The Cradle, a nonprofit, licensed child welfare agency based in Evanston, Illinois, provides a range of specialized trainings, workshops and presentations aimed at equipping professionals with the knowledge and tools to better support children and families. These programs cover a broad array of topics, including adoption, expectant parent services, child welfare and inclusive adoption practices.
In honor of National Adoption Day on Nov. 15, The Cradle will be hosting two free webinars. At 12 p.m., social workers and nurses are invited to attend Adoption Today and the Provider’s Role. This online presentation offers healthcare professionals invaluable insights into the resources and support needed by those facing unplanned pregnancies and helping them to better navigate modern adoption practices. Continuing education credits are available for social workers and nurses. In addition to the Nov. 15 webinar, The Cradle is set to present Adoption Today and the Provider’s Role on site at several local hospitals and two different nursing schools at local universities in October and November.
Family and friends of those who are in the process of adopting or have already adopted are invited to join The Cradle online from 6 to 6:45 p.m. to learn about the basics of adoption. A Cradle counselor will teach them how to provide meaningful support to the adoptive and prospective adoptive parents in their lives. All are welcome, whether they are supporting someone working with The Cradle or not.
“So often, people who have been touched by adoption, or those considering an adoption plan, are met with unkind words by family, friends and professionals. Many people have misinformed perceptions about adoption, and the impact can be harmful and long-lasting,” said Carmen Knight, The Cradle’s Community Engagement and Referrals Specialist. “By educating professionals and the general public, The Cradle aims to help foster more positive and empowering conversations about adoption.”
The Cradle’s workshops and presentations can help people understand the unique experiences of adopted children, birth and adoptive parents, or introduce them to career opportunities in the field of adoption. Held either virtually or in person, The Cradle’s free workshops and presentations can be customized to meet the specific needs of various audiences, such as teachers, healthcare providers, social workers and students. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) may be available to some participants.
These services are part of The Cradle’s mission to strengthen communities through education and its commitment to lifelong support for those touched by adoption. To learn about future presentations and to request training specifically for your organization, email outreach@cradle.org.
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About The Cradle:
Celebrating 100 years of building families through adoption, The Cradle has facilitated more than 16,000 domestic and international adoptions since its opening in 1923. The organization has been a pioneer in open adoption, African American infant adoption, and placements with LGBTQ+ families. The Cradle remains the only adoption agency in the country with an on-site nursery providing 24-hour care for infants. Learn more at cradle.org or call 847-475-5800. For 24-hour toll-free HELPLINE assistance, call 800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534).
