Upcoming Events

Adoption Center of Illinois (ACI) is proud to sponsor On Your Feet Foundation Activism in Adoption Series.  PRESENTED VIA ZOOM Throughout 2021, On Your Feet Foundation will be hosting a monthly speaker series for all sides of the triad that continues to expand ​on key topics explored in our first 4 session in October 2020: Race, Resilience and Relationships in adoption. ​The series is being presented in 4 chapters with each chapter covering the three topics with renowned speakers. Our…

Join Becky O'Connell, one of our temporary care providers, and learn the "baby basics".  Becky will discuss "The Big Three" (You will learn what they are!) and include suggestions and demonstrations to help you understand, enjoy, soothe and stimulate your baby.  This class is suitable for waiting families, those with infants under one year, and anyone who needs a refresher course in infant care.  Parents are welcome to bring babies (only those younger than three months please.)  Attendance will be…

Some children who are placed for adoption were prenatally exposed to drugs and/or alcohol. While this may alarm prospective parents, increased awareness can be helpful. This class will teach prospective parents about the effects of prenatal drug and alcohol exposure, explore what related symptoms can look like over time, and outline available services for children and families who need them. This can help prospective parents make decisions, gain a frame of reference for potential concerns, and ultimately maximize their child’s…

This is a moderated panel discussion.  The panel is comprised of birth parents that have placed children for adoption.  Panelists will discuss their personal experience with adoption and address topics that they consider important and that are raised by the moderator.  Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions.  They will be asked to examine already existing beliefs about what birth parents are thinking when initially considering placing a child for adoption – and what they think and feel…

Attorney Genie Miller Gillespie will discuss the steps that prospective adoptive parents should take to achieve a safe and legal adoption. Discussion will focus on the legal issues in adoption, which include proper preparation, termination of parental rights, limiting legal risk, applicable Illinois and federal law, the process of doing an Illinois adoption, and the complications of an interstate adoption.   REGISTER HERE   Free for ACI Families/Alumni $30 for Non-ACI families Payment for Non-ACI families can be made by…

Adult Adoptee Panel Discussion: Adoptees Share Their Experiences What does adoption look like through the lens of someone who was adopted?  How does someone who was adopted suggest talking to children about adoption?  This class is conducted with a panel of adults who were adopted as children.  The panelists discuss their lives, the history of their memories about adoption; when they were told, how they were told, and what they thought and felt about being adopted.  Usually the panel consists…

Many families either have adopted a child or are considering adopting a child of another race, culture, and/or ethnicity. When taking into account the role of race in our society, this invariably raises questions and concerns. Many adoptive families begin this journey without the benefit of having had an opportunity to hear individuals (adult adoptees and adoptive parents) talk about their experience with trans-racial adoption. Panelists will share individual insights and experiences and respond to questions from the audience. Particular…

Children who are placed for adoption have lived through hard experiences, from separation from their birth parents to neglect, abuse, and other forms of trauma. As you prepare to adopt a child, it is important for you to know that trauma affects child development in ways that influence emotions, behavior, and relationships. This class will help you understand your child through a trauma lens, which can help you respond to their unique needs. It is presented by Corinne Fleming, Psy.D.,…

Recent research in neuroscience has confirmed what many clinicians have long known: Early relationships between caregivers and infants/young children matter and have lifelong implications for children. In order to help each child reach their potential, supportive and caring relationships are essential. This lecture will address the process of creating lasting attachments with adoptive children, some challenges to the process, and guidance and tips to overcome difficulties. Dr. Laura Brock Fraint, clinical psychologist, will address unique attachment issues for adoptive families…

REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE ONLY IF YOU HAVE TAKEN LEVEL 1 Step-by-step, hands-on instruction on how to do up to three simple hairstyles; ponytails, twists, basic underhand braiding; plus Q&A with S4K stylist.   Includes a hair care bundle for each parent-child pair.   Parents attend with their child and practice styling on their own child.  Child's hair should be clean, de-tangled and loose hair (not in a protective style).   REGISTRATION:  To register for this class, please email registration@adoptillinois.org.  …

Becky O’Connell, one of ACI’s temporary care providers and a former preschool teacher, believes that “The Terrible Twos” is a myth. She’ll tell you why and share methods for dealing with your child’s emerging independence. In this practical class, you’ll revisit “The Big Three” and discuss topics suggested by the participants. The class is suitable for those waiting to adopt, especially an older child, and anyone parenting a child between 1 and 3 years old.   REGISTRATION:  To register for…

Join Becky O'Connell, one of our temporary care providers, and learn the "baby basics".  Becky will discuss "The Big Three" (You will learn what they are!) and include suggestions and demonstrations to help you understand, enjoy, soothe and stimulate your baby.  This class is suitable for waiting families, those with infants under one year, and anyone who needs a refresher course in infant care.  Parents are welcome to bring babies (only those younger than three months please.)  Attendance will be…

This is a moderated panel discussion.  The panel is comprised of birth parents that have placed children for adoption.  Panelists will discuss their personal experience with adoption and address topics that they consider important and that are raised by the moderator.  Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions.  They will be asked to examine already existing beliefs about what birth parents are thinking when initially considering placing a child for adoption – and what they think and feel…

Kay Holler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, will explore the stages of a child’s development, and what he/she is thinking about in terms of adoption at each stage. She will also discuss how to talk about adoption with your child and the importance of offering emotional support. Kay has been working in the adoption field for 27 years. She worked for a large social service agency from 1990-1997. Since then, she has been providing therapy in a private practice setting for…

Recent research in neuroscience has confirmed what many clinicians have long known: Early relationships between caregivers and infants/young children matter and have lifelong implications for children. In order to help each child reach their potential, supportive and caring relationships are essential. This lecture will address the process of creating lasting attachments with adoptive children, some challenges to the process, and guidance and tips to overcome difficulties. Dr. Laura Brock Fraint, clinical psychologist, will address unique attachment issues for adoptive families…

Attorney Genie Miller Gillespie will discuss the steps that prospective adoptive parents should take to achieve a safe and legal adoption. Discussion will focus on the legal issues in adoption, which include proper preparation, termination of parental rights, limiting legal risk, applicable Illinois and federal law, the process of doing an Illinois adoption, and the complications of an interstate adoption.   REGISTER HERE   Free for ACI Families/Alumni $30 for Non-ACI families Payment for Non-ACI families can be made by…