The event on intercountry adoption in 2024
INEA Congres
The very first (international) INEA Congress will take place in March 2024. The theme of this three-day meeting is: Intercountry adoption: creating a multi-perspective narrative.
During this conference, we will discuss relinquishment and adoption with researchers, a wide range of professionals and students, and share (new) research and insights.
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INEA Congres
20, 21 & 22 March 2024
De Rijtuigenloods | Piet Mondriaanplein 61, Amersfoort
30+
More than 30 professional speakers are ready to share their knowledge with you.
About the conference
Welcome to the largest conference on intercountry adoption
The INEA Congress will last for three days. Each day will focus on a different sub-theme, so the programme will also appeal to different target groups. We are currently putting together an interesting programme so that each day will have its own content. Expect international speakers, researchers and professionals. But also: workshops, panel discussions and in-depth master classes.
The INEA Congress targets different audiences.
The first day will be dedicated to science. Researchers, students and other professionals focusing on science will be asked to share their insights on this day. Because of the international speakers and the different language backgrounds of the potential audience, the language of communication this day will be English.
On the second day, there will be a focus on practice and the psychosocial field in addition to science. Professionals within the (regular) care field, in addition to the previously mentioned target group, will be able to increase their knowledge. Because of the international speakers and the different language backgrounds of the potential audience, the language of communication this day will be English.
The third day focuses on professionals involved in psychosocial care, both in mainstream mental health (GGZ) and alternative approaches. The conference is therefore intended for psychologists, youth protection workers, POH GGZ, remedial educationalists and therapists, but also for coaches, systemic workers and holistic therapists, among others. Dutch will be the working language on this day.
During this three-day, international conference, we aim to reflect different themes and focal points each day.
Wednesday 20 March: Transformative Justice
Thursday 21 March: Reculturation and searching for origins
Friday 22 March: Adoptive care; trauma and attachment
We want to give attention to all perspectives on intercountry adoption. Through this conference, we make these different perspectives visible and discuss the latest insights from science and practice. This way, we share our knowledge on distance and adoption together.
With the upcoming INEA congress, we contribute to raise more awareness in society, as in schools and healthcare, about the background and impact of distance and adoption. This congress contributes to increasing and renewing knowledge about treatment options by giving professional associations and healthcare providers a stage
Wednesday’s schedule
The adoption system revised
The first day of the INEA Congress 2024 is dedicated to scientific research on the topic of distance and adoption. The day will begin with a plenary presentation on the theme ‘Transformative Justice’. Within this theme, it will look at the different ways in which adoptees and others from the target group can gain recognition and redress for previously done injustice. It will zoom in on the different perceptions of and perspectives on adoption, viewed from the individual as a system. A subsequent panel discussion, consisting of adoptees, a lawyer and academic researchers, will delve deeper into prior theme. Workshops will also be offered by several researchers, in which they will present their own scientific research. The day will conclude with an art performance by an adoptee.
10:30 – 10:40
1
Central opening
We welcome you to the first day of the INEA Congress. Today we turn to science.
11:25 – 12:15
3
Panel discussion: Transformative Justice and identity
Moderated by chairman of the day Erben Oosting, with panelists: Mark de Hek, Sophie Withaeckx, Nicole Immler, Patrick Noordoven, Sam van den Haak and Elvira Loibl.
12:20- 13:05
4
Lunch
We offer several options for lunch.
13:05 – 16:05
5
Workshops
Attend several knowledge sessions spread over several rounds.
17:00 – 18:00
7
Drinks and snacks
After a plenary wrap-up, there will be room to talk with each other afterwards.
All workshops on this day
Keynote: Transformative Justice: Receiving States’ Obligations in the Aftermath of Illegal Intercountry Adoptions as Enforced Disappearances
10:40
11:25
|
Keynote presentatie
|
English
Elvira Loibl
In September 2022, the UN highlighted that illegal intercountry adoptions might breach child abduction and trafficking prohibitions, and in specific cases, could violate enforced disappearance prohibitions. Elvira Loibl’s presentation delves into when illegal intercountry adoptions align with enforced disappearance criteria, exploring its implications on victims’ rights under the 2010 International Convention.
