news

5.1.13—
As we honor the mothers in our lives in May, WACAP is making a special offer to families who submit their adoption applications by May 31. Families will save $100 ... more

5.1.13—Tre’Vell is an attractive young teen who is very engaged in school. Described as a... more

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“I want you to know that you have been so patient and kind with all of your help and it really means a lot. I know that adoption can be a stressful process for many people, but you have made our 'research' portion so much easier. Thank you so much!” ~ Kyle

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Webinars

No matter where you live, you can now watch WACAP presentations on your computer. All you need is an internet connection and a telephone to participate. All webinar times listed are Pacific Time.

"We are just beginning to look into adoption and came to your information meeting with virtually no information. We left with an understanding of the many steps involved and the realization that there are so many options. Rather than coming home and feeling overwhelmed, we left feeling informed and supported." - Laurie & Greg

UPCOMING (LIVE) information WEBINARS:

WACAP Adoption - General Information Webinar

Join us for a virtual information meeting that includes an introduction to WACAP, our history, our adoption programs, and basic information about how the adoption process works. 30 min. presentation, Q&A to follow.

Thursday, May 30, Noon Pacific / 3 p.m. Eastern (REGISTER)

Adopting through WACAP's Bulgaria Program

This webinar will cover the requirements and process for adopting a child through WACAP's Bulgaria program. Hosted by WACAP's Bulgaria Program Manager, Brittany Sweet. Q&A to follow.

Tuesday, May 21, 4 p.m. Pacific / 7 p.m. Eastern (REGISTER)

Adopting through WACAP's China Program

This webinar will cover the requirements and process for adopting a child through WACAP's China program. Hosted by WACAP's China Program Manager, Elizabeth Rose. Q&A to follow.

Wednesday, May 22, 4 p.m. Pacific / 7 p.m. Eastern (REGISTER)
Tuesday, June 11, 4 p.m. Pacific / 7 p.m. Eastern (REGISTER)

Adopting through WACAP's Ethiopia Program

This webinar will cover the requirements and process for adopting a child through WACAP's Ethiopia program. Hosted by WACAP's Ethiopia Program Manager, Megan Cook Nikiema. Q&A to follow.

Thursday, May 23, Noon (Pacific Time) (REGISTER)

Adopting through WACAP's India Program

This webinar will cover the requirments and process for adopting a child through WACAP's India program. Hosted by WACAP's India Program Manager. Q&A to follow.

Check back for our next scheduled webinar

Adopting through WACAP's Korea Program

This webinar will cover the requirments and process for adopting a child through WACAP's Korea program. Hosted by WACAP's Korea Program Manager, Liz Sheth. Q&A to follow.

Check back for our next scheduled webinar

Adopting through WACAP's US Kids Program

This webinar will go over the basic steps in adopting through WACAP's US Kids program. The presentation is specifically for families living in Oregon and Washington, and will cover the age and types of children available, as well as adoptive parent requirements, and how these children are matched to families. Led by WACAP's US Kids Specialist, Beth Sayers. Q&A to follow.

Thursday, June 13, 4 p.m. (Pacific Time) (REGISTER)

Foster-Adopt in Western Washington

Families in the Puget Sound area who are interested in US Kids and would like to consider the possibility of foster adoption can learn the benefits and the challenges of this type of adoption as well as the types of children available. Presented by WACAP Adoption Specialist, Claire Scranton. Q&A to follow.

Check back for our next scheduled webinar

Parent Training Webinar - "Coming Home: Adopting the Older Child"

Families adopting a child (over the age of 3) internationally need to attend this webinar in order to prepare for the different type of parenting that these children often require and to preview the changes that will occur in your family when your child comes home. Presented by WACAP Adoption Counselor, Zia Freeman. 90 min. Q&A to follow.

Sunday, May 19, 1 p.m. Pacific / 4 p.m. Eastern (REGISTER)
Tuesday, June 4, 5:30 p.m. Pacific / 8:30 p.m. Eastern (REGISTER)
Friday, June 21, 1 p.m. Pacific / 4 p.m. Eastern (REGISTER)

PRE-RECORDED parent training WEBINARS

These webinars have been be recorded previously and are available for viewing for a small fee. Most webinars run approximately 30 minutes.

Financing Adoption

Who qualifies for adoption grants and loans? What options are available for fundraising? For answers to these questions and more, please join WACAP for this free financial assistance webinar with guest presenter Cherri Walrod, Founder & Director of Resources4Adoption.com. 60 min. Registration fee: Free.

