Attend Adoption and Parenting Classes

Step 7

Public agencies commonly require pre-placement trainings to acquaint prospective parents with issues that can arise after a child or sibling group is placed with them. School-aged adoptees bring not only unique special needs, but also a history of life experiences that will affect interactions with adoptive parents, new siblings, school mates, and others. Issues related to disability, culture, early abuse, and a child’s birth family should all be discussed before a child is placed in your home.

Even if your agency does not require training, learn all you can about adoption issues. The more you know, the better. Contact your local Foster Parent Association or your state or county department of social services for information on training available in your area.

The information on this page is used with the permission of the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC). http://www.nacac.org/