Dr. Bryan Post of the Post Institute

THURSDAY PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION FEATURING:
Dr. Bryan Post of the Post Institute
TOPIC: Adoption, Attachment and Healing: Understanding the
Breakthrough Approach That Restores Love to Hearts and Homes.
Thursday May 1,2014, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Best Western Plus Lansing Hotel
6820 S. Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48911
(517) 694-8123
www.mafak.co
Hotel Room Reservations must be made by
April 18, 2014 to get the MAFAK conference
rate. Be sure to mention the MAFAK
CONFERENCE!
ACT NOW!
Special Rate $87.50 for Single/Double Room
All attendees must complete & submit a registration form so
adequate seating is provided.
After this date, rooms will be subject to room availability and a
higher room rate.
Conference registration is $85 per person on or before April 18, 2014
Conference registration is $100 per person April 19—April 30, 2014
Only want to attend Kinship sessions? Come FREE!
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014
9:00 A.M.— 4:00 P.M. PRE—CONFERENCE ALL—DAY SESSION
Speaker:
Bryan Post
“Adoption, Attachment and Healing”
Adoption, Attachment and Healing: Understanding the Breakthrough Approach That Restores Love to Hearts and Homes.
Feeling stressed out and overwhelmed by the behaviors of your child? Not sure how to connect? Perhaps you are tired of
being rejected by your child. Whatever the struggle, this seminar presented by one of America’s preeminent
adoption and behavior experts will leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and excited about how to create healing for your
child. This seminar will be beneficial for all parents whether adopted, biological, foster or grand.
Bryan Post is one of America’s Foremost Adoption Experts and founder of the Post
Institute for Family-Centered Therapy. The Post Institute specializes in
leading edge education for adults, children and families who struggle with issues
related to early life trauma and the impact of trauma on the development of the mind
body system. A renowned clinician, lecturer, and author of several books, video, and
audio programs, Bryan has traveled throughout the world providing expert treatment
and consultation to a variety of groups. An internationally recognized specialist in the
treatment of emotional and behavioral disturbance, Bryan specializes in a love-based
treatment approach that focuses on developing a deeper understanding of fear and
how it rules our lives. He counters this by offering an enlightening perspective on the
all-encompassing power of love to bring us peace and healing. He holds three degrees
in the field of social work: a Bachelors of Social Work. The love-based, family-centered
principles and concepts offered by Bryan Post have been taught to more than 100,000
parents and professionals.
12:00 P.M.—1:00 P.M. LUNCH
4:00 P.M. SILENT AUCTION
7:00 P.M.—8:30 P.M. REGISTRATION PACKET PICK UP (Pre-registered attendees only)
Don’t forget to visit the
SILENT AUCTION
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014
7:30 A.M.— 5:00 P.M. REGISTRATION
9:00 A.M.—9:15 A.M. WELCOME OPENING SESSION
9:15 A.M.—11:30 A.M. KEYNOTE PRESENTATIOIN
Keynote Speaker:
Kim Siedel
“Become Your Foster/Adoptive Child’s EXPERT”
Become Your Foster/Adoptive Child’s EXPERT and Learn How SELF-COMPASSION Can Create Patience and Understanding Leading to a More Loving and Peaceful Home!
This presentation will empower adoptive/foster/kinship parents who are dealing with severe
behaviors with their children including such actions as; lying, gorging, defiance, stealing,
self-mutilation, sexual acting out, aggression, and/or transition issues. Children with these
trying behaviors are often diagnosed with severe mental health disorders such as Reactive
Attachment Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,
Bi- Polar Disorder, and Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Their actions can often lead to disrupted
adoptions and numerous foster placements. Attendees will learn about The Stress Model (B. Bryan
Post, 2009) and how our shared children could be best served by being viewed as children with
“attachment challenges” who are at times ruled by their worry and pain. Parents and caregiver’s
will also be supported and encouraged to be aware of their own needs and how to practice selfcompassion. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of self and how their attitudes
beliefs and own experience impacts their ability to support their children during times of transition, worry and dysregulation.

Current Foster Parents: The training will preserve and maintain foster children currently in placements and promote
adoptions by strengthening and supporting the foster parents in altering behaviors in the home while building their
relationship.

Newly Recruited Foster Parents: The techniques taught will educate foster parents that have completed PRIDE training in
how to successfully prepare to be caregivers to children placed in their home that are living with attachment and severe
behavior issues.
