Domestic Infant/International Waiting Parent Meetings (October)
2026-10-14 | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
This group is open to Barker approved prospective adoptive parents. Current topics related to domestic and international adoption are discussed.
To learn more or register, please contact Caitlin Alfaro – calfaro@barkerfoundation.org

PWNL/Older Child Discussion Group (Oct)
2026-10-14 19:00 - 20:15 (America/New_York)
This group is open to any parent that has adopted a child ages 5 and up, or who has been matched/placed through Project Wait No Longer (PWNL).
To learn more or register, please contact Michelle Valdivia – mvaldivia@barkerfoundation.org

Adult Adoptee Discussion Group (October 2026)
2026-10-21 19:30 - 21:00
This discussion group is open to adoptees 18 years of age and older. The purpose of the group is to give adoptees an opportunity to discuss their feelings, concerns, and questions about being adopted.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed Oct 21, 2026 – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: Victoria Alves, (301) 664-9664, valves@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

2026 Pre Adoption Training (NTDC) October
2026-10-24 09:00 - 15:00
The National Training and Development Curriculum (NTDC) is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program that prepares you for the lifelong journey of adoption. Required for all prospective Barker adoptive parents, the course covers core adoption concepts, trauma and loss, and strategies for supporting children from diverse backgrounds. Led by professionals and adoptive parents. Participants must be able to join all three sessions in their cohort.
October NTDC Sessions will run:

October 24
October 31
November 7

Time: 9 AM–3 PM ET
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Sat, Oct 24, 2026 9:00 AM ET
Organizer: Tenisha Lusane, (301) 664-9664, tlusane@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

General Adoption Information Meeting (November)
2026-11-07 09:00 - 11:00
Exploring adoption? This is the right place to start. Join us for a free, virtual General Adoption Information Meeting. Agency staff will describe each of our programs: – Domestic Infant Program – Older Child Adoption from Foster Care Program (Project Wait No Longer) – Domestic Dual Program – International Program – Post-Adoption Support and Services You will also hear from a family, who has completed the process speak about their experiences and answer questions.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Sat, Nov 7, 2026 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Register Now!

Sundays at Barker: Meet-Up for Parents with Young Children (Infant to 6) (November 2026)
2026-11-08 09:30 - 11:00 | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Sundays at Barker is a special monthly gathering for adoptive parents and their children (infants to age 6). It’s a chance to enjoy playful activities, build connections with other families, and feel supported by the Barker community. This free program is open to all adoptive families—no prior connection with Barker is needed. Please feel free to share this event with friends or family who may benefit from attending.
Location: The Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Rd, 1st floor, Bethesda, MD 20814
Date and time: Sun, Nov 8, 2026 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Organizer: Cynthia Cubbage, ccubbage@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

Parents of Adopted Young Adults Monthly Discussion Group (November 2026)
2026-11-10 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for an evening of discussion and support! This discussion group is targeted to the needs of parents of young adults who are beyond high school age 18+ and will focus on issues related to young adulthood. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Tue, Nov 10, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Organizer: Elana Lindner, elindner@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

Birth Parent Monthly Discussion Group (November 2026)
2026-11-12 19:00 - 20:30
This Group is open to anyone who has placed a child for adoption or is considering making an adoption plan. The purpose of the group is to provide a place where birth parents can talk about their experiences, and share their feelings and thoughts with others who have made the same decision. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Thu, Nov 12, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Organizer: Elana Lindner, (301) 664-9664, elindner@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

PWNL Waiting Parent Meeting (November)
2026-11-17 18:30 - 19:30
This group is open to Barker approved prospective adoptive parents. Topics related to older child adoption are discussed.
To learn more or register, please contact Caitlin Alfaro – calfaro@barkerfoundation.org

PWNL/Older Child Discussion Group (Nov)
2026-11-18 19:00 - 20:15

Adult Adoptee Discussion Group (November 2026)
2026-11-18 19:30 - 21:00
This discussion group is open to adoptees 18 years of age and older. The purpose of the group is to give adoptees an opportunity to discuss their feelings, concerns, and questions about being adopted.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed Nov 18, 2026 – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: Victoria Alves, (301) 664-9664, valves@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

International Adoption Information Meeting (November)
2026-11-18 20:00 - 21:00
During this informative session, our experienced adoption professionals will cover various topics, including: – The international adoption process. – Barker’s country programs. – The eligibility criteria. – The necessary paperwork involved. – Barker’s home study and post-placement services You will also get the chance to hear from a family who has successfully adopted a child internationally. Whether you’re just beginning your adoption journey or have already started the process, this meeting will provide you with valuable resources and support.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed, Nov 18, 2026 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: Kelli Olive, (301) 664-9664, kolive@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

Older Child Adoption from Foster Care Information Meeting (November)
2026-11-19 18:30 - 19:30
Attend Barker’s free information meeting and panel presentation lead by our older child adoption from foster care program team – Project Wait No Longer. Hear directly from those with lived experience and be inspired by the stories of perseverance that will be shared by individuals touched by adoption! If you want to learn more about how you can become a family for a waiting child, this session is for you.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Thu, Nov 19, 2026 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Organizer: Marilyn Rippetoe, mrippetoe@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

Domestic Infant/International Waiting Parent Meetings (December)
2026-12-02 | Barker Adoption Foundation, 7979 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States

Considerations in Transracial Adoption Training
2026-12-05 10:00 - 16:30
During this workshop, pre-adoptive parents considering transracial adoption or parents already parenting transracially will be provided with the necessary tools to begin thinking about the obligations they have, as parents, to their transracially adopted children.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Sat, Dec 5, 2026 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Organizer: Virginia Downes, (301) 664-9664, vdownes@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

General Adoption Information Meeting (December)
2026-12-07 18:30 - 20:30
Exploring adoption? This is the right place to start. Join us for a free, virtual General Adoption Information Meeting. Agency staff will describe each of our programs: – Domestic Infant Program – Older Child Adoption from Foster Care Program (Project Wait No Longer) – Domestic Dual Program – International Program – Post-Adoption Support and Services You will also hear from a family, who has completed the process speak about their experiences and answer questions.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Mon, Dec 7, 2026 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Register Now!

Parents of Adopted Young Adults Monthly Discussion Group (December 2026)
2026-12-08 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for an evening of discussion and support! This discussion group is targeted to the needs of parents of young adults who are beyond high school age 18+ and will focus on issues related to young adulthood. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Tue, Dec 8, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Organizer: Elana Lindner, elindner@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

PWNL/Older Child Discussion Group (Dec)
2026-12-09 19:00 - 20:15

Birth Parent Monthly Discussion Group (December 2026)
2026-12-10 19:00 - 20:30
This Group is open to anyone who has placed a child for adoption or is considering making an adoption plan. The purpose of the group is to provide a place where birth parents can talk about their experiences, and share their feelings and thoughts with others who have made the same decision. The group is facilitated by a Barker staff social worker.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Thu, Dec 10, 2026 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Organizer: Elana Lindner, (301) 664-9664, elindner@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!

Adult Adoptee Discussion Group (December 2026)
2026-12-16 19:30 - 21:00
This discussion group is open to adoptees 18 years of age and older. The purpose of the group is to give adoptees an opportunity to discuss their feelings, concerns, and questions about being adopted.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Wed Dec 16, 2026 – 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Organizer: Victoria Alves, (301) 664-9664, valves@barkerfoundation.org
Register Now!
