Adoption Communication and Birth Parent Relationships (2 hours, Live via Zoom)

The Adoption Communication and Birth Parent Relationships pre-adoption training focuses on the theoretical and practical value of openness in adoption, including positive adoption communication and healthy communication about birth parents.

Adoptive Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Families (2 hours, Live via Zoom)

The Adoptive Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Families pre-adoption training focuses on the intricacies of interracial and intercultural parenting, providing techniques for fully embracing your child’s racial and cultural identity throughout the lifespan.

On-Demand Webinars (3.5 hours)

The 4-Course Bundle of pre-adoption training includes:

• Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome (25 min)
• Self-Reflective Parenting (50 min)
• Building Healthy Brains in Infants and Toddlers (1 hour, 15 min)
• Evaluating Risk Factors in Domestic Infant Adoption by Creating a Family (1 hour | $20- cost established by Creating a Family*)

Family Forever (2 hours, Live via Zoom)

The Family Forever post-adoption training provides an opportunity for new adoptive parents, along with their babies, to come together to discuss challenges, joys, and questions in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Techniques for strengthening bonding and attachment with baby, as well as navigating relationships with birth parents will be reviewed. The seminar will also provide information on infant temperament, how to talk with children about adoption at different ages and stages, and adoption finalization. This training is a fun way to meet other adoptive families and their new babies, so bring your baby with you to Family Forever! The training incorporates open discussion, lecture, and question & answer to teach and reinforce important concepts.

Yes, all families pursuing a domestic infant adoption using Adoptions Together’s Domestic Infant Placement (DIP), Domestic Infant Home Study Only, or Networking Families programs are required to complete all training listed above, except Family Forever. Family Forever is required only for Adoptions Together DIP program families and is optional for all other families.

All families pursuing domestic infant adoption must complete a total of 7.5 hours of training prior to home study approval. Adoptions Together’s DIP program families are required to take an additional two hours after placement but prior to adoption finalization.

No, you can take them in either order, based on availability and your schedule. Both are required for home study approval.

To be approved for a child over 6 months old and up to the age of 24 months, you will be required to take an additional 2-hour individualized training. Your home study social worker can assist with scheduling this training.

If you still have questions, you can contact the Education and Training department (training@pathsforfamilies.org).