Thriving and Surviving: Nanaimo

The first two years following a placement are often extremely challenging while at the same time, an important period in forming attachments.

This workshop is designed to prepare adoptive families (and professionals who support families) as they navigate the critical and often overwhelmingly challenging first two years of placement. It addresses a number of issues and behaviours that are relatively predictable but are often misunderstood and then experienced as intolerable by parents. These include lying, sexualized behaviours, ambiguous and disenfranchised grief and loss, poor regulation, and bedtime and mealtime behaviours. Understanding these behaviours and responding to them appropriately is key to preventing disruption.

Within a framework of trauma informed care and attachment parenting, this interactive workshop provides parents and professionals with a toolkit of hands-on strategies that will ensure families are prepared with realistic expectations, knowledge, and specific skills.

It is especially aimed at prospective and new adoptive parents but will be of value as well to professionals who support these families and to adoptive families in general.

Facilitator Jen Hillman worked at the Adoptive Families Association for 27 years as an Adoption Support Counsellor, PASS Counsellor, and Adoption Key Worker. She is an adoptive parent and now also a grandmother of three.

**Please contact the restaurant directly with dietary restrictions: (250) 933-3338

**Please note: This event will be recorded for internal training purposes.  The recording will not be publicly distributed or broadcasted in full or part