New U.S. rules about international adoption require that families complete ten (10) hours of training.  Adoptions Together offers seminars for families who will be adopting internationally.

Before the home study is conducted, families should verify that they meet the basic requirements of the country from which they wish to adopt by checking the country requirements on the State Department Web Site . If the country is not listed on the State Department website, you should check with your placement agency or attorney to ensure that you meet the requirements of the country for international adoption. Families are encouraged to discuss these requirements with their home study social worker during the first home study visit

**Pre-registration is required for all courses.  

International Parent Preparation 1 Seminar

In international adoption, there are many issues that impact your child’s adjustment to the family—the effects of orphanage life, early childhood trauma, language acquisition, and grief/loss—to name a few.  This half-day seminar will explore the socio-cultural realities of adopting a child from another country, common medical issues and concerns, practical strategies for easing the transition and creating a supportive household after your child arrives, and the essential building blocks of healthy attachment.

Click the date to register for 2013. Calverton/Baltimore classes offered 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. Virginia classes offered 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

July 13, 2013 (Baltimore)
September 14, 2013 (Virginia)
November 9, 2013 (Baltimore)

International Parent Preparation 2 Seminar (Region Specific)

This full-day seminar will provide detailed information about issues common to children living in orphanages or foster homes in other countries. These topics will be explored in terms of the socio-cultural factors in various regions: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. In addition to learning about the societal conditions of each region, parents will learn about the effects of early childhood trauma on attachment formation and brain development. Additional topics explored in this seminar include personal expectations, creating a therapeutic household, racial/cultural awareness, and adjustment challenges. Health and medical information—fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, sensory integration, and language development—common to internationally adopted children will be shared.

Click the date to register for 2013. All courses are offered from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Eastern Europe

November 23, 2013 (Calverton)

Asia

June 22, 2013 (Baltimore)
November 16, 2013 (Baltimore)