Paneldiscussion: Transformative Justice
11:25
12:15
|
Panelgesprek
|
English
Amanda Baden, Elvira Loibl, Mark de Hek, Nicole Immler, Sophie Withaeckx, Patrick Noordoven, Sam van den Haak & Erben Oosting
This panel discusses the topic of transformative justice in relation to the practice of intercountry adoption. Within the concept of transformative justice, all different perspectives are considered to obtain recognition and restoration for past injustices. In our case, we apply this to the injustices within the adoption system. Our panellists will operate from both individual … Lees verder
Exceptional Childhood. Legitimising Transnational Adoption in Postcolonial Belgium (1945-2000)
13:05
13:50
|
Panelgesprek
|
English
Chiara Candaele
This presentation will highlight the findings of my dissertation, which studies how transnational adoptions have been legitimised in Belgium since the end of the Second World War (1945-2000).
The Flemish expertpanel on inter-country adoptions: recommendations and follow-up
13:05
13:50
|
Workshop
|
English
Veronique Van Asch
Following a decision by the Flemish Government on 19 July 2019, an independent panel of experts on intercountry adoptions was set up . The final report was filed in 2021. The recommendations were made on the basis of extensive research and aim to give intercountry adoptions the best possible chance of running correctly in the future.
Roots of Resilience: Unearthing the Experience of Racialization and the Development of Racial literacy among Transnational Adoptees of Colour in the Netherlands
13:05
13:25
|
Workshop
|
English
Lorelie Tummers
In the past six decades approximately 40.000 children entered the Netherlands as transnational adoptees. In most cases, these are children of colour who are adopted into white families. This project investigates the experiences of adoptees of colour in the Netherlands, asking: how does this group experience race and racism in a supposedly colourblind society?
Adult Children of Korean Adoptees: Understanding the Intergenerational Impact of Adoption
13:30
13:50
|
Workshop
|
English
Bastiaan Seo Vin Flikweert
We will explore the following questions: How were adult children of Korean adoptees socialised in regards to their ethnic and racial identity? How have adult children of Korean adoptees internalised their parent’s narrative around adoption? How did their parent’s adoption from South Korea impact their own upbringing and identity?
Mothers and Moral Injury
14:00
14:45
|
Workshop
|
English
Pien Bos, Will van Sebille
Mothers are blamed for ascribed deviant sexual behaviors and fail to live up to standards of good motherhood. Mothers internalize such ambiguous and contradictory dominant values and norms. Subsequently they suffer from negative thoughts and feelings about their status. We present an analysis of consequences of the mothers’ supposed failure by unravelling their circumstances through the theoretical lens of ‘Moral Injury’.
The irony of the right to know: a right that we do not know?
14:00
14:45
|
Workshop
|
English
Vivian Jessica Salles Vieira Pinto
This paper endeavors to enrich family scholarship by addressing the central question: what role does the lack of a definition for the right to know play in the access to origin information by adoptees, and how can legal interpretation techniques contribute to the development of more effective and consistent legal mechanism in ensuring adoptees’ rights to know?
Family Belonging: Examining the Responses from Adoptees about their Well-Being
15:15
15:35
|
Workshop
|
English
Nancy Rolock
The aim of this study is to explore the sense of family and belonging among young adults and their adoptive parents. Young adults (average age 24 years) and their adoptive parents, responded to questions about their adoption experience. Comparing results across responder, and by those who experienced PAI and those who did not, provide insights into adoptive family well-being
Adoption specific therapeutic services: advocating the need for neuro-informed work with intercountry adoptees
15:15
16:00
|
Workshop
|
English
Anneke Vinke
Adoption specific therapeutic services are called for worldwide. Really making a difference in providing adoption specific care needs not be too difficult. Studies in affective neurobiology, trauma and attachment research next to adoption studies and lived experiences have given practitioners many tools to provide interventions that bring a sustainable therapeutical practice for both adoption aware assessment as well as adoption aware treatment. I argue the need to apply a neuro-sequential assessment (Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics – NMT/ dr.BD Perry) and plan interventions accordingly.
