Prospective parent live classes

Click on the links below to view the detailed class descriptions:

• Adoption 101
• Parenting a Child at Risk
• Transition to Openness
• Expectant Family Support Group

Adoption 101

Speakers: Cradle Staff and Panel of Adoption Circle Members

This required, all-day workshop is designed to help prepare you to become an adoptive parent. Among the topics you will explore are:

• Differences and similarities in families built through adoption vs. by birth.
• The spirit of openness as a lifelong commitment.
• Understanding and hearing birthparent experiences.
• The realities of adoption (for example, health risks).

6 credit hours of DCFS Foster Care Training

Available Class Dates

• Saturday, April 14, 2012
• Saturday, May 19, 2012
• Saturday, July 14, 2012
• Saturday, September 8, 2012
• Saturday, October 13, 2012
• Saturday, November 10, 2012
• Saturday, December 8, 2012

8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Cradle tour will begin at 8:30a.m. Lunch will be served. The Cradle is a Nut-Free Zone. Please refrain from bringing nuts into the building. The Cradle 2049 Ridge Avenue Evanston, IL

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Parenting a Child at Risk

Speaker: Dan Griffith, PhD Clinical Pediatric Psychologist

Dr. Griffith will speak on:

• The effects of prenatal drug and/or alcohol exposure.
• The long-term risks the exposure may present.
• Parenting skills to help you help your baby (and older child) regulate his or her behavior.

Dr. Griffith is a nationally known author, lecturer, and child psychologist. He has provided clinical services for hundreds of high-risk children and their families.

3.0 credit hours of DCFS Foster Care and Hague Aligned Training.

Available Class Dates,

• Saturday, August 4, 2012
• Saturday, November 3, 2012

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lutheran General Hospital, Class is being held in the Johnson Auditorium 1775 Dempster St. Park Ridge, IL

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Transition to Openness

Speakers: Cradle Counselors and Adopted Person

This course will continue the prospective adoptive parents educational journey by focusing specifically on the spirit and practice of openness.

You will learn:

• How to build a sustaining, nurturing family by furthering your understanding and empathy towards the birthparents.
• Begin developing a "Dear Birthparent" letter.
• The specific roles and responsibilities of adoptive parents.

A light meal will be provided.

PLEASE NOTE: A HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU ONE WEEK PRIOR TO CLASS. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT, PLEASE EMAIL SANDRA ROGERS AT srogers@cradle.org

4 credit hours of DCFS Foster Care Training.

Available Class Dates

• Thursday, June 14, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 25, 2012, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 18, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, November 15, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Thursday, December 13, 2012, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Cradle 2049 Ridge Avenue Evanston, IL

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