What does P.R.I.D.E. stand for?
Who needs to take P.R.I.D.E. Training?
What is P.R.I.D.E. Training all about?
What does completing P.R.I.D.E. Training involve?
What will I learn during P.R.I.D.E. Training?
How will I learn?
About Donna....
Donna will be offering P.R.I.D.E. Training several times during the year.
How do we register?

What does P.R.I.D.E. stand for?

P - parent
R - resource for
I - information
D - development &
E - education

Who needs to take P.R.I.D.E. Training?

P.R.I.D.E. Training is now 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 P.R.I.D.E. 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 P.R.I.D.E. Training to expand your knowledge of adoption issues.

What is P.R.I.D.E. Training all about?

P.R.I.D.E. Training is based on the belief that all children need stability and permanency by being parented by families who accept and understand their needs as well as have the skills and willingness to meet those needs. The families need to understand the impact past adversity has on the child's development, and they need to believe in the child’s resiliency and ability to move onward in life.

The goal of P.R.I.D.E. Training is to increase your awareness and knowledge about the needs of adopted children so that you can apply your understanding and develop your skills to meet the needs of the child you hope to adopt.

What does completing P.R.I.D.E. Training involve?

P.R.I.D.E. Training involves your commitment to attend group training. Our training involves four full-day sessions. We keep the number of our group participants limited in our efforts to create a relaxed and comfortable learning environment.  We also believe that due to the volume of information presented and the emotional intensity of the topics discussed, one day of training each week is best so that group participants can discuss and reflect upon what they have learned between 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 P.R.I.D.E. curriculum.

What will I learn during P.R.I.D.E. 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 P.R.I.D.E. Training offered by Donna and her adoptive parent co-trainer 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.

In her private practice, Donna specializes in doing homestudies and supporting families hoping to adopt domestically through the Ontario child welfare system or privately, or via an international adoption.  

Donna will be offering P.R.I.D.E. Training several times during the year.

September/October 2010:

Saturday, September 11
Saturday, September 18
Saturday, September 25
Saturday, October 2

November 2010:

Saturday, November 6
Saturday, November 13
Saturday, November 20
Saturday, November 27

January/February 2011:

Saturday, January 15
Saturday, January 22
Saturday, January 29
Saturday, February 5

April/May 2011:

Saturday, April 9
Saturday, April 16
Please note: No session on April 23
Saturday, April 30
Saturday, May 7

What time each day? 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Burlington Guelph Line & QEW
Fee: $1400 per couple, $750 for a single applicant, (plus taxes, HST is applicable July 1, 2010)
Refreshments, pastries to start the day and lunch provided
Free parking

How do we register?

Please contact Donna to register. Detailed program information will be emailed to confirmed registrants.

Donna Durant
P.R.I.D.E. Lead-Trainer
donna@familyfocusadoption.com
905-627-9883

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