 Adoptive Placements: The training will prepare and educate adoptive parents about the attachment and behavior issues
that the children in foster care often face and aid in preventing disrupted adoptions by providing adoptive and pre-adoptive
parents with the tools to effectively parent children with attachment and severe behavioral issues.
 Relative Caregivers: The training will provide relatives of children in care, the techniques to create a secure and attached
relationship with the child(ren) that reaches beyond the genetically shared connection.
Specializing in attachment and bonding issues/extreme behaviors in children that have arisen from adoption/fostering/medical
conditions and/or additional traumas. Focus is on supporting parents in their own healing process as they learn to understand
and support their child in his/her experience. The ultimate outcome and focus is on building connections with peaceful and
loving parent/child relationships.
11:30 A.M.—12:00 P.M. BREAK/VISIT VENDORS/EXHIBITORS/SILENT AUCTION
12:00 P.M.—1:00 P.M. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
1:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M. CLOSING SESSION
Session Speaker:
Derek Clark
“The Spirit of a Child: From Rejection to Connection to Direction”
Inspiring motivational speaker, trainer and author, Mr. Derek Clark returns to
MAFAK this year! During his keynote, Mr. Clark will provide attendees with tools to
assist in connecting with vulnerable and grieving children/youth and help them
reach beyond perceived and self-imposed limitations. Attendees will leave with an
understanding of why it is imperative that parents believe in their children and
disable their label.
As a motivational speaker, Derek inspires youth and adults across this nation to
never give up and to not let the past limit their incredible future. He shares his
message of courage, hope and perseverance to help others find the strength to
Never Give Up. When Derek speaks, it is from his passionate soul. He brings along
his guitar to sing the journals of his life. He believes that music is one of the purest ways to touch and
communicate with the hearts of the audience. His listeners will be ignited with passion and have the
courage to take action and fight their fears. He will inspire and teach you to push yourself beyond your
perceived limits. He believes it all comes down to a choice and taking responsibility for the direction of
your life. He is proof that you don’t have to let adversity hold you down in life; you have a fascinating and
inspiring destiny awaiting you.
*************************************************
Do you have questions about juvenile and/or family law?
Be sure to sign up for the
Special Law Clinic by Appointment Only
Friday & Saturday
with Attorney Michael Gibbs!
**********************************************
Indicate your preference for Friday or Saturday on the online or hardcopy registration forms. You will receive a separate email
from the Conference Registrar with your confirmed meeting time with Atty Gibbs.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
Special Session for Kinship Caregivers
Lynn Nee and Jan Wagner
9:00 A.M.—10:30 A.M.
Kinship 101: I have to do what? Part II. With the agencies working on licensing new Kinship families there
are more questions and confusion than ever. Lynn and Jan will take you through those first steps needed to
become a kinship family in the state of Michigan whether you are in the process of becoming licensed,
considering becoming licensed or just want to know what to do once these children walk through your door.
Lynn Nee: Lynn Nee has been the Project Coordinator for the Michigan State University Kinship Care
Resource Center since 2010. She has over fifteen years experience working in and around the area of child
welfare, including work in foster care policy and program development. Additionally, she has experience at
both the state and federal level working with runaway and homeless youth agencies and has worked
programmatically with domestic violence and adolescent health centers. She received her MSW from
Michigan State University.
Jan Wagner: Jan Wagner was an informal Kinship Caregiver to her Grandson for 4 years until adopting in
2012. She is the facilitator/coordinator of local support group, and administrator for four online support
groups. She holds the position of Kinship Chair on the Michigan Association for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship
Families and also for the National Foster Parent Association's sub-committee under diversity. she co-chairs
the Michigan Kinship Coalition and is an active member of the state coordinated Foster, Adoptive, and
Kinship Collaborative Council. She is certified to train PRIDE/Kinship PRIDE and represents Kinship Caregivers
on training panels for state and private agency child welfare workers. She is an advocate, trainer, and
presenter of all things Kinship.
11:30 A.M.—12:00 P.M. BREAK/VISIT VENDORS/EXHIBITORS/SILENT AUCTION
Silent Auction will close at 12:00 noon.
Please stop by and pick up your items before the vendor/exhibit area closes at 4:00 P.M.
