- Community Connection
Adoption Identity Race Exploration (AIRE)
AIRE was created out of the need for an inclusive space for BIPOC adoptees (of all genders, identities, and experiences) to build and collaborate. AIRE also offers holistic emotional and spiritual counseling and partners with other organizations to provide consultations about programming, curriculum development, and workshop planning.
- Race Education
Child Mind Institute: “Trauma & Grief”
This webpage features countless articles about the basics of recognizing and addressing trauma in children. It includes topics like the effects, causes, and treatments of trauma and grief. It also includes some common traumatic diagnoses and how trauma affects children in academic settings.
- Race Education
CNN: “How to talk to your children about protests and racism”
This article explains how to discuss racism and protests with children. The article breaks down how to lead discussions by age group (toddler, tweens, teens).
- Race Education
EmbraceRace: “‘I [STILL] Can’t Breathe!’: Supporting Kids of Color Amid Racialized Violence”
This conversation and Q&A led by child psychologist Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith explores policing, violence, safety, justice, and race. She also considers how to approach conversations with children of color about institutional and racial violence.
- Race Education
The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC): “I Am a Parent or Caregiver”
The NMAAHC’s purpose is to help children understand what race is, how it operates in society, and why it’s important (particularly in the US). This article is specifically for parents and caregivers who want their child(ren) to form a healthy racial identity, learn how to support complex racial problems in children, and speak out against racial inequity.
- Race Education
“Daddy Why Am I Brown?”: A healthy conversation about skin color and family
This is a children’s book meant to start a conversation about how kids can learn to talk about skin color in a way that’s kind, thoughtful, and healthy. It’s also meant to help children understand the difference between race, ethnicity, and culture.
- Race Education
Resilience – “Reading and RES: Parent Tip Tool: Choosing and Using Books to Discuss Race and Ethnicity”
This brief article explains how reading books with your child is a key way to start and continue conversations about race and ethnicity. It also discusses why books are a good medium, the importance of conversations about race, and tips for how to choose appropriate books for your child.
- Race Education
Beynd the Golden Rule
This illustrated book serves as a parent’s guide to preventing and responding to prejudice. This book explores how to discuss racism and tolerance depending on the age of the child.
- Race Education
American Academy of Pediatrics: “Talking to Children About Racial Bias”
This article explains how children learn racial bias, strategies to help children deal with these biases, and how parents can confront their own racial biases. The article also features tips for talking about racism and racial differences by age (preschool, grade school, etc.) and additional resources about discrimination.
- Race Education
RESilience – Engaging My Child: “Parent Tip Tool: Uplifting Families Through Healthy Communication About Race”
This is a brief parent tip tool that explains what RES (racial and ethnic socialization)is, who participates in RES, and suggestions for engaging in RES.
- Race Education
ChildTrends: “Resources to Support Children’s Emotional Well-Being Amid Anti-Black Racism, Racial Violence, and Trauma”
This article discusses how to talk to children about racism, racial violence, and trauma. It also features books and other resource compilations for parents and caregivers about how to discuss race and racism with children.
- Race Education
American Psychological Association RESilience – “Resources for Parents: Uplifting Youth Through Healthy Communication About Race”
This website features tip tools, books, blogs, and other resources about creating healthy and safe conversations about race between children and parents. This initiative focuses on RES (racial and ethnic socialization), the process by which children learn about race.
- Race Education
Online MSW Programs with edX: “How to Teach Kids About Race”
This article discusses how to teach children about the concepts of race, privilege, and racial and ethnic socialization (RES). Though this resource is primarily for social work students, it may be relevant to any adults that would like to start discussing race with children.
Gladney University – reFRAMED Bonus: “Continuing the Conversation with Ebony Mack, MSW”
This conversation is a continuation of the discussion “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Competencies of Transracial Adoptive Parents” led by Ebony Mack. This training considers many different questions about transracial adoption and racial identity.
- Race Education
Gladney University – Bridging the Gap: “Competencies of Transracial Adoptive Parents”
A presentation led by Ebony Mack (MSW, adoptee, adoptive parent, and more) about white parents who have adopted transracially. Mack discusses how they (parents) often learn about the cultural differences between their own norms and that of their children’s as these differences collide.
