Activism in Adoption Series 2024 - On Your Feet Foundation is partnering with The Book Stall to bring Sara Easterly, Lori Holden, and Kelsey Vander Vliet Ranyard, authors of Adoption Unfiltered: Revelations from Adoptees, Birthparents, Adoptive Parents and Allies in to their venue to do a panel discussion about their book. Attendees who request adoption education credit will receive certificates […]
NEW CLASS ALERT - Approximately 80 percent of all couples who become adoptive parents struggled with infertility. Infertility can feel like a betrayal of our bodies. Disappointment, loss, and shame are common experiences for those experiencing infertility. Infertility is a loss and one that needs to be adequately grieved. It’s a life experience that feels […]
Activism in Adoption Series 2024 - On Your Feet Foundation will present via zoom Gretchen Sisson, PhD, a sociologist who studies abortion and adoption in the United States and author of the upcoming book, RELINQUISHED: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, being released in February 2024. Attendees who request adoption education credit will […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Trust-Based Relational Intervention® Caregiver Training: Intro. & Overview This 2-day training will provide an overview of TBRI, a holistic, attachment-based, evidence-based, and trauma-informed intervention for kids. Participants will gain an overview of the components of TBRI and practical tools to use with kids. The training will be conducted by ACI's therapist and TBRI Practitioner, Claire Dixon, LCSW. […]
In-Person Adoptee Group Kids, ages 8-11, are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' adoptee group. This group meets in person at the ACI office. This support group offers a space for kids to meet other kids their age who are adopted and to share about their experiences, thoughts and feelings through discussion and activities, including […]
Virtual Adoptive Parent Support Group Adoptive parents are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' support group. This group meets virtually on Zoom. This virtual support group offers a space for adoptive parents to connect with others, share about their experiences, ask questions, gain tools, and discuss various topics related to the adoptive parent experience. The […]
Virtual Adoptive Parent Support Group Adoptive parents are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' support group. This group meets virtually on Zoom. This virtual support group offers a space for adoptive parents to connect with others, share about their experiences, ask questions, gain tools, and discuss various topics related to the adoptive parent experience. The […]
Virtual Adoptive Parent Support Group Adoptive parents are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' support group. This group meets virtually on Zoom. This virtual support group offers a space for adoptive parents to connect with others, share about their experiences, ask questions, gain tools, and discuss various topics related to the adoptive parent experience. The […]
In-Person Adoptee Group Kids, ages 8-11, are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' adoptee group. This group meets in person at the ACI office. This support group offers a space for kids to meet other kids their age who are adopted and to share about their experiences, thoughts and feelings through discussion and activities, including […]
Virtual Adoptive Parent Support Group Adoptive parents are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' support group. This group meets virtually on Zoom. This virtual support group offers a space for adoptive parents to connect with others, share about their experiences, ask questions, gain tools, and discuss various topics related to the adoptive parent experience. The […]
In-Person Adoptee Group Kids, ages 8-11, are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' adoptee group. This group meets in person at the ACI office. This support group offers a space for kids to meet other kids their age who are adopted and to share about their experiences, thoughts and feelings through discussion and activities, including […]
Virtual Adoptive Parent Support Group Adoptive parents are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' support group. This group meets virtually on Zoom. This virtual support group offers a space for adoptive parents to connect with others, share about their experiences, ask questions, gain tools, and discuss various topics related to the adoptive parent experience. The […]
In-Person Adoptee Group Kids, ages 8-11, are invited to Adoption Center of Illinois' adoptee group. This group meets in person at the ACI office. This support group offers a space for kids to meet other kids their age who are adopted and to share about their experiences, thoughts and feelings through discussion and activities, including […]
Adoptee Life Book Therapy Group (Ages 10–13) Join us for our Adoptee Life Book Therapy Group for kids aged 10–13 years old! This 3-day in-person event will be held at the Adoption Center of Illinois. It’s a meaningful opportunity for young adoptees to connect with peers and explore their adoption story and identity through art, […]
