Adoption Education and Post Adoption
Across The World Adoptions (ATWA) is a non-profit international adoption agency licensed by the State of California and applying for Hague accreditation. The agency offers comprehensive homestudy, educational and support services, both to our country clients and those working in conjunction with other facilitating organizations. ATWA currently facilitates adoption programs in Japan and Kazakhstan. Our programs in Guatemala and Russia are temporarily on hold. "The International Adoption Process" class is open and free to anyone. The other classes, suitable for both pre- and post- adoptive families, are free to ATWA clients and cost $50 per person, per session for non-clients. The sessions meet the Hague educational requirements and a certificate of completion will be issued upon request. Classes may be cancelled if too few RSVPs.
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Medical Issues - Before & After Adoption
Nancy Curtis, MD, Director of the International Adoption Clinic at Children’s Hospital in Oakland discusses medical issues for internationally adopted children including the possibility of minimal or inaccurate information, the effects on children of malnutrition, environmental toxins, maternal substance abuse and other known genetic, health, emotional and developmental risk factors. Clinic services available to parents includes pre-adoption counseling, evaluation of medical records, preparation for travel and consultation during travel. Services available to internationally adopted children after they enter the U.S. include history and physical examination, lab screening, immunization status, developmental-neuropsychological screening and development of a treatment plan.
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Adopting The Older Child
Stages of child development and the effect of adoption issues on the older child. Phases of the adoption process. Institutionalization and its effects on children, including the possibility of attachment and other emotional issues. Recognizing signs of attachment issues and strategies to promote bonding and attachment. Grief, loss and separation issues. Preparing to meet your child and the initial meeting. Claiming your role as parent. The "honeymoon" period. Handling rejection. Sleep, eating and toileting issues. Behavior and discipline and what doesn't work. Talking about birth parents and adoption to your children, family, friends and strangers. Language and school. Symptoms of abuse and how to respond. Other diagnoses. Treatment, resources and where to get help. Integrating race and heritage in the multicultural family. Giving your child a history.
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| Bonding, Attachment & Parenting Your Adopted Child
Childhood issues in adoption. Institutionalization and its effects on children, including the possibility of attachment and other emotional issues. Preparing to meet your child and the initial meeting. Recognizing signs of attachment issues and strategies to promote bonding and attachment. Leaving familiar ties and surroundings. Handling rejection. Providing structure, setting boundaries and appropriate discipline. Talking about adoption to your children, family, friends and strangers. Integrating race and heritage in the multicultural family. Developing a Life Book. Coping with uncertainty and delay in the adoption process.
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Travel and Homecoming
Preparing to travel. Being a guest in your child's homeland. The orphanage environment and the impact on children of leaving familiar ties and surroundings. Meeting your child for the first time and tips on promoting initial attachment. Language issues. Gift giving. The process of adoption finalization abroad. Travel home. Providing structure, setting boundaries and appropriate discipline. Review of the long-term implications for a family that has become multicultural. Post-placement/adoption and an explanation of any reporting requirements from the countries of origin. Re-adoption. Citizenship. Social Security. Alumni adoptive parents will share their experiences.
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| The International Adoption Process - FREE!
A single session introducing prospective adoptive parents to the intercountry adoption process and our services, including the general characteristics and needs of children awaiting adoption and the in-country conditions that affect children. Information on the laws and adoption processes of countries, including possible delays and impediments. International or domestic? Home study. Citizenship and Immigration Services (C.I.S.). Child identification and referral.
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| Medical, Attachment and Parenting Issues of International Adoption Common medical issues with internationally adopted children including the possibility of minimal or inaccurate information, the effects on children of malnutrition, environmental toxins, maternal substance abuse and other known genetic, health, emotional and developmental risk factors. Preparing to travel, the initial meeting and what to expect once the family is home. Institutionalization and its effects on children, including the possibility of attachment and other emotional issues. Recognizing signs of attachment issues and strategies to promote bonding and attachment. Leaving familiar ties and surroundings. The life-long process of adoption. Effective parenting skills, including discipline. Integrating race and heritage in the multicultural family. Coping with uncertainty and delay in the adoption process.
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RSVP REQUIRED FOR ALL CLASSES
by phone: (925) 356-6260
by fax: (925) 827-9396
by email: adopt@atwakids.org
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