12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
1:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M. SPECIAL KINSHIP KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Keynote Speaker:
Cate Newbanks
Executive Director, National Kinship Alliance for Children
“Lessons Learned from the Trenches: Negotiating on Behalf of Children”
Cate Newbanks has spent her career negotiating public and private systems
on behalf of families and children. Her work includes inspecting and
negotiating improvements in the living conditions of state hospitals in
Illinois; lobbying legislators for passage of kinship care legislation to improve
the lives of families and children; and sitting side by side with families and
negotiating for the lives of children in and out of the foster care system. This
session will use stories from the trenches of her experiences to illuminate
strategies for families to use when fighting for the lives of the children they
love. Participants should come prepared to practice recommended
strategies and fully participate in the role-playing and other didactic
learning approaches.
Cate has served in public administration roles from Inspector General for
Illinois’ Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities to Deputy Secretary of Children and
Family Services in Florida in all of her 25+ years of experience in the public and private sector she has been
responsible for the development and implementation of new and advance training to increase the
credibility and expertise of the offices she managed. In addition, she has worked as the Director of
non-profit agencies for 10+ years and as such constantly offers training on a one-to-one basis as well as
webinars and group events.
Conference registration is $85 per person on or before April 18, 2014
Conference registration is $100 per person April 19—April 30, 2014
2014 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
2014 CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM
Type or print. One form per registrant (can be copied as needed).
Last Name
First Name
Street Address, City, County, State, Zip
Email Address
Agency Name
Check all that apply:
 Foster
 Adoptive
 Kinship
 Presenter
 Social Worker
 Other
**NOTE: Membership for MAFAK Parents is free; however, the conference registration fee must be paid in order for your
registration to be valid. You will receive two emails upon electronic submission of your form, one from MAFAK confirming
registration received, a second from PayPal confirming your payment. Registration payments will NOT be accepted at the
conference.
If mailing, registration must be postmarked by April 18, 2014.
The quickest way to register is online at www.mafak.co by April 18, 2014.
Please indicate if you will attend the May 1 session and identify the workshops you wish to attend:
May 1, 2014 - Thursday pre-conference session with Dr. Bryan Post: _______
May 2, 2014 - Friday Institute A (1-6) choose one:
May 3, 2014 - Saturday Workshop B (1-5) choose one:
Workshop C (1-5) choose one:
Saturday: General Session with Derek Clark: _______ OR Kinship Presentation with Cate Newbanks: _________
Only want to attend Kinship sessions? Come FREE!
Complete registration so adequate seating is provided.
Each registration includes workshops, materials (where
applicable) and one banquet meal ticket.
Do you have any dietary restrictions? Please explain: ___________________________________________
I want to sign up for a free consultation with Attorney Michael Gibbs: Fri
(Please check at the registration desk for your appointment time.)
__ Sat __
Hotel Room Reservations must be made by April 5, 2014, to get the MAFAK conference rate.
Special Rate $87.50 for Single/Double Room • Call Best Western Plus Lansing Hotel: 1-517-694-8123.
After this date, rooms will be subject to room availability and a higher room rate.
Reservations will be held with a deposit or major credit card.
Complete this form (keep a copy for your records) and send along
with your check or money order to:
MAFAK PARENTS • Conference Registrar • P.O. Box 971551 • Ypsilanti, MI 48197
You can also register online, which is the quickest way: www.mafak.co
MAFAK Parents 2014 Spring Training Conference Book
EXHIBIT TABLES/VENDOR REGISTRATION FORM
I would like a table to sell or display items at the MAFAK Parents Conference. I understand that the table
size will be approximately 4 x 6. Table set up will be Thursday, May 1, 2014 after 8:00 AM, and take down will
be Saturday, May 3, 2014, by 4:30 PM. The conference site will be at the Best Western Plus Lansing Hotel,
6820 S. Cedar Street, Lansing, MI. Sleeping room reservations will be my own responsibility. I understand that
I can attend the Saturday evening banquet by registering for the conference.
YOUR NAME
BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
PHONE (HOME)
PHONE (WORK)
FAX
E-MAIL ADDRESS
Exhibitor Fee:
Partners and Resources and Sale of Merchandise …..……..
$25.00
per table or donate a Silent Auction item (basket, etc.) worth $25.00, and
your fee will be waived.
Electricity …………………………………………………….….
$25.00
AD ORDER FORM
Yes, we want to be involved and support MAFAK Parents in a team effort required in service to all children.
Please print our name in support of the Michigan Association for Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Parents efforts.