An overview of the different attachment theories from the point of view of an experience expert and a psychiatrist
15:15
15:35
|
Workshop
|
English
Jyoti Weststrate, Regina Schipper
Attachment issues and bottomless syndrome are terms often used to describe the emotional and psychological challenges that some adopted children may face. Attachment problems can arise as a result of early separation from the biological parent, disruptions in care during early childhood, or multiple changes in caregivers. This can lead to difficulties in establishing healthy relationships and building trust with others.
Thursday’s schedule
Roots and connecting with yourself
The second day of the INEA Congress 2024 will focus on the connection between science and practices. The day will begin with a plenary presentation on the theme ‘Reculturation & Searching for Origins’. It focuses on the different ways in which adoptees reclaim elements of their birth culture and try to reconnect with the place they come from. The search process for one’s roots is linked to identity (development), along with the possible challenges and obstacles for adoptees and their environment. Following this, there will be a panel discussion with adoptees, professionals and researchers in which this theme will be further explored from the point of view of experience and professional experience. There will also be a variety of workshops provided by researchers and social workers (in Dutch and English).
10:30 – 10:40
1
Central opening
We welcome you the second day of the INEA Congress. Today we focus on science and practical experiences.
11:25 – 12:15
3
Panel discussion: Searching for origins/reculturation
Hosted by chairman of the day Erben Oosting, with panelists: Amanda Baden, Janice Reul, Lucho Huisman, Patrick Noordoven and Lynelle Long.
12:20 – 13:05
4
Lunch
We offer several options for lunch.
13:05 – 16:00
5
Workshops
Attend several knowledge sessions spread over several rounds.
16:15 – 17:00
6
Closing
After 2 days of congress, we will discuss the various themes that have been addressed with Patrick Noordoven, legal expert and expert by experience. We will talk about his litigation experience against the State, but also about the right to identity and access to origins for adoptees
17:00 – 18:0
7
Drinks and snacks
After a plenary wrap-up, there will be room to talk with each other afterwards.
All workshops on this day
Keynote: Reclaiming Birth Origins for Transnational Adoptees: Reculturation, Identity, and Birth Search
10:45
11:25
|
Keynote presentatie
|
English
Amanda Baden
Internationally and often across different races, adoptees undergo significant cultural and familial changes during adoption. This presentation explores how adoptees, especially in adulthood, grapple with identity, considering factors such as race, adoption, and culture, and addresses coping mechanisms for the associated stigma.
Panel discussion: Searching for origins/reculturation
11:25
12:15
|
Panelgesprek
|
English
Amanda Baden, Hari Prasad Sacré, Janice Reul, Lynelle Long, Patrick Noordoven, Lucho Huisman & Erben Oosting
For this panel discussion, we will explore the various ways in which intercountry adoptees reclaim their roots and birth culture, examining the effects on identity and the challenges that may arise in the process. The different panel members, Amanda Baden, Lucho Huisman, Hari Prasad Sacré, Lynelle Long and Janice Reul will engage this topic from … Lees verder
Navigating the Intersectionality of Race, Culture, and Adoption: Lessons on Microaggressions and Adoption Sensitivity
13:05
14:45
|
Workshop
|
English
Amanda Baden
This workshop will introduce attendees to a framework for conceptualizing the oppression experienced by birth/first parents, adoptive/foster parents, and adoptees/foster youth, as well as learning tools to support a positive self-concept in the face of societal myths about their stories.
Changing the narrative on adoption; de dynamieken van afstand en adoptie
13:05
14:45
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Bina de Boer
Bina nodigt jullie uit om als professional je verder te verdiepen in de complexiteit van afstand en adoptie en de invloed hiervan op het individu, gezinnen en hun relaties. En laat jullie de noodzaak ervaren van adoptie sensitieve hulpverlening.
