Community Programs:
Spreading the Word about Adoption
To help the community we serve to understand and embrace the many facets and benefits of adoption, we have created two educational programs that explore the subject in further depth: Giving Life a Second Chance adoption awareness program in schools, and Infant Adoption Awareness Training for medical professionals.
Giving Life a Second Chance
This adoption awareness program for middle and high school students was designed to communicate the realities and challenges of parenting as a teenager, and improve general attitudes about adoption as an alternative for those facing a crisis pregnancy.
Because many teens do not know anyone who is adopted, they know only myths and stereotypes about adoption. The one-hour Giving Life a Second Chance class presentation gives teens the chance to ask questions and engage in conversation, and gives the presentation coordinator the chance to address their misconceptions directly.
The curriculum focuses on several key points:
- The emotional/financial challenges and responsibilities of being a parent
- How adoption works today
- Parental rights in Texas
- Adoption laws
- The history of adoption in America
A professionally produced video accompanies the presentation and group discussion is encouraged in between scenes.
By exploring the myths and negative stereotypes of adoption, our hope is to create a more supportive environment for a pregnant girl to consider adoption as an option for her child. As students gain valuable knowledge about the realities of parenting as a teen, they may also think twice about engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.
At the end of the class, students fill out a post-class test, and the presenter leaves teachers, administrators and/or school counselors with information about other Hope Cottage services that might benefit their students.
To request the Giving Life a Second Chance program for your middle school or high school, contact Emily Herrera at 214-526-8721 or emily@hopecottage.org.
Infant Adoption Awareness Training
Spaulding for Children & Harmony, along with adoption and pregnancy counseling agencies and health centers like Hope Cottage, has developed a curriculum called Understanding Infant Adoption (UIA) and a national delivery system called the Infant Adoption Training Initiative (IATI) that equips staff at public and nonprofit private entities to provide better health and counseling services to pregnant women. Hope Cottage is the lead agency in Texas responsible for implementing IATI statewide.
Specifically, the UIA curriculum trains healthcare professionals to give pregnant women adequate and reliable adoption and referral information. It also provides participants with an opportunity to compassionately and openly discuss the issues women with unplanned pregnancies face, while making them aware of service providers in their areas. Understanding the different resources available for pregnancy counseling and adoption services is essential for healthcare workers to make informed referrals consistent with client/patient needs and preferences.
UIA training goals include:
- Creating an understanding of the adoption process
- Educating about state and federal laws governing the adoption process
- Exploring social and cultural issues that impact adoption
- Shaping adolescent development and attitudes toward adoption
- Enhancing nondirective counseling techniques
- Promoting adoption resources and referrals
UIA training includes:
- Interactive experiences that promote skills development
- Exercises that promote awareness
- Understanding of birthfamily, adoptive family and adoptee experiences
- Resource materials to support attendees as they provide adoption information and make referrals
For more information on this program, please contact: Emily Herrera at 214-526-8721 or emily@hopecottage.org OR Linda Sanders at linda@hopecottage.org.