NAME OF GROUP OR AGENCY
CONTACT PERSON
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
PHONE
FAX
ZIP
E-MAIL ADDRESS
AD SIZE REQUESTED:
Back Cover - $500
Inside Cover - $400
Center Page - $300
Full Page - $250
Half Page - $150
Quarter Page - $100
Eighth Page - $50
Sixteenth Page - $30
Note: Page size = 8 ½ by 11 inches. Other sizes are proportionate.
Child Welfare Agencies/Partners and foster, adoptive and kinship parent support groups adds are
free from the above price list for non-commercial ads. Any commercial ad will be charged full
price. Ads must be camera ready to avoid a 30% surcharge.
The deadline for the Ad Order Form is
April 6 , 2014.
MAIL FORM(S) AND CHECK(S) PAYABLE TO “MAFAK PARENTS” to:
MAFAK Conference Registrars, Exhibit/Vendor/Ad
P.O. Box 971551
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
MAFAK Parents 2014 Spring Training Conference Book
GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION
Location
All sessions will be held at the Best Western Plus Lansing Hotel (formerly the Causeway Bay) in
Lansing.
Banquet
If you have need of an alternative meal because of dietary needs, the hotel will have a second
choice available. Although we make every effort to advise banquet staff of special dietary requests
within our group, we ask that you let the server know that you would like the alternative meal and it
will be served to you. The banquet is included with registration.
Hotel Reservations
MAFAK will not be responsible for making any hotel reservations. If you require them, you need
to make your own hotel reservations (this includes presenters, board members and all attendees).
This will ensure that any special accommodations that you may need are addressed. The cutoff
date for the special rate for single/double rooms is April 18, 2014. Please ensure that your
reservations are made by that date, as the rate will increase to the hotel’s normal rates. We have
a limited number of rooms reserved, and once they are gone, the hotel no longer is obligated to
give the special conference rate. Note: Check-in is at 4:00 p.m. and Check-out is at 12:00 noon!
Parking is free.
Reimbursements
MAFAK is not responsible for, nor does MAFAK provide, any reimbursements for travel, lodging or
expenses. Check with your local licensing office for assistance with hotel and travel reimbursements.
Message Board/Lost and Found
Any hotel messages for attendees will be taken to the MAFAK registration desk. Items left in
workshop or event rooms will also be taken to the MAFAK registration desk. Please check there
first before checking with the hotel reception.
Exhibit Area
Exhibits will be open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday & Friday; Saturday from 8:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. There will be informational tables as well as items to purchase. Exhibit take down is by
Saturday, May 3, 2014, no later than 4:30 p.m.
Special Considerations
Because many of our attendees have allergies and/or asthma and may be sensitive to strong scents
or cigarettes, there is no smoking in the hotel. You may smoke outside. We appreciate your
consideration in this matter. We also ask that any cell phones or pagers be turned off or to a silent
mode when in workshops, sessions, or the banquet.
Child Care
Child care is not available for parents who choose to bring their children. We ask that all children
be supervised by an adult at all times. To ensure attention be focused on the training, we also ask
that children are not brought into workshops and general sessions. If a banquet ticket was
purchased for them, children may attend the banquet. We appreciate your consideration of
those who are attending the conference with you.
Silent Auction
Bidding on silent auction items will be open to any attendee to the conference. The silent auctioneer
will not be allowed to bid on silent auction items. Each registered conference attendee will receive
one raffle ticket at registration. Extra raffle tickets will be available for sale.
MAFAK Parents 2014 Spring Training Conference Book
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014
1:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M.
A1
Become Your Foster/Adoptive Child’s EXPERT, by Kim Seidel
A2
Responding to the Challenges that Foster Children Face in Schools , by Dr. John DeGarmo
A3
When Children Have Their First Drink BEFORE They Take Their First Breath by Barbara Wybrecht
A4
What The Child Sees & Feels by Jeanne Fowler
A5
Caring for Sexually Abused Kids by Karen Liverman
A6
Developing Greater Understanding of the Abandoned Heart by Lorijo Schepers
VENDORS/EXHIBITORS/SILENT AUCTION OPEN UNTIL 5:30 P.M.
BANQUET/AWARDS DINNER 6:00 P.M.
SILENT AUCTION ANNOUNCEMENTS/RAFFLE DURING BANQUET
FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT:
“WHO DUNNIT, TIL DEATH DO US PART”
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater
Help solve this murder mystery in this real life game of clue and the winning table will receive a prize!
