LEAP – Learning for Everyone in Adoption and Permanency is the Belonging Network’s new online education course for parents and caregivers. For prospective adoptive parents, LEAP fulfils the legal requirement for pre-adoption education. LEAP has replaced the previous Adoption Education Program (AEP).
The Belonging Network offers LEAP on behalf of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). We are not an adoption agency or part of the government, but we are honoured to be the BC government’s partner of choice for this important step in the adoption process.
The LEAP program is set to launch in February 2025. Sign up for the waitlist now to get the registration link as soon as it’s available.
Who LEAP is for
The Belonging Network’s LEAP is primarily for people adopting from foster care (government care) in British Columbia. If you are adopting through an adoption agency, they may offer their own education or they may recommend that you register for LEAP. Be sure to check with them!
Program details
- LEAP is an online course that covers core adoption and permanency issues including trauma, attachment, openness with birth family, prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, cultural understanding, and Indigenous topics.
- Indigenous consultants ensured Indigenous perspectives are woven throughout LEAP.
- Lessons are delivered through an engaging mix of video, audio, writing, and group discussion.
- Learners will participate in four mandatory group online discussions on a video call with their peers.
- Learners who do not do their assigned work or attend live discussions may not be able to complete the course.
Cost of LEAP
- Registration fee: $95 per person.
- Course fee: $550 per person. The course fee is waived if you are adopting from government care (through MCFD).
Registering for LEAP
Before you register
Before you begin your journey through the LEAP program, you must complete the online Introduction to Adoption and Permanency course. It covers the basics of the process, legal and financial considerations, and the needs of the waiting children. This course can be completed at your own pace anytime before you register for LEAP.
Join the LEAP waitlist and the registration details for the Introduction to Adoption and Permanency course will be emailed to you.
How to register for LEAP:
- Complete the online Introduction to Adoption and Permanency course.
- Register for the LEAP program (after you have completed your adoption application through MCFD’s Adopt BC Kids portal and have been approved. Participants will receive an email from the portal indicating they have been approved and can register for the course).
- View the calendar here to find the next available course.
- Provide the name and email of your social worker (if you are adopting through MCFD).
- Pay the non-refundable $95 registration fee. Registration and fees are per person.
- If you’re adopting with a partner or another adult, they must complete a separate registration using a different email address from yours. You must register and pay separately so that you can each be certified.
Questions? Contact the Education team at education@belongingnetwork.com or 604-320-7330 ext.187.
