Find Me: Documentary, panel discussion on foster care, adoptions November 21

In honor of National Adoption Day on November 21, the School of Social Work in the Falk College, in conjunction with Families with Children from China, is offering a screening of the documentary film, “Find Me” with an expert panel discussion to follow. The session will be offered as a continuing education course for LMSWs and LCSWs. Many practitioners will, at some point, work with an individual who has been affected by foster care or adoption either directly or indirectly. This course will help develop a framework for understanding the unique needs of children and families from both the national and international perspective.

Participant learning objectives:

  • Recognize the importance of Research Informed Practice in foster care and adoptions within the U.S. and around the world.
  • Increase competency and awareness in the multiple aspects that affect successful and healthy adoptions.
  • Understand the different cultural influences and definitions of foster care, and how foster care is utilized in China.
  • Develop stronger assessment skills informing the need to access added supports.
  • Increase knowledge of local supports, as well as develop a network of potential providers.

Co-Presenters Include:

Kristin Esposito, LMSW has 17 years of experience working in a local child welfare agency. Ms. Esposito was responsible for teaching, training and supporting professional staff, foster parents and foster care/adoptive workers throughout the region. Her direct work was with children and families who were affected by multiple transitions, issues of attachment and attunement, and the trauma associated with removal from home. She currently teaches both undergraduate and graduate coursework aimed at integrating social work knowledge, theory and practice.

Kay Scott, RN, NP has worked at SUNY Upstate as a Senior Researcher for the Department of Pediatrics ID, Research Foundation and is currently a substitute nurse for the Syracuse City School District. Aside from her professional career, Ms. Scott is a parent of three children, two of which are children adopted from China. Ms. Scott has combined her professional and personal experiences to be a strong advocate on both sides. She is the Regional Co-Chair of Families with Children from China of Central New York (FCC-CNY).