Education for Professionals
Training for Professionals
FAF is the only online, on-demand training in the world authorized and endorsed by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD). Using Trust Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), FAF empowers parents, caregivers and professionals globally with trauma-informed strategies and resources to become effective advocates and improve outcomes for children.
Our Families Are Forever courses offer valuable immersive learning experiences through thought-provoking material vitally relevant to helping children heal and thrive. Professionals working with families caring for children with histories of trauma can deepen their knowledge about the impact of trauma on children, trauma-informed caregiving techniques, supporting healthy attachment, and returning children to their natural developmental trajectory. Whether you work with foster, kinship, or adoptive families, our courses offer insight, tangible tools and resources that may be helpful in your work.
Training for Intercountry Adoption Professionals
The Families Are Forever Hague Professional Bundle meets the Hague requirements for intercountry adoption professionals and provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Hague Convention. In these courses, you’ll learn more about the protections afforded vulnerable children by both their first, and adoptive, countries. We’ll cover: knowledge of the Hague Convention for international adoption in the US, recognition of the Universal Accreditation Act requirements for agencies, and provide awareness of the Intercountry Adoption Act’s conditions, and more.
HAGUE COURSE BUNDLE
Bundle includes “FAF 90P: Hague for Professionals” plus the first 8 classes of Level 100 (FAF 101 – FAF 108) which satisfies the Hague pre-adoptive training requirements for adoption professionals. The bundle totals 22 hours of training.
Class 90P:
Hague for Professionals
Designed for adoption professionals, this class provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the Hague Convention. In this course, you’ll learn more about the protections afforded vulnerable children by both their first and adoptive countries. We’ll cover: knowledge of the Hague Convention for international adoption in the US, recognition of the Universal Accreditation Act requirements for agencies, and provide awareness of the Intercountry Adoption Act conditions.
4 Hours • $60
Enroll in Class 90P
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 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 adopt 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,” the more healing and peace you’re able to create. You will learn tools and techniques to incorporate mindfulness about children’s histories, developmental needs, and how to gauge your interaction for healing. This course includes the 60-minute video, “Attachment–Why It Matters Part 2.”
Class 108
Transracial Adoption: Building Cultural Awareness
We are all the same on the inside, but learning to acknowledge, celebrate, and understand cultural differences and “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 from the point of view of both adoptive parents and transracial adoptees.
2 Hours • $30
Enroll in Class 108
Additional 100 Level Courses
Class 109
Developing an Adoption Profile
Creating an adoption profile, whether a video or book, that highlights how and why your family is prepared to bring an adopted 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 109
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 • $45
Enroll in Class 110
Class 140
First Family Heritage Search
As you build a trusting, life-long relationship with your adopted child, 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 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 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