International Initial Core Education
Preparing to Parent Children Who Have Experienced Loss and Trauma
In FAF’s Hague pre-adoptive bundle of classes you’ll begin to understand the lives of children who come from a place most likely very different from your own. You’ll gain knowledge that many who have gone before you have discovered about welcoming a child from a ‘hard place’ into your home and family. We’ll also strengthen your family’s foundation so that as a parent, you have the tools and knowledge needed to best meet your child’s needs.
HAGUE COURSE BUNDLE
For families preparing for an International Adoption, the first 8 classes in Level 100 (FAF 101 – FAF 108) total 18 hours of pre-adoptive education. This satisfies the Hague pre-adoptive training requirements.
Class 100B:
Ethics and the Hague
The core framework of intercountry adoption is ensuring adoptions are facilitated ethically and in the best interests of children. In this class, we will explore the importance of ethics, the safeguards in place to protect children and families, and how prospective adoptive parents can take an active role in advocating for children and ethical adoption practices.
.75 Hour • $15
Enroll in Class 100B
Class 101:
Preparing for the Journey of Adoption
In this class, we’ll explore Dr. Karyn Purvis’ “7 Insights and 7 Gifts” that you can give your child. We draw heavily from Dr. Purvis’ and her colleague, Dr. David Cross’ work throughout this TBRI®-centered program and their words will inspire you for the journey ahead. This video introduces the challenges of adoption and the ways you can empower your child to trust and heal.
2 Hours • $35
Enroll in Class 101
Class 102
Introduction to Trust-Based Relational Intervention®
This class lays the foundation for most of the Trust-Based Relational Intervention teachings of this entire program. TBRI is a proven method for enriching the lives of at-risk, vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families. Much of the information that we’ll examine will be drawn from this material, which includes a 40 minute “TBRI Overview” video.
2 Hours • $35
Enroll in Class 102
Class 103
Children’s Needs and Intercountry Adoption
In this class, we’ll take an in-depth look at intercountry adoption processes. No matter what country you’ve chosen to adopt from, it’s probably quite different from your own place and family of origin. We’ll respond to common questions from parents—including what your child is most likely experiencing in their foster home or institutional living situation, cultural differences and similarities, as well as the laws and adoption processes from a country new to you in many ways. We’ll use this course as a foundation and then fill you in on many more specifics as your adoption journey continues.
3 Hours • $50
Enroll in Class 103
Class 104
Understanding Children’s Brain Development
The mystery of how a child becomes the small person we meet begins with their developing brain and body—how does this development affect their emotional and behavioral make up? In this course, we’ll learn from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development’s 90-minute video “Children from Hard Places and the Brain.” This video covers topics such as institutionalization and development, and challenges us to think about what it means to come from a hard place. This TBRI-focused teaching will start your exploration of what we hope will be a life-long desire to learn just ‘how and why’ children are who they are, and how we as parents, caregivers and professionals can be an enormous part of their healing. We’ll cover how the brain develops, the impact of loss, trauma and institutionalization and how we can help change a child’s brain development through attachment.
2.25 Hours • $35
Enroll in Class 104
Class 105
Common Medical Conditions
This course will challenge you to think about your understanding of special needs and learn more about how to consider whether or not you are prepared to care for a child with a medical challenge. We’ll cover some common medical conditions and we’ll do our best to provide answers to how to parent a child with special needs. You’ll also hear from families who are parenting a child with a special need and how their life has changed. We’ll leave you with some resources to explore as you consider how to make these very important decisions.
2.5 Hours • $50
Enroll in Class 105
Class 106
Understanding Attachment
In this class, we will look at what healthy attachment looks like and how our attachment styles as parents, caregivers and professionals can ease our relationship with a child. Understanding attachment is an important part of every relationship—the 90 minute “Attachment–Why It Matters Part 1” video will give you the insights needed to start your own voyage of personal discovery, as well as give you practical TBRI tools for purposeful connection with any child.
2 Hours • $30
Enroll in Class 106
Class 107
Developing Attachment
The more you know about how to engage children in the ‘attachment dance,’ you’re able to bring, and the more peace there can be in your home. This course offers useful tools for engaging with a child with a history of trauma and loss. It includes the 60-minute video, “Attachment–Why It Matters Part 2.”
