Pre-Adopt Trainings

Pre-Adopt
   (Orientations/Trainings)


Trainings Calendar

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Pre-Adopt Orientation and Training Schedules

Individuals who are interested in adopting Minnesota's Waiting Children must attend pre-adopt/foster parent training classes offered by one of the 87 Minnesota County Social/Human Service divisions or a private adoption agency that is part of the Public Private Adoption Initiative (PPAI).  Families who train through their county of residence or the PPAI agencies pay no fees for their training. There may be fees for other trainings. Always call the training agency prior to attending to verify time, date, location and cost.

  • Your next step is to attend the orientation meetings and training sessions offered by your county or the private child-placement agencies.  Many of your questions will be discussed at these meetings.

  • Once the training is completed, you are prepared for the next steps of the process that are required of foster, concurrent planning or adoptive parents. In any of these roles, you can brighten the future for a Minnesota’s Waiting Child.

 

 

The PPAI agencies are:
 

Ampersand Families Minneapolis 612-605-1904
Bethany Christian Services Plymouth & Willmar 763-553-0344
866-321-1964
Children’s Home Society & Family Services St. Paul & St. Cloud 651-225-2221
800-952-9302
Downey Side St. Paul, St. Cloud, Owatonna 651-228-0117
Family Focus Minneapolis, St. Paul, Owatonna, Austin, Rochester 612-331-4429
HOPE Adoption and Family Services International, Inc. Oak Park Heights & Stillwater 651-439-2446
Lutheran Social Service Minneapolis & Mankato 612-879-5230
888-205-3769
North Homes Grand Rapids & Bemidji 218-327-3055
888-430-3055

 


Pre-Adopt Orientation and Training Dates


Listed alphabetically by agency
(Please contact webmaster if dates need to updated, changed or removed)

AFRICAN AMERICAN ADOPTION AGENCY

African American Adoption Agency
1700 Highway 36 West, Suite 450
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
651.659.0460 phone
888.840.4084 toll-free phone
651.644.5306 fax
afadopt@afadopt.org


Orientation Class Schedule
AAAA orientation is the first step in the adoption process.  This one-hour informational meeting provides basic information to individuals or couples considering adoption.  The session explains AAAA's adoption process and explores the issues involved in adoption.
 

Day

Date

Time

Tuesday 04/06/2010 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday 05/04/2010 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday 06/01/2010 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday 07/06/2010 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday 08/03/2010 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday 09/07/2010 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Tuesday 10/05/2010 6:00pm - 7:00pm

To register for an upcoming orientation, please contact us at 651.659.0460 or 888.840.4084. Please DO NOT attempt to register online


Pre-Adopt Training Class Schedule
AAAA training is a comprehensive course that deals with the practical realities of adoption and foster care.  Prospective parents attend this training course in accordance with Minnesota state statutes.

Training is comprised of two eight-hour sessions (Session 1 and Session 2 below).  AAAA prefers that you attend these sessions back-to-back to maximize a positive learning experience.  Orientation must be completed before continuing on to training.  Training sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates.
 

Day

Date

Time

Session
Saturday 02/27/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 1
Saturday

03/06/2010

9:00am - 4:30pm

2
Saturday 04/10/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 1
Saturday 04/17/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 2
Saturday 05/15/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 1
Saturday 05/22/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 2
Saturday 08/07/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 1
Saturday 008/14/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 2
Saturday 10/09/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 1
Saturday 10/16/2010 9:00am - 4:30pm 2

To register for training sessions, call us at 651.659.0460 or 888.840.4084. Please DO NOT attempt to register online.

 


 

ANOKA COUNTY

Anoka County Human Services
2100 3rd Ave
Anoka, MN 553037
763-422-7104
Contact: Nancy Le
Nancy.Le@co.anoka.mn.us

http://www.co.anoka.mn.us/departments/human_serv/index.htm


Orientation Class Schedule

Location:

Rum River Library
4201 6th Ave.
Anoka
(across from high school )
 

Day

Date

Time

Wednesday 03/03/2010 6:00pm - 7:45pm

Registration is not required. Child care is not provided.


