Upcoming Events › Adoption Classes

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.)  Becky graciously opens…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.  Parents use their own recommended tools.  A list can be provided. (Supply kits can be purchased at an additional cost)  Parents practice styling on their own child, model, or mannequin.  Child's hair should be clean, de-tangled and loose hair (not in a protective style).  Only 5 family…

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…

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…

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…