We are excited to begin rolling out a new version of PREPARE/ENRICH designed specifically for couples going through the adoption process. For over 30 years, PREPARE/ENRICH has primarily been used by facilitators offering premarital counseling, marriage counseling and relationship education, but there has been a growing number of social workers and adoption case workers who have integrated the assessment into their pre-adoption interview process. Social Worker, Diane Vollendorf, with the Community Adoption Center in Wisconsin, made the following comments about using the inventory with couples planning to adopt:
“It’s the most objective form of information I have for my interviews. It saves me hours of interviewing time, and I like it because it’s positive . . . I wouldn’t do an adoption without one.”
While no relationship is perfect, it is important to place adopted children in homes with healthy role models and stable relationships. PREPARE/ENRICH provides a wealth of information on each individual, their relationship, and their background.
Recognizing the value of using the inventory in this way, several modifications and additions have been made. Two existing scales, Personal Stress and Commitment, have been modified. Additionally, three new scales have been developed for couples preparing to adopt: Adoption Considerations, Adoption Expectations, and Adoptive Parenting. The pre-adoption content is specifically designed to identify unrealistic expectations about adoption and create opportunities for healthy dialogue as couples prepare to bring an adopted child into their family system.
Certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitators can contact customer service to activate their access to the Pre-Adoption Version.
Dear Prepare and Enrich -
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. A Christian who graduated from Regent University in 2003, I do marital and couples premarital counseling. I have been desirous of training in Prepare and Enrich for some time and have not known how to access this training. I am hopeful you may be able to help. I would also be Interested In integrating the adoption work as well.
Thank you.
Pam Masaniello, MA, LPC
703-593-9976
I am an LMFT and LMHC. I am also an adoptive parent. In practice, I see individuals who are in the process of adopting children/babies from overseas (primarily Central/Latin America ). Can your assessment be used with individuals as well as with couples in the adoption process?
Barbara: PREPARE/ENRICH is designed for couples and so the scoring methodology functions with that framework in mind. The Adoption Version of PE is only intended for couples, not individuals. Thanks for your interest and your question.
This sounds amazing…Are you offering any previews for facilitators? My wife and I do a lot of premarital counseling but we entering into the process of considering adoption! We would love an opportunity to go through this and know the great benefit Prepare Enrich has already been for all the couples we have counseled! Please let me know!