Social Work CE
Our library of on-demand courses is designed to meet the needs of today's adoption professionals, offering:
Experts with specialized areas of experience in adoption
Relevancy for a broad range of professional skill levels
Professional development and continuing education for professionals
An affordable option that's easy to access
Upcoming Webinars
December 5, 2024 | 1:00pm -2:30 pm ET
1.5 CEs/Contact Hours | Free for live attendees
Speakers: Chauncey Strong, MSW, Laura Ornelas, LCSW, and Susan K. Taylor, MS
Building upon the invaluable insights shared in our previous webinar, we are excited to present Part 2, delving deeper into the complexities of identifying and maintaining stable placements for children with challenging behaviors. In this session, we will explore advanced strategies and nuanced approaches for adoption professionals facing these significant challenges. A panel of experts will explore common challenging behaviors, such as substance misuse, running away, and physical aggression and discuss practical strategies for equipping prospective foster and adoptive parents with the knowledge and tools needed for effective support.
More information on this webinar and continuing education is available at the links below. Please note that NY Contact Hours are only offered for the live webinar (not the recorded one).
Social Work CE Courses
Click on a course title for a dropdown with more information and the link to each course. For more information about NCFA's provider status and requirements for social work CE credits, please visit our FAQ page.
General
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Kristine Altwies, LMFT & Elise Lowe
This presentation discusses important considerations for military adoptive families, next steps for military families considering adoption, and guidance for agencies on working effectively with the military community.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Ryan Hanlon, PhD, LMSW, Genie Gillespie, JD, Jennifer Kelly, MS, and Josh Kroll
This course offers a general overview of adoption assistance and subsidies at the Federal and State level. The speakers discuss interstate issues; eligibility concerns; common mistakes; and the process for applying for non-ward subsidies.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Jennifer Knight, LISW
This presentation will look at the steps taken to identify and assess adult attachment styles during the home study process. Strategies for using this data to inform training and preparation will also be explored.
3.5 CE Credits / $30 non-members / $15 members
Speakers: Ann Cleary, LCSW, Carolyn Cain, MSW & Gary Sampson, LICSW
In Part 1 experienced social workers outline the most critical parts of a comprehensive home study assessment and provide their expertise on best practices.
Speakers: Deborah Fields, MS, LMHC, Amber Lewis, MS, LPS, Sophia Gardner, LMSW, Amy Imber, & Emily Marshall, LCSW-C, LICSW
In Part 2 an experienced panel addresses best practices for responding to complex situations that arise during the home study assessment.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Chauncey Strong, MSW
Identifying and maintaining stable placements for children with extreme behaviors can be a huge challenge for adoption professionals. This course will offer strategies for navigating these challenges and for more effectively preserving and stabilizing these placements.
1.5 CE Credits / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speaker: Alicia Olsen, MSW, CSW; Robert Lamarche, LCSW, JD; Maryanne Ludwig, MSW, LICSW; and Beth Woods, MA
Join us for an enriching session that delves even deeper into conducting comprehensive home study assessments. Our experienced presenters will provide valuable insights on refining best practices, addressing complex situations that may arise during assessments, and effectively assessing dynamics within prospective adoptive families. This webinar will offer expert guidance to empower adoption professionals in conducting thorough and insightful home studies and to gain a deeper understanding of the nuanced aspects of the assessment process.
1 Ethics CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Tom May, PhD, Elaine Schulte, MD, MPH, BCC, & Judith K. Eckerle, MD, FAAP
This presentation provides the adoption community with guidance on DNA testing and discusses practices to ensure adoptees and their families are equipped to make decisions with long- and short-term consequences in mind.
1 Ethics CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Tom May, PhD
This presentation examines genetic testing and adoption issues including ancestry testing, relative matching, privacy, genetic counseling, needs and capabilities of such testing, and economic and social obstacles to genetic testing.
1.5 CE Credits / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speakers: Jana Hunsley, PhD, LCSW and Ryan Hanlon, PhD, LMSW
This course prepares parents with children already in the home with the knowledge and tools necessary to successfully navigate their adoption journey. The presentation provides parents with practical strategies to prepare their children and themselves for the arrival of a new family member through adoption and will address the unique dynamics and challenges that come along with this.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Allison Cooke Douglas, MS
This presentation introduces the basics of the Neurosequential Model, including principles of neurodevelopment and the effects of childhood trauma on the brain. Utilizing Dr. Perry's "6 R's" (Relational, Relevant, Repetitive, Rewarding, Rhythmic and Respectful) the speaker examines how to meet children's needs through neurodevelopmentally-informed parenting and interventions.