Hosted by “Narrow Road Communications” from Oscoda, MI
Presenting the MAFAK Board of Characters
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
8:00 A.M.—3:00 P.M. REGISTRATION
9:00 A.M.—10:30 A.M.
B1
The Spirit of a Child: From Rejection to Connection to Direction by Derek Clark
B2
Cross Cultural Parenting Beyond Race by Pamela Ferguson & Kathy Yates
B3
Foster Care Review Board/Citizens Review & It’s Benefits to Foster Parents by Janette Bridges
B4
Food Fight by Karla Williams
B5
Haircare 101: Caring for African American and Biracial Children’s Haircare Needs by Eboni L. Talley
10:45 A.M.—12:15 P.M.
C1
HIStory of Four Sons and A Father, panel facilitated by Cole Williams.
C2
Raising Children with Attachment Issues by Rosemary Jackson
C3
Surviving Child Abuse: "Why does this child act this way"? by Jeanne Fowler
C4
Creative Discipline for Foster/Adoptive Families by Karla Williams
C5
What do you expect from you Foster Care Worker by Laurie Weber
12:15 P.M.—1:15 P.M. LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
INSTITUTE DESCRIPTIONS
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014
1:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M.
A1 Become Your Foster/Adoptive Child’s EXPERT
During this breakout session, Ms. Seidel will further discuss concepts introduced during her keynote
speech. This training is open to current and newly recruited foster parents, as well as adoptive and
kinship parents.
Kim Seidel, MA, LPC, NCC focuses on reconnecting families that have dealt with any level of trauma
related to adoption, parent separation, medical issues or any other dramatic change that can alter a
child’s feelings of security and protection. Her passion for helping other adopted children is equal to her
ability to support parents in creating a safe and loving home in which all of their children can thrive.
A2
Responding to the Challenges that Foster Children Face in Schools
During this presentation, foster parents will come to understand some of the anxieties that children in
foster care face when enrolled in school. Foster parents and caseworkers will be equipped with the
knowledge and strategies designed to help children while in school. These include how to recognize the
anxieties associated with foster care and school; help to ease these anxieties in the child; creating a
working relationship and partnership between teachers and school administrators; examining various
ways of establishing effective communication networks between parent, school, and caseworker;
helping with homework and future career paths; establishing a positive presence in the child’s life; and
steps on how to become a strong and effective advocate for the foster child. This session will be
presented in lecture and role play format.
Dr. John DeGarmo, Author, Trainer, Speaker, Foster Parent
A3
When Children Have Their First Drink BEFORE They Take Their First Breath
Every day in our country, over 10,000 babies are born: 1… will be born HIV positive. 4.. will be born
with Spina Bifida. 10…will be born with Down Syndrome. 120… will be born with Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder. Children who are prenatally exposed to alcohol have changes in the way their
brains develop and function. Therefore, teachers, parents and therapists need to make changes in their
expectations, teaching methods and parenting strategies. Signs and symptoms of Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome as well as Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder will be presented. Michigan
resources for diagnosis and intervention will be included as well as contact person for the FASD parent
support groups throughout Michigan.
Barbara Wybrecht, RN, BSN, is a national and international trainer, FASD clinical nurse specialist and
adoptive parent of the first infant diagnosed with FAS in the United States, with over thirty years of
experience in this field. She recently retired from Spectrum Health where she coordinated the Prenatal
Alcohol Exposure Clinic which is part of the hospital’s Department of Genetics.
INSTITUTE DESCRIPTIONS, CONT.
FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2014
1:00 P.M.—4:00 P.M.
A4
What The Child Sees & Feels
This session will take attendees on a journey of abuse from the child’s side and will also let them know
what a child loses with each loss and why they have behavioral problems.
Jeanne Fowler, Founder of Big Families of Michigan, Child Advocate, Public Speaker, Author and
Abused Child.
A5
Caring for Sexually Abused Kids
This workshop will address the special needs of children who have been sexually abused.
Karen Liverman, Foster & Adoptive Parent, PRIDE Trainer, MAFAK Board Member.
A6
Developing Greater Understanding of the Abandoned Heart
This session will focus on Attachment Disorder, Abandonment, and Anger issues that often come with
adoptive and foster youth. Additionally the clinical side of RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) as well
as many practical issues / tools to help will be discussed.
