CEO and Founder, Neighborhood Development Company, LLC
Beverly N. Clarke, LCSW-C, LICSW
Beverly is the Senior Director of Clinical & Support Services and responsible for managing, developing, implementing, and providing oversight and quality assurance for the clinical aspects of the work provided by the agency’s adoption and support programs. Beverly has more than 21 years of experience as a social worker and clinician, with many of those years focusing on children and families.
Sue Hollar, LCSW-C, LICSW
Sue heads The Barker Adoption Foundation, one of the nation’s leading and oldest comprehensive adoption organizations. Her experience includes nearly three decades of social work practice focused exclusively on child welfare and adoption work locally, nationally, and internationally. She previously served in numerous roles at Barker. Sue’s experience includes direct-service and managerial positions in foster care, treatment foster care, and independent living programs. Prior to her work at Barker, she directed programs for the U.S.
How Childhood Trauma Could Be Mistaken for ADHD
Anyone who works in child welfare or has fostered/adopted from the child welfare system knows that an overwhelming percentage of children in foster care are diagnosed with ADHD. In fact, children in foster care are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. While it has become a common diagnosis, researchers and clinicians have recently begun to study the relationship between ADHD symptoms and trauma. Lack of resources and time allows children in foster care to slip through the cracks and creates a tradition of overmedicating without getting to the root of the cause. Below is an article originally published in 'The Atlantic' explaining the relationship between trauma and ADHD symptoms, and what clinicians can do to prevent misdiagnosis.
More Than a Service: Love & Support From Cradle Care Mothers
So much conversation about adoption centers around adoptive parents, birth parents, and the children who are adopted, but there is one group that often goes unnoticed – the families that tirelessly care for babies during the time when the biological mothers and fathers of the babies are trying to decide what is best for their child. This group of amazing individuals are Barker’s Cradle Care families, and we could not be more grateful for the selfless work that they do.
New Announcement from The China Center of Children’s Welfare and Adoption(CCCWA)
The China Center of Children’s Welfare and Adoption(CCCWA) posted a notice today notifying agencies that all activities of the One-on-One programs, Journey of Hope Programs and Summer/Winter Hosting Programs will be terminated. Through these programs, the CCCWA has allowed agencies better access to the children with special needs in orphanages for the purpose of finding homes for them. Barker has had the privilege of participating in a Journey of Hope program in 2014 and in multiple One-on-One Programs, which we call our Partnership Program, since 2011.
How to Ruin Your Relationship with Your Teen
Relating to teens can be difficult, especially when parenting an older child adopted from foster care. For first time parents, jumping into parenting during the teen years can be daunting and exhausting. Here are some tips and tricks from Michelle Lehnardt, a blogger with the Today Show. With some helpful advice, parenting teens can be fun, rewarding, and challenging in the best way possible.
One evening my sons came home with the same exclamation, “It’s amazing how many kids hate their parents!” We talked for an hour or so about why, and I’ve interviewed several teenagers over the last few months for further clarity.
Parenting Teens and Tweens - What They Really Need
So what does parenting a tween or teen actually entail? What do behaviors of these kids actually look like?
Pregnant and Considering Adoption? We can help.
If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and are not sure what to do Barker Adoption's Pregnancy Counselors are here to help you navigate through your options and help you make the best plan for you and your baby. It takes tremendous courage to explore all of your pregnancy options, including, adoption for your baby and inner strength to figure out what is truly best for you and your child. You are not alone. We understand this is an important life changing decision, and our pregnancy counselors are available 24 hours/ 7 days a week to listen and help you through this time. We understand everyone’s story is unique, and The Barker Adoption Foundation's pregnancy counselors listen closely to your needs to support you through the decisions ahead. Our services are confidential and free of charge.
