Training available for Health Care Professionals on the Positives of Infant Adoption

The Infant Adoption Training Initiative (IATI) is a free training program being offered for local health care professionals. The Understanding Infant Adoption (UIA) curriculum is designed to help health care professionals in providing adoption information and referral to pregnant women. Studies have shown that often health care workers shy away from the adoption option simply because they do not feel knowledgeable enough about the topic. This training will help health care professionals to feel more comfortable talking with pregnant women about adoption as one of the options available to them.

In the UIA training, participants develop an understanding of the adoption process, learn about state and federal laws that govern the adoption process, and discuss how social and cultural issues impact adoption. Also covered are adolescent development and information on the adolescent's attitudes toward adoption. Participants will learn non-directive counseling techniques which can be used with clients or patients, and will also learn about adoption resources and referrals in their area. Each attendee will receive resource materials to support their ability to provide information and make referrals when they are back in their working environment.

The next scheduled training in Cape Girardeau is Friday, Feburary 20th at the Lutheran Family and Children's Services office, 3178 Blattner in Cape Girardeau. Please call (573)334-5866 if you would like more information or to sign up. A one-day or half-day training can also be arranged to accommodate the schedule of your group or practice. More information is available on the Infant Adoption Training Initiative website at http://www.iaatp.com/home.asp.