You may be having difficulty with a specific issue with your child and wish you could get some training to help. Sometimes you just can’t get away for a whole day of training or maybe there aren't any seminars scheduled in your area. There are training options available on the internet and some offer certificates that you can print upon completion to document your training. If you require training for your agency, or adoptive homestudy, please verify that your agency will accept online training certificates, before proceeding.

There are numerous classes offered, that can give you the tools you need, to help you through some of those difficult adoptive parenting moments. Maybe you’re considering an adoption that is out of your area of expertise. Maybe you’re considering a cross racial placement and you realize you may have to deal with race issues and you’d like a “heads up.” Maybe you’ve been asked to consider a sexually abused child and you’d like to learn some techniques to use when necessary.

Admittedly live seminars are more refreshing, you get a break from daily parenting, you meet other parents with similar issues which creates a support group atmosphere, and you can ask specific questions. Unfortunately live seminars aren’t always available, aren’t always affordable, and aren’t always a realistic option for your home situation.

Books can be extremely helpful. I went through a “book period” which lasted many months, several years ago, when we were struggling with the behaviors of one of our daughters. I went to the library and checked out a few books every week on behaviors, and adoption issues, which I would then run home and devour. I found them to be helpful not only in learning techniques to try, but also, to help me realize I wasn’t the only person dealing with extreme behaviors. A combination of all of these training options can help you be a better parent, by learning new tools, to help you make it through difficult times.

Here are some links for online training courses.
FCAC Online Training offers 102 courses (2 interactive) with new topics added continuously. These courses cost between $4.00 and $8.95 each and the training hours credited for completion are listed with each course. Certificates are available upon completion.
Adoption Learning Partners, online courses are $30.00 each. Credits for completion are included in class titles.
Welcome to Foster Parent College, These interactive courses provide valuable information, insights and advice from experts on dealing with serious child behavior problems. Self directed courses are $8.00. Instructor led courses are $32.00 with certificates available upon completion.

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