1.5 CE Credits / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speakers: Sarah Horton Bobo, MA, Britt Cloudsdale, MSW & Anna Pawley, LMSW
Panelists review the current state of post-adoption supports around the nation, discuss effective post adoption support services, and provide suggestions for agencies and adoption professionals to enhance these services. The panel also engages in a Q&A discussion addressing common hardships families face post-adoption, education and training needed to adequately parent in unique situations, and strategies for meeting families’ diverse needs in a comprehensive and long-term way.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Heather Sloan, LBSW & Lisa Prather, LMSW
This presentation examines a model for post-adoption support based on Nightlight Christian Adoptions’ Post Adoption Connection Center. They offer details on their Placement Stabilization Team, outline the steps of the crisis response process and offer ways to create a similar structure within your own agency.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: A. J. Zehner, MSW, LSW
As a foster/adopt agency, it is just as important to adequately prepare children for the arrival of foster or adoptive siblings as it is to prepare resource parents. This webinar introduces an age appropriate, activity-based, day-long training designed to help children navigate this transition. This training creates a space for children to ask questions, dispel myths, and gain practical guidance on how to handle questions from peers about new family members.
1.5 CE Credits / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speakers: Kenisha Coon, MS, Kimberly Bonham, LCSW, and Beca Stearns
Just like all children, older youth awaiting adoption need safe and loving families to support them into adulthood, yet there is a shortage of adoptive families for older youth. This presentation will address how data driven recruitment and support of families can increase foster and adoptive family options for older youth.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Lisa Prather, LMSW & Heather Sloan, LBSW
This presentation addresses what adoption professionals should know about supporting families in crisis who may be considering disruption or dissolution.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Claire Davis, LICSW-S, L, Traci Newell, LBSW-S, & Anna Pawley, LMSW, LCPAA
This recorded webinar provides valuable insights to help adoptive families navigate common questions from friends and family, address potential misconceptions, manage intrusive inquiries, and turn challenging moments into opportunities for education.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Jana Hunsley, PhD, LCSW
When you bring a child from a hard place into your home, it affects every member of the family. In this course, the presenter shares how siblings of children from hard places are impacted by adoption and foster care, how each member of the family affects each other, and how to create a more cohesive family using TBRI strategies.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Jana Hunsley, PhD, LCSW
This presentation considers a question many caregivers may ask as they consider adoption for their families: "What about my other children?". This presentation shares real-life stories of an adoptive sibling, results from a study of 200+ siblings' experiences, and evidence-based, effective tools and strategies for meeting sibling needs.
Trauma
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Anna Koehle, HS-BCP, CCTP
This presentation walks through one family's journey from infertility to adoption and provides prospective adoptive families with tools for selecting and adoption agency and identifying needs and barriers. The session also addresses how adoption professionals can best support families after infertility by accurately assessing adoption readiness, dispelling common adoption myths, and developing comprehensive aftercare plans with families.
1.5 CE Credits / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speaker: Anna Koehle, HS-BCP, CCTP
Join us as we delve deeper into supporting prospective adoptive families who have experienced infertility or miscarriage. Expanding on the information provided in her previous presentations, Anna Koehle will provide tools to assess motivations, sensitively navigate tough questions, and identify potential barriers in the adoption process. This course will cover your most pressing questions and offer specific guidance on navigating key discussions with prospective adoptive families.
1.5 CE Credits / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speaker: Traci Newell, LBSW-S, Julie Etter, Heather Ippolito, and Jourdan Laws
Embarking on the journey of adoption after experiencing infertility can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Join us for an insightful webinar where we bring together a diverse panel of individuals who have gone through the deeply personal process of adopting after facing infertility. Through candid discussions and shared experiences, our panelists will offer valuable insights, practical advice, and emotional support for anyone considering or currently navigating the path of adoption.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Alyssa Layne, MSW, LCSW
This presentation provides information on sexual abuse prevalence, dynamics and offender characteristics, how children disclose abuse, and how parents can effectively respond to disclosures and problematic sexual behaviors. The speaker also provides tips for establishing body safety boundaries and messages to empower children to talk to their parents if they are exposed to sexually inappropriate contact.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Mari Itzkowitz, LCSW
This presentation discusses the factors that influence children’s reaction to loss, the four psychological tasks of grief work, the healing therapies for children and teens, critical aspects of loss in foster care and adoption, and how those losses impact children. Participants will also learn effective interventions for opening communication with children and strengthening transitions and attachment to new families.
