 -10:15 a.m.

1.Profound Paralysis: The Birthmother Struggle

An examination of the effects inherent in the psychic challenge of letting go of children and at the same time holding onto them dearly in both memory and fantasy. Ronald J. Nydam, Ph.D.

2.Reunion Socialization

While holding the possibilities of joy, hope and healing, reunions are wrought with adjustments and challenges. Travel to a place where the impact of the adoption experience and subsequent reunion can begin to be understood. Susan Russell, LMSW, birthparent

3.Searching. From Fundamentals to Advanced Techniques

Learn how to analyze non-ID, search without names, utilize libraries and archives; and use the Internet as a tool, including different Search Engines and links among adoption Web Sites.Paul Brown, P.I., adoptee
Sue Cook, P.I., adoptee

Friday , 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

4.The Roads Less Traveled: Male Adoptees Who Search

This panel will explore the unique aspects of the male experience in adoption as well as the effect of search and reunion on each of their lives.Richard Curtis, M.Ed., adoptee, moderator

5.Severed Ties and Healing

In this workshop, a reunited adoptee and birth mother (not related) discuss the life long impact of adoption's core issues. Psychodramatic techniques will be used to illustrate the isolation felt by adoptees and birthmothers alike; search and post-reunion issues.Melodie Creager, MA, LMHC, adoptee, Delores Teller, R.N., birthparent

6.The Adoptee's Two Mothers

The adoptee has two mothers - both of whom are good and bad, as the adoptee perceives them, and both of whom are "real."B. J. Lifton, Ph.D., adoptee

7.Relinquishment and the Broken Process of Identity Formation

This presentation will throw back the psychological curtain to catch a glimpse of what the process of identity formation is like for an adolescent who was relinquished and adopted as an infant.Sandie Gutcher, Ph.D., adoptee

Friday , 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.

8.Making Contact

The best ways to make contact after a search has been completed. What works, what doesn't, what might.Curry Wolfe, birthparent

9.Who Am I - Really? Parachuting In From Fantasy to Reality

Separating "who" you really are versus "what" you represent in search and reunion. Managing emotions when a birthrelative is not ready for or receptive to contact.Jane Hart MSW, adoptee

10.Does A Birthfather Ever Forget

This diverse panel will discuss the reality of the loss of a child to adoption from a birthfather's perspective, as well as examine society's changing attitudes toward the role of birthfathers. Russ Miller, birthparent, moderator

11."More Than Love" Video

In this documentary film, of special interest to adoptive parents and professionals, explore the stages of an adopted child's development and learn how and when to talk openly about adoption. Ronald J.Nydam, birthparent, moderator

"Unlocking the Heart of Adoption"

A documentary film exploring the lifelong effects of adoption in closed, open and transracial adoptions.  Sheila Ganz, MA, birthparent, filmmaker

Saturday, 9:00 - 10:15 am

12.Living Open Adoption Today

Support for adoptive families to dispel myths and fears related to opening up their child's adoption.Sallie Miller-House, MA, birthparent, adoptive parent, Sharon Weissman, adoptive parent

13.Adoptee Romantic Radar

Why do we choose the people we choose? -How do adoptees arrange their love lives in ways that have to do with their stories of relinquishment.Ronald J. Nydam, Ph.D.

14.Public vs Sealed Records

How to file a proper petition to open a closed adoption file in the circuit court, including what information should be requested in the petition. Use of the court system to access documentation in search.  Richard Copeland, Esq.

15.Twice Cheated: For Those Who Search and Find Death

An experiential workshop designed to discuss and explore the feelings of those who have experienced this profound loss.  Melodie Creager, AM LMC, adoptee

B. J.Lifton, Ph.D.

Honorable Benjamin Graber, M.D.

Saturday, 2:30 -3:45 p.m.

16.Good Grief

A workshop designed to assist members of the tried to find peace and balance through understanding the phases of the grief process. Provides strategies to cope with sadness and loss. Edy Nathan, MA, CSW

17.Ethical Violations Around Relinquishment

Examine and understand how the societal context of coercion, accounted for the shame-based decisions that based the separation of single mothers and their babies, while basic human values were overlooked. Ronald J. Nydam, Ph.D.

18.Full Circle: The Story of Raime

The personal and emotional journey of Raime, her adoptive parents and her birthmother in a reunion that has truly come "Full Circle" as two families join as one. Myra Wells, MA, NCC, adoptee, moderator

19.From the One and Only, To One of Many

This workshop will explore the issues, emotions and dilemmas confronted by an adoptee, who, at age 55, discovered 14 half siblings. Frederick Miller, Ed.S., adoptee

20.Paths to Spiritual Healing

Techniques for finding and developing a spiritual life to help heal the emotional wounds of relinquishment and adoption. Delores Teller, LN, birthparent

21.Two Mothers of One Son

Hear the story of how the love of a child created a "friendship bridge," bringing together a birthmother and an adoptive mother after twenty-eight years. Sondra Hill, birthparent, Nedra Lambert, adoptive parent

22.Support and Resources: Serving the Need of Those Affected by Adoption

Featuring the work of two organizations: PACE, an adoptive parents support group, and daniel Memorial's Adoption Information Center, a referral center for resources available to adult adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. Bob Rooks, adoptive parent
Pat Gavin, adoptive parent

23.Why Support?

How do triad members benefit from support groups? Why is it necessary to hear the "other side" of the adoption story.  Jodi McCullough-Underhill, M.ED, adoptee, adoptive parent