Challenges for Transformative Justice: The Orphan Industrial Complex
13:05
13:50
|
Workshop
|
English
Kristen Cheney
This workshops explore the concept of the Orphan Industrial Complex, the global commodification of orphanhood, and adoption. The session discusses the challenges for achieving transformative justice. Additionally, ways to promote change in social systems upholding the most oppressive elements of the Orphan Industrial Complex will be considered.
From womb to world, the journey that shapes our life
13:05
13:50
|
Workshop
|
English
Anna Verwaal
The period from conception through birth form imprints that affect an individual’s mental health and relationships throughout life. Anna will discuss how our earliest experiences shape our belief-system, emphasising the importance of recognising and integrating these imprints for overall well-being.
Transformative Justice: a way to recognition and recovery
14:00
14:45
|
Workshop
|
English
Niké Wentholt
Introducing the concept of Transformative Justice – a new approach in the field of Transitional Justice – we like to discuss in which way it might allow to examine and discuss question of recognition and repair around adoption in a more bottom-up and systemic ways.
Adoption-Sensitive Treatment: Insights from Practical Experience
14:00
14:45
|
Workshop
|
English
Jan de Vries
In this session, we will discuss real-world scenarios and unpack the concept of “adoption.” Various methods will be presented, aiming to inform healthcare providers and interested parties about opportunities and approaches for Adoption-Sensitive Treatment.
Levensfase preventieplan afstand en adoptie; bewustwording en preventie
14:00
14:45
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Kristy Wehrung
INEA ontwikkelt een laagdrempelig preventieplan voor alle betrokkenen bij adoptie, gebaseerd op expertise en geleefde ervaringen, met als doel ondersteuning en begeleiding te bieden. Tijdens de workshop wordt dit plan besproken, waarbij deelnemers de kans krijgen om bij te dragen aan verdere ontwikkeling en uitwisseling van informatie.
Victims of Illegal Intercountry Adoptions Speak Out
15:15
16:00
|
Workshop
|
English
Lynelle Long
This presentation will include videos of the biological parents voices which I organised to be included at the UNs 1st Year anniversary event and having some discussion about the importance of including, seeking, and welcoming their voices and experiences at the tables of policy, practice and legislation; and the changes needed to support biological family inclusion in the future.
Implications for Adoptees: The Orphan Industrial Complex
15:15
16:00
|
Workshop
|
English
Kristen Cheney
In this workshop, we will focus on the ways in which the OIC impacts adoptees—particularly in terms of identity building, origins searching, and reculturation. Finally, we will consider ways to work toward change in social systems that uphold the most oppressive elements of the OIC.
The Committee Investigating Intercountry Adoption (CIIA): Overview of its findings and critical discussion of current government policies in the Netherlands
15:15
16:00
|
Workshop
|
English
Yannick Balk, Georg Frerks
In this presentation we give an overview of the main findings of the CIIA (Joustra committee) and scrutinize the subsequent policy response by the Dutch government.
Scientific community building: joining INEA’s networking platform
15:15
16:00
|
Workshop
|
English
Pascal Nieskens
In this session I will provide insights on this specific networking platform and through conversation collect feedback and ideas on how we can make this an efficient international platform. This session wil also function as a first networking space for future collaboration.
Closing
16:15
17:00
|
Closing
|
English
Patrick Noordoven & Erben Oosting
After 2 days of congress, we will discuss the various themes that have been addressed with Patrick Noordoven, legal expert and expert by experience. We will talk about his litigation experience against the State, but also about the right to identity and access to origins for adoptees.
Friday’s schedule
Together, we strengthen adoption-sensitive care!
Adoption can have profound impacts on mental health throughout the life course of adoptees. More often than non-adoptees, they use mental health care, where standard (mental health) help is not always sufficient. Specific help aimed at adoptees is not only desirable, but also necessary. This conference provides an essential platform for exchanging insights on distance and adoption between mainstream mental health practitioners and those focusing on alternative approaches. The aim is to create an inclusive space to learn about adoption sensitivity, share insights and jointly contribute to the optimisation of adoption-sensitive counselling.
10:00 – 10:10
1
Central opening
We welcome you the third and final day of the INEA Congress. Today, we focus on experiences from the (healthcare) field.