1.5 CE Credit / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speaker: Anna Koehle, HS-BCP, CCTP
This presentation helps adoption professionals better understand the grief and loss of adoptive families with histories of infertility or miscarriage. Ms. Koehle provides resources for better-supporting parents with histories of loss. She also discusses strategies for assessing adoption readiness, preparing parents for adoption, and sensitively navigating discussions about their loss.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Diana Osipsov, LMSW
This presentation dives into the intergenerational effects of complex trauma within the attachment relationship, with specific consideration for prenatal and preverbal trauma. The speaker explores the effects of prenatal trauma on the nervous system and brain development, and provides information on current research and effective treatment approaches.
1.5 CE Credit / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speaker: Susan K. Taylor, MS
Join us for a dynamic course designed to provide valuable insights and practical skills in trauma-informed parenting and complex trauma. This workshop-style webinar will delve into the essential principles of trauma-informed caregiving and equip participants with applicable strategies and techniques for managing challenging behaviors, promoting emotional regulation, and fostering a sense of safety and trust. This presentation will focus on real-life examples to help attendees gain confidence in recognizing and responding to the unique needs of children who have experienced trauma.
1.5 CE Credit / $20 non-members / $10 members
Speaker: Susan K. Taylor, MS
Join us for a continued look at trauma-informed parenting, through the lens of complex trauma. This workshop-style course will look at the characteristics of Complex PTSD, behaviors and conditions that can develop after exposure to traumatic stress, and the ways this may present itself within an adoptive parent-child relationship. We’ll provide strategies for parenting through challenges related to maintaining trust, repairing self-worth, and regulating complex emotions. This presentation will explore ways to understand and meet the needs of children as they move toward adolescence, a phase where the brain’s developmental progression may present additional challenges for those who have experienced significant interpersonal trauma.
Birth Family Relationships
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Lori Holden, MA, and Janelle Ison, MBA
This presentation will help adoption professionals support adoptive families through setting healthy boundaries that are oriented on the child’s needs rather than boundaries that are based on fear and insecurity. These strategies can help families move toward greater connection, curiosity, and confidence. Considerations will be discussed for adoption from foster care, private domestic infant adoption, and international adoption.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Nancy Crouch, LCPC, Pam Shepard, LCSW & Steve Kalb, LMSW
This presentation is centered on the current dynamics of search and reunion across domestic and international adoption, and clinical guidance to professionals as they prepare and support all of those involved in this process.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Chauncey Strong, MSW
This presentation provides adoption professionals with strategies for navigating relationships with birth parents, as well as information on the dynamics of grandfamilies, and practical resources for post-adoption supports.
1 Ethics CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Debbie Riley, LCMFT
This presentation prepares and guides members of the adoption community to navigate the search and reunion process and how to participate in birth family relationships, including setting expectations, understanding motivations, and options for utilizing intermediaries and others to help facilitate a smooth and healthy relationship.
Cultural Competency
1 Cultural Competency CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Deb Guston, JD
This course challenges assumptions and implicit bias that may accompany the use of language and definitions that can impede compassionate and quality interactions.
1 Cultural Competency CE Credit / FREE
Speakers: Cam Lee Small, MS, LPCC; Glenn Morey; Janine Osterink; and Sarah Bernstein
In this roundtable discussion, four adult Asian adoptees share from their lived experiences to address how anti-Asian racism has and continues to impact the adoption community, and specifically Asian American adoptees.
1.5 Cultural Competency CE Credit / $20
Speakers: Ramya Gruneisen, MS, Laura Ornelas, LCSW, Cindy Hernandez Torchia, LCSW, LCPAA, and Isaac Etter
This course will help adoption professionals equip and empower adoptive parents who are raising a child of a different race or culture. The speakers will explore practical strategies, insights, and resources to guide adoptive parents through the unique challenges and opportunities of this journey, and to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of identity development and cultural connection in their child's life.
1.5 Cultural Competency CE Credit / $20
Speakers: Kelly Carmody and Brenda Wagner, MSW
This webinar prepares adoption professionals to work effectively with single adoptive parents, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities these populations face throughout the adoption process. Participants will gain insights into legal and social dynamics, learn strategies for supporting parents through home studies and placements, and explore ways to foster inclusive and affirming practices that empower single parent adoptive families to thrive.
