In this Section Training
PRIDE Program
Once you have completed and submitted your application package, a worker will schedule you into the PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education) pre-service training program. This is a mandatory, standardized competency-based training offered to all prospective adoptive parents throughout the province of Ontario.
The PRIDE curriculum provides information to help prepare all prospective parents for the responsibilities involved in raising adopted children. A variety of subjects are covered during this training including:
- the importance of connections to the child’s birth family and kin
- the importance of cultural and racial awareness
- how children attach and experience loss
The program reviews the effect abuse and neglect can have on a child, the impact it can have on your family and how caring for adopted children is different from your own.
Home Study
No matter what kind of adoption you choose in Canada, a home study is required in order to get started. All adoption home studies use a format called SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation). The SAFE home study is a mutual process that assesses your skills and talents as a potential parent.
The purpose of the adoption home study is to evaluate the capacity of the applicants for adoptive parenthood and relate these to the needs of the children awaiting adoption. It helps applicants understand all that is involved in adoption, how adoptive parenthood differs from biological parenthood and prepares the applicants for the adoption process.
The home study assesses the applicant's home environment, including competency as an adoptive parent. It involves the discussion of important issues pertaining to parenting and invites applicants to examine their own beliefs, values and feelings.
The home study process includes several interviews focusing on:
- family backgrounds
- motivation for adopting
- family relationships and dynamics
- financial circumstances
- experience with children
A home safety checklist will also be completed and you’ll be asked to provide several character references as well as undergo current medical, child welfare and police checks on all adults in your home.