2.25 Hours • $35
Enroll in Class 107
Class 108
Transracial Adoption: Building Cultural Awareness
We are all the same on the inside, but learning to acknowledge, celebrate, and understand cultural differences but “blending” as you become a conspicuous family is a life-long journey. Take some steps with this course in deepening your sensitivity and opening your heart for those who are different from you. We’ll explore transracial adoption and care giving from the point of view of both adoptive parents and transracial adoptees.
2 Hours • $30
Enroll in Class 108
Additional Courses
Class 109i
Developing an International Adoption Profile
Creating an adoption profile, whether a video or book, that highlights how and why your family is prepared to bring an adoptive child into your home, is an important step. In this class, we’ll examine the best practices and examples of adoption profiles that you can use to create your own profile for either domestic birth mothers or international matching committees.
1 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 109i
Class 110
FASD for Adoptive Families
A child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can display a range of behaviors both challenging and puzzling to parents. From signs and symptoms to diagnoses and treatment strategies, we’ll hear from medical professionals and adoptive families who have experienced, and are currently walking the daily adventure of raising children with FASD.
2 Hours • $35
Enroll in Class 110
Class 111
Medical Conditions | FASD Overview
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are the result of exposure to alcohol before birth that causes physical changes to the makeup of cells in the brain. In this class FASD expert Eileen Devine comes alongside parents to examine the behavioral symptoms of this spectrum disorder and how an individualized support plan is essential for parenting a child with an FASD diagnosis.
1.5 Hours • $35
Enroll in Class 111
Class 113
Supporting Children During Medical Encounters
From surgery to shots at the pediatrician’s office to taking pills, medical encounters of any kind bring their own challenges and potential fears for you and your children. This will course will provide insight on how to prepare yourself and your child for medical encounters, tips for regulation and support during a procedure, office visit or hospital admission, and how to process and recognize success afterwards.
1.5 Hours • $35
Enroll in Class 113
Class 140
First Family Heritage Search
As you build a trusting, life-long relationship with the child who has joined your family through adoption, one of your goals for them is to build a strong and resilient identity. To do this, it’s important to aid in understanding and honoring their birth culture and birth family. What does that look like in international or domestic adoption? Let’s explore together.
2 Hours • $30
Enroll in Class 140
Class 141
Sharing Your Adopted Child’s Story
Preparing for conversations and questions ahead of time and practicing intentional responses to meet the needs of your child, is wise. In this course we’ll cover ways to help your child understand adoption, how to navigate your child’s understanding of their story, and how to know what is “age appropriate.” We’ll also provide practical tools for how to navigate sharing pieces of your child’s adoption story.
2.5 Hours • $40
Enroll in Class 141
Class 201
The Importance of Playful Engagement
In this class, we’ll discuss how to confront challenging moments through playful interaction, and provide practical tools for daily encouragement for children with a background of trauma. This class also explores ways to make play fun for yourself and your child, and why play can often be difficult for adults.
2.0 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 201
Class 202
Healing and Healthy Touch
Science, and our own hearts tell us that everyone needs physical affection, but it can be difficult to know how to approach a child when touch has been absent or abusive in their lives. This course offers practical tools based in TBRI for how to be affectionate with a child with a history of trauma and loss, as well as how to recognize and bring healing to sexualized behavior and introduce a child to your family culture of healthy touch. The 40-minute TBRI video, “Healthy Touch” is included in this course.
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 202
Class 203
Exploring the Sensory World
This course explores the ways in which we experience the world through the 5 senses and different coping mechanisms for sensory overload. In this segment, we’ll also discuss the importance of respect for our own, as well as our children’s bodies. The 90-minute TBRI-focused video “A Sensory World” is included in this course.
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 203
Class 204
Healing Through Attachment
Through an attachment assessment and detailed narratives, you’ll learn about the 4 types of adult attachment styles and discover your own attachment inclination. Gaining insight into individual strengths and challenges becomes a valuable tool in enhancing attachment in all of your relationships.
