Prospective Adoptive Parents

Intercountry Adoption Journey


Description
PLEASE NOTE: The Intercountry Adoption Journey course is $90/person. In the case of a two-parent prospective adoptive family, each parent must enroll separately and complete the course individually in order to generate a certificate and demonstrate that each parent participated.

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The Hague Compliant Intercountry Adoption Journey is a self-directed, self-paced, 10-hour course that fulfills the training requirements of countries that are party to the Hague Adoption Convention and provides a solid foundation for all prospective parents pursuing intercountry adoption. The original Intercountry Adoption Journey, created by NCFA, launched in February 2008 as one of the first Hague-compliant certification programs offered to prospective adoptive parents and adoption professionals. The Intercountry Adoption Journey has been the training course of choice for over 30,000 adoptive parents and adoption professionals for over a decade.

Children who experience separation from their birth parents, grow up in institutional communal care, or spend time in foster placements abroad have unique needs that require prospective adoptive parents to be educated and equipped to help their child thrive in a permanent family home. This training discusses the critical knowledge required, related to cognitive and social development, prior trauma, medical needs, cultural and racial considerations, and much more.

You will hear from experts in the field, including clinicians, adopted individuals and seasoned adoptive parents. They will provide insight on the importance of early attachment relationships, and the impact of abuse, neglect other traumas, on the developing child. They will also provide recommendations on fostering attachment after an adoption, and surrounding yourself with a competent team of professionals that can support your family in this transition. Their expertise and candid perspectives, will uniquely prepare you for the journey ahead.

National Council For Adoption is committed to providing current, objective, and comprehensive training to help parents not only comply with U.S. State Department regulations for intercountry adoption in accordance with the Hague Convention, but also prepare themselves for this life-changing journey. In addition to this training course, we offer a wide array of free or affordable webinars, publications, and other materials to help you navigate the adoption journey – both before and after placement. We hope you’ll continue to look upon us as a resource for your family throughout the months and years ahead.

The Intercountry Adoption Journey Training Program is divided into ten modules. Sections may include slides, video clips, printable resources, and interactive elements such as activities, quizzes, and exercises to present important information on the intercountry adoption option.

