Frequently Asked Questions
Registration Questions
Who is the program for?
The program is for prospective Adoptive parents who are considering intercountry adoption. The program is also for parents who are in the process of intercountry adoption.
In addition, agency staff can take the program for continuing education credits.
How much does the program cost?
The program costs $95 for an adoptive single parent and $175 for a couple. The cost for an adoption professional is $95*.
*Please contact your agency to gain access to an agency number that will apply a discount to the adoption professional cost.
What do I have to do to register?
Go on line to www.hagueadoption.org. Before beginning the registration process, be sure to review the terms and conditions on the bottom of the screen. Once you are certain that your computer meets all of the program requirements, click “Register Now” and begin the registration process. You must have a valid email address (or two if you are registering as a couple) and a credit card to complete the registration process.
Do I need to be coming through an agency to register?
No. While it is encouraged that you carry out your intercountry adoption process through an agency, it is not required for this program. You will be able to register on your own time from your own home.
What computer and internet specifications do I need to have in order to run the program?
· High speed internet is required. The program cannot be viewed over a dial-up connection.
· Recommended operating system of Windows ME, Windows 2000, Window XP, or Windows Vista for PC and OS9 and OSX for Mac. Older systems may not support the program.
· RAM of at least 256 MB (512 MB recommended)
· Hard Drive of at least 30 Gig
· Processor of at least 1.2 GHz
Do I have to complete the program from the same computer?
No. Once you register, you will be able to log on and off from any computer that meets the technical requirements of the program. Once logging off, the program saves your place so you need not run through entire lessons if they have already been completed.
However, if you do run into issues related to log in or log out, you may contact a technical service representative.
What does the program offer in the way of Hague-required education?
The program provides education and training that is Hague compliant. The program will take eight hours to complete, and provides 8 of the 10 required hours. It provides a foundation of the basic information required by Hague. This allows agencies to focus one-on-one time and other group seminars on more country-specific and child-specific education.
What do I get at the end of the program?
The National Council For Adoption will mail you a certificate upon completion of the program to the address you provided during registration. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for shipment of the certificate. The certificate will be valid for two years after its issue date. Please contact Karen Sherman at NCFA (ksherman@adoptioncouncil.org) if you have any questions about the certification process.
How long does the program take to complete?
The program will take approximately 8 to 10 hours total to complete if you read all the text, visit the linked web sites, watch the videos and read the entire required readings. You have 8 weeks to complete the program.
What if I can’t complete it in 8 weeks? Can I get an extension?
If you have extenuating circumstances that don’t allow you to complete the program within 8 weeks, you should contact your agency (if applicable) or contact Lauren Ridenour at NCFA (lridenour@adoptioncouncil.org) before the end of the 8 weeks to be considered for a program extension.
These will be considered on a case-by-case basis and under a narrow scope.
Once I’ve completed the program, can I still use my log-on and password to get in and review information?
No. After the program is completed (or once the eight-week period has expired and you have not received an extension) your user name and password will be invalidated, and you will no longer have access to the program. If you want to get back into the program, you will be required to re-register and pay a program fee.
How do I get my certificate when I’m finished with the program?
Upon completion of the program your certificate will be mailed to the address you provided during registration within 2 to 4 weeks. A validation of your certification will also be sent to your agency (if you provided one). Special circumstances that require expedited certificates will incur a $50 fee not including shipping and handling. Please contact Lauren Ridenour at NCFA (lridenour@adoptioncouncil.org) if you require an expedited certificate.
About registration as single or couple:
a. Why would it be necessary to take the course as a couple? Can my partner take the course after I do?
The Hague Convention requires that both parents in a married couple fulfill the training hours. You may register separately rather than as a couple, but you will incur a higher cost for the program. In order to register as a couple you must have two unique email addresses. It is not necessary to take the course as a couple; however, it is highly advised.
b. Do both prospective adoptive parents have to be certified, or can just one take the course? Why do we have to sign up for separate accounts if we are taking this as a couple?
Hague requires all parents receive 10 hours of education, not just one parent (if a couple). Upon completion of the program, each parent will receive a unique certificate of completion. Separate accounts are necessary so that each parent can complete the course at his or her own pace on his or her own time.
Credit card/payment
Why do I need to give my credit card information before seeing detailed information about the site’s content?
If you have questions about the site’s content, you can contact your agency to get an overview of the program. If you are not working with an agency, go to www.hagueadoption.org and click “Learn More” for additional information about the program. If you still need more information, you can contact Lauren Ridenour at National Council For Adoption at lridenour@adoptioncouncil.org.
What forms of payment are accepted?
You may use Visa, MasterCard, and American Express to pay for the program. You must have the card present as you will need access to the expiration date and security code.