What does PRIDE stand for?
P - parent
R - resource for
I - information
D - development and
E - education
Who needs to take PRIDE Training?
Effective January 2008,
PRIDE Training will be mandatory for all new applicants as part of their adoption homestudy process whether they are pursuing an international, domestic private or domestic child welfare adoption.
If you are not sure if adoption is for you, you can participate in
PRIDE Training to learn about adoption and decide if you want to continue on the journey to adoption.
If your homestudy is complete and you are waiting to adopt a child, you are most welcome to participate in
PRIDE Training to expand your knowledge of adoption issues.
What is PRIDE Training all about?
PRIDE Training is based on the belief that all children need to be parented by families who understand their needs, and have the capacity and willingness to meet those needs. The families need to believe in "resiliency" and the child's ability to do well in life, and they need to understand the impact of positive, day-to-day experiences for the child.
PRIDE Training is based on the family having specific knowledge and skills, known as competencies. There are six essential competency categories:
• Protecting & Nurturing Children
• Meeting Developmental Needs of Children & Addressing Developmental Delays
• Supporting Relationships Between Children & Their Families
• Connecting Children to Safe, Nurturing Relationships Intended to Last a Lifetime
• Participating as a Member of a Professional Team
• Reinforcing a Child's Heritage & Cultural Identity
The goal of
PRIDE Training is to increase your awareness of the six essential competency categories so you can develop knowledge, understanding and skills to apply the competencies to meet the needs of the child you hope to adopt.
What does completing PRIDE Training involve?
PRIDE Training involves your commitment to attend group training. Our training will involve one evening and three full-day sessions. You are also required to read program material between each session as well as to complete some practical "homework" exercises to help further your insight and understanding of the
PRIDE curriculum.
What will I learn during PRIDE Training?
You will learn about adoption issues through the eyes of a child including, loss, grief and attachment.
You will also learn about the skills and qualities needed to parent an adopted child as well as the importance of maintaining a connection to the child's previous caregivers, birth parents and cultural heritage.
Topics such as child development, the effects of neglect, abuse and institutionalization on children as well as discipline and child management will be included.
How will I learn?
Through practical, creative and educational activities in a small group setting, you and other prospective adoptive parents attending the
PRIDE Training offered by Donna and her adoptive parent co-trainer, Kelly, will be inspired and motivated as you broaden the knowledge and skills you require to become a successful adoptive parent.
You will be provided with excellent information and education in an energetic, enlightening and helpful way that is based on sound adoption practice.
About Donna�.
Donna has worked in the field of adoption since 1983, including private adoption work since 1991. She has assisted with hundreds of adoptions and dealt with all aspects of adoption practice, including birth parent support and planning services, education and assessment of prospective adoptive applicants, pre-placement and placement support services for domestic and international infant and older child placements, and adoption reunion services. Donna has conducted presentations, as well as education and support groups for adoptive parents. On numerous occasions, she has been qualified as an expert witness in local court proceedings concerning the assessment of children, and matching the long-term needs of a child with the skills and qualities of an adoptive family.
Presently, Donna works part-time as a child welfare adoption worker while managing her private practice in adoption. In her private practice, she specializes in doing homestudies and supporting families hoping to adopt internationally. In addition, she has expertise and interest in doing homestudies for families hoping to adopt in the Ontario child welfare system.
About Kelly�..
Kelly and her husband are the proud parents of three children: two by birth and one by adoption. Their daughter was adopted from Ethiopia at the age of 6-1/2 months. When she became a parent, Kelly stepped away from the world of retail business and consulting work where she won Canadian awards for her business achievements. She has experience creating and implementing training, development, fundraising and educational events in the private and non-profit sectors. Kelly is a well-informed and highly insightful adoptive parent who offers information and personal experiences that are based on good common sense and her realistic approach to parenting.
Kelly's husband, Chris, is the President of Matrix Marketing Concepts, Inc. and he has provided generous marketing and business support to Donna and her business,
Family Focus Adoption Services.
When is PRIDE Training through Family Focus Adoption Services being offered?
Kelly and Donna will be offering
PRIDE Training several times during the year.
| When: |
| September/October 2008: |
| Tuesday, Sept 16 |
(evening) |
| Saturday, September 20 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, September 27 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, October 4 |
(full day) |
| November 2008: |
| Tuesday, November 4 |
(evening) |
| Saturday, November 8 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, November 15 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, November 22 |
(full day) |
| February 2009: |
| Tuesday, February 3 |
(evening) |
| Saturday, February 7 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, February 14 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, February 21 |
(full day) |
| April/May 2009: |
| Tuesday, April 14 |
(evening) |
| Saturday, April 18 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, April 25 |
(full day) |
| Saturday, May 2 |
(full day) |
| Where: |
Burlington Seniors' Centre near Guelph Line & New Street in Burlington |
| Fee: |
$1400 per couple, $700 for a single applicant |
Refreshments provided as well as muffins and sweets to start the day, and lunch on Saturday.
Parking is free.
How do we register?
Please contact Donna or Kelly for further discussion and to register. Detailed program information will be emailed to confirmed registrants.
