MAA Trainings

International Adoption: Dynamics of Adoption Training

ALL families currently working with Madison Adoption Associates (MAA) are welcome to register and participate for extra training hours. However, please note that this training is a requirement for any Illinois family completing a home study with MAA and for all placement families involved in any of our Latin America programs, regardless of who is completing the home study.

The Training Session will cover important issues for parents to consider as they plan for an international adoption. The curriculum includes: Expectations, Grief/Loss/Trauma, Seven Core Issues in Adoption, History In Adoption, Positive Adoption Language, Adoption as a Legal Process, Hague Convention, Voluntary & Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights, Medical Risks, Risk Factors – Genetic/Emotional/Development/Language/Sensory/Fine Motor, Lifebook’s, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Sleep Struggles/ Feeding Issues/Attachment Issues, Self-Care, Post Adoption Services, TBRI, Searching for Birth Families, Obtaining Birth and Adoption Records, Blocked Care/Blocked Trust.

Madison Adoption Associates will hold this training on the following dates and times by Zoom for 2023/2024.

2023/2024 Dates:
Saturday, November 18  / 10:00am – 2:00pm EST
Wednesday, February 28 / 2:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Thursday, May 30 / 9:00am – 1:00pm EST
Thursday, August 29 / 2:00pm – 6:00pm EST
Wednesday, November 20 / 9:00am – 1:00pm EST

ALL Training Sessions are held via Zoom.  Additional hours of in person training hours are available on these dates if previously arranged with Misty Lucas.

Cost:
FREE for Madison Adoption Associates clients that have already paid for MAA’s Hague Training (CAF)
$100 for Madison Adoption Associates clients (per family) that have NOT paid for MAA’s Hague Training (CAF)
$150 per session for clients (per family) from other agencies.
Single applicants are welcome to bring a support person.

All participants must register online at least a week in advance, utilizing the red button to the right.  All fees for the non-MAA families will be invoiced for the training and fees must be received two days before the training.  If fees are not received two days prior to the training, then participants will not be issued a certificate for the training.  If there are any questions please contact Misty Lucas at 217-498-9700 or Misty@MadisonAdoption.org.

If a Prospective Parent requests an individual training session, the fee is double and the training will only be held in the Madison Adoption Associates office.

Please contact Shelly Conner, Shelly@MadisonAdoption.org, if you have any questions.

Training with an MAA Expert

The staff at Madison Adoption Associates is excited to join you on your international adoption journey!  We feel that the best gift we can give you is training.  We are never too old to learn and the dynamics of adoption are unique.  It is our hope to provide opportunities for you as a parent to grow as you take on the role of parenting your child.  We are here to support you!  The following trainings are available to all home study and placement adoptive families. To register, please click on the red box to the lower right of the screen “Register For MAA Training.” If there is an issue with registering, please contact Misty Lucas at Misty@MadisonAdoption.org. (Registration for each training closes 24 hours prior to the training.)  Once you have registered, a Zoom link will be sent to you to participate in the training.  Participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Birth Family Search: Colombia Process Supported by ICBF:  ICBF, as Colombia Central Authority, has created a free, compassionate, and very supportive process for searching for the biological family for adoptees 18 years of age and older. This process was created to safeguard the child’s best interests, uphold ethical and legal standards, protect privacy, and provide psychosocial support. The process designed by ICBF is intended to promote transparency, fairness, and the well-being of all parties involved in the search process. This training is Colombia specific.

  • March 13, 2024 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST
  • June 12, 2024 /  9:00am – 11:00am EST
  • November 6, 2024 /  5:00pm – 7:00pm EST

How Your Attachment Style Affects Your Parenting:  As we all know, attachment is essential in all relationships. However, in adoption, the way we respond to our children’s needs is crucial due to their past experiences. Since we all bring our prior attachment experiences every time we interact and respond to our children’s needs, understanding how your attachment style influences the way you parent a child that comes from difficult circumstances will allow you to adapt your parenting approach to their unique needs. This self-awareness is essential for creating a safe and supporting environment for your child’s healing and growth. OPEN TO ALL FAMILIES IN ALL ADOPTION PROGRAMS.

  • January 25, 2024 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST
  • June 26, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • October 23, 2024 / 9:00am – 11:00am EST

The Impact of Sexual Abuse in Childhood:  One of the reasons for a child entering care is sexual abuse and, sadly, it has become more common. This type of complex trauma will have an impact on the lives of the children and the way they perceive others.  Becoming a parent of a child who was a victim of sexual abuse needs specific preparation to continue to help them heal and build safe, protective, and unconditional relationships they need to thrive. OPEN TO ALL FAMILIES IN ALL ADOPTION PROGRAMS.

  • February 14, 2024 / 9:00am – 11:00am EST
  • May 8, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • September 25, 2024 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST

Latin American Culture Awareness (offered to our families adopting from any of our Latin America Programs – Colombia, Ecuador, and Dominican Republic):  This training will help families understand a bit of the Latin American culture with some hints about the specific country they are adopting from, so families can learn about common behaviors and cultural differences. Though the training cannot cover the cultural variety, it will provide helpful information about some cultural cues of your child’s country of origin while in-country, as well as keeping it present as part of your child’s and family identity.

  • November 21, 2023 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • January 17, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • April 17, 2024 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST
  • August 21, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • November 13, 2024 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST

My Child’s Journey to Adoption:  This training provides a comprehensive viewpoint of your child’s emotional journey to be part of your family, while understanding the foster care system and its impact on the brain and the attachment cycle.

  • February 21, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • May 22, 2024 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST
  • September 28, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • December 11, 2024 / 9:00pm – 11:00am EST

Once we are Home: What to Expect:  Coming home with your child is a joy, but it also brings many changes and challenges. This training intends to help families be aware of those feelings and behaviors that may appear during this time. Adjustment takes longer than expected and having additional tools may help navigate those feelings and situations while helping your child cope with being in a new culture.

  • October 11, 2023 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • March 20, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • June 12, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • October 16, 2024 / 5:00pm – 7:00pm EST
  • December 18, 2024 / 3:00pm – 5:00pm EST