• DURATION

    61 minutes

    • Course level

      Beginning

      • CE Credit

        1.0 General Continuing Education Credit (ASWB ACE)

      •  format

        Recorded asynchronous distance learning – non-interactive

      • Date Created

        Created July 2025

        • Date revised

          5/06/2026


          Gladney University Presents
          The Modern Adoption Process

          This course provides licensed social workers with a comprehensive understanding of modern adoption practices, legal considerations, and the roles of adoption agencies. Participants will learn to navigate adoption laws, support birth parents through relinquishment, and use sensitive language to offer compassionate care.

          Learning Objectives:
          After completing this session, participants will be able to:

          1. Describe the steps in the adoption process.
          2. Identify the three types of modern post-adoption agreements.
          3. Explain the ways that adoption laws may vary in each state.

          Target Audience: 
          Licensed social workers, clinical social workers in all practice settings including healthcare and education.

          Enrollment:
          For more course information and to enroll, click the button below.

          Registration Deadline:

          Open enrollment

          Refund/Cancellation Policy: 

          If applicable, cancellations must be received before accessing the course for a refund. No refunds apply to free courses.

          Accessibility:

          Gladney University is committed to providing accessible learning opportunities. Participants requiring reasonable accommodations should notify Nancy Robbins at least five (5) business days prior to the training so appropriate arrangements can be considered.

          System Requirements:

          Windows XP/MacOS 9 or higher; Chrome, Firefox, or Safari; broadband internet connection.

          Course Completion Requirements for Certificate

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

          Certificate Issuance:

          Participants who successfully complete all required course requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion.

          Asynchronous ACE: CE certificates are available immediately after all required activities are completed and the learner claims the certificate in the LMS.

          Contact Information:

          For questions, concerns, or grievances, contact nancy.robbins@gladneyuniversity.org.

          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: 09/04/2025-09/04/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 general continuing education credit.

          Grievance Statement:

          Participants who have a grievance related to this educational activity should follow the Gladney University Grievance Policy: 

          Agenda

          Types of Adoption

                 International Adoption

          o   Explanation of what international adoption is.

          o   Countries where Gladney facilitates adoptions.

          o   Characteristics of international adoptees.

          o   Gladney’s approach to cultural preparation for adoptive parents.

             ·    Foster Care Adoption

          o   Explanation of the foster care system and its goals.

          o   Process for children entering the foster care system and possibility of adoption.

          o   Role of caseworkers in matching children with adoptive families.

          o   Importance of keeping siblings together when possible.

          o   Video showcasing a family’s adoption experience (Nuñez family).

                Planned Adoption

          o   Focus of the training: Domestic or planned adoptions.

          o   Explanation of planned adoption: A birth parent-led adoption facilitated by an agency.

          o   Timeframe of adoption: Placement typically within 30 days after birth.

          o   Key elements to be covered in training: Steps of planned adoption, types of post-adoption agreements, and state laws.

          Terminology and Language in Adoption

                Key Terminology

          o   Importance of using respectful and accurate language:

          §  Avoiding “give up” or “put up” for adoption; using "place for adoption" and "make an adoption plan."

          §  Distinguishing between “real parent” vs. “birth parent” and “adoptive parent."

          §  Referring to a woman who chose to parent as "choosing to parent," not "keeping her baby."

               Respecting Birth Parent’s Choices

          o   Acknowledging and respecting birth parents' decisions and using proper language in conversations.

          Steps of Planned Adoption

                Starting the Adoption Journey

          o   How an expectant mother begins researching and reaching out to adoption agencies.

          o   Timing: Adoption decisions can be made at any point during pregnancy or after birth.

                Options Counseling

          o   Role of options counseling in helping expectant mothers weigh parenting vs. adoption.

          o   Importance of a pros and cons list to assess both choices.

             Caseworker Support

          o   Birth mother receives an adoption caseworker for guidance and assistance with:

          §  Medical coverage

          §  Choosing a family

          §  Preparing for birth

          §  Legal paperwork

          §  Post-adoption relationship planning

               Choosing a Family

          o   Birth mother’s role in selecting adoptive parents.

          o   The option to meet the adoptive family, if desired.

          o   Matching process: Background information and preferences.

              Hospital Plan

          o   Collaboration with caseworker to create a plan for birth, including rooming with the baby and support system during the stay.

          o   Sharing the hospital plan with the hospital staff to ensure proper understanding and support.

             Working with Patients Making an Adoption Plan

          o   Sensitivity in working with expectant mothers considering adoption.

          o   Collaboration with hospital staff or supervisors for appropriate responses and support.

          Relinquishment and Transition Care

             Relinquishment

          o   Explanation of relinquishment: Voluntary termination of parental rights.

          o   Birth mother’s right to change her mind before signing relinquishment paperwork.

          o   Legal considerations and laws around relinquishment across states.

             Transitional Care

          o   Role of transitional care families for babies in the process of adoption.

          o   Importance of ensuring baby care before final placement with adoptive parents.

          Post-Adoption Agreements

             Types of Post-Adoption Agreements

          o   Open Adoption: Characteristics, including photo updates, calls, and visits.

          o   Closed Adoption: No communication between birth parents and adoptive parents.

          o   Semi-Open Adoption: Limited communication (letters, emails, etc.) with no face-to-face visits.

          o   Flexibility and customization of post-adoption relationships based on birth parents’ and adoptive parents’ comfort.

               Variations and Agreement Flexibility

          o   Birth parents may choose different types of agreements from each other.

          o   Agreements are often referred to as “agreements of the heart” and are non-legally enforceable, but in some states, they are enforceable in court.

              The Role of Gladney’s Post-Adoption Department

          o   Ongoing support for both birth parents and adoptive families throughout their adoption journey.

          Adoption Law

              Legal Considerations in Adoption

          o   Importance of understanding state laws and their role in adoption processes.

          o   Timing for signing relinquishment paperwork and revocation periods.

          o   Birth father’s rights and involvement in the adoption process.

          o   Importance of seeking guidance from adoption attorneys or Gladney for state-specific legal information.

          Instructor

          Priscilla Louis, MIB

          Priscilla Louis holds a Master’s in International Business and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Florida, with a passion for working in the international nonprofit sector. After relocating to Texas, she began her career as a middle school teacher and later served as a graduate recruiter for the Texas Christian University School of Nursing. In January 2023, Priscilla joined the Gladney team as a Birth Parent and Outreach Caseworker, where she is able to combine her love for helping children and educating others.

          Working closely with birth parents in hospitals nationwide has deepened Priscilla’s commitment to supporting adoption education. Her passion for empowering medical professionals with knowledge about adoption led her to become a key contributor to the development of AdoptEd Rx. Currently, Priscilla is pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work to further her ability to serve and advocate for children and families.

          Disclosure

          The instructor has disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

          This course received no commercial support.