- LGBTQ+
Creating a Family: “Adopting or Fostering a Child Who Identifies as LGBTQ”
This is a $20 course for adoptive or foster parents on providing a healthy environment to discuss emotional topics with LGBTQ+ youth. It is hosted by the Clinical Director of the Modern Family Center at Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children. It covers topics such as cultural sensitivity, mental health and some issues for the LGBTQ+ community that parents need to be aware of.
- LGBTQ+
APA PsycNet: “Basic premises, guiding principles and competent practices for a positive youth development approach to working with gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths in out-of-home care”
This article explores a youth development perspective for working with LGBTQ youths in out-of-home care. The article discusses 5 core premises defining the practices to promote youth development. A model is also offered for creating an environment where LGBTQ individuals can meet their personal and social needs and develop competencies.
- LGBTQ+
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN is a source that can most apply to and benefit LGBTQ+ youth who are in learning environments. The organization works to activate supportive educators, uplift student-led movements, conduct extensive research, construct resources for educators, advocate for policies, and has 43 chapters in 30 states. On the webpage you can learn more about their work and recent news & blog posts.
- LGBTQ+
House of Rainbow
House of Rainbow’s services can most apply to and benefit LGBTQ+ people of color and faith. The organization works to combat religious homophobia and also validates LGBTQ religious individuals. It offers 1:1 support, group gatherings, and training workshops. On the website you can learn more about their services and the work they do.
- LGBTQ+
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Parents and Families/Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a source that can apply to and benefit the LGBTQ+ community. It is the “first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.” On the webpage you can find support, information, and resources. There is also the PFLAG Chapter Network that has over 400 chapters across the country with 200,000 + members.
- LGBTQ+
University of Michigan Center for Sexuality & Health Disparities: “All About Gender”
From Henry Ford, this guide can apply to and most benefit parents who have transgender, questioning, gender expansive, gender nonconforming, or non-binary kids. The guide explains terms, answers common questions, addresses transitioning, and gives additional resources
- LGBTQ+
PA Parent an Family Alliance
The PA Parent and Family Alliance LGBTQ+ Tip Sheet is a great resource that can most apply to and benefit parents who have a LGBTQ+ child. The guide goes over tips on what to do immediately following your child coming out, how to use terminology, and some reputable resources to continue your research.
- LGBTQ+
healthychildren.org: “Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBTQ Teens”
From Healthy Children. Org, this article will most apply to and benefit parents who have LGBTQ+ teens. The article gives explanations and tips to common questions. It also gives recommendations on what parents and families can do, along with more resources that are linked.
- LGBTQ+
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): “Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents”
From the American Academy of Pediatrics, this source will most apply to and benefit pediatric providers or those who are interested in how pediatric providers are changing their approach to their LGBTQ+ patients. This academic article reviews “relevant concepts and challenges and provide suggestions for pediatric providers that are focused on promoting the health and positive development of youth that identify as TGD while eliminating discrimination and stigma.”
- LGBTQ+
San Francisco State University: Family Acceptance Project
From the Family Acceptance Project, this source will most apply to and benefit the LGBTQ+ community in the context of their families, cultures, or faith communities. The Family Support Model created was made to “prevent health risks, strengthen families, and build healthy futures for LGBTQ and gender diverse children and youth”. The organization is centered around research, intervention, education, and policy. You can download posters with more information on them.
- LGBTQ+
Planned Parenthood: “What should I teach my high school-aged teen about identity?”
From Planned Parenthood, this source will most apply to and benefit the parents who want to teach their teenage children about identity. The source gives detailed explanations surrounding questions based on sexuality, safety, relationships, and more. Tips and additional resources are also included.
- LGBTQ+
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Tips for Parents of LGBTQ Youth”
From John Hopkins, this article will most apply to and benefit the parents who have LGBTQ+ children. In the article, Johns Hopkins pediatrics and adolescent medicine specialists share tips on how to provide support to LGBTQ+ children. The article also provides additional resources.
- LGBTQ+
The Trevor Project: “Behaviors of Supportive Parents and Caregivers for LGBTQ Youth”
From the Trevor Project, this article will most apply to and benefit the parents who have LGBTQ+ children. In the article it explores the behaviors of supportive parents and caregivers for LGBTQ youth and explains that supportive behaviors are associated with lower suicide risk among LGBTQ kids.
