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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. This presentation focuses on the variables that affect the different experiences […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]