The Emerging Leaders Candid Corner | | By Mikaela Smith, C.A.S.E. Emerging Leader | My adoption journey begins in the middle of November, where I, an 11-month-old, met my parents for the first time. Even thinking about the grainy 1990s VHS home videos brings me joy and snippets of nostalgia. I was giggly, chunky, and had a full head of hair. By the time my parents and I flew back to the United States, it was time to be grateful and carve turkey for Thanksgiving. | | |
A Poem by Zoe Evans, C.A.S.E. Emerging Leader,
in recognition of National Adoption Month
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I don’t remember the first time I thought to ask—
Maybe it was a school project,
Or the continuous comments people have said,
You don’t look like your parents.
The questions started small,
Like pebbles dropping into water.
What did they look like?
Why didn’t she keep me?
Did she love me?
| | World Kindness Should Be More Than a Day | | By Rachel Shifaraw, C.A.S.E. Creative Content Specialist | | November 13 is World Kindness Day, but kindness should be recognized for more than just ONE day because if there’s one thing I’ve learned about being adopted, it’s that adoption can often feel UNkind. The bold personal questions people ask, the inappropriate adoption language people use, the whole adoption process sometimes feels downright rude. The harsh responses to my feelings about being interracially adopted come from strangers, family members, and unfortunately, sometimes from professionals. I suppose this is something I’ve struggled with for much of my life. | | The Importance of Philanthropy | | National Philanthropy Day is celebrated each year on November 15, following a proclamation signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. It is a day to recognize and honor the impact of philanthropy – charitable giving – and the countless ways that donors make a positive difference in their communities. It is a day to recognize how businesses, individuals, foundations, nonprofits and communities join together to create lasting change through their generosity and cooperation. | | Holiday 2025 Teen Support Group | | 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.
| | Strengthening Your Family Webinar Series | | |
Best Practices in Search & Reunion —
Insights from C.A.S.E. Therapists
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Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 1:00-2:30pm EST
Extended Access Available November 20-December 22, 2025
| | Join us for an engaging webinar where experienced therapists from the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) share valuable insights on search and reunion. Drawing from their direct work with clients, our panel will explore best practices, common challenges, and what helps make reunions more meaningful and emotionally safe. Whether you’re a professional, adoptee, or part of the adoption constellation, this session offers thoughtful guidance grounded in real clinical experience. | | |
Panel facilitated by Tony Hynes, Ph.D., Training and Content Development Specialist. Panel includes Kylie Golden, LCPC, Lead Clinical Supervisor, Adoption-Competent Therapist, and Board Certified Telehealth Professional Level I; Susan LaVigna, LCSW-C, Adoption-Competent Therapist, and Board Certified Telehealth Professional Level I; and Julie Bulitt, LCSW-C, Clinical Supervisor.
Use coupon code NAVIGATING at checkout to receive your FREE registration. There is a $15 charge per registrant after the first 600 registrants have used the coupon code. No CEs will be offered for this webinar.
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Karlos Dillard
Wards of the State: Memoir of Foster Care
| | Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | 7:00-8:00pm EST | | |
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Karlos Dillard!
On Wednesday, December 3 at 7pm EST on Instagram LIVE! @caseadopt, where we'll be joined by author and social media foster care advocate Karlos Dillard to discuss his book Wards of the State: A Memoir of Foster Care. Karlos is a Transracial Adoptee who was adopted from the Michigan state foster care system at the age of 9, and his social media platforms provide accessible, diverse, and ethical adoption and foster care education.
| | Ashley's Advocacy & Policy Brief | | By Ashley Garcia-Rivera, Policy Advisor | | | | Reflections from the AdoptUSKids Professional Leadership Development Graduation | This month, I am honored to share a reflection written by my colleague Dawn Wilson, C.A.S.E. Training Institute Director, on my recent graduation from the AdoptUSKids Professional Leadership Development Program. Dawn attended the event and captured the spirit of the experience beautifully. Her words highlight both the incredible work of my cohort and the meaningful mentorship and connections fostered through this program. | |
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The Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) is a national leader in mental health, ensuring the well-being and permanence of children, families, and individuals connected to adoption, foster, and kinship care. We work across every level of the permanence ecosystem—delivering direct services, training professionals, and driving systems change—to ensure families stay together and thrive. Our approach is rooted in Adoption Competence: a deep understanding of the unique experiences shaped by loss, identity, trauma, belonging, and more.
Founded by families in this community, C.A.S.E. has been advancing this mission since 1998. We believe every child deserves lasting connection, and every family deserves the support to make it possible.
Learn more: adoptionsupport.org.
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