Special Considerations for Adopted Teens

Adopted youth have unique experiences as they transition into adulthood. Adolescence may be the first time that an adopted child questions their identity, as they begin to separate from their parents. This course helps agency personnel understand the special challenges of adopted teens as they transition into adulthood, particularly with sense of self, attachment and sexuality. Issues related to search, such as direct-to-consumer testing (e.g. Ancestry.com, 23 and me), integrating information about one’s family medical history and timing of discussions of critical pieces of an adopted child’s early history are also discussed.

Elaine E. Schulte, MD, MPH, FAAP – Medical Director, Adoption Program at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore – Einstein College of Medicine

Course length: 60 minutes

After attending this course, professionals will be able to:
• Identify the unique experiences that adopted youth have as they transition into adulthood, including questioning their identity and separating from their parents.
• Describe challenges of adopted teens as they transition into adulthood, particularly with sense of self, attachment and sexuality.
• Summarize issues related to search, such as direct-to-consumer testing, integrating information about one’s family medical history and identify appropriate timing of discussions of critical pieces of an adopted person’s early history.

Course level: Beginning, Intermediate

Cost to register: $15
If you are a NCFA member, look for your discount code in the membership portal.