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The Leading Continuing Education Conference for Adoption Professionals

June 28 - 30, 2023 | St. Louis, MO

NCFA-20

About the Conference

NCFA's annual conference offers continuing education and high-caliber training to professionals from the adoption, social work, and child welfare communities who all share a common commitment to helping children thrive in nurturing, permanent families.

The Conference gives you an opportunity to learn from experts, refine your application of best practices, network with fellow professionals, and be re-inspired for the important work that you do in your community, region, and the world.

More Information and Registration

Sponsor & Exhibit

As the only annual event of its kind specifically tailored to the needs of adoption professionals, the Conference gives Sponsors a unique opportunity to increase brand awareness through multiple touchpoints and make actionable connections with decision-makers from the nation’s leading adoption organizations.

We offer sponsorship packages, targeted opportunities and exhibitor space on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sponsor and exhibitor registration closes on May 10, 2023.

2023 Sponsorship and Exhibitor Information

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Conference Venue

Located in the heart of St. Louis' bustling Central West End district, The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel brings elegant style and old-world glamour to the Gateway City. Discover luxurious amenities and service in the grandest of hotel traditions. A block of rooms is reserved for Conference attendees at a special rate of $199/night +tax. All room reservations must be processed by Sunday, May 28th to receive the Conference rate. Click HERE to make your room reservation online. If you need to make a reservation by phone, please contact Amy Wolfe for the Group ID.

With a diverse range of experiences, expertise, and perspectives, our keynote speakers represent every member of the adoption triad.

To learn more about all of the conference sessions and continuing education credit, please click here.

Opening Keynote Session: The Language of Trauma

Heather Forbes Headshot for circle frame
Heather T. Forbes, LCSW

Author, Speaker and Owner of the Beyond Consequences Institute

Birth Mother Perspectives

A Journey to Openness Over the Years
2
Renee Alexander, PhD

Birth Mother & Panel Facilitator

2023 Conference Speaker Headshots for circle frame
Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard

Birth Mother

Mercedes headshot for circle frame
Mercedes O'Bryant-Gruzeski

Birth Mother

Janelle Ison Headshots for circle frame
Janelle Ison

Birth Mother and Adult Adoptee

Learning from Adoptees

Incorporating Adoptee Voices into Practice
Michelle Li Headshots for circle frame
Michelle Li

Adult Adoptee & Panel Facilitator

Ramya Gruneisen Square
Ramya Gruneisen, MS

Adult Adoptee

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Melissa Corkum

Adult Adoptee & Adoptive Parent

3
Mike Thorne

Adult Adoptee

What 2022 Attendees Had to Say

"This was a well run and organized conference. I’m glad I attended."

"One of the best [sessions] at the conference, bringing us to the most important part of the adoption community, the adopted person."

"Wonderful conference! So much great information that will impact what we do."

"I thought the speakers & topics were the best I have experienced. Thank you for doing this each year."

Past Conference Programs

A look back at past sessions and speakers, sponsors and exhibitors

Stay Connected

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National Council For Adoption, #1804, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 04/13/2022 – 04/13/2023. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 11 continuing education credits.

This event does not offer credit for NJ social workers. The state of New Jersey does not recognize ASWB ACE continuing education provider level approval. National Council For Adoption is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0681.

In order to receive continuing education credit, attendees must participate in the entirety of live in-person session, scan in and out of the course to have their attendance verified and complete a course and overall conference evaluation. Attendees will receive their conference continuing education certificate of credit within 30 days to the email address provided at registration.

Other Questions? For questions, concerns or to request special accommodations, please contact us at ncfa@adoptioncouncil.org or 703-299-6633.

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