Upcoming: Activism in Adoption Live Zoom Session

Contact Pam Brown pbrown@adoptillinois.org to sign up for this AIA Series class

We are continuously working on scheduling classes for 2024,
please check back often to see what classes are added!

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Baby Care 101 – At ACI Office

Adoption Center of Illinois 5828 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States

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 […]

Tips for the Toddler Years – At ACI Office

Adoption Center of Illinois 5828 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States

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 […]

Communicating With Your Child About Adoption – At ACI Office

Adoption Center of Illinois 5828 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States

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 […]

ACI’s Adoption Community Connection – An Online Community

Online

We are always looking for ways to support you! ACI is proud to announce a new online community called Adoption Community Connection! Designed to build a safe space for adoptive families and waiting families to create connections with other families, find and share resources, and most importantly, to know you are not alone. Shared through […]

Understanding Domestic Adoption: From Matched to Possible Placement – LIVE WEBINAR

Webinar

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 […]

Tips for the Toddler Years – At ACI Office

Adoption Center of Illinois 5828 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, United States

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 […]

Attachment and Adoption – LIVE WEBINAR

Webinar

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 […]

Domestic Adoption and Illinois Law – LIVE WEBINAR

Webinar

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 – LIVE WEBINAR

Webinar

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 […]

Prenatal Drug and Alcohol Exposure: What Prospective Parents Need to Know – LIVE WEBINAR

Webinar

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 […]

Race and Adoption: A Panel Discussion – LIVE WEBINAR

Webinar

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 […]