Lorijo Schepers, Co-founder and current Executive Director of Barnabas Ministries, which reaches out
to high-risk youth and families in W. Michigan. Author of “Never Abandoned”, her personal story of
growing up within the foster and adoptive system. Mother to four children, Ms. Schepers specializes in
adoptive teens and the issues that are unique to them.
Stay in touch with MAFAK on social media!
MAFAK Tweets! Our Twitter handle is @mafaktweets
Like us on Facebook—Michigan Association for Foster Adoptive and Kinship Parents!
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
9:00 A.M.—10:30 A.M.
B1
The Spirit of a Child: From Rejection to Connection to Direction
Attendees will gain further understanding and knowledge about childhood responses to traumatic
experiences and how they are typically diagnosed, how to ask questions that build trust and shape
futures, and to offer justice, power and dignity as a response to labeling, and quick diagnosis.
Derek Clark, Motivational Speaker, Trainer, and Rapping Dad who was featured on the Steve Harvey
Show, has lived through the foster care system. He is the author of six books, and a featured expert
on CNN/Headline News. He continues to work with professionals to offer training and insight into
connecting with troubled youth and children under government care.
B2
Cross Cultural Parenting Beyond Race
Every parenting relationship, including foster and adoptive, is a cross cultural relationship, whether the
child is of a different "race" or not! In fact, every relationship in life is cross cultural because culture
encompasses everything. Parenting cross culturally presents unique challenges, however, cross cultural
placements can and do work when those involved understand the needs of others. In cross cultural
parenting, parents must cope with discrimination and support their child in developing a positive
identity. This workshop will explore the concepts of race, culture and other related terms and assist
participants in identifying their strengths as they relate to cultural sensitivity and humility and provide
them with the special skills and insight to parent with success cross culturally.
Pamela Ferguson, LSW, 26 years of Child Welfare experience, 5 years teaching and currently an
Independent Contractor for MSU School of Social Work.
Kathy Yates, LSW, 30 years experience in adoption, adoptive parent, and currently an Independent
Contractor for MSU School of Social Work
B3
Foster Care Review Board/Citizens Review & It’s Benefits to Foster Parents
This workshop will introduce participants to the Foster Care Review Board Program and process, the
statutory basis for citizen review and the role of the review board in providing citizen oversight of the
foster care review system. The presentation will address the benefits of the review to foster parents,
the right of the foster parent to request a review and to participate in review of the foster children’s
cases. Special attention will be given to the foster parents appeal statute and process, helping foster
parents to understand their right to appeal the move of children from their home, how to request an
appeal and most importantly, how to prepare for an appeal.
Janette Bridges, Foster Care Review Board Program
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS, CONT.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
B4
Food Fight
Hoarding and food related disorders are very common in children who have not had their basic needs
met early in life. As foster/adoptive parents, we need to approach this situation delicately in order to
help our child thrive in this area. Learn what works and what does not work when caring for children
driven by hard wired fear.
Karla M Williams, President, Family by Design-All Things Adoption, is the adoptive mother of six. She
also is a very active children’s advocate, international speaker, contributing writer and blogger.
B5
Haircare 101: Caring for African American and Biracial Children’s Haircare Needs
Questions about caring for your African American or biracial child’s hair? Come learn about basic hair
care techniques – shampooing, conditioning and hair styling; differences between naturally textured
and chemically treated hairstyles; appropriate hair tools and accessories; how and when to see professional help.
Eboni L. Talley, BSW, Owner, Tri-3-Angels Salon.
Special thanks to the
2014 MAFAK CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference Chair: Ruth Kenaga
Conference Registrars: Paul & Teneisha Podczervinski
General Sessions Programs: Ruth Kenaga, MAFAK Board
Donations Coordinating/Silent Auction: Teneisha Podczervinski
Banquet Decorations: Jan Day & Jan Wagner
MAFAK Sales Table: MAFAK Board Members
Exhibitors/Vendors: Ruth Kenaga & Teneisha Podczervinski
Conference Evaluations: TBD
On-Site Liaison: Paul Podczervinski
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
10:45 A.M.—12:15 P.M.
C1
HIStory of Four Sons and A Father
This workshop is an overview of the issues, challenges, and opportunities associated with being a parent,
foster parent, and an adoptive parent to adolescent males who come from abuse and neglectful conditions.
