Class

Adopting the Older Child


Description

Adopting an older child presents a unique set of joy and challenges. From knowing what kind of information is important to have to anticipating potential stumbling blocks to a smooth transition, this course serves as a guide to anyone considering adopting a child older than an infant (whether internationally or from the US public welfare system).


Adoptive families will learn to:

  • Consider their own expectations
  • Understand the importance of their child's history
  • Develop strategies for integrating an older child into the existing family unit
  • Identify the challenges specific to older adopted children
  • Understand when and where to seek assistance


Credit Hours: 2.0

Content
  • Introduction
  • Navigating Through the Class
  • Objectives
  • Lesson One: Is Older Child Adoption For You?
  • Self-Reflection
  • Self-Reflection Exercise
  • Self-Reflection Exercise Insights
  • Attachment: Brianna's Story
  • It Takes a Village
  • It Takes a Village Exercise
  • Be Prepared: An Adoptive Father's Story
  • Lesson Two: Everything You Need to Know
  • Information Gathering
  • Photolisting
  • Need for Information
  • Medical, Developmental and Mental Health
  • Family and Social History
  • Placement History
  • Education
  • Talking to Your Child About Their History
  • Lesson Three: Making The Older Child Part Of Your Family
  • Introduction
  • Joining the Family
  • Setting Expectations: A Story About Consistency 
  • Coping with Food-Related Issues
  • Coping with Sleep Issues
  • Helping with Regression
  • Growing from Grief
  • Grieving: Cassie's Story
  • Fostering Attachment
  • Beginning of Attachment: Aida's Story
  • Growing Together
  • Sharing Night: Davis' Story
  • From Honeymoon to Integration
  • Lesson Four: Everyday Challenges
  • Scenarios
  • Tamsin's Story
  • Annie's Story
  • Richie's Story
  • Lester's Story
  • Becca's Story
  • Lesson Five: Coping as a Parent
  • Strategies
  • Lighten Up and Fake It Til You Make It
  • Keep It Positive
  • Have a Sense of Humor
  • Together Time
  • Remember Yourself
  • Get Support
  • Conclusion
  • Course Summary
  • Post Test
  • Acknowledgements
Completion rules
  • You must complete the test "Post Test"
  • Leads to a certificate with a duration: Forever