IAG Education Requirements

In accordance with the US ratification of the Hague Convention, IAG is requiring a minimum of 10 hours of pre-adoption training and education. IAG is requiring the following:

1. Complete the on-line course offered through the National Council for Adoption. This online Hague-compliant training for prospective adoptive parents features an interactive, comprehensive learning experience featuring in-depth information and insights from government and agency officials, adoption agency professionals, country specialists, medical and legal experts and adoptive parents.
   • Certificate program provides 8 of 10 hours of parent training required under Hague and 8 CEU credits for agency staff.
   • Online delivery means "anytime, anywhere" convenience for users.
   • Interactive means engaging and easily updated for most current information available
   • Costs for the course are $95 for a single applicant and $175 for a couple registering together.
   • For more information go to: www.hagueadoption.org or contact Chuck Johnson at cjohnson@adoptioncouncil.org

   OR complete the on-line course offered through Adoption Education, LLC. This on-line Hague-compliant training for prospective adoptive parents are designed to promote successful intercountry adoption by educating parents-to-be about what to expect in the international adoption process.

   • For more information go to: www.adopteducation.com or e-mail questions to: info@adopteducation.com.

2. Read IAG's pre- education handbook which will be provided to you at the interview. The handbook covers such topics as:
   • Grief and Loss in Adoption
   • Institutionalization and General Health Concerns
   • Attachment Issues
   • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Alcohol Related Birth Defects
   • Infectious Disease
   • Sensory Integration
   • Disorders of Speech and Language

3. Attend pre-adoptive parent preparation classes. If you live too far from Pittsburgh to attend the IAG co-sponsored classes, then you must attend classes offered through your home study agency or another agency in your area. The attendance of adoption conferences will satisfy this requirement as well.

Click here for our list of Recommended Reading.

Registration and General Information
Please read carefully

• Registration is required, space is limited. Call Catholic Charities at (412) 456-6960 to register.
• Location of training at the new Children's Home location: 5324 Penn Ave, Pgh. 15224 (free and plentiful parking)
• Fee is $15/family per training. Fee is payable at the door by cash or check; no credit cards accepted.
• Each person will be given a certificate of attendance at the end of each session.
• Please note: class credit will not be given for anyone who missed more than 15 minutes of the session.
• No child care will be provided; adults only please.