CCAI’s parent training addresses the following topics, according to requirements set by the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption; Subpart F—Standards for Convention Accreditation and Approval § 96.48 Preparation and training of prospective adoptive parent(s) in incoming cases:

1. The adoption process, the general characteristics and needs of children awaiting adoption, and the in-country conditions that affect children in the foreign country from which the prospective adoptive parents plan to adopt -- This is covered by our Overview of China Adoption, Overview of Haiti Adoption, Overview of Latvia Adoption, Overview of Ukraine Adoption, and Overview of Bulgaria Adoption training courses.
2. The effects on children of malnutrition; relevant environmental toxins; maternal substance abuse; and of any other known genetic, health, emotional, and developmental risk factors associated with children from the expected country of origin -- This is covered by our Overview of China Adoption, Overview of Haiti Adoption, Overview of Latvia Adoption, Overview of Ukraine Adoption, and Overview of Bulgaria Adoption training courses, as well as the Assisting in Your Child’s Development training course.
3. Information about the impact on a child of leaving familiar ties and surroundings, as appropriate to the expected age of the child -- This is covered by our Overview of China Adoption, Overview of Haiti Adoption, Overview of Latvia Adoption, Overview of Ukraine Adoption, and Overview of Bulgaria Adoption training classes, as well as Grief and Loss in Adoption: A Journey toward Growth and Talking to Your Child about Adoption training courses.
4. Data on institutionalized children and the impact of institutionalization on children, including the effect on children of the length of time spent in an institution and of the type of care provided in in the expected country of origin -- This is covered by our Overview of China Adoption, Overview of Haiti Adoption, Overview of Latvia Adoption, Overview of Ukraine Adoption, and Overview of Bulgaria Adoption and Assisting in Your Child’s Development training courses.
5. Information on attachment disorders and other emotional problems that institutionalized or traumatized children and children with a history of multiple caregivers may experience, before and after their adoption -- This is covered by our Attachment training courses.
6. Information on the laws and adoption processes of the expected country or origin, including foreseeable delays and impediments to finalization of an adoption -- This is covered by our Overview of China Adoption, Overview of Haiti Adoption, Overview of Latvia Adoption, Overview of Ukraine Adoption, and Overview of Bulgaria Adoption training courses.
7. Information on the long-term implications for a family that has become multicultural through intercountry adoption -- This is covered by our Being a Multicultural Family training course.
8. An explanation of any reporting requirements associated with intercountry adoptions, including any post-placement or post-adoption reports required by the expected country of origin -- This is covered by our Overview of China Adoption, Overview of Haiti Adoption, Overview of Latvia Adoption, Overview of Ukraine Adoption, and Overview of Bulgaria Adoption training courses.

CCAI also provides the prospective adoptive parent(s) with country specific culture training that allows them to be as fully prepared as possible for the adoption of a child from the expected country of origin; This is covered by our Chinese Culture, Haitian Culture, Latvian Culture, Ukrainian Culture, and Bulgarian Culture training courses.

For those families who are adopting an older child or a child with medical conditions, CCAI offers a specific training class: Special Needs and Older Child Adoption: Considerations and Rewards.

For each of our courses we expect the family to “work” on each course at least one to one and one-half hours. “Work” includes downloading and printing the course packet, viewing the course video presentation, viewing any additional videos noted in the course, and additional readings. Run times are approximated.

Learn about the intercountry adoption process, the general characteristics and needs of children awaiting adoption, and the in-country conditions that affect children in the expected country of origin, information about the impact on a child of leaving familiar ties and surroundings, as appropriate to the expected age of the child. Data on institutionalized children and the impact of institutionalization on children, including the effect on children of the length of time spent in an institution and of the type of care provided in-country is included. Information on the laws and adoption processes of the country, including foreseeable delays and impediments to finalization of an adoption is provided, as well as an explanation of any reporting requirements associated with that country’s adoptions, including any post-adoption reports required by the country. There is a course specific to each country: China, Haiti, Latvia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.

Grief and Loss is inherent in adoption. It is a joyous event and a wonderful way to build a family. However, we want to acknowledge the loss all members of the adoption “triad” experience in adoption. Adoption is lifelong and unites birth families (and birth countries), adoptees, and adoptive families forever. It is important to get comfortable “talking” about this loss with our children so we will spend some time thinking, talking and getting ready for these very important conversations that our children will have over the years!

It is important to just get talking! We will talk about some of those interesting questions our families, children, friends and strangers will have for us about adoption! We need to talk about adoption from the beginning and add to the details as our children grow (as appropriate to the expected age of the child) and have more questions! We want to be proud of who we are and celebrate our children’s entire story - past, present and future. We want to give our children one of the greatest gifts we can offer – their life story!

Do we need to be experts in attachment to adopt? No! But we can be well-prepared to help establish a healthy bond with our adopted child and prevent attachment problems by understanding the attachment process and what to do when we are starting that process with an older infant, toddler, or older child. Attachment 101 covers the basics of attachment theory, what attachment disorders are, and how to promote a healthy attachment with your child. We will also talk about the initial “adjustment period” for your child and your family and the potential issues that can arise and how to cope with them.

Attachment 102 will build on the key concepts from Attachment 101 to help families construct a parenting foundation that encourages the development of healthy bonds with their adopted child. Class topics include:

• Exploration of different parenting styles and the impact of each style on children with disrupted attachments
• Discussion about why our children require unique approaches to parenting… that sometimes go “against the grain” of our instincts or other parenting methods
• Keys to providing an environment where the attachment between children and parents can thrive

Be prepared to challenge yourself and explore the intricacies of the attachment process. Get a jump-start on understanding your child and ways of parenting that will best facilitate her (or his) adjustment into your family!

What is normal development? Discover how the brain drives development and how environment affects it. Learn realistic behavior expectations, how to stimulate children to achieve developmental tasks and how to meet the child’s developmental needs. This class is designed to help guide your observations of your newly adopted child, identify background issues that can impact your child’s development, and outline common developmental concerns following adoption. We will spend time providing practical ideas to assist your child’s development and discuss how and when to seek professional assistance.

This class will look at what it means to be a minority in a dominant culture and how parents can honor a child’s heritage. We will talk about how to grapple with racial stereotypes, both positive and negative, and how those stereotypes are subtly interwoven into the fabric of our culture. We will explore these issues in a safe environment so as parents we can be better prepared for a new life as a multicultural family.

Learn about the history of your child’s birthplace! Get an insight into the land and people of your child’s country: a basic history, language, culture, and beliefs, festivals and traditions, and the changing face of the country today. There is a course specific to each country: China, Haiti, Latvia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.

This class is designed to look at some of the issues associated with adopting a child with identified medical needs, as well as those associated with adopting an older child. What are the needs of these children and what can you do ahead of time to prepare? What are some immediate and long-term implications and what family and parenting characteristics will be needed? This class is appropriate for those who have already decided to adopt a child with medical conditions or an older child, as well as for others still trying to decide.