Family Events

 Annual Kids Connection Conference
Each Spring since 1995, the Center for Adoptive Families hosts its annual "Kids Connection Conference," a celebration for adoptive families living in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area. Each year, we design a new program that includes exciting and educational activities for children, as well as presentations on topics of interest for parents. Over 100 children and their families participate each year in this one-of-a-kind event!

Children participate in small group activities, with arts and crafts, discussion, and music exercises, exploring adoption topics within a safe and structured setting. Parents have the opportunity to listen and participate in discussions with professionals, and network with other adoptive parents. Above all, parents and children make new friends, spend a fun-filled day together, and experience the power of family!

We welcome all school-age children (ages 5-16) who are members of adoptive families -- including biological siblings, foster children, step-children, cousins, etc.). Childcare is offered for children ages 3 and up.

The Kids Connection Conferences are developed by licensed mental health providers and educators who have special training and expertise in adoption. The Conference also offers a HUGE selection of books on adoption, parenting, and cultures, as well as ethnic arts and crafts from Eastern Europe. 

13th Annual Kids Connection Conference

“Connecting the Past, Securing the Future”

All adopted children come with a genetic and cultural inheritance from their families of origin. Connecting and integrating aspects from both the birth and adoptive families can be challenging. This year’s Kids Connection Conference will help parents from both domestic and international adoption experiences to understand the cultural and identity issues facing their children. Children will participate in age appropriate (K-9th grade) group activities that focus on their birth history, their culture of origin, and how adoption impacts their future. Parents will interact with a panel of birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive parents, followed by topic based small group discussions. We will offer books, gift shop items, yummy snacks, and door prizes.

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2008
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Place: Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, Rockville, MD
Fee: $40/1st child, $35/2nd child, $30 each additional child, $25/parent
Childcare: $20/child, ages 3 to 5

Click here to register.

Download brochure here.