Pre-Adopt Training Class Schedule
 

Day

Date

Time

Location
Friday 03/19/2010 9:00AM - 5:00PM Anoka County Government Center
2100 3rd Ave, Room 552
Anoka, MN

Saturday

03/20/2010

9:00AM - 5:00PM

Coon Rapids Middle School
11600 Raven St NW
Coon Rapids, MN
 

Lunch on your own at Anoka location.  Lunch will be provided at Coon Rapids Middle School location.  Child care is not provided.
Registration is required.  Contact: Nancy Le, 763-422-7104 or
Nancy.Le@co.anoka.mn.us

 

 

BETHANY CHRISTIAN SERVICES

Locations:

Plymouth Location:
3025 Harbor Lane N #316
Plymouth, MN 55447-5141
(763) 553-0344

Willmar Location:
316 Becker Ave SW
Willmar, MN 55201
320-214-0601

http://www.bethany.org

2010 Adoption Information Meetings
Plymouth Information Meetings are held at:
3025 Harbor Lane N.,Suite 316
Plymouth, MN  55447
Phone: 763-553-0344

Day

Date

Time

Thursday

04/08/2010 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday 05/04/2010

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Thursday

06/03/2010 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Tuesday 07/06/2010 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Thursday

08/05/2010

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Tuesday 09/14/2010 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Thursday

10/07/2010

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Tuesday 11/09/2010 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Thursday

12/02/2010

4:00pm - 6:00pm

Willmar Information Meeting
 

Day

Date

Time

     

Willmar Information Meetings will be held at a designated site, often at the Willmar public library.


MN Waiting Child Pre-Adoption Training: Informing and Equipping

Day

Date

Time

     
     

*Registration minimum of ten families must be met for this event to be held.
Training will take place at:
Bethany Christian Services of MN

3025 Harbor Lane N. Suite 316
Plymouth, MN 55447

Our office is located right near the intersection of HWY 494 and HWY 55.  Please call to reserve a space, as space is limited.
763-553-0344
 

 

 

CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY & FAMILY SERVICES


Children's Home Society & Family Services
2230 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
www.chsfs.org

Our Mission: To help children thrive, and to build, strengthen and sustain individual, family and community life.

Our Vision for Children: To create a place in every mind and heart where each child has dignity and respect.

Our Definition of Family: A family consists of two or more people, whether living together or apart, related by blood, marriage, adoption or commitment to care for one another.


Central/Northwestern MN Adoption Information Meetings

If you would like to schedule an information meeting with a CHSFS worker in your area, please call one of the following numbers:

Gloria Dennis at 651.255.2201 (800.952.9302 ext. 2201) or
Mary Jo Michalik at 651.255.2218 [800.952.9302 ext. 2218]

St. Paul Adoption Orientation Meetings

Children’s Home Society & Family Services
2230 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
All Class series to be held in the Hitchcock Room
 

2010 Adoption Information Meetings

Day

Date

Time

     

 

2010 Adoption Education Classes

February/March

Day

Date

Time

Monday 02/22/2010 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Wednesday

02/24/2010

6:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday 03/01/2010 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday 03/03/2010 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday 03/08/2010 6:00pm - 9:00pm

April/May

Day

Date

Time

Friday 04/30/2010 8:00pm - 5:00pm

Saturday

05/01/2010

8:00pm - 5:00pm

Monday 05/03/2010 6:00pm - 9:00pm


 

Sauk Rapids Adoption Education Classes

Day

Date

Time

     
     

 

  • Advance registration is required for classes. Please note: When signing up for a class series, families must attend all class dates in that series.

  • Families must have attended an informational meeting through the agency or county they are working with prior to attending a class series.
     

  • If you have questions about any of these Adoption Education Class Series, would like to sign up, or have a family to refer, please contact Gloria Dennis at 651.255.2201 (800.952.9302 ext. 2201.) or register at

www.childrenshomeadopt.org

 


 
DOWNEY SIDE...families for youth

DOWNEY SIDE
Bigelow Building 
450 N. Syndicate, Suite 380
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-228-0117
www.downeyside.com/

Downey Side's philosophy is rooted in the conviction that every child deserves the right to a permanent and loving family. It is our purpose to work in partnership with the government as a licensed adoption agency to place America's waiting children who otherwise would remain homeless. We are dedicated to family life for all children and strongly believe that a healthy permanent relationship is the best prevention against homelessness.

