Are You Ready to Adopt?

• Explore if adoption is right for you and your family. This class will assist individuals in determining if they and their families are ready to welcome a child into their home. We will explore the emotional and financial aspects of adoption. There is no cost for this program.

Risk Counseling

• This is an introduction to the risks and joys of international adoption and is a required part of the home study process. It fulfills the ten hour Hague requirements. Cost is $200.

Toddler Adoption

• Are you planning to adopt a toddler? Learn about the needs of this group of children, and the risks and challenges involved. Discuss with others who have been there how to meet and transition this age child into your family.

Older Child Adoption

• Adopting children over the age of 3 has several issues and considerations. Help determine if you and your family are ready to parent a child of this age range. Learn tips on how to transition and help the child adjust.

Considering Special Needs

• Many people feel the desire to adopt a special needs child, and the joys can be great in adding a child to your family with special needs. But you must be prepared not only to transition this child into the family but know how to develop support networks and secure medical and counseling services. This is a life long commitment that requires the whole family/support system to make this a success. Talk with professionals and parents who are navigating this lifestyle for their families.

What is a Special Need

• This workshop provides an OVERVIEW of the most commonly referred medical conditions of children posted on the waiting child lists. Learn what they are, what is involved and if special needs adoption is for you. Presenter: Kimber Kamp-Sprik R.N., BSN, adoptive parent

Funding Your Adoption

• Learn about the many different way that you can pay for your adoption.

Bonding and Attachment

• Learn what is normal healthy attachment in the parent child relationship and foster it in your relationship with your child. Know the warning signs of RAD (reaction attachment disorder) and how to find help with this challenge.

Speech and Language Development

• Learn what is normal speech and language development for the adopted child, and ways to assist your child in developing language and speech. Also learn what the signs are for when you should seek outside help.

Traveling to Meet your Child

• Learn from experts how to survive in a foreign country, how to pack, and what to expect. Lots of traveling and bonding ideas will be shared.

Medical Issues with adopted children

• Learn what symptoms to look for, and also what is normal for adopted children.

Baby CPR and First Aid

• It is something you never want to need to know, but if you do, it can be a lifesaver.

Basic Parenting 101

• This program is intended to prepare new parents to meet their child.

Building Culturally Sensitive Families

• Adding a child through international adoption will change your family tree forever. Learn ways to blend cultures together and how to celebrate the uniqueness of your child’s background. This will explore local and national support systems, how to learn about the culture, holidays and the specifics of the country where your child was born. You will also be given practical tips on how to bridge the two cultures.

Asset Training

• Assets is a nationally acclaimed program geared to understanding support systems necessary to helping adolescents navigate these turbulent years. This is a system that is easy to understand and apply for parents wanting to give their children the support necessary to making wise choices concerning at risk behaviors.

Preparing siblings for a new child

• Lean about ways to introduce and prepare your children for a new sibling. Preparing a child for travel, and understanding the concept of adoption.

You’re the big brother/sister

• This program is designed for siblings getting ready to meet their new brother or sister. It is a hands on fun program designed for families to prepare for a new baby.

Cost

• There is no charge for Exploring adoption or the orientation and overview of adoption. The cost of the complete risk counseling package (ten hours) is $200. There is an extra charge for the CPR class, but all other classes are $20.00 per family.

Schedule