|
Page 4 of 8 You will be required to take further training classes to equip you to continue in the process of adoption. Once all classes are completed and homework is turned in you are ready to begin your Adoptive Homestudy. The following link will direct you to a description of the Training Class Sign Up Form
Antioch Adoptions has 3 tracks of adoption. Each track has specific classes that are required. Below is a brief summary of the classes associated with the track of adoption. We encourage all our families to prepare for all tracks of adoption so that they can be educated and ready to follow God's will. There is a more thorough list of classes and their description as well.
Required Training
Training course required for every Antioch Adoptions Family in order to be able to adopt.
FAMILY PRIDE Pre-service Training For Adoptive and Foster-Adoptive Families: ---Is REQUIRED for all Antioch Adoptions Potential Adoptive Families and is a prerequisite for ALL other classes offered, you must take this first! –30 hours of training done in a retreat stye format– This class is the Antioch Adoptions adoptive family preparation training and will also fulfill State requirements for foster licensing (for those families who are open to foster-adopt). Various instructors will team teach PRIDE
Transracial Adoptions Forum—3 hour class—This class is required for all families and we encourage you to bring other family members (grandparents, close friends). It is designed to expand on issues touched on in Pride training. This course addresses the intentional needs of a family of color. We at Antioch Adoptions support and promote the development of understanding and respect for all cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. This class promotes the understanding of our personal bias, how to develop a ‘cultural plan’ for the adoption of a child from another culture or racial background, and explores areas of cross-cultural misunderstanding.
Understanding God’s Will—This is a 2 hour class— This class is required for all families. This class focuses on God’s perfect plan for us all and his desire for adoption. We at Antioch encourage our families to be in daily prayer and to listen what God has in store for you and your family. We believe that God has the perfect child for you and pray that you will learn to wait on His perfect timing through this class.
CPR, First Aid, & Blood Born Pathogens—approx. 8 hours—This class is NOT offered through Antioch Adoptions, but we have a resource list available. You may take an equivalent training from any source you want but it must include pediatric CPR, first aid, blood borne pathogens (may take this separately). Please submit a copy of your certificate(s) of completion to us for our records.
Additional class required for families who will be working with a birthparent.
Working with Birth Parents—3 hour class—This training assists to ease anxiety and builds skills for meeting and developing a relationship with birth parents who are in the process of exploring options of adoption for their child and seeking an adoptive family. Provides education to assist families in developing their personal parameters for an ‘open communication agreement’. Promotes an open exploration of fears and anxieties around adoption issues for the family and the adopted child.
Both parents are required to attend.
Additional Classes required for families who will be adopting an infant or child from the foster care system.
Transitioning, DCFS, and A Special Needs Child—2 hour class—This class is required for all families who are seeking to adopt a ‘special needs child’ or a child who is in the state foster-care system. This class explores the needs of the child as they transition from foster care to their pre-adoptive home. You will discuss strategies for interfacing with the state social workers, and be educated on the steps and requirements of Antioch Adoptions in ‘team-building’ prior to placement. The goal is to empower families as they work with the state. Prior adoption of a foster child or prior documented experience as a foster parent waives this requirement
Parenting Class For the Special Needs Child Adoption—2 hour class—A basic review of parenting skills and techniques which have the greatest potential for success in parenting the child who has been removed from their birth parent and resided in foster-care. Addresses the child’s needs for structure, routine, clear boundaries, and the assistance in developing and re-establishing trust. The two special needs classes can be taken in either order.
Both parents are required to attend the required classes.
PICC: Building Skills To Care for the Drug Withdrawal of An Infant—One and a half hour class—Offered
for those parents who are open to ministering to infants born effected
by drugs. This is essential for adoptive parents willing to undertake
foster-adoption, and the inherent risks to fostering a child who might
be reunified with birth parents. Other adult family members welcome
(like grandparents, nanny). Both parents are required to attend.
For families seeking additional education and support.
Emotional Issues of Adoptive Parents—2 hour class—Provides a discussion group atmosphere to address some of the emotional issues adoptive parents face. Issues may include frustration during the waiting process, grief and loss, bonding with adopted children, dealing with curious or inappropriate questions from family and strangers. Bring in your concerns and we will talk about them! This is a great class. You will leave blessed!
Baby Basics—2 hour class—Provides the ‘nuts and bolts’ of infant care. Any course, which addresses this subject, can be used to for this required class. Documented attendance is required. This class is offered at most hospitals.
Listed below are classes offered to our potential adoptive families. These classes are only for families who have been accepted into our ministry and have taken our PRIDE training. After you have attended our introductory class and have participated in a prescreening interview, you will be invited to sign up for Family Pride training. To register please mail or fax the enclosed registration forms. You may register for as many classes as you choose. Please check your calendar before registering. Also, remember that space is limited, so if you cannot attend after registering, let us know as soon as possible so others may attend in your place. You will be sent confirmation to inform you as to the availability of space in the class(es). Both parents are required to attend.
|