Medical, Mental and Educational Wellbeing
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: David Brodzinsky, PhD
This presentation discusses how mental health and child welfare professionals must possess not only the foundations for adoption-competent clinical practice, but a thorough understanding of the specific issues related to adoption.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: Ryan Hanlon, PhD & Dana Poynter, MS
This presentation helps adoption professionals understand educational options and prepare parents who are navigating school-based support. Speakers focus on factors affecting an adopted child's academics, common school-related behavioral challenges and diagnoses, and interventions for a child's success.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speakers: David Brown, MSW & Anjali Van Drie, MA, MSW, BCBA
This presentation provides information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presentation, practical resources, and parenting strategies for families. Speakers discuss the intersectionality of ASD with other issues connected to adoption, such as grief, maintaining relationships, and understanding the adoption story.
1 Ethics CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Kris Faasse, LMSW, ACSW
This presentation provides guidance on how to initiate conversations between expectant and birth parents, and provide accurate information in an empowering, non-coercive manner.
1.5 CE Credits / FREE
This Adoption Overview Program is a self-directed, self-paced course designed to inform, educate, and refresh on the basics of adoption and the adoption option.
Our mission is to educate pregnancy counselors about adoption, and work to overcome potential barriers to considering adoption, so that pregnancy clients can make a fully informed choice that considers all of their options. This training is about adoption education (increasing awareness of adoption as a possibility); it is not about the promotion or political advocacy of adoption.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Barb Clark
This presentation focuses on better understanding FASD conditions, working with medical professionals to diagnose and treat a FASD, and providing resources for prospective adoptive parents and post adoptive families of a child with substance exposure.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Jayne Schooler
As adoptive parents, telling your child their adoption story can be challenging, as you strive to balance openness, sensitivity, and age-appropriate considerations. This session will provide guidance on how to navigate this delicate task, exploring approaches for engaging in open discussions about a child’s birth and adoption story throughout each stage of development.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Melissa Corkum and Lisa Qualls
It can be difficult working with parents who are resistant to new ideas and solutions. You’re offering support and resources, but some parents can seem stuck in negativity. These parents may be experiencing blocked care, which is a self-protective mechanism in the nervous system, triggered by extreme stress. They’re not bad parents; they’re stuck in a defensive posture towards their children. In this session, gain the tools you need to help parents prevent and overcome blocked care. You can be the key for helping parents renew their hope.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Elaine Schulte, MD, MPH, FAAP
This presentation offers insight for agency personnel into the special challenges of adopted teens as they transition into adulthood, particularly with a sense of self, attachment, and sexuality. She discusses issues related to birth search, integrating family medical history, and navigating discussions about an adopted child’s early history.
1 CE Credit / $15 non-members / $7.50 members
Speaker: Brett Furst, LMFT
This presentation explores the current research on adoption and addiction and provides potential treatment options, considerations, and modalities for treating this misunderstood subset of the adoptee population.
1.5 CE Credits / FREE
Speakers: Ryan Hanlon, PhD; Judith K. Eckerle, MD, FAAP; Kimara Gustafson, MD
This recorded webinar focuses on understanding adoption in the healthcare environment and includes a general overview of the landscape of adoption and recent trends. The course provides information about the practice of adoption medicine, including what medical providers need to know about working with adoptees. Speakers also provide information about accessing resources.
Click here for our Continuing Education Refund Policy and our Continuing Education Grievance Policy.
Other Questions? For questions, concerns or to request special accommodations, please contact us at ncfa@adoptioncouncil.org or 703-299-6633.
Additional Resources
Adoption Advocate Publication
The Adoption Advocate is a free publication created by NCFA to educate and support adoption professionals, policymakers, families, child welfare specialists, and other interested parties on today's most relevant child welfare and adoption issues.
Helpful Articles
A listing of recent and past articles from NCFA staff and guest authors on a range of topics pertinent to professionals and the broader adoption community.
NCFA has a diverse membership of agencies and individual attorneys who share our commitment to the highest standards of professional practice. Each member brings a uniquely valuable contribution to our shared vision, standing united in our unwavering commitment to helping ensure every child has a nurturing, permanent family.
Agency Membership Guide
Explore all the benefits of NCFA membership for your and your team including discounts on educational offerings such as social work CE webinars.