Should you adopt a child who has been exposed prenatally to alcohol or drugs? What are the short and long term impacts of drinking during pregnancy or use of methamphetamines, opioids, methadone, Suboxone, marijuana, and tobacco (cigarettes or vaping)? In this course, we interview Dr. Julia Bledsoe, a board certified pediatrician specializing in adoption and prenatal exposure. She is a professor at the University of Washington in General Pediatrics, and also the faculty pediatrician at the UW FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) Clinic, the longest standing FAS center in the US. She is also an adoptive parent. 

This course covers the following topics:

  • Prospective adoptive parents considering any form of adoption (domestic infant, foster care adoption, or international adoption) often need to consider whether they are the right family to adopt a child with prenatal alcohol and drug exposure.
  • How often is accurate information known about maternal alcohol or drug use during pregnancy with each type of adoption?
  • Are there signs or symptoms of a child that may have been exposed to alcohol and drugs in utero, absent confirmation from the mother?
  • What is known about the amount or timing of alcohol or drug use and the impact on the baby or child?
  • Short term and long term impacts of the following substances:
    • Alcohol-does it matter the type of alcohol?
    • Methamphetamines
    • Opioids-prescription
    • Opioids illegal
    • Heroin-fentanyl
    • Methadone or Suboxone
    • Marijuana
    • Ecstasy, inhalants
    • Tobacco-smoking cigarettes or vaping
  • What should parents consider when trying to decide if they are the right family for a child with prenatal exposure?
  • What are some ways that parenting a child with prenatal exposure is different from parenting a child with no or limited exposure?


*This course includes a 1-hour conversational audio lesson, a 10-question quiz, and a certificate of completion with the successful completion of the quiz at 80%. 

Your course will remain active for 180 days from purchase date.

  • $20.00

    Introduction to Prenatal Exposure for Those Considering Adoption

    Purchase Course

This course aligns with the following regulatory requirements.

Hague Treaty on Intercountry Adoption*

 96.38 (b)(7)

   96.48 (b)(2)


*Important Information for agencies on Hague Training Requirements.


Virginia Compliance

22VAC40-131-210.A.2 


*Important Information for agencies on Virginia core competencies.


Illinois Licensing Standard §401.520

*Important Information for agencies on Illinois Adoption Requirements.


Nebraska Licensing Requirement 005.16(D)(i)

*Important Information for agencies on Nebraska Adoption Requirements.