“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” Kofi Annan
CAS Education Advantage
Before you receive your new family member, the more you understand the more comfortable and successful the adoption process will be. Recent headlines have demonstrated how critical it is that prospective adoptive families understand the less than optimal experiences of children awaiting adoption and the issues and challenges which new families will face. CAS has developed many guidelines to help you along your path. And once you have added a new family member, CAS will continue to support you by providing education resources.
Education prepares families for success before and after your adoption!
- Pre-adoption education provided by CAS partner Heart of the Matter Seminars
- The Because They Waited parent education system has been customized for CAS families and will provide the required 10 hours of education.
- All families seeking placement through CAS must complete the Because They Waited education program.
- Families working with another placement agency are welcome to use Because They Waited if education is not provided by placing agency.
- Because They Waited is a Hague compliant program
The importance of education
While 10 hours of pre-adoption education is the minimum requirement, we strongly urge families to continue their education while they are waiting for placement of their child. We estimate that it takes approximately 30 hours of education to adequately cover all the important international adoption issues. You may continue your education by accessing additional Heart of the Matter courses, seminars and cultural events in your community, reading, other on-line course work, and discussions with other adoptive families and adoption support groups. If you have questions or need ideas to continue your education, talk to your Homestudy worker or Program Coordinator.
Classes Begin Here
Start your education today by clicking on the Heart of the Matter Logo. This link will take you to a login and registration page. If you are a CAS family and have not received the payment and access instructions please contact your program coordinator.
Fine print
Families will need to submit copies of their Heart of the Matter Certificates of Completion to CAS in a timely manner. Please note that 10 hours must be verified prior to completion of the homestudy. In addition, families should track any additional education activities completed and submit verification to their Program Coordinator prior to referral of the child.
Educational Resources for Healthy Living
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. HealthyLiving.org
3. The Mayo Clinic