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The Mistake of Silence

By Tony Parsons, C.A.S.E. Emerging Leader, Chairman

We've all heard the phrase, "Silence is golden." But I've come to believe that statement is, at best, a half-truth. There are times when silence is a welcome friend, the peaceful quiet of a movie theater, the stillness of a morning coffee, or the calm before sleep. Yet, at other times, silence is a warning. The sudden quiet from a toddler's room, the unnerving silence that follows a presentation, or the deafening quiet when a loved one pulls away.

By Carol J. Bishop, LMFT

October is Depression Awareness Month, giving us an opportunity to raise awareness about the many aspects of depression, break down stereotypes and stigmas, and consider ways to support friends and family experiencing depression. Depression is a common mental health concern that diminishes a person’s ability to enjoy life and succeed in work, school, and personal relationships. 

Navajo Nation Begins Intensive TA Partnership to Advance Mental Health Services for Children and Families

Window Rock, AZ — The National Center for Adoption Competent Mental Health Services is proud to announce its formal partnership with the Navajo Nation to deliver Intensive Technical Assistance (TA) aimed at improving mental health outcomes for children, youth, and families impacted by the child welfare system. 

Helping Children Manage Feelings and Behaviors

Thursday, October 16, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm EST

Extended Access Available October 16-November 15, 2025

All children, particularly those who have experienced trauma, need help and support learning to express and manage a wide array of emotions to feel and be safe. Learning to safely express feelings ranging from excitement to sadness to anger and confusion, their behavior will often improve. Both modeling and teaching children specific strategies are important parenting roles. In this workshop, participants will learn about the links between trauma, emotions, and behavior, strategies for building emotional intelligence in children, and tools for helping children manage challenging behaviors. Participants will leave with concrete tools to add to their parenting toolbox.

Presented by Sue Badeau, Trainer and Consultant

Use coupon code BEHAVIORS at checkout to receive your FREE registration. There is a $15 charge per registrant after the first 600 registrants have used the coupon code. Coupon code only applies to non-CE version.

Monday, November 10, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm EST

This one-time group is for parents of adoptees and foster parents to connect with others who share similar experiences.

Together, we’ll explore how to navigate both the joys and challenges that can arise during the holiday season.

Participants will gain practical strategies, discover new ways to understand the holidays from their child’s perspective, and receive valuable resources to help support their families throughout this time of year.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 6:00-7:30pm EST

This one-time group is for adoptees in Grades 9–12 to connect with peers and explore the meaning of the holiday season.

Together, participants will reflect on what makes holidays meaningful, share emotions and experiences, and discuss how to create their own holiday traditions. The group will also learn effective strategies for managing emotions during this time of year and receive helpful resources to support them throughout the season.

Join us for the 28^th Annual Kids' Adoption Network (KAN) Conference Activate Your Inner Compass: Finding Your Quiet Power on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9:00am-4:30pm at the McLean School (8224 Lochinver Lane, Potomac, MD 20854).

The Kids' Adoption Network (KAN) Conference is a full day of fun and learning that includes lunch and engaging activities for children, teens, parents, caregivers, and prospective adoptive parents. Plus, there are opportunities to connect with other adoptees and adoptive families!

Parents participate in insightful workshops led by adoption experts. Kids explore and learn through workshops designed by our highly trained adoption-competent therapists in groups by grade, with teens (9-12 grade) together in one group.

The day ends with carnival games and prizes.

By Ashley Garcia-Rivera, Policy Advisor

Reimagining Adoption at the 2025 Selfless Love National Think Tank

This October, I have the honor of serving as a facilitator at Selfless Love Foundation’s National Think Tank, a convening that brings together young people with lived experience, policymakers, researchers, and child welfare leaders. What excites me most about this event is that it doesn’t just talk about adoption policy in theory; it centers on the voices of youth who have lived it and ensures those voices shape the future of practice and policy.

The Adoption-Sensitive Clinical Care (ASCC) project has recently launched a free, 6.5-hour, online training designed to equip hospital-based staff with essential knowledge and tools for providing adoption-sensitive care to patients experiencing unintended pregnancies. Training participants will be eligible to receive CME and Social Work CE credits at no cost. Visit the ASCC website to learn more, or create your free account in the ASCC training portal to get started.