FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2005) – Families interested in adoption can learn from the experts representing more than a dozen adoption agencies and support groups next month at the Louisville Adoption Fair.

The event will be from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 6, at the University of Louisville’s Shelby Campus at 9001 Shelbyville Road.

The fair is sponsored by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, WLKY-TV Wednesday’s Child and several local adoption agencies that provide home studies for domestic, international, infant and older children adoptive placements.

The cabinet has nearly 400 kids waiting for families in its Special Needs Adoption Program (SNAP). These children are considered more difficult to adopt because they are older, in sibling groups or have special needs.

“Researching your adoption options is hard work,” said Jim Wilson, a SNAP coordinator in Louisville and an event organizer. “This is a one-stop effort. You can check out every kind of adoption available.”

Wilson said talking with a specialist at the fair can help prospective parents take the right steps toward creating a new family.

“No matter what type of adoption interests you, the fair is the place to learn more about it,” he said.

The event’s workshops will focus on adoption basics, international adoption, adopting older children and support services.

The event is free, and no registration is required.

Agencies scheduled to participate include the following: A Helping Hand; Access Adoptions Inc.; Adopt!inc.; Adoption and Homestudy Specialists; Adoption Assistance, Inc.; Adoption Support for Kentucky; Adoptions of Kentucky; Families Thru International Adoption; Jewish Family and Vocational Service; Kentucky Adoption Services; Kentucky Baptist Homes for Children; Special Needs Adoption Program of Kentucky; St. Elizabeth Regional Maternity Center and WLKY-TV Wednesday's Child, Inc.

For more information, call the SNAP office at (502) 595-4303 or (800) 928-4303.

Directions to University of Louisville’s Shelby Campus

Here are driving directions to U of L’s Shelby Campus, 9001 Shelbyville Road, in Louisville:

From I-64

Drive I-64 west into Louisville to the Jeffersontown/Middletown exit #15, which is Hurstbourne Lane (State Road 1727). At the end of the ramp, turn right toward Middletown. Stay on Hurstbourne to U.S. 60 (Shelbyville Road) which is approximately 1 mile. Turn left onto U.S. 60.  Shelby Campus is on your right just past the first red light.

From I-65

Drive I-65 north into Louisville to I-264 east (Watterson Expressway). Go approximately 6 miles to U.S. 60 (Shelbyville Road) at the St. Matthews/Middletown exit (which is just past the I-64 interchange). Go east toward Middletown for approximately 1 mile through a commercial, and then residential, area. Shelby Campus will be on your left. 

From I-71

Drive I-71 south into Louisville to I-264 west (Watterson Expressway). Go approximately 2 miles to the U.S. 60 (Shelbyville Road) at the St. Matthews/Middletown exit. Go east toward Middletown for approximately 1 mile through a commercial, and then residential, area. Shelby Campus will be on your left. 

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