Diana DeMallie
International Social Service - USA Branch
443-451-1227
ddemallie@iss-usa.org
Co-hosted by the University of Maryland School of Social Work
International Social Service USA Branch Inc.'s 6th Annual Conference, The Ties That Bind: Exploring the Causes and Consequences of Children Separated From Their Families Across International Borders, will focus on the legal and human rights of children separated from their biological families across international borders. From long-standing methods including international adoption and international parental abduction, to emerging issues like international surrogacy and the movement of unaccompanied minors, the impact of denying children access to their biological families will be examined within the context of an increasingly global world. More importantly, the conference will concentrate on how legal, judicial and social service stakeholders can provide appropriate resources and share best practices to protect the safety, permanency and well-being of children.
Panels:
1. Taken: International Parental Abduction 10:15-11:30AM
Every day in America, approximately 6 children are abducted or retained by one of their parents in violation of the other parent’s and the child’s rights. The problem becomes compounded when the child is taken to a foreign country. Despite international treaties and domestic laws, many abducted or retained children are never returned to their left behind parent. The consequences for these children are devastating and lifelong. The panel will examine the emotional cost paid by abducted children and what more needs to be done to protect the child’s right to have access to both parents when it is in her best interest.
2. Broken Bonds: The Re-homing of Adopted Children 11:45AM - 1:00PM
Disrupted adoptions are not uncommon. The lack of post-adoption support for families is often at the center of these breakdowns in family bonds. However, adoptive parents are increasingly engaging in the practice of rehoming their adopted child without utilizing safeguards or best practices in placing children in alternative care. The impact on the child is enormous, and in some cases deadly. This panel will examine the practice of rehoming from the perspective of protecting the child’s best interest and what measures need to be taken to prevent the practice and defend the rights of children
3. Children Alone: Unaccompanied Immigrant Minors 2:00-3:15PM
Over the past five years, tens of thousands of unaccompanied children have fled their homes and moved to a foreign country because of violence, war, natural disasters, and poverty. There are more people living outside of their birth countries, and the number of vulnerable children traveling alone is also on the rise. This panel will examine the toll that these children must pay to come to America in search of their family, or simply a safer life. The dialogue about immigration reform and domestic policies surrounding undocumented immigrant children will refocus on what is in the child’s best interest, as well as what must be done to protect the child either here in the U.S., or upon their return to their home country.
4. Biology and Family: Regulating Reproductive Technologies and Protecting the Rights of the Children 3:30-4:45PM
Advances in reproductive technology, including sperm and egg donation, embryo adoption and surrogacy, have changed the landscape of who can have children quite dramatically. Infertile couples, gay and lesbian couples, and individuals without partners can now become parents without going through the process of adoption. While these technological advances have benefitted the prospective parent(s), less attention has been paid to the outcome of these medical advances: the child. This panel will examine broad questions surrounding the rights of the child in these cases. Experts will also examine what regulations need to be in place to promote ethical practice in reproductive technologies and will explore the larger social context within which the primacy of a biological definition of family exists.
For more details, visit our website. View the full conference agenda.
Continuing Education Units
To earn 6 Category 1 continuing education units, you must first purchase a ticket for our conference and then sign up here: Sign up to receive CEU credits through the Office of Continuing Professional Education
The University of Maryland School of Social Work’s Office of Continuing Professional Education is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education programs and maintains full responsibility for this program. This training qualifies for six Category I continuing education units.