Locations:
DOWNEY SIDE, Owatonna
Suite 201
560 Dunnell Court
Owatonna, MN   55060
http://www.downeyside.com/owatonna.htm
 

Exploring Adoption Training

Day Date Time
     
Saturday 03/06/2009 9:00am - 5:00pm

Lunch will be on own.
Contact Cassie Groh at 507-446-8503 or Nikki Froemming at 507-446-8503
 



DOWNEY SIDE, St. Cloud
606 25th Avenue, Suite 103
St. Cloud, MN 56301
call 320-240-1433
http://www.downeyside.com/saintcloud.htm

St. Cloud Pre-Adoptive Training for Families

Offered in a 2 day session:

Day Date Time
     
     

There is no charge to families preparing to adopt children under state guardianship. Pre-Registration is required. Please e-mail stpaulmn@downeyside.org or call (651) 228-0117.

 



DOWNEY SIDE, St. Paul
Bigelow Building 
450 N. Syndicate, Suite 380
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-228-0117

http://www.downeyside.com/saintpaul.htm


St. Paul Orientation for Families
 

Date

Day

Time

04/13/2010 Tuesday 6:30pm - 8:00pm

There is no charge for this meeting - Pre-Registration is required.
Please e-mail stpaulmn@downeyside.org or call (651) 228-0117



St. Paul Pre-Adoptive 2 Day Training for Families
 

Date

Day

Time

04/23/2010 Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
04/24/2010 Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm

There is no charge to families preparing to adopt children under state guardianship. Pre-Registration is required. Please e-mail stpaulmn@downeyside.org or call (651) 228-0117.

 

 


 
FAMILY FOCUS

Family Focus
2800 University Ave SE Suite 204
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612-331-4429
http://www.mnfamilyfocus.org/

Our mission is to provide families and communities with an array of quality services that promote the development of healthy family relationships and supportive living environments.

Agency Contact: Heidi Burton
Telephone:  218-740-3146


Family Focus Pre-Adopt Orientation Training (Owatonna)

FAMILY FOCUS is offering the 16 hour required adoption training in two parts on the following days

 
Location:
Owatonna Public Library
105 North Elm
Owatonna MN 55060

(Lunch is provided)

Participants must attend both parts, but it does not need to be consecutively, nor do participants have to start with part 1.
 

Date

Day

Time

 

03/20/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 1
04/10/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 2
05/15/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 1
06/05/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 2
07/10/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 1
08/14/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 2
09/18/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 1
10/13/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 2
11/13/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 1
12/11/2010 Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm Part 2

For registration or training questions please call or email Sara or Melissa at 612 331-4429 or family@mnfamilyfocus.org
COST: this training is free to all that are adopting children under the guardianship of the state of Minnesota/MN Waiting Children.


Family Focus Pre-Adopt Orientation Training (Hinckley)
FAMILY FOCUS is offering the 16 hour required adoption training in Hinckley, MN

Location:
Tobies 

Date

Day

Time

 

03/19/2010 Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm Part 1
03/20/2010 Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm Part 2

The training is free to those prospective parents interested in adoption of Minnesota children who are under guardianship of the Commissioner. For more information and registration please contact Heidi Burton at Hburton@mnfamilyfocus.org or 218 658-8005
 

 


 
HENNEPIN COUNTY CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES

Hennepin County Children & Family Services
525 Portland Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612.543.0014
Contact:Cathy Bruer-Thompson
cathy.bruer-thompson@co.hennepin.mn.us
www.co.hennepin.mn.us

 
  • Adopting parents must attend a prerequisite orientation meeting prior to attending the series.
  • Orientation Meetings are scheduled monthly at various sites in Hennepin County.
  • Call 612.348.ADOP(t) for the Orientation location and to be placed on our mailing list.
  • Pre-Registration is required for the Adoption Training Series, but not for the Orientation Meeting. Call 612.543.0014 to register for the training series or Pre-Adoption Classes.
  • Saturday lunch is on your own.
  • Adoption Home Study Applications may be completed the last day of class.

