Upcoming Events

Adoption Center of Illinois (ACI) is proud to host the  Empowered to Connect Conference Rewind* simulcast, now available online!  The Empowered to Connect Conference simulcast features 11 hours of practical teaching to equip families to better serve children impacted by adoption and foster care. It features Trust-Based Relational Intervention ® (TBRI ®) methods developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, to help bring attachment and connection in families. We were…

The time leading up to the birth of a child and the days following the birth are frequently among the most challenging periods for everyone in the adoption process. Some adoptive parents manage to breeze through this period while others are presented with challenges that rock them to the core. This presentation focuses on the variables that affect the different experiences that people have. This presentation is valuable for anyone hoping to adopt a child domestically, whether or not they…

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…

Trauma is an important topic for adoptive parents and prospective adoptive parents because many children who have been adopted, especially those adopted at an older age or from foster homes/orphanages, have lived through traumatic experiences.  Children bring these traumas with them when they come into your home.  Traumatic stress reactions and other responses to trauma can cause children to behave in ways that may baffle you. Their relationship with you, with other adults, and even with their peers may feel…

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…

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 panel class will support LGBTQ prospective adoptive parents and adoptive parents by providing a forum where they can learn from others who have been through similar experiences.  Panelists will speak about their journeys through the adoption process and parenting as members of the LGBTQ community.   Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.   REGISTRATION:  To register for this class, please email registration@adoptillinois.org.   Please include in the email (1) name of the class (2) full…

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…

The time leading up to the birth of a child and the days following the birth are frequently among the most challenging periods for everyone in the adoption process. Some adoptive parents manage to breeze through this period while others are presented with challenges that rock them to the core. This presentation focuses on the variables that affect the different experiences that people have. This presentation is valuable for anyone hoping to adopt a child domestically, whether or not they…

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.,…