On November 2, 2009, the UVU College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) in conjunction with its Advisory Board, launched its Family Studies program by celebrating National Adoption Awareness Month with the UVU Conference on Adoption.
The conference was designed to meet the needs of university students, adoption professionals and community participants. Over 40 presenters participated representing adoption professionals (including social services and legal experts), educators specializing in research on family study/adoption, and private community members who have participated in the adoption process (adoptive parents, birth parents).
In order to provide additional resources and information to conference participants, exhibition space was made available for community and state adoption service providers. Exhibitors such as the Adoption Exchange, A Act of Love Adoption Options, Heart to Heart Adoptions, Utah Foster Care Foundation, Families Supporting Adoption, etc. offered information packets, advice and insight to participants visiting their booths.
Last year’s participants enjoyed the variety and quality of the presentations – and felt that they acquired valuable information. Based upon community interest, student support and the overwhelming positive feedback, UVU College of Humanities and Social Sciences has determined to make this conference an annual event.
This year’s conference promises to be even better offering more concurrent sessions, an increased number of focused workshops on various adoption options including foster to adopt, and additional space for information booths.
We are pleased to have the endorsement and involvement of the National Council for Adoption (NCFA). The NCFA brings a wealth of resources and information with them.