- LGBTQ+
Talkspace: “6 Ways to Support the Mental Health of Your LGBTQ Loved Ones”
From TalkSpace.com, this source will most apply to and benefit those who are seeking how to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ loved ones. The article goes over 6 important tips and gives detailed explanations. The source also gives additional resources
- LGBTQ+
Stand with Trans
Stand With Trans is a source that can apply to and most benefit families and youth who are transitioning. The organization serves the trans community by empowering trans youth through LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, events/workshops, and support groups. On the webpage you can find many resources that will educate, inform, and support
- LGBTQ+
Gender Spectrum
Gender Spectrum is a source for anyone who is part of the queer community or would like to understand more about it. The organization works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. On the webpage you can find online consulting, groups, and plenty of resources.
- LGBTQ+
John Hopkins Medicine: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity
From Johns Hopkins, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Health Equity serves patients and families who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. The webpage offers resources for patients, families, students, staff, and faculty. The website is available in 31 languages through the language assistance program.
- LGBTQ+
Bi.org
Bi.org is a source that can apply to and most benefit those who are bisexual, know a loved one who is, or just want to be educated. Its mission is to “connect bi people around the world and provide accurate, accessible, scientifically-sound information about (bi)sexuality.” The webpage is a project of the Bi Foundation or the American Institute of Bisexuality. On the webpage you can explore Bi people, resources, or get involved.
- LGBTQ+
APA: “Understanding transgender people, gender identity and gender expression”
From the American Psychological Association, this article can apply to and benefit those who would like to educate themselves about the transgender identity. The pamphlet is available in several languages. It covers common questions, recommended readings, and related resources.
- Mental Health
Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI)
The Asian American Health Initiative’s services can most apply to and benefit AAPI in Montgomery County. As a part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, AAHI assists with many programs, projects, and activities. Within the webpage, you can find a good resource page with documents in many languages, a mental health provider directory, and information on their many other programs
- Mental Health
Project Lotus
The Lotus Project’s services can most apply to and benefit those who are interested in Asian American mental health advocacy. The mission is to destigmatize mental health in Asian-American communities by “tackling the model minority stereotype through culturally-relevant education for the community and the empowerment of voices.” The website features stories from the community, articles, webinars, workshops, and their podcast.
- LGBTQ+
Stonewall
Stonewall’s services can apply to and most benefit the LGBTQ+ community. The organization fights for freedom, equity, and potential. Their campaigns drive positive change in public attitudes and public policy. On the website information is provided, resources, workplace/school resources, and recent news.
- LGBTQ+
Transgender Training Institute (TTI)
From the Transgender Training Institute, this article can apply to and most benefit those who want to better understand & be more affirming of Trans and NON-Binary people. This organization is made up a transgender and non-binary educators who “facilitate professional development and personal growth trainings.” It provides tailored training, webinars, and classes for individuals. Prices are ‘Pay What You Can” or sliding scale fee.
- LGBTQ+
Pronouns.org
Pronouns.org’s mission can apply to and most benefit those who want to learn more about the importance of pronouns or how to use them correctly. The webpage answers common questions such as “How do I use personal pronouns?” or “ How do I use Gender Inclusive Language?” The webpage also offers additional links and videos.
- LGBTQ+
Asexual Outreach: Ace Week
From Asexual Outreach, Inc, this webpage can apply to and most benefit those who would like to educate themselves or others on what asexuality is. The organization raises awareness for asexuality theough expanding education tool resources, projects, and events. On the webpage you can learn about their campaigns, projects, and online community hub.
- LGBTQ+
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World)
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) is a source that can apply to and most benefit those who who are part of the queer community. The organization supports LGBTI civil society worldwide through “advocacy and research projects, and gives grassroots movements a voice within international organizations.” The website has information about their world’s network, events, annual report, latest news, and a list of researched resources/reports.
- Mental Health
BetterHelp
BetterHelp’s services can apply to and benefit everyone. You can find AAPI therapy through this site through filters. By filling out a detailed questionnaire you are assessed and able to get matched to one of 25,000 licensed therapists. You are able to message your therapist and request a new therapist easily.
