Utah Foster Care Symposium

Paths to Connection; Embracing Resilience and Amplifying Adoptee Perspectives
5.5 CEU
Live

LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://utahfostercare.org/event/utah-foster-care-symposium-2024/

Paths to Connection; Embracing Resilience and Amplifying Adoptee Perspectives
Utah Foster Care Symposium 25 April 2024 Park City, Utah

8-8:30am
Registration and light breakfast buffet

9-9:10am
Welcome and Presentation of the Fostering Community Award

9:10-Noon (10-minute break at presenter’s discretion)
Handful of Hope—Powering Up Positive Emotions

Cinda Morgan, LCSW Originator of the Handful of Hope

Noon-1pm
Lunch buffet provided

1:10-4pm (10-minute break at 2:30pm)
Panel Discussion—Shifting the Focus to the Adoptee

Facilitators: Lanette and Shaun Nelson

Lanette Nelson is the producer and co-host of Open Adoption Project. Lanette has a Master of Public Administration degree from BYU and is currently working on a research project studying adoptee experiences with openness. Lanette grew up in Oregon, and enjoys hiking and reading.

Shaun Nelson is the editor and co-host of Open Adoption Project. Shaun has a Master of Public Administration degree from BYU and works in nonprofit administration. Shaun is from Colorado. He loves running and music, and conducts the Spanish Fork Chorale.

Lanette and Shaun created the top open adoption podcast, Open Adoption Project, in 2021. Open Adoption Project focuses on improving adoptee experiences by encouraging open communication between all members of the adoption constellation, nurturing ongoing open adoption relationships and promoting ethical adoption practices. Open Adoption Project is available on all major streaming platforms, and shares a broad spectrum of experiences and perspectives, particularly from adoptees. The show also features interviews with first parents, adoption scholars, and others in the adoption community. As adoptive parents of four children, all experiencing open adoptions, Lanette and Shaun seek to create an environment of adoptee-focused listening on the podcast. In addition to a library of over 100 podcast episodes, openadoptionproject.org also features educational content and ebooks for prospective adoptive parents.

Lanette and Shaun live in Utah Country. Their family enjoys very open adoption relationships with first parents, grandparents, siblings, and more. The Nelsons feel strongly that open adoption offers more love for their children, and are passionate about advocating for child-centered openness.