Adoption Training Courses
We offer a wide range of training within Adoption Services for both the adoptors and service staff, below is a non-exhaustive list of the training we currently provide. If you require any training not listed, we are happy to write bespoke training courses. We are able to offer the below courses face to face and virtually.
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Adoption Law and Policies Overview: Understanding the legal framework governing adoption. Learning Objectives: •Familiarise with the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and its key provisions. •Understand the legal rights and responsibilities of adoptive parents and children. •Learn about the adoption process, including approval, matching, and placement. •Stay updated with recent changes and developments in adoption law. •Understand the role of adoption agencies and local authorities. •Develop an understanding of the legal implications of post-adoption contact arrangements.
Adoption Support Overview: Providing ongoing support to adoptive families. Learning Objectives: •Develop comprehensive support plans for adoptive families. •Learn about the range of post-adoption support services available. •Understand the importance of ongoing support for the success of the adoption. •Develop skills to address common challenges faced by adoptive families. •Learn about the role of support groups and networks for adoptive families. •Understand how to assess and respond to the evolving needs of adoptive families over time.
Assessment and Matching Overview: Training on assessing prospective adopters and matching them with children. Learning Objectives: •Conduct thorough and comprehensive assessments of prospective adopters. •Understand the criteria and processes for approving adopters. •Learn about the matching process and the factors to consider. •Develop skills to support families through the matching and placement process. •Understand the importance of compatibility in successful placements. •Learn how to prepare and support children during the matching process.
Child Development and Attachment Overview: Knowledge on child development stages and the importance of attachment. Learning Objectives: •Understand the key developmental milestones from infancy to adolescence. •Learn about the different stages of attachment and their significance. •Recognise signs of secure and insecure attachment in children. •Identify attachment issues and develop strategies to address them. •Understand the impact of early trauma on child development and attachment. •Learn about interventions and therapies that support healthy attachment.
Communication Skills Overview: Effective communication with children and adoptive families. Learning Objectives: •Develop active listening skills to understand the needs and concerns of children and families. •Learn effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques. •Understand the importance of clear and empathetic communication. •Develop skills to communicate complex and sensitive information appropriately. •Learn strategies to engage children in meaningful conversations. •Understand the impact of communication on building trust and relationships.
Cultural Competence Overview: Understanding and respecting cultural differences in adoption. Learning Objectives: •Learn about cultural issues and their impact on adoption. •Understand the importance of cultural identity for adopted children. •Develop culturally sensitive practices in adoption services. •Promote the inclusion of diverse cultural backgrounds in adoption. •Learn strategies to support children and families from different cultural backgrounds. •Understand the impact of cultural competence on the success of adoption placements.
Disruption Training Overview: Handling placements that break down. Learning Objectives: •Understand the reasons for placement disruptions and breakdowns. •Learn strategies to prevent disruptions and support stable placements. •Develop plans for supporting children and families during and after disruptions. •Understand the emotional impact of disruptions on children and families. •Learn about the role of therapeutic interventions in managing disruptions. •Develop skills to assess and address the underlying issues leading to disruptions.
Equality and Diversity Overview: Promoting an inclusive environment that respects diversity. Learning Objectives: •Understand the key principles of equality legislation. •Promote diversity and inclusion within adoption services. •Address and challenge discrimination effectively. •Develop cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse families. •Learn strategies to support the identity and heritage of adopted children. •Understand the importance of anti-discriminatory practice in adoption services.
Handling Allegations Overview: This course covers the process and best practices for handling allegations against foster carers. Learning Objectives: •Understand the protocol for handling allegations. •Learn how to protect yourself and the children in your care. •Know the support available for foster carers during investigations.
Inclusion Training (Autism, Neurodiversity, and Sensory Needs) Overview: Identifying and supporting children with autism, neurodiversity, and sensory needs. Learning Objectives: •Recognise signs of autism and neurodiversity in children. •Understand the impact of sensory needs on children's behaviour and development. •Learn strategies to support children with diverse needs effectively. •Develop skills to create sensory-friendly environments. •Understand the importance of individualised support plans for neurodiverse children. •Learn about the role of specialist services and interventions in supporting neurodiverse children.
Legal and Ethical Issues in Adoption Overview: Understanding the ethical considerations in adoption. Learning Objectives: •Learn about ethical dilemmas and challenges in adoption practice. •Understand the importance of confidentiality and informed consent. •Discuss the rights and responsibilities of birth parents, adoptive parents, and children. •Develop skills to handle ethical issues sensitively and appropriately. •Learn about the role of ethics committees and regulatory bodies in adoption. •Understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and integrity.
Life Story Work Overview: Helping children understand their personal history. Learning Objectives: •Learn techniques for creating life story books and narratives. •Understand the importance of life story work in identity formation. •Support children in processing and making sense of their past. •Develop skills to engage children in life story work activities. •Learn about the impact of life story work on attachment and self-esteem. •Understand how to handle difficult and sensitive aspects of a child's history.
Mental Health Awareness Overview: Understanding mental health issues that may affect adopted children and their families. Learning Objectives: •Recognise common mental health issues in children and adolescents. •Understand the impact of adoption-related issues on mental health. •Learn strategies to support the mental well-being of adopted children. •Develop skills to identify when to refer to mental health professionals. •Understand the role of different mental health services and interventions. •Learn about the impact of parental mental health on adoptive families and how to provide support.
Occupational Therapy Consultancy Service Overview: Utilising occupational therapy to support adopted children. Learning Objectives: •Understand the role of occupational therapy in supporting adopted children. •Identify when and how to refer children to occupational therapy services. •Learn about the assessment and intervention techniques used by occupational therapists. •Implement occupational therapy strategies to support children's development and well-being. •Develop skills to collaborate with occupational therapists and integrate their recommendations into care plans. •Understand the impact of occupational therapy on improving children's daily functioning and quality of life.
Risk Assessment and Management Overview: Identifying and managing risks in adoption placements. Learning Objectives: •Conduct thorough risk assessments for adoptive placements. •Develop comprehensive risk management plans. •Learn strategies to mitigate potential risks in adoption placements. •Understand the importance of ongoing risk monitoring and review. •Develop skills to identify and respond to emerging risks promptly. •Learn about the role of multi-agency collaboration in risk management.
Safeguarding Children Overview: Training on how to protect children from abuse and neglect. Learning Objectives: •Identify signs of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. •Recognise indicators of neglect and its impact on children. •Understand the legal and procedural aspects of reporting concerns. •Learn the role of different agencies in safeguarding children. •Develop strategies to create a safe and supportive environment. •Understand the importance of documenting and sharing information appropriately.
Specialist Designated Safeguarding Lead Training Overview: Advanced safeguarding training for handling serious cases and allegations. Learning Objectives: •Manage and respond effectively to safeguarding allegations. •Conduct thorough and impartial serious case reviews. •Develop and implement robust safeguarding policies and procedures. •Understand the role and responsibilities of the designated safeguarding lead. •Learn about the legal and regulatory framework for safeguarding in adoption. •Develop skills to provide safeguarding training and support to colleagues.
Trauma and Loss Overview: Understanding the impact of trauma and loss on children. Learning Objectives: •Recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma and loss in children. •Understand the short-term and long-term effects of trauma on child development. •Learn strategies to support children dealing with trauma and loss. •Develop skills to create a safe and supportive environment for traumatised children. •Understand the importance of therapeutic interventions for traumatised children. •Learn about the impact of secondary trauma on adoptive families and how to support them.