DELAWARE VALLEY ADOPTION COUNCIL

www.delvaladopt.org

Meeting Location
Simpson House

2101 Belmont Ave

Philadelphia , Pa 19131

Scheduled Training December 19, 2007 10am –12:00pm

In Attendance for the Training:

Sherry Gold, Carole Denenberg, Sue Shoolman , Adoption Home Study Association

Kelly Myers , Melanie Perkins , Bethanna

Irma Holland , Bethanna-Pass

Stefanie Croasman, Heather Rieder, Sara Lynch, Bucks Co. CYS

Shadell Quinones, Mary Lou Beck, Chester County DCYF

Cynthia Aguilar, LaShonda Roberts, Barbara Heckman, Amy Marlow , Children's Choice

Louis Shea , COAC

Lynn Hammer , Concern

Sarah Rice Delaware County CYS

Joyce Riche, Patty Menow, Lea Moyer, Diakon

Jalicia Davis , Melrena Flowers , Hildy Dorfman , Laura Coll , Louis Couderc, Friends Association

Monica G , Golden Cradle

Anne Kybert , Hawkfeather Creations

Amy Morris, New Foundations

Darah Walther , LCFS

Kay Pride , Barbara Parnes New Jersey DCF-DYFS

Kelly Beattie , Adiam Debesai , PCVS

Gloria Hall, Tabor Children's Services

Training Topic:

THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT THING ABOUT ADOPTION: “The Importance of Birth Parents in the Lives of Children. ”

“This workshop provides the opportunity for participants to examine how and why birth parents are so critically important to adopted children, and how adoptive parents' attitudes toward birth parents impact their children's self-concept and identity. Also addressed are age-appropriate communication about birth parents, coming to terms with difficult information, and interest in searching for information or reunion.” 

“The presenter Ellen Singer LCSW-C is a clinical social worker who is a therapist and adoption educator with the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), an adoptive family support center in Burtonsville , MD. Ms. Singer leads the Adoptive Parent Connection groups, which provide education and support for adoptive parents. Her clinical services include counseling for prospective parents, adoptive parents and adult adopted persons. Ms. Singer also provides training in adoption issues to a wide variety of audiences, including parents, community groups, educators, and professionals in the adoption field. She is a key writer of C.A.S.E. materials, and contributes articles to numerous parent and professional magazines. “

BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES: December 19, 2007

A full meeting was not held, but voting on the 2008 slate was conducted and approved.

Children and Families :
N o report

MEMBERSHIP

No report

OFFICERS REPORTS :
Chairperson - Cynthia Metraux – the vote for 2008 officers was conducted and approved

Vice-Chair – Phyllis Stevens – no report

Secretary – Kelly Beattie - no report

Treasurer – Donna Green- no report

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The slate was presented and voted on for DEVAC officers for 2008.

President: Louis Couderc, Friends Association

Vice President: Phyllis Stevens, Together As Adoptive Parents

Secretary: Kelly Beattie , Presbyterian Children's Village Services

Treasurer: Lynn Hammer, Concern

Committee Chairs

Membership: Jared Rolsky, Golden Cradle

Nominating: Mary Lou Beck, Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families

Legislative: Frank Perfinski , Delaware Division of Family Services

  Shadell Quinones, Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families

Education and Training: Pattie Menow, Diakon-Topton

Public Relations: Kelly Myers, Bethanna

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE :

Pennsylvania - no report New Jersey -no report Delaware - no report

EDUCATION & TRAINING :

January- Simpson House , training topic to be determined .

PUBLIC RELATIONS : Kelly Myers, from Bethanna has filed the position of public relations. She can be reached at phone: (717) 299-1926 ext 551 or fax: (717) 291-9366.

OLD BUSINESS : none

NEW BUISNESS : S ee attached flyer

Happy Holidays

Respectfully submitted by,

Kelly Beattie
Secretary