training materials



First Steps in Adoption



training material resources



The Preparing to Adopt in Scotland training materials were published by CoramBAAF in 2019. They provide a comprehensive set of training materials for agencies to use in their preparation groups for adoptive parents. The video clips listed below are designed to accompany the different modules of the course; please read the information and advice on page 14 of the Preparing to Adopt training pack on the use of the videos.


Although these materials have been specifically designed to accompany the Preparing to Adopt materials, anyone running training for carers and practitioners is welcome to use them.


To get a password for the restricted videos please contact info@afascotland.com. Please note permission for use of restricted videos is for training purposes only and must not be shared electronically with other people.


We encourage online use of these films however, if you need to download the films hosted on vimeo please click on the small v logo on the bottom right hand side of the film after you have entered the password to enable this. If you download films then please ensure that you delete them from computers immediately after use.



video resources below

Module 1 - videos



Preparing to Adopt: From applying to adopt to placement



Module 1 - p28



An adoptive couple reflect on the assessment and preparation process, the challenges and the delays and getting answers to questions – as well as the joys of becoming adoptive parents.



Preparing to Adopt: Assessment, preparation and involving children who are part of the family



module 1 - p41



An adoptive couple who already had a birth child, talking about adopting a younger child. They reflect on why they wanted to adopt, the assessment and preparation process and managing the anxieties involved.



Preparing for adoption: Reflections on the assessment process



Module 1 - p41



An adoptive couple talk about the assessment process and how this is just one part of the journey to becoming adoptive parents with the warning that it won’t prepare you for everything.



Module 2 - videos



Scotland’s Adoption Register: Adoption Exchange Days,



Module 2 - p64



Video from an Adoption Exchange Day with prospective adopters, social workers and foster carers talking about what is involved.



Scotland’s Adoption Register: Adoption Activity Days



module 2 - p64



Video from an Adoption Activity Day with prospective adopters, social workers and foster carers talking about what is involved.



Module 3 - videos



Adopted Voices
project:



Module 3 - p71



Clip where young people and adopted adults explore the lifelong impact of moves and how important it is to keeping connections, memorabilia and stories whenever possible.



Preparing to Adopt: Life as an adoptive family:
adapting to a condition



module 3 - p81



Short clip of an adoptive couple whose daughter has learning difficulties talking about finding and using supports.



Module 4 - videos



Talking’
twins



Module 4 - p85



Two young children provide a delightful illustration of reciprocity in action.



Caregiver responds
to the child



module 4 - p85



Interactions between parents and children illustrating how positive and negative responses to the child have differing outcomes.



The arousal/relaxation cycle – introduced by Ron Huxley



Module 4 - p91



Ron Huxley from the US National Centre on Adoption and Permanency, describes the arousal –relaxation cycle and the parent’s role in helping the child regulate their emotions.



Module 5 - videos



Adopted Voices
Project: Loss and trauma



Module 5 - p99



Clip where adopted adults explore how loss and trauma stay with you throughout your lives.



Toxic stress derails healthy development



module 5 - p121



Video from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child describing the impact on children of constant exposure to stress. Link



The science of
neglect



Module 5 - p121



A second Harvard Center video, focusing on the learning from developmental and biological sciences about the impact of neglect. Link



Module 5 - videos



Executive functioning:
Skills for life and learning



Module 5 - p121



Executive functioning: Skills for life and learning



The secure base model



module 5 - p121



The secure base model



Module 6 - videos



Life as an adoptive
family



Module 6 - p149



Adapting to the reality and managing the challenges



Preparing to Adopt: Life as an adoptive family:
adapting to a condition



module 3 - p81



Short clip of an adoptive couple whose daughter has learning difficulties talking about finding and using supports.



Module 7/8 - videos



Adopted Voices project:
Identity and lifestory



Module 7 - p175



Clip which explores the need for young people to find out information about their early history and the complexity of working out who they are in the context of birth family and adoptive family’s sense of who they are to them. The video helps to emphasise the importance for many adopted people of being allowed to explore their history, to be supported to think about the birth family and if they wish being supported to meet them.



Adopted Voices Project:
Contact with birth family



module 8 - p196



Clip where the young people explore with adopted adults the importance of having the opportunity to build relationships with birth family (siblings and the wider birth family as well the birth parents) with support from workers and their parents.



Module 9 - videos



Adopted Voices Project:
Education



Module 9 - p217



Clip where young people and adults explore how tough school can be and the importance of having support.



Adopted Voices Project:
Support through the teenager years



module 9 - p222



Adopted adults talk about the importance of support for them and their parents when they hit ‘bumps along the road’ - and how sticking with it and remaining connected got them through some difficult times. The full film from the 2018 AWS conference is also available(circa 30 minutes long) Link AG and may be a good training resource – particularly for post approval training groups



This website was funded by the Scottish Government has been developed by Adoption UK in Scotland, Association for Fostering, Kinship and Adoption Scotland and Scotland’s Adoption Register