• Course Run Time:

    1 hour 15 minutes 49 seconds




  • cONTINUING EDUCATION Certificate

    1.25 Clinical Practice Continuing Education Contact Hours

  • Certificate of Completion

    1.25 Contact Hours

  • Instructional Level:

    Beginning


    Gladney University Presents:
    Adoption in the Hospital Setting: A Social Worker's Perspective

    Recorded Asynchronous Distance Learning

    1.25 Clinical Practice Continuing Education Contact Hours
    Instructional Level: Intermediate     

    This recorded asynchronous course examines the role of social workers in hospital-based adoption cases. Participants will explore clinical responsibilities, ethical considerations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and trauma-informed approaches when supporting birth parents and adoptive families in medical settings. The training highlights professional boundaries, hospital systems navigation, and culturally responsive and ethically sound adoption planning.

    Through case-based discussion and practical application, participants will gain a clearer understanding of social work practice within hospital environments and strategies for supporting families during critical decision-making periods.
    Learning Objectives:

    1. Describe the role and responsibilities of a social worker in hospital-based adoption cases.

    2. Identify ethical considerations unique to adoption planning within medical settings.

    3. Explain how interdisciplinary collaboration impacts adoption-related decision-making in hospitals.

    4. Recognize how power dynamics, family pressures, and systemic factors may influence adoption decision-making in hospital settings.

    5. Apply trauma-responsive principles when supporting expectant parents and adoptive families in hospital environments.

    Learning Experience

    Recorded lecture with slides, practice-based case examples, instructor storytelling, and recorded Q&A.

    Target Audience

    Licensed social workers and child welfare professionals working in hospital, medical, maternal health, or adoption-related settings.

    Course Requirements

    To receive continuing education credit, participants must:

    • View 100% of the recorded course content
    • Achieve a minimum score of 80% on the post-test
    • Complete the course evaluation

    Certificates are issued electronically upon successful completion of all requirements.

    Cost

    This course is offered at no cost.

    Course Agenda

    0:00 – 6:12

    Introduction and Professional Background

    • Speaker introduction
    • Overview of hospital-based adoption work
    • Scope of practice context

    6:13 – 18:47

    Understanding Adoption Practice in the Hospital Setting

    • Role of hospital social workers
    • Interdisciplinary dynamics
    • Initial contact with expectant parents

    18:48 – 34:22

    Ethical Considerations and Professional Boundaries

    • Informed consent
    • Neutrality in decision-making
    • Hospital policy navigation
    • Legal sensitivities

    34:23 – 55:10

    Supporting Birth Parents in Medical and Emotional Vulnerability

    • Trauma-informed approaches
    • Emotional dynamics during hospitalization
    • Cultural responsiveness
    • Clinical communication strategies

    55:11 – 1:10:35

    Case Examples and Practice Applications

    • Real-world hospital scenarios
    • Clinical judgment considerations
    • Coordination with adoption professionals

    1:10:36 – 1:15:49

    Key Takeaways and Closing Reflections

    • Summary of clinical implications
    • Reinforcement of ethical and professional responsibilities

    Technology Requirements

    Participants must have:

    • Reliable internet access
    • Audio capability (speakers or headphones)
    • A device capable of streaming video content
    • Access to the Gladney University Learning Management System (LMS)

    ASWB ACE Approval Statement

    Gladney University, provider #2403, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 09/04/2026–

    09/04/2029. Social workers completing this course receive 1.25 Clinical Practice continuing education contact hours..


    Accessibility

    Gladney University is committed to providing accessible continuing education opportunities. If you require accommodations to participate in this course, please contact us in advance so that we may discuss your needs.

    For accessibility inquiries, please contact: nancy.robbins@gladneyuniversity.org

    Closed captioning is available for this recorded course.

    Grievance Policy

    Participants may review Gladney University’s grievance policy here.


    Course Version Information
    Originally recorded: 2020
    Reviewed and updated for continuing education: July 2026

    Nancy Sheppard, LCSW

    Your instructor
    Nancy Sheppard, LCSW
    Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience in perinatal health systems, hospital-based social work practice, and maternal health services.

    Disclosure
    The instructor has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
    This course received no commercial support.