AFHK Professionals Event: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Working with Families with Attachment Issues, Trauma, and Special Needs

A Special Professional Case Discussion for Those Working with Adoptive or Foster Care Families, Children at Risk, and/or Children with Trauma or Loss

This is a unique opportunity to explore a complex set of cases with the consultation of Janette Pepall and other professionals working with these populations. We will be viewing "My Flesh and Blood", an award-winning documentary of a single mother who has adopted 11 children with a range of individual needs, in addition to her two biological children. Using this family and their remarkable story as a case study, we'll explore best practices and models of care and treatment for children and families. We'll also discuss local and cultural issues which may impact these models and practices.

Whether you are working in an agency, school, group home, or in private practice - if you would benefit from discussing issues of attachment, trauma, and special needs in a group format while meeting other professionals, you will find this consultation useful for your work with children, adolescents and/or families.

Janette Pepall is a social worker, educator and consultant in local and international adoptions, foster care, counseling and child protection. She and her husband have 6 adult children - one birth son and five adoptees from Australia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. Her family also fostered two children with disabilities. Ms. Pepall lived in Hong Kong in the early 1990's and worked for Mother's Choice where she pioneered the adoption of children with disabilities to the US and local foster care. Since returning to Australia she has established a not-for-profit training organization. She is passionate about providing practical knowledge, encouragement and support to foster, adoptive and birth parents, as well as professionals and child caregivers. For more information about Ms. Pepall, please see her website at: www.janettepepall.com.