The Cradle, a nonprofit, licensed child welfare agency based in Evanston, Illinois, is hosting a new Search and Connection virtual psychoeducational support group to provide a dedicated space for adult adopted people (aged 21+) to reflect on and navigate the complexities of searching for and connecting with their birth relatives. Designed to offer guidance and understanding, this four-week group session creates a supportive environment for participants to share experiences and gain insights.
The group will meet from 7-8:15 p.m. CT on Tuesdays from Feb. 4-25. The program costs $60 and is open to all adult adopted people, regardless of whether their adoption was through The Cradle, and no matter where in the U.S. they are located.
Participants will engage in thoughtful discussions around topics such as:
- Motivations for searching, expectations for connections and desired outcomes
- Navigating search results and integrating new relationships and information into their life
- Reflecting on the connections they make and their meanings
- Exploring how to process these experiences and manage the emotions involved
“Searching for and connecting with birth relatives brings up a myriad of thoughts and feelings — positive and negative,” says Nina Friedman, The Cradle’s Director of Post Adoption Support and the group’s moderator. “Sharing similar experiences with other adopted people in a supportive environment can be helpful in processing and understanding these emotions. While not all situations are the same, our experience has shown that learning from others is extremely impactful.”
Registration is now open, and spots are limited. To secure a spot or learn more about The Cradle’s adoption psychoeducational support services, visit https://cradle.org/blog/events/search-and-connection-virtual-adoption-support-group/
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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).
