Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Becoming “Real”: Stories of Foster Families, Adoptive Mothering, and Childhood
Session Abstract or Summary
Being a foster child, being a foster parent, becoming an adoptive parent—these roles create family dynamics that offer challenging negotiations about “real” parent/child relationships. Using memoir and poetry as a springboard for discussion and dialogue with audience members, adult and teen participants will explore their personal experiences with family transitions, adoption and permanence, cultural and biological definitions of motherhood, professional perspectives, and other questions relevant to families in Appalachia.
Convener, Sandy Ballard, Appalachian State University.
Presentation #1 Title
Zero to 100: A Foster Family's Initiation
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Presentation #1 How does a foster mother say goodbye to a child she may never see again? What does it mean to a child to have a “first and second mom” and conflicting sets of values, cultures, and traditions? What are the limits of loyalty when it comes to shared parenting, safety, and secret-keeping? How does a custodial or adoptive family maintain an open relationship with birth family members?
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Susan Weinberg is a teacher, writer, and licensed foster parent in Watauga County, NC. She provides respite for cousins in residential foster care and is the guardian of Jacob H.
Presentation #2 Title
Mine & Yours
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
How does it feel to grow up with a “first mom” and a “second mom”? Writing about my life is helping me to know my Appalachian family and myself.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Jacob H., Presenter #2, is a middle-school student who has used memoir-writing to explore his own journey through foster care, shared parenting, and permanence. He would like to thank Mrs. Robin Smith and Mrs. Heather Martin of Parkway School for helping him with his memoir project.
Presentation #3 Title
Being Real
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
Is a “real” mother something one is or may become? How does a professor of social work draw boundaries between her training of future professionals and her “real” life at home? What is it like for a professional in the field to be assessed in a home study and become a member of the “adoption triad”?
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Pamela C. Twiss is an adoptive mother and a professor in the Department of Social Work at California University of Pennsylvania, where she also co-coordinates the Northern Appalachian Network .
Zero to 100: A Foster Family's Initiation
Presentation #1 How does a foster mother say goodbye to a child she may never see again? What does it mean to a child to have a “first and second mom” and conflicting sets of values, cultures, and traditions? What are the limits of loyalty when it comes to shared parenting, safety, and secret-keeping? How does a custodial or adoptive family maintain an open relationship with birth family members?