- Literature
Attaching in Adoption: Practical Tools for Today’s Parents
This is a comprehensive guide for prospective and current adoptive parents on ways to understand and care for the adopted child and promote healthy attachment. It provides “practical parenting strategies designed to enhance children’s happiness and emotional health” and explains “what attachment is, how grief and trauma can affect children’s emotional development, and how to improve attachment, respect, cooperation and trust”. The listed parenting techniques are “matched to children’s emotional needs and stages, and checklists are included to help parents assess how their child is doing at each developmental stage”. This book covers a wide range of issues including international adoption, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and learning disabilities. It is also geared as an important resource for adopted professionals.
- Community Connection
Capital Adoptive Families Alliance (CAFA): Support Groups
Capital Adoptive Family Alliance (CAFA) provides a page on the importance of support groups and links to their own support group. The CAFA Support Group offers general support to parents and caregivers raising their adoptive (or soon to be adoptive) children. The support group meetings are free, parent-led, and meet every 4th Thursday.
- Trainings
Gladney Center for Adoption: “Why Are Foster Care and Adoption Training Required?”
This article explains why foster care and adoption training is required. It discusses pre-service training, foster parent in-service training, post-adoption training, kinship-specific training, and more. The author also provides general advice about learning through parenting experience and how it is a journey.
- Trainings
Adoption Support Alliance
The Adoption Support Alliance offers an Adoption 101 course designed for anyone considering growing their family through adoption. The class discusses different aspects surrounding adoption, including the logistics of both domestic and international adoption, how to deal with grief and trauma, birth family relationships, and more. The ASA also offers classes on ‘Race, Culture & Adoption’ and ‘Adoption Training for Church Communities.’
- Trainings
Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Preadoption Training”
“Different types of adoption training are available to help prospective and adoptive parents learn more about the different aspects of adoption. The Child Welfare Information Gateway has compiled a list of different trainings that may be required and are useful for parents looking to understand more about their child and their development.
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- Trainings
Holt International: “Parenting Adoptees”
Holt International is a Christian organization that offers programs including Post-Adoption Coaching & Education (PACE) and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). Both programs help parents to work with their children. Holt also provides resources on racial and adoptee identity, birth parents, and privilege and international adoption. All of these sections have links and videos designed to help parents understand their child.
America World Adoption: “Adoption Training”
America World Adoption is a Christian adoption agency offering ‘Anchored in Hope: Strengthening Adoptive Families’ which is designed to help families prepare for the placement of a child and to equip them to meet the unique needs of their child in a 10 hour curriculum. They also offer courses for preparing for after adoption with shorter training around 1 ½ hours. AWAA’s other resources include webinars and individual appointments.
- Trainings
Adoption Training Online
From the Children’s Aid Society of Alabama, several paid trainings are offered. There are Hague approved bundles. Trainings are various- spanning from domestic adoption, medical courses, and mental health
- Mental Health
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
BEAM is a national training, movement building, and grant making institution that is dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.
- Mental Health
Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation was founded by actress Taraji P. Henson to offer “Black communities resources, connections and support needed to help break the silence and stigma around mental health.” Services include a directory of mental health providers and programs serving the African-American community, African American Cultural Competency training, a mental health scholarship fund, and more.
- Mental Health
InnoPsych
InnoPsych is dedicated to bringing “healing to communities of color by changing the face and feel of therapy.” Their goal is to make therapists of color more accessible. The search directory tool allows users to filter by location, specialty, service type, ethnicity, and insurance type.
- Mental Health
Therapy for Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is “an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.” The site includes a search directory tool where users are able to search for therapists with filters including location, issue, and whether or not virtual therapy is provided. It also offers podcasts, a blog, and the option to join the site’s community.
- Mental Health
Mental Health America: “Black and African American Communities and Mental Health”
Mental Health America is a resource “driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all.” The site includes statistics and examples on what Black and African American people face in regards to mental health.
- Adoptee Groups
Angela Tucker
Angela Tucker is an author, a podcaster, a film producer and has gained a reputation for being a national thought leader on the intersectional topics of race, class, and identity. She was adopted from foster care to a white family, and grew up in a city that was predominantly white. She has 15+ years of working in social welfare organizations, has consulted with NBC’s This Is Us, and supported the lead actor of Broadway musical Jagged Little Pill. Her first book is scheduled for publication in the spring of 2023 (Beacon Press).