11:10 – 12:00
3
Panel discussion: Reflection and implication from theory to practice
Hosted by chairman of the day Erben Oosting, with panelists: Margriet Wentink, Indra Hagelstein, Vincent Aelbers and Malou Geenevasen.
12:00 – 12:45
4
Lunch
We offer several options for lunch.
12:45 – 15:50
5
Workshops
Attend several knowledge sessions spread over several rounds.
15:50 – 16:20
6
Central closure
The continuation of the first panel discussion will take place. Under the guidance of chairman of the day Erben Oosting, Margriet Wentink, Indra Hagelstein, Vincent Aelbers and Malou Geenevasen will once again join as panellists.
16:20 – 17:20
7
Drinks and snacks
After a plenary wrap-up, there will be room to talk with each other afterwards.
All workshops on this day
Zoektochten zijn allemaal anders
11:30
13:00
|
Tafelgesprek
|
Muniz Dekker, Remco Gudden en Wisline Tondereau
Tijdens dit tafelgesprek bespreken we de uitdagingen die mensen met een adoptieachtergrond rondom hun zoektocht naar biologische familie ervaren. Zoeken naar biologische familie is vaak een langdurig, ingewikkeld en emotioneel belastend proces met een ongewisse uitkomst. In dit panel laten we geadopteerden aan het woord die allemaal in een fase van het zoekproces zitten of het zoekproces hebben afgerond. Dit geeft ruimte voor erkenning en herkenning.
Keynote: Gevolgen van adoptietrauma
10:10
11:10
|
Keynote presentatie
|
Nederlands
Margriet Wentink
Leer begrijpen hoe de onzichtbare uitdagingen van geadopteerde mensen in relaties en bij het vormgeven van hun leven spelen. Ontdek een eenvoudig traumamodel dat de complexe dynamiek van adoptietrauma verheldert. Deze lezing biedt niet alleen inzicht maar ook praktische tools.
Paneldiscussie: Reflectie en implicatie van theorie naar praktijk (1/2)
11:25
12:15
|
Panelgesprek
|
Nederlands
Margriet Wentink, Vincent Aelbers, Malou Geenevasen, Indra Hagelstein & Erben Oosting
Aansluitend op de key-note lezing van Margriet Wentink vindt er een panelgesprek plaats. Naast Margriet neemt Vincent Aelbers, Malou Geenevasen en Indra Hagestein deel aan dit panelgesprek. De panelleden gaan met elkaar in gesprek over impact van adoptie in het leven en adoptiesensitieve hulpverlening. De panelleden geven hier een persoonlijke en/of professionele betekenis aan.
Traditie van adoptie geworteld in kolonialisme
12:45
14:00
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Kitlyn Tjin A Djie
Tijdens het kolonialisme werden inheemse kinderen weggenomen uit hun families door een verbond tussen de kerk en het koloniale bewind. Deze praktijk, ontstaan om hen te ‘verwesteren’, resulteerde in ernstige problemen, zoals in Canada, waar honderden inheemse kinderen leden in christelijke tehuizen, en dit fenomeen strekte zich ook uit naar Nederland en België in hun koloniën.
Schematherapie voor volwassenen met een adoptie achtergrond
12:45
14:00
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Renée Uittenbogaard
Schematherapie, een vorm van psychotherapie, biedt een unieke aanpak voor adoptiegerelateerde hulpvragen. Renée bespreekt in haar workshop hoe deze therapie kan helpen bij het begrijpen en ervaren van de invloed van adoptie op het huidige leven, waardoor deelnemers na afloop inzicht hebben in het belang van adoptiethema’s in GGZ-behandelingen.
Ervaringen en factoren binnen adoptiegezinnen en het ontwikkelen van gehechtheidrelaties en basisvertrouwen
12:45
14:00
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Anouk Spruit
Anouk behandelt in haar bijdrage gedeelde ervaringen en factoren binnen adoptiegezinnen die van invloed kunnen zijn op gehechtheidsrelaties en basisvertrouwen van het kind. Ze benadrukt het belang van bewustzijn over deze aspecten om adoptiesensitieve zorg te bieden en legt een verband met de benadering binnen de Basic Trust-behandeling.
