Strengthening Roots for Growing Families: Preparation for Adoption or PMC

This orientation supports families who are pursuing or have already finalized adoption or Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC).
About this Event

Through trauma-informed education, reflection, and practical strategies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of children’s experiences and learn ways to strengthen safety, connection, healing, and resilience within their families. Parents/Caregivers will be paid $150 stipend upon completion of orientation.

Childcare and boxed lunches will be provided for parents, caregivers, and children.

Learning objectives:

1. Build realistic expectations and greater confidence for the lifelong journey of adoption or permanent managing conservatorship.
2. Understand how children’s past experiences can influence their development, relationships, and behavior.
3. Learn therapeutic parenting strategies that promote felt safety, emotional regulation, connection, and resilience.

Meet Our Presenters:

Samantha Zuniga Thompson, LCSW-S, has more than 15 years of experience supporting children and families affected by trauma. Since 2019, she has worked at the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, leading program development, training, workforce support, and clinical supervision initiatives that strengthen child welfare systems. Samantha specializes in trauma-informed practices and equitable interventions that empower caregivers and help families thrive. She holds a Master of Science in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Texas State University. She has also completed Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics Training Certification through Phase II.

Erika Settles, LMSW, is a Permanency Training Coordinator with the Texas Institute for Child & Family Wellbeing, where she develops and facilitates learning opportunities for child welfare professionals, caregivers, and community partners. With more than 12 years of experience in child welfare, Erika brings a trauma-responsive approach that centers youth and family voice, self-determination, and cultural connections. She also provides clinical services as a therapist. Erika holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin. She is Dare to Lead™️ trained.