Adoptive Parent Training 
ECFA's Adoption Program requires a minimum of 10 hours of pre-adoptive training. ECFA offers three distinct training courses for our adoptive parents. All of the classes are offered on a quarterly basis. Please contact us to find out the schedule of classes. Below is a description of each course ECFA offers:
Healthy Infant Training -
Exploring Openness in Adoption
This course is required for all families adopting from
the healthy infant domestic program. It is designed to
illustrate the benefits of openness in adoption, and the
impact that openness has on all members of the adoption
triad. It also offers families a variety of examples of
what an open adoption may look like.
Time: 2 hours.
Attachment Training - The Journey that is Worth While
This course is required of all families who are adopting
internationally or from the foster care system (special
needs adoption). It is designed to illustrate why attachment
is necessary, provide parents with the tools necessary
to facilitate attachment, as well as teaching them to recognize
signs if attachment may not be occurring between the child
and their family.
Time: 2 hours.
PRIDE Training
This 9 week course is required of all families who are adopting from the Special Needs program. It is designed to illustrate the life of a child in the foster care system before being adopted. It covers topics such as attachment, grief and loss, discipline, and strengthening family relationships.
ECFA encourages families to seek additional training through specific on-line courses. We provide our families with an extensive reading and resource list once you begin your adoption journey. ECFA also has a free lending library of books filled with books for families interested in adoption.