Many couples and individuals hoping to become parents—or to expand their families—look to adoption. While the journey can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming. Questions about the types of adoption available, the adoption process, financing, and how to choose the right provider often deter families from moving forward.
To address these concerns, Adoption Network Cleveland has designed Adoption 101: Where Do I Begin?, an introductory online workshop that provides clear, unbiased information about adoption. The workshop covers key decisions in the adoption journey, types of adoption, adoption providers, financing options, openness in adoption, and much more. Maureen Heffernan, MSSA, LISW-S, Child Welfare Consultant and Trainer, shared why she has been committed to facilitating the workshops for more than 15 years now, “There is an overwhelming amount of information available to prospective parents considering adoption. What makes Adoption 101 unique is twofold. First, because Adoption Network Cleveland is not an adoption placement agency, we are able to share information and answer questions in a neutral way, with no expectation that participants will work with us to complete an adoption. Second, Adoption 101 is informed by the lived experiences of adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents. These perspectives help participants begin planning for the needs of their children across all stages of life.”
Adoption Network Cleveland does not facilitate adoptions; instead, its mission is to provide education, support, and advocacy. As a neutral source of information, Adoption Network equips workshop participants with honest guidance and trusted resources, empowering individuals and families to determine the adoption path that best fits their needs. Betsie Norris, Founder and Executive Director of Adoption Network Cleveland: The Ohio Family Connection, added, “I believe this workshop empowers families to move forward with clarity, confidence, and respect for the lifelong impact of adoption.”
Upcoming workshop dates:
· Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 9:00 am ET (Virtual on Zoom)
· Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 9:00 am ET (Virtual on Zoom)
· Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 9:00 am ET (Virtual on Zoom)
· Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 9:00 am ET (Virtual on Zoom)
Adoption 101 workshops are offered free of charge.
Registration required - click here to get started.
About Adoption Network Cleveland
Adoption Network Cleveland: The Ohio Family Connection is an innovative non-profit organization with over 35 years of experience serving the adoption and foster care communities. Our organization fulfills otherwise unmet needs for information, advocacy, education and support for adult adoptees, birth parents and birth family; adoptive, kinship and foster families; youth in foster care and foster alumni; and related professionals. More recently, the organization has expanded its services to use its expertise in adoption search, reunion with birth family, and peer support networks to assist those who have been donor-conceived or have misattributed parentage. The organization can be found online at www.adoptionnetwork.org or on social media at @AdoptionNetCle.
If you have any questions, please connect with our Executive Director, Betsie Norris at Betsie.Norris@AdoptionNetwork.org or by calling 216-482-2314.
