The Understanding Infant Adoption curriculum is based on the belief that in the situation of an unplanned pregnancy, parents should be provided with equal information and counseling regarding all options in a nondirective, no coercive manner in order to make an informed decision.
UIA is based on the following set of values and beliefs:

o Health care providers are partners in the process of disseminating information on options counseling and the adoption option.
o Providing neutral, factual information and nondirective counseling is essential.
o We believe in providing services without subjecting individuals to any coercion and in a manner that protects individuals dignity and respect.

Completion of the Understanding Infant Adoption curriculum from the Infant Adoption Training Initiative will provide professional with an accurate understanding of the adoption experience. This training is an important step in assuring that every pregnant woman knows all the facts about adoption. We want to support your ability to empower clients in crisis. Our shared goal is a woman making a well-informed decision.

Our expert trainers will lead you through a one-day comprehensive and dynamic training session. Knowledge of types of adoptions and familiarity with the viewpoints and challenges of birth mothers, birth fathers, adoptive parents and adoptees are integral to this training.

This curriculum was made possible by a Cooperative Agreement between the IATI grantees and the US Department of Health and Human Services.
To learn more about Spaulding for Children,
click on logo to view their website.
In 1968, Spaulding for Children’s founders had a dream that all children are adoptable, without regard to their age, race, or disability, Acting upon that dream Spaulding has become internationally acclaimed on its pioneering work in the field of special needs adoption. Since its inception, Spaulding has provided adoption and related services to hundreds of children and their families. The agency has provided training and consultation to professionals in England, Scotland, South Africa and throughout the United States and Canada. Since Spaulding was designated as the National Resource Center for Special Needs Adoption in 1985, 67,000 professionals and parents have been trained in best practices in adoption and adoption services. Spaulding continuously develops and disseminates new training curricula, publications, and training videos to improve adoption methods and practices.

Spaulding’s mission is: “In collaboration with families, communities, an local, state and national organizations, Spaulding will assure that all children grow up in permanent families and have the help they need to be successful in life.” The Understanding Infant Adoption (UIA) curriculum is consistent with the mission of Spaulding and the role of its Institute for Family and Community Development, which was created in 2000 to expand outreach services to communities, including faith based communities. The Institute’s purpose is to provide high quality, accessible training to parents and their “helpers” to empower parents with all of the information they need to provide good care and make good decisions for themselves and their families.
To learn more about Harmony,
click on logo to view their website.
At Harmony, we’ve been helping grow families through adoption since 1996, bringing hundreds of children from all over the United States and the world to their new homes in the Southeast. Our approach to adoption embraces more than simply the placement of children. We honor our commitment to our families of providing services that acknowledge the life-long journey that is adoption today. Education, counseling and support services are essential aspects of the adoption process.

We are guided by our mission, Harmony Adoptions provides, facilitates and creates innovative adoption services that advance the well-being of children, families and communities. We believe that adoption is a gift to be celebrated and the relationships nurtured. And we believe that innovative, accessible services provide children, families and our community the tools and support that allow families the opportunity to thrive.

Education is a powerful tool and central to Harmony’s mission. Our programs are designed to prepare and inform adoptive families, birth families, and the community at large. We seek to expand understanding of adoption and challenge existing myths and stereotypes. Harmony was awarded the Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program grant in 2001. Since that time we have provided training and tools to thousands of health-care professionals in the southeast. This year we joined with the other IAATP grant recipients to develop a unified curriculum, Understanding Infant Adoption.

Harmony is a leader in the provision of post-adoption services. Our Adoption Support and Preservation program provides comprehensive services to families who have adopted children through the child-welfare system. ASAP staff works with families from crisis to stabilization. We provide support groups, respite opportunities and education.

Counseling woman who are in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy is central to Harmony’s services. We work with each woman as they identify the path that is best for them. No matter their decision, Harmony remains faithful to each client.
To learn more about Arizona's Children
Association,click on logo to view their website.
AzCA offers this free training program throughout Arizona and in Nevada through The Adoption Alliance and in New Mexico through La Familia, Inc. The curriculum was produced originally in 2001 by Arizona's Children Association in consultation with the National Curriculum and Training Institute with contributions from a number of not-for-profit agencies and individuals. In 2004 the curriculum was revised and improved through a collaboration with 4 other grantees: Spaulding for Children, Harmony Adoptions, Latino Family Institute and Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota. Once again, in 2007, the curriculum has been enhanced utilizing feedback from thousands of participants.
The program provides information and helps healthcare and other service providers develop the skills needed to effectively and comfortably present 'adoption as an option' information on an equal basis with all other courses of action. By attending the one-day or half day seminar, participants statewide receive comprehensive information on:
  • Adoption Practice – how the adoption practice has changed over time
  • Procedures and Laws in Arizona, Nevada or New Mexico that relate to adoption – distinguishing myths from realities
  • Social, Cultural and Personal Influences on Adoption Decision Making – understanding the factors that may influence a woman's decision
  • Informed Choice – techniques useful for assessing clients' knowledge of adoption and for presenting the adoption option
  • Adoption & Decision Counseling Resources – materials to assist in providing information and referrals to resources addressing pregnancy options