Training Events
You will need an invitation to take part in our training groups - but this is all part of the process that will begin when you decide to adopt a child.
Below is an example of the sort of training we provide.
Adoption Focus run three types of training events
- Preparation groups for people who want to become approved adopters
- Training for people who are already approved adopters
- Training for the family and friends of adopters
Preparation groups
Preparing to Adopt
This training is based on the BAAF course
Led by a qualified social worker and an experienced adoptive parent.
Duration: Five days
Three sets of preparation groups are held in a year.
Training for people who are already approved adopters
Parenting the Traumatised Child
Family Futures approach - the effect on the developing brain and the consequences with regard to ‘learning’, attachment and behaviour. We look at the strategies’ of how to deal with the behaviours and where behaviours have become habit.
Sexual Abuse
Defining sexual abuse. Exploring the myths and facts and looking at what is healthy and unhealthy. Handling disclosures, re-parenting, Identifying how adoptive parents can help.
Parenting Teenagers
Developing understanding and relationships with adolescents. Looking at what it is to be a teenager and the additional pressures on teenagers who have been adopted.
Sibling Rivalry
Type of parenting style; do’s and don’ts as parents; position of child in family; how parents set good habits; factors influencing relationships; practical handling of rivalry.
Telling
The importance of telling a child their life journey; the adopters fears of telling; techniques of telling; how to manage difficult questions; sharing and handling of information with others.
Play and Child Development
Looking at the importance of play and how it contributes to development and promoting attachment. Theories of play and types of play in relation to social, emotional, physical development and also what is ‘age appropriate’.
Contact
Who is it for and who benefits? Contact agreements and managing difficult situations.
Domestic Abuse
Looking at domestic abuse. The impact this has on families, children and young people. How babies can be ‘bruised before birth’. Highlights; childrens views, domestic abuse and the impact this has in all aspects of a child’s life.
Training for family and friends of adopters
Birth Children of Adoptive Parents
Discussing:
- impact of adoptive child in family
- sibling rivalry
- relationship with parents.
Extended Family and Friends of Prospective Adopters
Overview of the adoption process
- children available for adoption
- how children are linked with and introduced to adoptive parents
- differences between children born into a family and children adopted into a family
- support available to adopters
- how friends and relatives can best support the adoptive parents.