Prospective Parent live classes
Click on the class below to view the detailed descriptions:
Speakers: Cradle Staff and Panel of Adoption Circle Members
This required 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 birth.
- The spirit of openness as a lifelong commitment.
- Understanding and hearing birth parent experiences.
4 hours DCFS Training/Hague Aligned
Domestic and International Focus
Pre-requisite: Meeting with Cradle Counselor and Counselor Approval
Class Time: All classes are 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Cradle tour will begin at 8:15 a.m.
Class Location: Cradle Evanston Office, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
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The Cradle is a Nut-Free Zone. Please refrain from bringing nuts into the building.
Speakers: Attorney Genie Miller Gillespie has been practicing law since 1993, primarily in the area of adoption and guardianship. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and has helped hundreds of couples and individuals realize their dreams of parenthood.
This required workshop is designed to help prepare you to become an adoptive parent. Among the topics you will explore are:
- Understand the legal steps required for a successful adoption
- Understand the legal risks sometimes associated with adoption
1.5 hours DCFS Training
Domestic Focus
Pre-requisite: Meeting with Cradle Counselor and Completion of Parenting Through Adoption:101
Class Time: All classes are 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Class Location: Cradle Evanston Office, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
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The Cradle is a Nut-Free Zone. Please refrain from bringing nuts into the building.
Speakers: Cradle Staff and Panel of Adoption Circle Members
This required workshop is designed to help prepare you to become an adoptive parent. Among the topics you will explore are:
- To understand that all adoptions are multi-cultural
- To be knowledgeable of the different aspects that make up our individual and family identities
- To gain tools to be able to confidently nurture your child’s identity
3 hours DCFS Training/Hague Aligned
Domestic and International Focus
Pre-requisite: Meeting with Cradle Counselor and Completion of Parenting Through Adoption:101
Class Time: All classes are 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Class Location: Cradle Evanston Office, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
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The Cradle is a Nut-Free Zone. Please refrain from bringing nuts into the building.
A light dinner will be served
Speakers: Cradle Staff
This required workshop is designed to help prepare you to become an adoptive parent. Among the topics you will explore:
- Understand the concepts of attachment and how it develops
- Considers the ways your own attachment history influences your parenting
- Identify strategies for building and strengthening attachment with your child
3 hours DCFS Training/Hague Aligned
Domestic and International Focus
Pre-requisite: Meeting with Cradle Counselor and Completion of Parenting Through Adoption: 101
Class Time: All classes are 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Class Location: Cradle Evanston Office, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
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The Cradle is a Nut-Free Zone. Please refrain from bringing nuts into the building.
A light dinner will be served
This is a voluntary group for families who are currently waiting in our domestic program.
Join other families for a time to connect and discuss adoption related topics.
Class Time: All classes are 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Class Location: Cradle Evanston Office, 2049 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201
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Optional: If interested please bring a small snack to share with the rest of the group.
The Cradle is a Nut-Free Zone. Please refrain from bringing nuts into the building.
Speaker: Dan Griffith, PhD, Clinical Pediatric Psychologist
Dr. Griffith will speak on:
- The effects of prenatal drug 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.
2 hours of DCFS Foster Care Training/ Hague Aligned
Domestic and International Focus
Pre-requisite: Meeting with Cradle Counselor and Counselor Approval
Class Time: All classes are 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Class Location: Lutheran General Hospital, Johnson Auditorium
1775 W. Dempster Street, Park Ridge, Illinois
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