Becoming a Multiracial Family: Helping Your Child Form a Healthy Sense of Identity

As a parent who may be a different ethnicity than your adopted child, do you recognize the challenges of growing up an ethnic minority? Help your child learn strategies for dealing with stereotyping, self-image and identity issues. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. 40 min. Registration fee: $10.

Adding a Sibling through Adoption

This WACAP webinar discusses ways to prepare children already in your home for the addition of an adopted sibling. Special attention is given to preparing those children already in the home by birth, and those in the home by adoption, as well as preparing children for a sibling who may have some medical issues. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. Registration fee: $10.

Becoming a Brother or Sister through Adoption

This WACAP webinar is specially designed for kids (age 5 & up), and talks directly to them about what the addition of a new sibling, of any age, will mean for them. Open to all kids (and their parents). Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. Registration fee: $10.

Parenting the Adopted Teen

This WACAP enrichment class provides tips for understanding the dynamics of teens and adoption – particularly in terms of that little one you adopted who is now a teen. Adoption is an especially powerful concept during the teen years. Watch this webinar to discover what many teens think of their adoptions and how you can help them through an often intense time. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. Registration fee: $10.

The Power and Problems of Food

This enrichment class discusses issues such as hoarding/gorging on food, eating everything - or refusing to eat anything. Many adopted children reveal their anxieties and their early history by their behaviors around food. This webinar will describe some strategies for dealing with some common behaviors as well as how to use food as a tool for building attachment. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. Registration fee: $10.

Taming Tantrums

Often the only way a newly adopted child can express himself, regardless of age, is by a tantrum. This webinar offers families help in understanding, living with, managing and eventually extinguishing these outbursts. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. 30 min. Registration Fee: $10.

Post Placement & Finalization

This webinar offers valuable information for every adoptive family. Some of the topics covered are: how and why to finalize an adoption; steps needed to obtain official documents for your child; why full documentation is especially important today; and the services WACAP offers to support families post-adoption. (20 min) Registration fee: Free.

View this pre-recorded class

A Sort of Life

This WACAP webinar discusses the effects on children who have spent a good deal of their lives in an institutional setting. This presentation will help you gain a better understanding of how to ease your child's transition to family life. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. 58 min. Registration fee: $10.

Attachment: It Takes Two

Watch this webinar and learn practical ways to help your child build secure attachment. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. 42 min. Registration fee: $10.

The Role of Adoption in the Classroom

This WACAP webinar will give you a heads start on helping your child succeed in school. Presented by WACAP's past Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. 38 min. Registration fee: $10.

Understanding and Healing the Hurt Child

Too many children in need of adoption have experienced some form of neglect or abuse. These children need parents who can help them make sense of past events. This webinar will provide valuable information on risks associated with child abuse and neglect, as well as ways you can help your child heal. Presented by WACAP's former Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. 51 min. Registration fee: $10.

Getting Our Sense in Sync: Sensory Processing Disorder

Does your child like to spin or swing excessively? Perhaps he bumps into furniture frequently? Or complains of loud noises or avoids certain foods? Does your child tantrum simply when you try to brush her hair? Many children who experience early deprivation overreact or underreact to certain stimuli. Watch this webinar and learn how to help your child's world come more into balance. Presented by WACAP's former Vice President Social Services, Maryann Curran. 35 min. Registration fee: $10.

Grief and Loss in Adoption

Adoption is a wonderful way of providing a family for a child, but families must always remember that every adoption begins in grief and loss, and every adoptee feels that grief and loss at different times in their lives. Watch this webinar to learn how to support your child and help him/her work to resolve this lifelong adoption issue, consequently strengthening your bond with your child. Presented by WACAP's former Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. 35 min. Registration fee: $10.

Discipline Coaching for Connection

Frequently, traditional discipline methods are not as effective with children who have been adopted and have experienced disruptions in their attachment cycle. In this webinar you will learn ways to modify your adopted child’s behavior by becoming their coach as well as their parent (techniques appropriate for a children ages 3-10 years). Presented by WACAP's former Vice President of Social Services, MaryAnn Curran. Registration fee: $10.

Preparing Your Extended Family for Adoption

Grandparents play a vital role in your child's life. You have hours and hours of adoption related training but what about the rest of your family? What should you share and how best do you pass on the important information you now possess with the people who will likely be closest to your child after you? Presented by WACAP's former Vice President Social Services, Maryann Curran. 28 min. Registration fee: $10.

Making Sense of Your Child’s Background Information

After what seems like forever you have finally received your child's referral information. What now? Maybe the information on your child seems sparse and confusing -- and the medical report leaves you with questions instead of answers. Watch this webinar and learn how you might better acquaint yourself with your child on paper and in person. Presented by WACAP's former Vice President Social Services, Maryann Curran. 38 min. Registration fee: $10.