 

Orientation Class Schedule

 

2009/2010 Orientation Schedule
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Date Place
March 15, 2010
(Monday)
 
Health Services Building
Lower Level Room 15
525 Portland Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Parking validated for HCMC Ramp only
April 6, 2010
(Tuesday)
 
 
Ridgedale Library
Room 172
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN  55305
May 13, 2010
(Thursday)
 
Brookdale Library
Room C
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
June 17, 2010
(Thursday)
 
Health Services Building
Room 112
525 Portland Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Parking validated for HCMC Ramp only
July 2010 TO BE DETERMINED
August 17, 2010
(Tuesday)
 
Health Services Building
Lower Level Room 15
525 Portland Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Parking validated for HCMC Ramp only
September 14, 2010
(Tuesday)
 
Health Services Building
Room 112
525 Portland Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Parking validated for HCMC Ramp only


 

Training Class Schedule

2010 Pre-Adoption Training Series

 

 

 

Winter Series 2010
Ridgedale Library
12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka 55305

 

January 30
February 2
February 6
February 9
February 16

Saturday
Tuesday
Saturday
Tuesday
Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
**4:30 pm - 9:00 pm


**The class itself is from 6:30-9:00 pm with
Application time & individual meetings 4-6 pm

 



Spring Series 2010

Ridgedale Library
12601 Ridgedale Dr., Minnetonka 55305

 

April 17
April 20
April 22
April 24
April 27
 

Saturday
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
**4:00 pm - 9:00 pm


**The class itself is from 6:30-9:00 pm with
Application time & individual meetings 4-6 pm

 



Summer Series 2010

Location and Dates To Be Determined
 



Fall Series 2010

Fall Series: Health Services Bldg., lobby level
525 Portland Ave. S., Mpls 55415
Parking validated for the HCMC Parking Ramp only
 

September 25
September 28
September 30
October 2
October 5

Saturday
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
**4:00 pm - 9:00 pm


**The class itself is from 6:30-9:00 pm with
Application time & individual meetings 4-6 pm

 

 


 
HOPE ADOPTION & FAMILY SERVICES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

HOPE Adoption & Family Services International, Inc
5850 Omaha Avenue North
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
651.439.2446
Contact:Julie Kink
http://www.hopeadoptionservices.org

HOPE is a private, non-profit agency that was founded in 1978 by adoptive parents. We assist birth parents and prospective adoptive parents who live in Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.
 

Adoption Orientation Meetings
 

Date

Day

Location

Time

03/15/2010 Monday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
04/15/2010 Thursday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
05/11/2010 Tuesday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
06/08/2010 Tuesday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
07/14/2010 Wednesday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
08/10/2010 Tuesday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
09/21/2010 Tuesday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
10/14/2010 Thursday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
11/08/2010 Thursday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm
12/06/2010 Monday HOPE 6:00pm - 8:00pm

All are free - Registration is required for all meetings & workshops.
Families from ANY AGENCY are welcome to attend. Call HOPE for information
(651-439-2446) or visit our web site, www.hopeadoptionservices.org


General Informational Meeting

Date

Day

Time

     



Training Class Schedule

Date

Day

Time

     
     

Cost: $100/person - free to clients of Minnesota Public Private Adoption Initiative and HOPE clients of any adoption program.

For those with Wisconsin families, HOPE's two-day "Pre-Adopt, Pre-Foster
Parent Training" meets the requirements of the 10 core competencies now
required for Wisconsin families.

 


 
LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS)
2400 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-879-5230
888-205-3769
Contact: Lynne Haggar
Lynne.Haggar@lssmn.org
www.minnesotaadoption.org/

Adoption Information Meetings

Group meetings are held throughout the year to learn more about our programs at Lutheran Social Service Adoption. These meetings are free and non-obligatory. Individual meetings can also be arranged to meet your needs. Contact the location most convenient to you for additional information.

