Core Curriculum

for Prospective Adoptive Parents

Equipped to Love: Training for the Adoption Journey

At America World, we believe that adoption begins with the heart, a heart that’s strengthened through preparation. Parenting a child through adoption is a sacred and unique journey, one that requires deep understanding, compassion, and readiness to meet a child’s emotional and spiritual needs.

Every child who joins a family through adoption has experienced loss, and part of your calling as a parent is to walk with them through healing and restoration. That’s why our Gospel-centered training is designed not just to inform, but to transform — equipping you with the insight, tools, and faith to parent with patience, grace, and connection.

Through our 30-hour Core Curriculum, required readings, and personalized learning for your specific situation, you’ll gain the confidence and understanding to help your child — and your whole family — thrive. From your first steps in the process to the moment your child comes home (and long after), we’re here to guide, encourage, and walk beside you, trusting that God will use this journey to write a beautiful story of redemption and love.

Initial Training Requirements

Training Requirement Description Number of Hours Required for Cost
Core Curriculum Phase 1 Online Hague-compatible courses from America World Adoption; take the course that is specific for your country of intended adoption. 17.5+ All prospective adoptive parents adopting internationally (*see note below) This training must be completed first. $399 per person

*Prospective adoptive parents who have had Hague training in the past may present previous training certificates to be reviewed for acceptability based on content and length of time since training, and situation-specific needs. Prospective adoptive parents using a different placement agency will take these courses unless the agency requires a different course that is an acceptable substitute.

Additional Training Requirements

Training Requirement Description Number of Hours Required for Cost
Adopting an Older Child Curriculum Online and live virtual courses that provide additional training related to older children, and related questionnaires 3.5 Prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt a child age 4 or older
Adopting Multiple Children Curriculum Online course that provides additional training for adopting multiple children, and related questionnaires 1.0 Prospective adoptive parents seeking to adopt multiple children
Adopting When You Already Have Children in the Home Online course that provides additional training for families with children already in the home, and related questionnaires 2.0 Prospective adoptive parents who already have children in the home
Additional Ecuador Training and Resources After completing the above trainings, any additional trainings, and discussing information with your home study preparer, please complete and submit this form. (NEED LINK) All prospective adoptive parents adopting internationally