Adoption: Core Issues for All Triad Members
Program Description
This program will address the core issues present for all members of the adoption triad.
These issues include loss, rejection, guilt and shame, grief, identity, intimacy and
mastery/control. Participants will explore how these areas influence the well-being of all
parties and discuss strategies for working with families and youth to validate their
individual experiences and resolve challenges.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
1. Explain seven core issues that impact the adoption triad;
2. Describe how these issues manifest in the youth and how the family is impacted as
the youth ages;
3. Examine the need for open discussion about the feelings of all members of the triad
and resources that can support families as they navigate the adoption experience;
4. Demonstrate greater awareness of the issues families experience during the adoption
process;
5. List assessment and intervention strategies used to in working with the all members
of the family;
6. Discuss how this information can assist the family and support the youth throughout
his or her life journey.
Target Audience
Professional counselors, social workers and school personnel.
Contact Hours
3.0 hours
Program Agenda
1:00 PM
Overview of the seven core issues
Discuss how each core issue impact all members.
2:30 PM
Break
2:45 PM
Interventions: family and individual activities
Resources available for counselors, individuals and families
4:15 PM
Adjourn
Faculty
Ellen Pallme, MSW, LCSW, LCAS, CCS is a practicing licensed clinical social worker
and addictions specialist. Since 1995, she has worked extensively with children and
families of multicultural backgrounds, as a tutor, homeschooling consultant and personal
mentor. For many years, Ellen volunteered in her faith community to counsel and guide
trauma survivors. She has been in the forefront to develop child protection programs and
trainings throughout the larger community. In 2005, she began working as a crisis
responder for sexual assault victims and trainer for new recruits. For five hears she was
an intensive in-home team supervisor. Ellen is currently engaged as a supervisor for those
seeking the LCAS credential and providing trainings to further education about substance
abuse and co-occurring disorders.
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