- Mental Health
Safe Space Africa
Mental health educational products and therapy services for Africans on the continent and diaspora.
- Mental Health
Black Mental Wellness
The mission of Black Mental Wellness, Corp. is to provide access to evidence-based information and resources about mental health and behavioral health topics from a Black perspective, to highlight and increase the diversity of mental health professionals, and to decrease the mental health stigma in the Black community. Their services include culturally inclusive mental health and wellness training, workshops specific to youth and children, and webinars on multiple different topics.
- Media
Child Welfare Information Gateway: “Adoption and School”
“Landing page with links and resources for dealing with awkward questions/challenging classroom assignments when adoptees start schools.”
- Trainings
NCFA: “Educational Webinars for the Adoption Community”
These webinars by the National Community for Adoption cover a wide range of topics: post adoption, school based support for adoptees, Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA), LGBTQ competency for adoption professionals, as well as financing adoption. They have a library of on-demand webinars designed to meet the needs of today’s adoption professionals and offer supportive education to adoptive families.
- Trainings
Adoptive Families Association of BC: Adoption Education Program Online
“The AEP-Online program is designed to provide prospective adoptive parents with a strong foundation of knowledge for caring for their adopted child. This program fulfills the legal requirements for adoption education in British Columbia. The AEP-Online Foundations takes place over 15 weeks and covers the legal, social, and emotional aspects of adoption. Because the program is online, lessons are taught through a variety of media and assignments can be completed at your convenience.”
- Media
NCFA: “Talking to Adopted Children About Birth Parents and Families of Origin: How to Answer the ‘Hard Questions'”
Things adoptive parents should know relating to discussion about an adoptees birth family. The author argues adoptive parents must be open to discussing these things.
- Trainings
NCFA Intercountry Adoption Journey
“Held through the National Council for Adoption, this 10-hour course fulfills the training requirements of countries that are party to the Hague Adoption Convention and provides a solid foundation for all prospective parents pursuing intercountry adoption.”
- LGBTQ+
NCFA: “Resources for Being an LGBTQ-Friendly Agency”
Same-sex headed families are increasingly becoming a part of the adoption community, so this is a short resource list of resources for being an LGBTQ-friendly agency.
- Media
Creating a Family: “Helping Your Adopted Child Handle Adoption Microaggressions”
“Short article that identifies different variations of microaggressions that are particular to adoption. It also teaches strategies to instill confidence and coping strategies for children when handling microaggressions.”
- Adoptee Groups
Adoption Mosaic
“Adoption Mosaic’s vision is to build bridges with adoption communities for forward-thinking dialogue on adoption-related topics while offering support and education to those who are learning what it means to be a part of the adoption constellation.
The Adoption Mosaic mission is to connect, honor, and serve the adoption constellation through innovation in education, practices, and support services.”
- Trainings
National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) for Foster and Adoptive Parents
“””The National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) is a new curriculum that is based on research and input from experts, families who have experience with fostering or adopting children, and former foster and adoptive youth. It provides potential foster or adoptive parents with the information and tools needed to parent a child who has experienced trauma, separation, or loss. It is a state-of-the-art classroom and online program that helps to prepare prospective foster and adoptive parents to be successful parents. In addition, the NTDC gives parents access to information and resources needed to continue building skills once they have a child in their home.
While not yet available, “The curriculum will be free and readily accessible to all states, counties, territories, child welfare agencies, tribal nations and adoption service providers in 2022.”
- Media
The Honestly Adoption Company
“The Honestly Adoption Company is fiercely committed to helping parents gain insight into their child, change their parenting approach, and in turn, transform their family.
Their podcast helps adoptive parents with children of all ages to better understand adoptees; however it is primarily focused towards those with adoptees under 16.
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- Adoptee Groups
Spence-Chapin Mentorship Programs
Spence-Chapin’s Mentorship are Adoptee-led and run programs for teen and tween Adoptees which meet monthly as a group with adult Adoptee Mentors.
- Mental Health
Center for Adoption Support and Education: About TAC
An article explaining Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) which is commonly used by mental health practitioners.
- Mental Health
Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare: PACC
The PACC (Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate) was developed to increase the availability and competency of a professional workforce to serve clinical and practical needs for adopted individuals and their families.
