Have you ever wondered how to help the traumatized child staring at you from across the room?

If you are a foster family, you understand the frustration and stress that go with trying to make a difference in the life of a child in foster care.

As an adoptive parent, I look forward to gaining the valuable insight the 2nd Annual UFCF Symposium: Trauma & Attachment/2011: A Closer Look can provide. As someone who has struggled with the challenges of how to help the adopted children in my home, I can’t wait for the Symposium to start.

One of the most exciting topics presented this year will be: Decreasing Stress when Parenting Children with Attachment & Trauma Issues. This topic will be presented by Susan Egbert, PhD. Susan is a professor of Social Work at Utah State University. I first met Susan in 2001 while attending the University of Utah for my Master’s Degree. I have also attended past presentations she has given regarding adoption-related issues.

Susan has many years of experience working with foster parents, adoptive parents, and conducting research in the area of child welfare. Susan has also presented at several conferences including The University of Utah College of Social Work Summer Institute, the Utah Adoption Council Conference, and the Utah Counseling Association Conference. She has presented on topics including “Clinical Issues for Children and Youth in Foster and Adoptive Families,” “Adoption through the Lifespan,” “What Foster and Adoptive Families want from Mental Health Services.

I look forward to seeing you there. Make sure you register now, so you don’t miss out on this wonderful chance to spend a couple days at the scenic Zermatt Resort, enjoying the opportunity to learn from experts in the field.

Cliff Farnsworth
Adoptive Parent & Southwest Region Trainer,
Utah Foster Care Foundation