In this hands-on workshop, learn about the rights of gay men and lesbians to adopt as individuals or with a partner or to adopt a partner's children (second-parent adoption), and discuss the risks for parents who are not biologically related to children they are raising. Hear what social science research has to say about gay and lesbian parents and their children and work through hypothetical situations faced by these parents and their children. What tests are used to determine the best interest of minor children in cases of support, visitation, custody and similar disputes? Participants will be encouraged to share experiences and ask questions.

Speaker: Heather Sawyer, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Illinois.

Approximately 65-80 mins.