Presented from the viewpoint of four sons and their father, it tells their story of growing up in a system
filled with state appointed workers, lawyers, agencies, Mental Health Hospitals, Foster Care Homes, and the
Trauma experienced throughout their journey. Their story is delicately woven into an evolution of life lessons, hardships, and rewards and of finding unconditional love and acceptance in a place we call home.
Cole Williams is the creator of The Evolution of a Son to a Father; a series of workshops and
conversations that explores his journey from growing up fatherless, becoming a single teenage father, reuniting with his biological father, to fostering and adopting fatherless boys.
C2
Raising Children with Attachment Issues
This workshop will look at the role that attachment plays in child development and will examine what secure and insecure attachments look like at every stage of a child’s life. Participants will explore the types
of behaviors that children who have experienced early trauma and loss are likely to exhibit. Tips to facilitate attachment in children and techniques to parent children with insecure attachments will be the focus
of the workshop.
Rosemary Jackson, LMSW Child Welfare Specialist, Michigan State University, School of Social Work
C3
Surviving Child Abuse: "Why does this child act this way"?
I will take my audience on a journey of child abuse from the side of the child: What does the child lose and
what does loss do to the child? There is a “why” to every “what” a child does.
Jeanne Fowler, Founder of Big Families of Michigan, Child Advocate, Public Speaker, Author & Abused Child.
C4
Creative Discipline for Foster/Adoptive Families
Children who have experienced trauma may operate in fear. Traditional ways of discipline for an
abused and neglected child become counter productive. Learn creative discipline techniques that show
compassion and teach children proper behavior. This session is focused on Grace Based Parenting.
Karla M Williams, President, Family by Design-All Things Adoption, is the adoptive mother of six. She
also is a very active children’s advocate, international speaker, contributing writer and blogger.
C5
What do you expect from your Foster Care Worker ?
You take a child into your home, and then what? The case worker, child, and court have expectations,
but what are your expectations? Examine what a foster parent should ask for and expect from
stakeholders assigned to the child in their home.
Laurie Weber, MS, Psychology and Counseling.
MAFAK BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014
Executive Board
President
Ruth Kenaga
rukenaga@yahoo.com
Vice President
Karen Liverman
bliverman@att.net
Secretary
Teneisha Podczervinski
tns_76@hotmail.com
Treasurer
Paul Podczervinski
paulpski@hotmail.com
Zone Directors
Committee Chairs
You are encouraged to contact any
Zone Director regarding questions or
concerns you may have. Also, please
keep us informed about any events or
support groups in your area.
Public Relations Chair
Beth Stuever
beth@stuever.us
Legislative Chair
OPEN
Zone 1 (U.P.)
Linda Sanchez
Keweenaw, Houghton, Ontonagon,
Gogebic, Baraga, Iron, Marquette,
Dickinson, Menominee
Zone 2 (U.P.)
OPEN
Alger, Delta, Schoolcraft, Luce,
Mackinac, Chippewa
Zone 3
OPEN
Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle,
Charlevoix, Montmorency, Alpena,
Otsego, Antrim, Leelanau, Benzie,
Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Alcona,
Oscoda, Crawford
Zone 4
OPEN
Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee,
Mason, Montcalm, Osceola, Oceana,
Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Lake
Zone 5
Janice Day
jano131@hotmail.com
Roscommon, Ogemaw, Iosco, Bay,
Clare, Gladwin, Arenac, Isabella,
Midland, Gratiot, Saginaw
Kinship Chair
Jan Wagner
wagnerjan@live.com
Zone 6
Susan Adams
susanadams@ymail.com
Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Allegan, Barry,
Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun,
Cass, Berrien, St. Joseph, Branch
Zone 7
Janice Hilleary
bjhilleary@comcast.net
Clinton, Shiawassee, Eaton,
Ingham, Livingston, Jackson,
Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Lenawee,
Monroe
Zone 8
OPEN
Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac,
Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair
Zone 9
Paulette Duggins
dugginsp@att.net
Oakland
Zone 10
OPEN
Macomb
Zone 11
OPEN
Wayne County
(Detroit Suburbs)
Zone 12
Michele Adams
Mcalloway@DWCHA.org
Wayne County
(Detroit North)
Zone 13
OPEN
Wayne County
(Detroit South)
Conference Chair
Ruth Kenaga
rukenaga@yahoo.com
Member Services Chair
OPEN
Finance Chair
OPEN
Webmaster
Paul Podczervinski
www.mafak.co
Foster Care Review Board
Liaison, DHS Policy
Ruth Kenaga
rukenaga@yahoo.com