Parent Preparation

Preparing families for raising adopted children is a vital part of the adoption process. Each adult in the home is required to complete a minimum of ten hours of Adoption Education as part of the home study. MAPS offers classes that cover seven to eight of the ten hours. In these classes, we will help you prepare for the challenges and rewards that are unique to adoptive parenting, understand your baby or child’s needs, connect with other waiting families, and receive answers to your questions about raising an adopted child. See below for suggestions about completing the final two to three hours.

You can choose the class below that best fits your schedule, and you may attend class in any location, regardless of the state you live in.

Domestic class

Families adopting through our domestic programs must attend this class. Learn about the process, meet birthparents and an adoptive family, and connect with other families who are adopting domestically. This class is taught by a MAPS social worker and requires a minimum of four families.

International class

Families adopting through our international programs (regardless of country) must attend this class. Learn about process and challenges, hear from a family who has “been there” and connect with other waiting families. This class is taught by a MAPS social worker and requires a minimum of four families.

Date	Class	Location (click for directions)
Aug 21, 2010, 9:00-5:00	International	Portsmouth, NH
Sept 25, 2010, 8:00-5:00	Domestic	Boston, MA
Oct 16, 2010, 8:00-5:00	International	S. Portland
Nov. 20, 2010, 9:00-5:00	Domestic	Portsmouth, NH
Dec. 18, 2010	International	S. Portland
Jan. 8, 2011	Domestic	S. Portland
To sign up for any Adoption Education class, please RSVP to Sarah Groff at (207) 775-4101 or sarahg@maps-worldwide.org at least one week in advance. Meetings in November and December are prone to cancellation, please check back or call for updates.

Adoption Education Requirements

Because the Adoption Education class that MAPS offers only fulfills seven to eight of the 10 hours of required training, you will need to supplement this class with an additional two to three hours. In order for your additional hours to qualify, the training you attend must be documented. There are many ways in which to meet the additional two hours. Here are a few suggestions:

MAPS info meetings

If you attended a MAPS information session about adoption prior to beginning your home study, this time will count. Please let us know where you attended a meeting and we will gather the documentation.

Lectures, discussions, presentations

If you attend something in this category, as long as it is related in some way to adoption, it should qualify. (Please check with MAPS in advance to be sure.) Documentation of attendance will be needed.

Adoption conferences

There are many wonderful adoption conferences around the country, and most have workshops that you can attend during the day. Please send us a copy of your conference confirmation or certificate of participation.

Video Materials

MAPS is providing video education material worth two hours of credit. To view this video and receive credit, start HERE.

Now showing: Las Hijas (The Daughters), a documentary by Maria Quiroga about three young women who were among the first generation of infants adopted from Colombia.

Adoption Learning Partners website

If you have not been able to complete any of the options above, you may supplement the MAPS class with an on-line course or courses. (Some are one hour and some are two.)

Please visit the Adoption Learning Partners website:

http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/courses/feesAndCreditHours.cfm for more information on the courses. If you choose this option, you will need pay for the Certificate of Completion at the end of the course(s).

Directions to Adoption Education Sessions

To Portsmouth Public Library

Take 95 North to New Hampshire. Take 95 South to Exit 7, Market St. Ext., Portsmouth. At the end of the ramp, take a left. Go through two sets of lights to the blinking light, take a right onto Russell St. Take a right at the stop sign onto Deer St. to the first set of lights. Take a left at the lights onto Maplewood Ave. Go through 3 sets of lights (Hanover, Congress/Islington, State), then left onto Court St. Turn right onto Rogers Street and then right onto Parrott Street. The address is: 175 Parrott Avenue, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Main library phone number: (603) 427-1540*, open on Saturday from 9 AM.

To MAPS International in Boston

MAPS International is located at 400 Commonwealth Ave between Kenmore Square and Mass. Ave. On-street parking is located on Newbury Street or Commonwealth Ave.

From Storrow Drive (East or West)
Take Kenmore Square Exit.
At third traffic light, turn left onto Commonwealth, #400 is 1 ½ blocks on the right.

From Mass Pike
Take Mass Pike East to Exit 18 (Allston/Cambridge)
After toll, stay right and follow fork to Cambridge.
At second light, turn right onto Storrow Drive, directions above.

From North
Take Route 93 or 1 South to Boston.
Upon reaching city, take Exit 26 (North Station) and follow Storrow Drive directions above.

From South
Take Route 3 North to Exit 18 (Mass Ave)
At end of Exit, turn right onto Mass. Ave.
Follow Mass Ave 1.4 miles and turn right College of Music onto Boylston St.
Take first left onto Hereford St., and next left.

To MAPS in South Portland

100 Brickhill Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106. (207) 775-4101

From I-95/Maine Turnpike North or South: Take I-95 North or South to Exit 46. After the tollbooth, take a right onto Jetport Road. Follow Jetport Road to the light. At the light, take a right onto Western Avenue. Follow Western Avenue to the next intersection (get in the left turn lane). At the intersection, take a left onto Jetport Plaza. Follow Jetport Plaza to the stop sign. At the stop sign, take a right onto Westbrook Street. Follow Westbrook Street for approximately 1/4 mile to Brickhill Avenue (on left). Turn left onto Brickhill Avenue and follow the road up the hill until you reach 100 Brickhill Avenue (the large brick “castle” on your left).

From I-295 North: Take I-295 southbound to Exit 3 (Westbrook St./Airport). Take a right at the end of the exit ramp (Pape Chevrolet will be on your right) and proceed onto Westbrook Street. Follow Westbrook Street, bearing right at the stop light (Irving gas station will be on your left) to proceed up Westbrook Street. Follow Westbrook Street for approximately ¼ mile to Brickhill Avenue (on right). Turn right onto Brickhill Avenue and follow the road up the hill until you reach 100 Brickhill Avenue (the large brick “castle” on your left).

From Rte. 1 South/Scarborough: Follow Route 1 northbound following signs for I-295. Take the exit labeled "Broadway." At the end of the "Broadway" exit ramp, bear right to proceed north on Broadway. Follow Broadway to the stop light. At the stop light, make a left turn onto Westbrook Street. Follow Westbrook Street past Pape Chevrolet to the next stop light (Irving gas station will be on your left). Bear right at the stop light to proceed up Westbrook Street approximately ¼ mile to Brickhill Avenue (on right). Turn right onto Brickhill Avenue and follow road up the hill until you reach 100 Brickhill Avenue (the large brick “castle” on your left).

From the West (Maine Mall): Follow Gorham Road eastbound from the Maine Mall area past the Olive Garden Restaurant (on your right.) At the next intersection, Gorham Road turns into Western Avenue (Young’s Furniture will be on your left.) Go straight through the intersection and follow Western Avenue to the next light, getting into the left turn lane. At the light, take a left onto Westbrook Street. Proceed up Westbrook Street approximately ¼ mile to Brickhill Avenue (on right). Turn right onto Brickhill Avenue and follow road up the hill until you reach 100 Brickhill Avenue (the large brick “castle” on your left).

Printer friendly version of directions HERE.

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