The Adoption Education Program (AEP) gives prospective adoptive parents a strong foundation of knowledge for caring for their adopted child. It is an important part of the process of adopting a child from foster care in BC, which is why it’s legally required of all prospective parents.
Registering for the AEP
The Belonging Network offers the AEP 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.
Who needs to register
The Belonging Network’s AEP is for those adopting from foster care (government care) in British Columbia. If you are adopting through an adoption agency, they may offer their own version of the AEP or they may recommend that you register for ours. Be sure to check with them before registering!
How to register
Prospective parents may register for the AEP once your application has been approved by the MCFD. To do this, you’ll first need to register for a BCeID and submit your application at the Adopt BC Kids online portal.
Apply to adopt from foster care.
About the AEP courses
AEP Foundations
Learn the essentials for building a strong adoptive family. This 15-week online course covers core adoption issues: legal, social, and emotional. All prospective parents must complete this course to keep moving forward in the adoption process.
Lessons are delivered through an engaging mix of video, audio, writing, and group discussion. Participants will benefit from working with experienced facilitators as well as a strong support team.
The registrar will email you the full schedule two weeks before the course starts so you may plan ahead. In the 15 weeks, be prepared to participate in five mandatory group online discussions on a video call with your peers. The discussions are held on weekday evenings.
Cost of AEP Foundations
Registration fee: $95 per person
Course fee: $550 per person
The course fee is waived for those adopting from government care (through MCFD).
If you’re adopting with a partner or another adult, you must each register and pay separately and each be certified.
AEP Refresher
Review core learnings about adoption. This shorter course is designed for previous adopters, foster parents, and anyone who has already completed certain types of caregiver training.
Just like in AEP Foundations, lessons are delivered through an engaging mix of video, audio, writing, and group discussion. Participants will benefit from working with experienced facilitators as well as a strong support team.
The registrar will email you the full schedule two weeks before the course starts so you may plan ahead. In the eight weeks, be prepared to participate in three mandatory group online discussions on a video call with your peers. The discussions are held on weekday evenings.
Registration fee: $95 per person
Course fee: $325 per person
The course fee is waived for those adopting from government care (through MCFD).
If you’re adopting with a partner or another adult, you must each register and pay separately and each be certified.
Device requirements
We use an online learning platform called Moodle for the AEP. You’ll access your syllabus, course calendar, assignments, and other course materials all through Moodle. Don’t worry, you’ll have a chance to get familiar with using Moodle before the program begins.
Participants will need a way to access a web browser as a minimum requirement. You’ll make the most of the learning experience with a laptop or desktop computer, but a smartphone or tablet can work too.
Contact us
Questions about the AEP? Please reach out to our Registration Coordinator at education@belongingnetwork.com.
Need tech support with the device requirements and accessing the AEP? Our team can help you. Email us at education@belongingnetwork.com or call us at 604-320-7330 ext. 187.
