Understanding why we need to talk about Openheartedness

Adoption can stir deep emotions - love, loss, hope, and uncertainty - all existing side by side. Talking about Openheartedness helps us recognize that adoption isn’t just a legal or social process, but a lifelong relational journey. When parents and caregivers approach adoption with openness rather than fear or defensiveness, it creates space for honesty, healing, and authentic connection. This conversation helps families move beyond “perfect story” narratives to embrace real, grace-filled relationships where every part of the story can be held with compassion.

Who is Arise?

Arise Family is an NGO based in Cape Town, South Africa. We believe that every child is created to be part of a thriving family. And our goal is to support families to thrive, however they are formed. In practice, this means we use strength-based and resilience building interventions as we work with children, parents and caregivers to strengthen and equip families so that they can be a place where children feel safe, loved, and find a sense of belonging. Our annual adoption conference is one of the primary ways we equip prospective and current adoptive parents. Understanding openheartedness in adoption is a stepping stone into helping your family thrive!
Get this course for free today!
Arise has over 15 years’ experience in programme development, facilitation, family strengthening and adoption support. Our team consists of psychologists, social workers and play therapists; many of whom are adoptive parents. We bring our education, experience, and skills to provide evidence based and strength building resources to South Africa in ways that promote growth and resilience.
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Instructors

Danielle Moosajie

Director of Arise

Danielle, known to us as Dani, is a social worker with a Masters in Social Policy and Management from UCT who has over 14 years experience working with children and families on the Cape Flats. She’s worked in corporate in the field of change management, lectured and been involved in community projects. Dani is a wife to Randall, a mom of three and survives on caffeine and chocolate. Her happy place is enjoying Cape Town’s nature while eating good food and her passion is making sure that every child knows that they are loved by God and challenging South Africans to connect with each other outside their comfort zone.

By completing this course, you'll learn:

  • How to cultivate empathy and curiosity – Helping parents and caregivers approach their child’s experiences, questions, and emotions with an open and non-judgmental mindset.

  • How to strengthen family connection – Explore practical ways to foster trust, emotional safety, and authentic communication within your adoptive families.

  • How to support ongoing healing - Equip participants to navigate challenging adoption conversations with courage and compassion, promoting resilience for both children and caregivers.

Our Money-Back Guarantee

We’re so convinced that you will absolutely love our products, that we are willing to offer a 7 day risk-free money back guarantee.  If you are not satisfied with the digital product or e-course for any reason you can get a refund within 7 days of making a purchase.  We would ask that you kindly delete all copies of the downloads or digital products if you do request a refund.  Requesting a refund will also mean you lose access to the course platform and any future updates to the material.  If you request a refund and any physical product was shipped to you as part of the course, you will be required to ship the items in their original packaging and unused back to Arise Family before your refund will be arranged.  Any transaction fees associated with processing your credit card and the refund will be deducted from the amount of the course we refund to you.       

*We stand behind our guarantee. Before you make your purchase, please view our full policy.

FAQ

The questions people ask before saying “Yes!” to Openheartedness in Adoption

  • What's the time investment for doing the course?

    The single video can be viewed in just over 15 minutes. You can watch it all in one sitting or break it up into times convenient to you. You can access the talk repeatedly and whenever suits you.

  • What's the time investment for the activities?

    The worksheets can all be downloaded and completed in your own time. We recommend setting aside 30 minutes to work through the activities. The learning really takes place through the interactive reflections and applications and are a vital part of the programme.

  • Can I learn at my own pace?

    Yes, the course is designed for you to go through it as fast or as slow as you would like. Just log in and pick up where you left off, repeat parts you’ve already watched or watch the entire video in one sitting. The choice is yours.

  • How long will I be able to access this course?

    You will be able to log in and access the Trauma in Adoption talk for the lifetime of the course at Arise Family. There is no expiration date for your access, and you can return and re-do the course as often as you need to. In the future event of Arise Family ever retiring the course, you will be given appropriate notice and time to complete any outstanding lessons.

  • Is this course accredited?

    While all our facilitators are accredited professionals with their various professional governing bodies, the talk is not specifically accredited. The talk is designed to provide you with introductory information that is relevant and up to date.

  • Will anyone be able to access information about me?

    All your details and information collected by Arise Family are kept confidential and records are maintained as governed by the POPI Act. Our privacy policy can be accessed on our site. If you are completing this course as part of your preparation and counselling with an accredited adoption agency and were provided a code by them to access the course, please know that your adoption social work team will be able to access details regarding your progress in the course and completion dates.

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