Strengthening Roots for Growing Families: Preparation for Adoption or PMC (Online Event)
October 8 – 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm CDT
This orientation supports families who are pursuing or have already finalized adoption or Permanent Managing Conservatorship (PMC).
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.
This orientation is a two-part series. Participants must attend both sessions to complete the orientation.
Learning objectives:
- Build realistic expectations and greater confidence for the lifelong journey of adoption or permanent managing conservatorship.
- Understand how children’s past experiences can influence their development, relationships, and behavior.
- Learn therapeutic parenting strategies that promote felt safety, emotional regulation, connection, and resilience.
Series Dates and Times:
- Part 1: October 8, 2026, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
- Part 2: October 15, 2026, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Meet Our Presenters:
Samantha B. MacCallon, LPC-S, serves as TXICFW’s Curriculum and Training Specialist. Samantha has 16 years of experience working directly with children, families, and communities in child welfare, school mental health, and private practice settings. She has experience providing therapy services to children and adults who have experienced trauma, facilitating protective parenting groups, and training on developmental trauma. Most recently, Samantha worked in a private practice setting with an emphasis on serving the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. Samantha received a Master’s of Arts in Professional Guidance and Counseling from Texas State University, as well as a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from Southwestern University.
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.