Minneapolis Area -- call 612.879.5230 or 888.205.3769
2400 Park Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN

Rochester Area -- Call 612.879.5230 or 888.205.3769

St. Cloud Area -- Call 320.251.7700
Atonement Lutheran Church, 1144 29th Avenue North, St. Cloud, MN



Training Class Schedule - 2010
(Families who sign up for our 2-day in person training, will receive a login for our online portion. They need to
complete the online training prior to our in-person training.)

This two-day workshop is the first step in the Adoption Study process once you have sent in your registration form. At the completion of the workshop you will receive either an application packet to continue the adoption process with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota or a certificate of completion. All prospective adoptive parents must attend the full 16 hours of training as mandated by the State of Minnesota.

Prior to the workshop, you will receive a letter confirming your registration, a map with directions and information on hotels in the area.
 

Workshop Dates

Workshop Hours

Meeting Room

March 19-20

Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3:30 pm

Centrum B

May 13-14

Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
Friday: 9 am – 3:30 pm

Centrum B

July 15-16

Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
Friday: 9 am – 3:30 pm

Centrum B

September 17-18

Friday: 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am – 3:30 pm

Centrum B

November 11-12

Thursday: 9 am – 6 pm
Friday: 9 am – 3:30 pm

Centrum B

Location:
LSS -- Minneapolis
2400 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
2400 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612.879.5230 (Adoption)
612.871.0221 (Information Desk)

 


 
NORTH HOMES

North Homes, Inc.
1880 River Road
Grand Rapids, MN   55744
888.430.3055 ext.112
218.327.3000
Contact: Holly Guyer at 218-322-4112
http://www.northhomesinc.org/


North Homes, Inc. is a private, nonprofit, 501-C-3 agency aimed at providing comprehensive services to children and families in Minnesota. We were established in 1990 with Knollwood Boys Group Home and have steadily increased programs to best meet the needs of the communities we serve.


Training Class Schedule


 
Please call office for more information.
 

Date

Day

Time

 

03/11/2010 Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm Part 1
03/12/2010 Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Part 2

Location:
Sawmill Inn
South Hwy 169
Grand Rapids MN 55744

 


 

PERMANENT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Locations:
 
Fergus Falls
1220 N. Tower Road
Suite 101
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Phone: 218-998-3400
Toll Free: 1-888-240-7469
Fax: 218-739-4989

Mankato
83 Navajo Avenue
Suite 27 A
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-469-5540
Fax: 507-345-8865

Fargo
PO Box 1125
Fargo, ND 58107
Phone: 701-212-7221

Email: adopt@permanentfamily.org

2010 Pre-Adoptive Training

March 5, 2010- 70 - 9a.m.-6p.m. &
March 6, 2010 - 9a.m.-4p.m.
Location: Fergus Falls, MN
September 17, 2010 - 9a.m.-6p.m. &
September 18, 2010 - 9a.m.-4p.m.
Location: Fergus Falls, MN

May 7, 2010 - 9a.m.-6p.m. &
May 8, 2010 - 9a.m.-4p.m.
Location: Fergus Falls, MN

September 24, 2010 - 9a.m.-7p.m. &
September 25, 2010 - 9a.m.-3p.m.
Location: Mankato, MN

May 7, 2010 - 9a.m.-7p.m. &
May 8, 2010 - 9a.m.-3p.m.
Location: Mankato, MN

December 3, 2010 - 9a.m. - 6p.m. &
December 4, 2010 - 9a.m.-4p.m.
Location: Fergus Falls, MN

FOR MORE INFORMATION or
TO REGISTER, CALL: 1-888-240-7469
$100 fee includes training material and meals.

 

 


PLEASE NOTE: All orientation and training dates, times and locations are subject to change. Please call phone numbers listed to confirm. Also, other county and private agencies that place Minnesota’s Waiting Children may have meetings not included in this listing. Please check your phone book’s blue pages for your county human service department phone number and the yellow pages under adoption or foster care for private child-placement agencies. The private agencies included on this listing work collaboratively with the State of Minnesota under the Public Private Adoption Initiative (PPAI) contract.