Belang van zelfreflectie voor de (adoptiespecifieke) hulpverlener – licht op de therapeutische relatie
12:45
14:00
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Malou Geenevasen en Anna Bartak
Het is als hulpverlener onmogelijk om met (geadopteerde) cliënten te werken zonder kennis van de eigen achtergrond en patronen in het contact met anderen. Wij bespreken vanuit onze klinische expertise adoptiespecifieke thema’s in psychotherapie, en onderzoeken samen wat de eigen stijl van contact maken is en hoe dit het contact met onze cliënten kan beïnvloeden.
De IZR-methode, een openleggende methode die naar de kern van adoptietrauma leidt
14:30
15:45
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Margriet Wentink
In deze workshop wordt een werkwijze getoond waarin met behulp van resonantieprocessen, ervaringen benaderd kunnen worden die opgeslagen liggen in het impliciete geheugen. Deze resonantieprocessen bieden deelnemers diepe herkenning van en verbinding met zichzelf, en de mogelijkheid overlevingsstrategieën desgewenst te herzien, wanneer deze ooit de best mogelijke optie waren, maar in het huidige leven zorgen voor stagnatie.
Sporen van Verplaatsing bij Afstand en Adoptie
14:30
15:45
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Bina de Boer
De workshop, geleid door Bina de Boer, biedt diepgaand inzicht in de effecten van verplaatsing en hoe deze verweven zijn met Afstand en Adoptie. In deze sessie krijgt u unieke perspectieven op de thema’s migratie en adoptie, bezien door de lens van systemisch werk en opstellingen.
Dromen over gehechtheid, Symbooldrama met geadopteerden
14:30
15:45
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Corinne Verheule
De workshop introduceert Symbooldrama, een ervaringsgerichte psychotherapie genaamd Katathym Imaginatieve Psychotherapie. Deze methode, bruikbaar voor zowel volwassenen als kinderen, helpt cliënten hun pre-verbale ervaringen te verkennen en begrijpen via dagdromen, waardoor ze in contact komen met hun kracht en creativiteit en relationele stress kunnen reguleren.
Tolken in de wereld van adoptie
14:30
15:45
|
Workshop
|
Nederlands
Vincent Aelbers
In de workshop tolken in de wereld van adoptie gaan we op een ontdekkingsreis. Zo ontmoeten we Salvador Dalí, gaan we een borrel drinken in Scheveningen, passeren verschillende continenten in de workshop. Middels uitproberen en ervaren ontdekken we welke vaardigheden een tolk in de wereld van adoptie eigen moet maken. In deze interactieve workshop onderzoekt master coach /trainer Vincent Aelbers samen met de deelnemers hoe te luisteren, om echt gehoord en gezien te worden.
Reflections as a peer support provider: what professionals can learn
14:30
15:45
|
Workshop
|
English
Lynelle Long
This presentation will include videos ICAV developed to help mental health professionals understand our lived experience, a discussion about the importance of being informed by lived experience, discussion around how ICAV can help facilitate networking within the global community to bring you adoptee led expertise, and providing ICAVs list of global resources
Paneldiscussie: Reflectie en implicatie van theorie naar praktijk (2/2)
15:50
16:20
|
Panelgesprek
|
Nederlands
Margriet Wentink, Vincent Aelbers, Malou Geenevasen, Indra Hagelstein & Erben Oosting
Na de workshops volgt een tweede paneldiscussie waarin deelnemers de brug slaan tussen reguliere gezondheidszorg en alternatieve benaderingen, gericht op innovatie in adoptiesensitieve zorg en het bevorderen van effectieve strategieën binnen het adoptiezorgdomein. Hetzelfde panel neemt deel aan dit gesprek als het eerste panel.
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About us
Our mission
INEA is the central place where all intercountry adoptees can go for support with questions about intercountry adoption and descent, with a special focus on those who experience problems around their adoption. In addition, as legal representatives of minors – and family members and birth parents – adoptive parents can also contact INEA for certain questions of assistance.
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