3 Hours • $90
Enroll in Class 204
Class 205
Your Story: Healing & Attachment
Central to this class is the wisdom we’ll draw from Michael Orlans and Terry Levy and their book Healing Parents: Helping Wounded Children Learn to Love and Trust. Resources and valuable insights are provided to help parents and caregivers develop trust and create healthy self-worth in every relationship.
4 Hours • $120
Enroll in Class 205
Class 206
Nurturing Secure Connections
Every parent and caregiver wonders what is going on in the minds of the children they care for. Actions, behaviors, words, and deeds can baffle the mind of the most caring and rational adult! In this course, we’ll explore the possibility that everything a child does stems from his or her natural desire to learn, explore, and grow, to launch and return to a secure embrace.
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 206
Class 207
Parenting From a Secure Base
The longing to ‘belong’ is central to every heart. The practical, grace-filled examples of TBRI principles—empowering, connecting, and correcting—will become the bedrock of the foundation you are building as you care for children. The 120-minute video “Empowering, Connecting, Correcting” is included in this class.
3 Hours • $90
Enroll in Class 207
Class 208
The Importance of Forming Bonds and Cocooning
In this class, we’ll remind you of the importance of cocooning and forming lasting bonds, what sort of transitional challenges could be ahead, give you some ideas for honoring your child’s origins, and maybe even pique your curiosity about how we want to support you and stay connected as your family grows.
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 208
Class 301
Siblings and Family Integration
Foster care and adoption impacts each individual in the family differently. Adding a new family member, and all of the likes, dislikes, passions, and personality that come along with them, can throw the groove off of even the most flexible of families. Having realistic expectations, practicing the possibilities, and remembering what’s already true about your family, helps makes for an easier transition when adding a new sibling – temporarily or permanently. This course will address the needs and concerns of both parents and children already in your home.
1.5 Hours • $45
Enroll in Class 301
Class 302
TBRI for Teens: Connecting with Older Children
Meeting the needs and bonding with a teenager or an older child who has a history of trauma and loss, comes with its own set of challenges. A teen who is beginning to question their situation, identity and relationships can require a whole new list of best practices for parents, caregivers and professionals. In this course we’ll introduce the short video “Toxic Stress & the Brain” as well as the two-part series, “TBRI for Teens.”
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 302
Class 303.1
TBRI: Empowering, Connecting, Correcting Part I
This course provides the practical examples and role-playing needed for parents, caregivers and professionals to learn how to empower children to physically and emotionally attune to a safe caregiver. You’ll come away with the tools and encouragement needed to connect with children in a meaningful, healthy way, while also learning strategies to help them course-correct when things get hard. The first session of the video “Empowering, Connecting, Correcting” is included in this course.
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 303.1
Class 303.2
TBRI: Empowering, Connecting, Correcting Part II
This course continues the practical examples and role-playing needed for parents, caregivers and professionals to learn how to empower children to physically and emotionally attune to a safe caregiver. The second session of the video “Empowering, Connecting, Correcting” is also included in this course.
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 303.2
Class 304
Facilitating Behavioral Change
Discover the science behind the behaviors of vulnerable children. Dr. Purvis provides dozens of examples of TBRI strategies to deal with the behaviors of the children you care for who’ve come to you after experiences of trauma and loss in their lives. It’s a joy to watch Dr. Purvis bring order, security, and contentment into tough situations with children. The 86-minute video “Facilitating Behavioral Change” is included in this course.
2 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 304
Class 311
Talking to Kids About Race and Racism
Family should be the place where children feel precious and beloved. It’s also the place where their identity is nurtured and strengthened. When everyone in the family doesn’t ‘match,’ we have the unique opportunity of learning and growing together, and then championing the differences. What you say and (often more importantly) what you don’t say as parents and caregivers will be foundational to the identity your child takes into their teens, young adulthood, and the rest of their life. This course includes resources from Be the Bridge, a faith-based organization that believes in truth-telling, humility, respect, confession, grace, and justice. It will help you guide the thinking, reading, and conversation around race and racism for your whole family.