Content
  • IAJ Introduction and Overview
  • Welcome Video and Program Overview
  • Course Content
  • NCFA Promise
  • Tracking Your Progress
  • Knowledge Retention and Quiz Expectations
  • Accountability and Certification
  • End of IAJ Overview
  • Module 1: Overview of the Intercountry Adoption Process
  • Module 1 Objectives
  • Module 1 | Introduction to Intercountry Adoption
  • Module 1 | Basic Adoption Terminology
  • Module 1 | Intercountry Adoption Facts and Statistics
  • Module 1 | Lesson 1 | U.S. State Department
  • Module 1 | Lesson 2 | Hague Convention Countries
  • Module 1 | Lesson 3 | Hague vs. Non-Hague Process
  • Module 1 | Lesson 4 | Hague vs. Non-Hague Country Fact Sheet
  • Module 1 | Lesson 5 | Adoption Services Provider Contract
  • Module 1 | Lesson 6 | Education and Training Requirements
  • Module 1 | Lesson 7 | Adoptive Parent Eligibility
  • Module 1 | Lesson 8 | Child Eligibility
  • Module 1 | Lesson 9 | Home Study Requirements
  • Module 1 | Lesson 10 | Child Medical Records
  • End of Module 1
  • Readings for Module 1
  • Reading: The General Adoption Process
  • Reading: Defining the Types of Adoption Processes
  • Reading: Different Types of Adoption Processes
  • Reading: Choosing an Adoption Professional
  • Reflection: Ten Years After the U.S. Joins the Hague Convention by Ryan Hanlon
  • Link: NCFA's Agency Directory
  • Link: Contact Information for Local and County Child Welfare Agencies
  • IAJ Module 1 Assessment
  • Module 2: A Deeper Understanding of the Intercountry Adoption Process
  • Module 2 Objectives
  • Module 2 | Lesson 1 | The Legal and Moral Commitment
  • Module 2 | Lesson 2 | Choosing a Country to Adoption From
  • Module 2 | Lesson 3 | Considerations When Choosing a Country to Adopt From
  • Module 2 | Lesson 4 | International Laws & Regulations
  • Module 2 | Lesson 5 | Selecting a U.S. International Adoption Service Provider
  • Module 2 | Lesson 6 | Delays
  • Module 2 | Lesson 7 | Basics Steps of International Adoption
  • Module 2 | Lesson 8 | Home Study Requirements and Typical Process
  • Module 2 | Lesson 9 | Parent Suitability/Eligibility
  • Module 2 | Lesson 10 | Adoption Process for Non-Hague Countries
  • Module 2 | Lesson 11 | Non-Hague Process Step 1
  • Module 2 | Lesson 12 | Non-Hague Process Step 2
  • Module 2 | Lesson 13 | Non-Hague Process Step 3
  • Module 2 | Lesson 14 | Non-Hague Process Step 4
  • Module 2 | Lesson 15 | Non-Hague Process Step 5
  • Module 2 | Lesson 16 | Non-Hague Process Step 6
  • Module 2 | Lesson 17 | Adoption Process for Hague Countries
  • Module 2 | Lesson 18 | Hague Process Step 1
  • Module 2 | Lesson 19 | Hague Process Step 2
  • Module 2 | Lesson 20 | Hague Process Step 3
  • Module 2 | Lesson 21 | Hague Process Step 4
  • Module 2 | Lesson 22 | Hague Process Step 5
  • Module 2 | Lesson 23 | Hague Process Step 6
  • Module 2 | Lesson 24 | Hague Process Step 7
  • Module 2 | Lesson 25 | Hague Process Step 8
  • Module 2 | Lesson 26 | Hague Process Step 9
  • End of Module 2
  • Readings for Module 2
  • IAJ Module 2 Assessment
  • Module 3: Children and Adolescents Awaiting Permanency
  • Module 3 Objectives
  • Module 3 | Lesson 1 | Receiving the Referral
  • Module 3 | Lesson 2 | Social and Medical Information
  • Module 3 | Lesson 3 | Social and Medical Information Concerns
  • Module 3 | Lesson 4 | International Pediatric Specialists
  • Module 3 | Lesson 5 | Child Privacy and Legal Matters
  • Module 3 | Lesson 6 | Country Specific Information
  • Module 3 | Lesson 7 | An Overview of Africa
  • Module 3 | Lesson 8 | An Overview of Asia
  • Module 3 | Lesson 9 | An Overview of Eastern Europe
  • Module 3 | Lesson 10 | An Overview of Latin America
  • Module 3 | Lesson 11 | Other Considerations Prior to Travel
  • Module 3 | Lesson 12 | Country and Cultural Issues
  • Module 3 | Lesson 13 | Who Should Travel
  • Module 3 | Lesson 14 | Medical and Assessment Information
  • End of Module 3
  • Readings for Module 3
  • Reading: The Role of Pre-Placement Medical Review in Contemporary Adoptions
  • Link: International Adoption Medical Clinics Directory
  • Link: Department of State - Adoption Processes by Country
  • Link: American Academy of Pediatrics
  • IAJ Module 3 Assessment
  • Module 4: Health, Emotional and Developmental Risk Factors
  • Module 4 Objectives
  • Module 4 | Lesson 1 | Common Medical Issues
  • Module 4 | Lesson 2 | Malnutrition
  • Module 4 | Lesson 3 | Microcephaly
  • Module 4 | Lesson 4 | Prematurity & Low Birth Weight
  • Module 4 | Lesson 5 | Common Infectious Diseases
  • Module 4 | Lesson 6 | Other Common Medical Issues
  • Module 4 | Lesson 7 | Environmental Concerns
  • Module 4 | Lesson 8 | Prenatal Exposures
  • Module 4 | Lesson 9 | Maternal Tobacco Use During Pregnancy
  • Module 4 | Lesson 10 | Other Drug Use During Pregnancy
  • Module 4 | Lesson 11 | Other Physical Characteristics
  • Module 4 | Lesson 12 | Other Risk Factors and Special Situations
  • Module 4 | Lesson 13 | Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Module 4 | Lesson 14 | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Module 4 | Lesson 15 | Auditory Processing Disorder
  • End of Module 4
  • Readings for Module 4
  • Reading: Medical Issues in Adopted Children by Elaine Schulte, MD, MPH
  • Reading: Assessing Emotional Neglect in Infants by Evelyn Wotherspoon
  • Reading: Supporting Maltreated Children: Countering Effects of Neglect & Abuse
