Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Value of Counseling After Adoption


A recent NPR feature "Helping Foster Kids Even After Adoption" highlighted the importance of adoptive families receiving assistance even after their adoption is finalized.
"...the largest number of adoptions in the U.S. is through the foster care system. That means toddlers, young children, even teens. Yet many in the field say the system does little to help families cope with the special issues a number of these children will face, even years after adoption."

Our Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections program provides statewide counseling and referral services for adoptive families and families awaiting adoption finalization. Services include intake, assessment, and up to 20 treatment sessions for families who have concerns related to their adoption. There are no fees related to this service.

One adoptive parent shares his thoughts about APAC counseling services:
"The regular counseling my son and I have received from APAC counselor Debra Fredenburg has been priceless and extremely valuable. The possibility of discussing problems and the adoption experience with a trained professional and kind, sympathetic soul has been the most extraordinary thing. APAC is a central part of my support network, and I don't know what I would have done without it. In a state where services have been cut to the bare bone, APAC is a shining example of high accomplishment and has helped many vulnerable children."
Contact any of the members of our APAC counseling team for more information.

Huntsville Area
Patricia Corbitt, LGSW
256-539-5828
pcorbitt@childrensaid.org 

Birmingham Area
John M. Douglass, III, MA., LPC
205-943-5353
jdouglass@childrensaid.org 

Montgomery Area
Jill Sexton, M.Ed, ALC
334-409-9477
jsexton@childrensaid.org 

Mobile Area
Debra Fredenburg, LCSW
251-460-2727
dfredenburg@childrensaid.org


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Metro Birmingham: Support CAS By Eating Pizza

Enjoy lunch or dinner at Slice Pizza on Tuesday, August 21, and 10% of the proceeds will benefit Children's Aid! Please invite your friends and family to visit Slice on this special day.   

Bring this blog post or download the flyer here and present either for CAS to receive credit. You can dine in or carry out. As long as you show the flyer, we can benefit!

Please help CAS, one slice at a time.

Slice Stone Pizza & Brew
11am-10pm
725 29th Street South
Birmingham, AL  35223

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Adoptive Family Support Groups in Alabama


{image: Microsoft}

Our Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections program offers support groups that meet throughout the state, providing education and social interaction for adoptive families. The groups are led by a therapist, and topics for discussion are chosen based on the group’s interests and needs. Children's support groups dealing with adoption issues are also available in most areas, as well as childcare.

All groups have teen/children’s groups and childcare during group sessions unless otherwise indicated.

Autauga/Elmore County-4th Tuesday
6-7:30pm @ Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville

Baldwin County-3rd Thursday
6-7:30pm @ Eastern Shore Church of Christ, Daphne

Barbour County-3rd Monday
5:30-7pm @ First United Methodist Church, Eufaula

Calhoun County-2nd Thursday
6:30-8pm @ Greenbrier Church of Christ, Anniston

Dallas County-4th Monday
5:30-7pm @Dallas County Salvation Army, Selma

DeKalb County-4th Tuesday
6-7:30pm @ Fellowship Christian Center, Rainsville

Etowah County-3rd Monday
6-7:30pm @ Christ Central United Methodist

Geneva County-2nd Tuesday
6:30-8pm @ First United Methodist, Geneva (Adult group & childcare only)

Henry County-1st Tuesday
6-7:30pm @ Headland First Baptist, Headland

Houston County-4th Tuesday (On HOLD until July)
6:30-8pm @ Calvary Baptist, Dothan (Adult group & childcare only)

Jefferson County East-1st Thursday 
6-7:30pm @ Huffman United Methodist, Birmingham

Jefferson County Multi-Cultural-2nd Tuesday
6:30-8pm @ Bluff Park United Methodist Church, Birmingham

Jefferson County West-4th Thursday
6:30-8pm @ First United Methodist, Hueytown

Lauderdale County-1st Tuesday
6-7:30pm @ Cross Pointe COC (ED Bldg), Florence

Lee County-1st Thursday
6-7:30pm @ Parkway Baptist Church (Adult group & childcare only)

Madison County-2nd Monday
6-7:30pm @First United Methodist, Huntsville

Marion County-2nd Monday
6-7:30pm @ First United Methodist, Winfield

Mobile County-4th Friday
6-7:30pm @ Regency Church of Christ, Mobile

Montgomery County-3rd Thursday
6-7:30pm @ Frazer United Methodist Church, Montgomery

Morgan County-2nd Tuesday
6-7:30pm @ Calvary Assembly Church, Decatur

Shelby County-1st Tuesday
6:30-8pm @First United Methodist, Alabaster

If you have any questions about our adoptive family groups, please call 866-803-2722 or email cas@childrensaid.org
 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Keep Up With Children's Aid

We know you may not remember to come back to the CAS News & Notes blog every time something great is posted. So to make sure you don't miss a thing, consider connecting with us in some of these other ways!


 


Subscribe to the CAS News & Notes Blog By Email  (we promise - no spam!)
 

 

Monday, August 6, 2012

Camp Life 2012: Now Accepting Applications




September 22-24 and October 13-15
We will be hosting two weekend camps for up to 120 IL youth each. The camp in September will be for youth aged 14-15 years old. The camp in October will be for youth aged 16-21 years old.
Activities of the camp build self-confidence and independent living skills among youth. Campers will participate in closely supervised activities within their small group such as a ropes course, team building activities, talent show, boating, mini golf, field games, and others as a group. All camp activities will provide opportunities for campers to develop relationships with their group leaders and other group members in order to trust and understand each other.

 

Camp Life will be held at Camp ASCCA in Jackson's Gap (near Alexander City). The amenities at Camp ASCAA are outstanding and sure to enhance the fun and safe environment provided for each camper! You can learn more about Camp ASCCA by visiting www.campascca.org.


Our camp wouldn't be possible without our amazing staff! The qualities we look for include, boundless enthusiasm, putting others before self, sensitivity to camper needs, willingness to work, dedication and loyalty. Prior experience in a camp setting is not a requirement for working as part of our team, however it is a bonus! Working with children in professional settings, teaching skills, and certifications are also assets to your application.

Click Here To Learn More About Staffing Camp Life

If you have any questions about Camp Life, please contact Nikki Freeman, IL Coordinator, at nfreeman@childrensaid.org or 205-943-5356.  

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Free Webinar: Understanding Sexualized Behavior in Children


This free webinar discusses the dynamics that contribute to childhood sexualization, behaviors sexualized children may demonstrate, and the developmental implications for children exhibiting this behavior.


Wednesday, August 15
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT 

CEUs available for social workers, counselors, and foster parents.