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Looking for Adoptions Together or FamilyWorks Together? New name, same us. Here’s why!

Infant Adoption Trainings for Current Families

Learn about required pre- and post-adoption trainings for families currently in the process of infant adoption, find dates of live trainings and links to necessary webinars, and read our infant adoption training FAQ.

If you are an adoptive family actively engaged with one of our infant placement programs (Domestic Infant Placement (DIP), Domestic Infant Home Study Only, or Networking Families), there are required trainings prior to placement. For DIP families, a post-placement training is also required.

Once your home study application has been approved, you’ll be able to register for relevant trainings through your My Adoption Portal account.

Pre-Placement Trainings

  • Adoption Communication and Birth Parent Relationships
    • 2.5 hours | live via Zoom | $125/family
    • Upcoming dates: October 22, December 19
  • Adoptive Parenting in Racially and Culturally Diverse Families
    • 2.5 hours | live via Zoom | $125/family
    • Upcoming dates: November 21, January 16
  • Domestic Infant Adoption Webinar Package
  • Creating a Family Webinar
    • 1 hour | on-demand webinar | $20/family

Post-Placement Training

  • Family Forever
    • Upcoming dates: June 6, 2024; December 5, 2024
    • Note: Family Forever is required only for DIP program families and is optional for all other families.

Overview of Domestic Infant Trainings

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all trainings mandatory for families who are not using Adoptions Together for placement?

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.

How many total hours of training are required for families pursuing a domestic infant adoption?

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.

Do we have to take Adoption Communication and Birth Parent Relationships before we take Adoptive Parenting in Racially Diverse Families?

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

What if we want to be approved for a child over 6 months old?

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.

What if we still have questions about the training requirements?

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