  • Link: Autism Speaks - A State-by-State Resource Services Guide
  • Reading: Adopting an Older Child Internationally - 7 Ways to Ease the Adjustment
  • Reading: Creating Trauma-Informed Classrooms
  • Link: Special Needs: A Comprehensive List of Different Conditions and Disorders
  • IAJ Module 4 Assessment
  • Module 5: The Impact of Institutionalization
  • Module 5 Objectives
  • Module 5 | Lesson 1 | Background Information
  • Module 5 | Lesson 2 | Physical & Emotional Impact & Delays
  • Module 5 | Lesson 3 | Parental Education
  • Module 5 | Lesson 4 | Developmental Delays
  • Module 5 | Lesson 5 | Speech & Language
  • Module 5 | Lesson 6 | Delays in Speech
  • Module 5 | Lesson 7 | Delays in Motor Skills
  • Module 5 | Lesson 8 | Trauma in Orphanages
  • Module 5 | Lesson 9 | Risk Factors Related to Institutionalization
  • End of Module 5
  • Readings for Module 5
  • Reading: Adopting an Institutionalized Child: What are the Risks by Dana Johnson
  • Reading: Language Acquisition, Speech Delays, and Communication Challenges...
  • Reading: The Deprived Human Brain by Charles A. Nelson III, Elizabeth A. Furtado
  • Reading: Finding the Real Child by Allison Fisher Speer
  • IAJ Module 5 Assessment
  • Module 6: The Importance of Attachment
  • Module 6 Objectives
  • Module 6 | Lesson 1 | What is Attachment?
  • Module 6 | Lesson 2 | Bonding and Attachment
  • Module 6 | Lesson 3 | Types of Attachment
  • Module 6 | Lesson 4 | Attachment Disorders
  • Module 6 | Lesson 5 | Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Module 6 | Lesson 6 | Advice for Parents
  • End of Module 6
  • Readings for Module 6
  • Reading: Fostering Successful Attachment in Intercountry Adoption
  • Reading: Meeting Children Where They Are: The Neurosequential Model of Thera...
  • IAJ Module 6 Assessment
  • Module 7: Transitions from In-Country to Home
  • Module 7 Objectives
  • Module 7 | Lesson 1 | Background
  • Module 7 | Lesson 2 | Beginning the Transition Process
  • Module 7 | Lesson 3 | Leaving the Orphanage
  • Module 7 | Lesson 4 | Initial Adjustments, Both Practical and Emotional
  • Module 7 | Lesson 5 | Feelings of Grief & Loss Experienced by the Child
  • Module 7 | Lesson 6 | Initial Adjustments at Home
  • Module 7 | Lesson 7 | A Word of Consideration
  • Module 7 | Lesson 8 | Post-Adoption Depression
  • Module 7 | Lesson 9 | 10 Common Parental Expectations or Myths
  • Module 7 | Lesson 10 | Expectations 1-3
  • Module 7 | Lesson 11 | Expectations 4-6
  • Module 7 | Lesson 12 | Expectations 7-9
  • Module 7 | Lesson 13 | Expectation 10
  • Module 7 | Lesson 14 | Long-Term Implications of Multiculturalism
  • Module 7 | Lesson 15 | Dealing with the Outside World
  • Module 7 | Lesson 16 | Maintaining Cultural Ties and Heritage
  • Module 7 | Lesson 17 | Name Change
  • Module 7 | Lesson 18 | Activities
  • Module 7 | Lesson 19 | Post-Adoption Considerations
  • End of Module 7
  • Readings for Module 7
  • Reading: Developmental Manifestations of Grief in Children and Adolescents
  • IAJ Module 7 Assessment
  • Module 8: The Lifelong Journey of Transracial Adoption
  • Module 8 Objectives
  • Module 8 | Lesson 1 | Defining Race
  • Module 8 | Lesson 2 | Race, Identity Formation, and Adoption
  • Module 8 | Lesson 3 | Navigating Race and Adoption Discussions with Children
  • Module 8 | Lesson 4 | Cultivating a Child's Racial Identity
  • End of Module 8
  • Readings for Module 8
  • Reading: Proactive Engagement: Adoptive Parents Responsibility When Parenting
  • Reading: Race and Identity in Transracial Adoption - Suggestions
  • Reading: Positive Practices in Transracial Adoptive Parenting
  • Reading: Adoption Camps - A Primer for Families
  • Reading: Navigating Anti-Asian Racism - Tools for the Adoption Community
  • Reading: Transracial Parenting Resources
  • IAJ Module 8 Assessment
  • Module 9: Post-Adoption Reporting Requirements
  • Module 9 Objectives
  • Module 9 | Lesson 1 | Background
  • Module 9 | Lesson 2 | How to File Reports
  • Module 9 | Lesson 3 | Post-Adoption/Post-Placement Visits
  • Module 9 | Lesson 4 | Important Health Steps Parents Need to Address Immediately
  • Module 9 | Lesson 5 | Required Developmental Report Information
  • Module 9 | Lesson 6 | Targeting and Addressing Adjustment Issues
  • Module 9 | Lesson 7 | Social Worker Evaluations and Recommendations
  • Module 9 | Lesson 8 | Photos and Additional Information in the Report
  • Module 9 | Lesson 9 | Post-Placement Visit Simulation
  • Module 9 | Lesson 10 | Technical and Regulatory Tasks
  • Module 9 | Lesson 11 | Impact of Visa on Citizenship
  • Module 9 | Lesson 12 | Benefits of Readoption
  • Module 9 | Lesson 13 | Why Parents Need Proof of U.S. Citizenship
  • Module 9 | Lesson 14 | Social Security
  • Module 9 | Lesson 15 | The Adoption Tax Credit
  • Module 9 | Lesson 16 | Original Documents
  • End of Module 9
  • Readings for Module 9
  • Reading: State Recognition of Intercountry Adoption Finalized Abroad
  • Link: G-884 Form
  • Link: Importance of Obtaining Certificates of Citizenship
  • Link: Application for a Social Security Card: Form SS-5
  • Link: Most Current IRS Memo on the Adoption Tax Credit
  • IAJ Module 9 Assessment
  • Module 10: IAJ Program Conclusion
  • Hague-Compliance
  • Continuing Education
  • End of Training
  • Congratulations!
Completion rules
  • All units must be completed
  • Leads to a certificate with a duration: Forever