Information For Professionals

IAATP - Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program

What is it?
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – Pregnancy and Birth Parent Services Program is the Minnesota Lead Training Agency for the Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program.  The philosophy of this curriculum is based on the belief that in the situation of an unintended pregnancy, women should be provided equal information and counseling regarding all options in a nondirective, non-coercive manner in order to make an informed decision.  The training targets health care, social service, and community professionals providing services to pregnant women and teens in public or private, non-profit settings.  The training is designed to increase the health care person’s knowledge and skills in counseling adoption as an option on an equal basis with other options of pregnancy termination or parenting.

How was it developed?
The curriculum was developed in 2004 by 6 grantee organizations; Arizona’s Children Association, Harmony Adoptions of Tennessee, Latino Family Institute Inc, Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, National Council on Adoption, and Spaulding for Children in accordance with DHHS issued guidelines and was approved by DHHS.  “Understanding Infant Adoption” is the name of the national unified curriculum.

What are the training options?
There are many training options available including: full-day, half-day, self-study, and online workshops. The curriculum has been approved for CEU’s and contact hours for nurses and social workers in health care settings and is FREE of cost to all participants.

How do I get started?
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Pregnancy and Birth Parent Services Program has trainings scheduled throughout the calendar year all across the state of Minnesota. This training can be scheduled and conducted for your organization or your employees can participate in an already scheduled training.  For more information about the project or to sign up for one of these valuable trainings, please go to the training curriculum website at: www.iaatp.com