3 Hours • $90
Enroll in Class 310
Country Heritage Courses
Class 150
China Heritage
China’s cultural influence is felt throughout the world through its arts, sciences, production, cuisine and trade. Because of its massive geography and population, it’s easy to forget that China has many different ethnic groups with distinct dialects, customs and traditions. With a long and complex history, China is truly a fascinating country to study. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 150
Class 151
Colombia Heritage
Colombians are very positive people who “work hard to play hard.” The country’s contemporary culture reflects a colorful blend of Spanish, African and indigenous influences that have melded together. We’ll explore the culture and history of a country that flows from modern cities to Amazon rainforest. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 151
Class 152
Philippine Heritage
The Philippines is made up of 3 main clusters of over 7,000 islands. It has a long history of contact with Spain and the United States. In this class, we’ll explore the many facets of the warm and friendly culture that has shaped the background of your child. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 152
Class 153
South Africa Heritage
At the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa boasts diverse ecosystems, peoples, and cultures. Did you know South Africa has 11 official languages? This class will help you prepare to honor and educate your child about the culture, customs, and history of their first home. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 153
Class 154
Haiti Heritage
The Land of Mountains, also known as Haiti, is a colorful and musical place that celebrates its African heritage alongside its Caribbean beauty. Since deciding how you will honor the country and educate your child about the culture, customs, and history of their first home are important aspects of preparing to adopt, here’s a first step into the beautiful country of Haiti. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 154
Class 155
Bulgaria Heritage
As you prepare to adopt a child from Bulgaria, you’ll have to decide how you will honor the country and educate your child about the culture, customs, and history of their first home. Bulgarian people tend to be proud of their traditions, culture, and heritage. Their love for it is reflected in everything from food and songs to dances and jewelry. Here’s a first step into the beautiful country of Bulgaria. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 155
Class 156
Burundi Heritage
Burundi is sometimes described as a patchwork of cultures influenced by many East African tribes and communities. Stories and folklore still form an important part of life where legends and traditions and are passed between the generations. Here’s a first step into the country to help you decide how you will honor the country and educate your child about the culture, customs, and history of their first home. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 156
Class 157
South Korea Heritage
Korean culture is profoundly influenced by Confucian principles which support harmony, respect for elders, the importance of family, friendship and ancestors, and also, tradition. As you prepare to adopt a child from South Korea, it’s essential that you also become knowledge about your child’s first country. Here’s a first step into the beautiful country of South Korea. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 157
Class 158
India Heritage
India’s culture is among the world’s oldest; civilization in India began about 4,500 years ago. Here’s a first step into the beautiful country of India to help you decide how you will honor the country and educate your child about the culture, customs, and history of their first home. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 158
Class 159
Latvia Heritage
Latvia is often described as the crossroads between Western and Eastern cultures. Unique traditions include the summer solstice holiday, Jāņi, and the Latvian Song and Dance Festival. As you prepare to adopt a child from Latvia, here’s a first step into this beautiful country. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 159
Class 160
Taiwan Heritage
Taiwan is renowned for its fascinating blend of traditional and modern culture. Traditions from Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism influence temple celebrations, literature, and visual and performing arts. Learn more about this beautiful country as you prepare to adopt a child from Taiwan. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 160
Class 161
Nigeria Heritage
Often described as the heartbeat of Africa, Nigeria is known for its vibrant and friendly energy. It’s inhabited by over 250 ethnic groups that speak 500 languages. As you decide how you will honor and educate your child about the culture, customs, and history of their first home, here’s a first step into discovering Nigeria. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 161
Class 162
Ukraine Heritage
In Ukraine’s storied history, great significance was bestowed upon folklore and folk traditions, which added special charm and color to its culture. As you decide how you will honor and educate your child about the culture, customs, and history of their first home, here’s a first step into the country of Ukraine. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 162
Class 163
Hong Kong Heritage
The rich heritage and culture influenced from over 5,000 years of China civilization makes Hong Kong truly unique. With 150 years of colonial rule mixed with a foundation of traditional Chinese rituals and beliefs, you’ll discover that Hong Kong is a modern region steeped in deep traditions. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 163
Class 164
Ecuador Heritage
While the Galápagos Islands may be the best-known part of Ecuador, this country along the equator includes expansive Amazon rainforest regions and one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. You’ll discover a country with an incredibly diverse population as well as one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. This class is Hague-compliant.
1.5 Hour • $25
Enroll in Class 164