On Friday, May 18, the Adoptive Parents Committee (APC) will hole a meeting at Church of St. Jude, located in Wantagh.

Open to the general public, two of Long Island's top social

workers explore in separate workshops, the basics of getting started in

adoption, issues that may arise growing up adopted, and how to talk to your children about adoption.

The first guest speaker is Cathleen Danowski, director of New Beginnings Family and Children's Services. She will discuss such questions as: How do you talk to children about adoption? What issues do they face and at what lifestage?

The other speaker is Caren Sue Peet, L.M.S.W. , adoptive parent and

specialist. She will discuss: How do you start planning for adoption? What steps are involved? What is a home study? What do you say to a birthmother and more.

The New Member Orientation and Pre & Post Support Groups meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., there is a General Meeting. At 7:30 p.m., there are Program Lectures.

The Church of St. Jude is located at 3606 Lufberry Avenue in Wantagh.

For directions and additional information, visit APC's website at www.

adoptiveparents.org.