Adoption Options for Canadians

Part 1: An introduction

For many individuals and couples deciding to adopt, just knowing where and how to begin can be overwhelming. Many people do not know who to contact or the options open to them. Canadians have several different avenues for adopting children, including:

• domestic adoption
  • private
  • through Children's Aid Societies
• international

Note: Since adoption falls under provincial legislation, specific requirements and regulations vary from province to province and territory to territory. For example, Gilles Breton of Children Coming from Afar... or simply from Québec, tells us that private adoption in Québec is quite different than in Ontario or British Columbia. Domestic private adoption is illegal in Québec (legal in a few provinces), so please do check laws and procedures in your province.

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The Homestudy

One common requirement for all adoptions is a homestudy, no matter where one lives within the country.

Couples and individuals wanting to adopt are faced with questions that many people don't even have to consider (but probably should) when starting a family. Family and parenting values, discipline, adoption attitudes (both their own and those of family and friends) must be considered among many other questions. This is one of the reasons for a homestudy to be completed; it is a way to help people clarify their understanding of their motivations to have a family and their choice to adopt. It can feel like a very intrusive process because it is not always easy sharing the most personal details of one's life with a stranger - the social worker involved - nonetheless, it is an important step, not only for the prospective adoptive parent(s) in being ready for such a commitment but it is also in the best interests of the child who may be chosen to enter their home.

Part 2: How it works

Example: Ontario (for other provinces, please see Provincial Resources)

In the case of private or international adoption in Ontario, prospective adoptive parents need to contact a private social worker who is certified to do homestudies for adoption. A local Ministry of Community and Social Services office would be able to provide the names and numbers of several social workers in the area who deal with adoption. The minimum requirement from the Ministry is three visits with the social worker, although more visits are strongly encouraged under new legislation. Usually the individual or couple fills out paperwork, answering some basic personal questions before the first meeting. During the meetings, the prospective adoptive parent(s) are asked questions about their background, family relationships, their childhood, their present relationship and shared parenting and adoption attitudes. Differences in attitude between partners are explored, as well as the attitudes of family and friends towards adoption. The process also helps the individual or couple define their preference for age, sex, health, racial or ethnic background of a child they wish to adopt. After the meetings are over (including a visit in the home of the individual or couple), a report is written by the social worker, shared with the people involved and sent the the Ministry for approval. Approval at this point is similar to being "pre-approved" to continue the process of seeking an adoption.

When a child is placed with the family, another report must be written to the Ministry with specifics about that adoption for the placement to be approved. The individual or couple must also provide medical fitness reports, police criminal checks (at the provincial and national levels, including fingerprints) and letters of reference from at least 3 different sources.

The cost of this homestudy is generally in the range of Cdn$1000.00 - $1500.00, except in the case of adoptions through Children's Aid (see below).

Private Domestic Adoption

After the homestudy, private agencies or "licensees" can be approached. There are varying opinions about whether it is better for many licensees to be approached (an "increase the odds of being chosen" approach) or staying with one or two licensees and keeping in contact so that their profile is kept in the forefront of a coordinator's mind. After meeting with the licensee, the person or couple creates a "profile" about themselves including pictures, family background, parenting values etc. which can be given to expectant parents. From these profiles, parents choose the person or people with whom they wish to place their child. Expectant parents may wish to meet with the prospective parent(s) before finalizing their choice. When a match is made, the expectant parent(s) may receive independent legal advise, mental health counselling or other services for which the prospective adoptive parent(s) will be billed by the agency.

After an infant is placed with the family chosen, the mother may not sign the adoption papers until at least 9 days after the birth. Some agencies place the children in foster homes until the papers are signed, but some will allow the baby to go home with their new family. After the adoption papers are signed, this starts another 21 day wait during which the birthmother may legally change her mind. If the birthfather has not signed adoption papers already, he must show that he supported the birthmother financially and emotionally during her pregnancy and that the pregnancy was the result of an ongoing relationship in order to establish paternity rights. Visits from the social worker must occur during the first 30 days and again a minimum of 3 times before the child is 6 months old. After this a final report is submitted to the Ministry for approval for adoption finalization.

The cost of private adoption within Ontario can range from approximately Cdn $5000 - $8000.

Public Domestic Adoption

Those who choose to adopt through Children's Aid (CAS) must undergo a CAS homestudy (no fees attached) and often are required to take adoption classes for approximately 8-10 weeks. Though adoptions of newborns do occur through CAS, many adoptions involve older and sometimes hard-to-place children. There are special considerations if the child has siblings, including adopting the sibling group or, if placed separately, the level of contact that will be maintained between siblings in different adoptive families.

International Adoption

International adoption is another route taken by some Canadians. Requirements include specialized homestudies specifically for international adoption. Other requirements and processes may vary depending on the country from which children are being adopted and the agencies involved in both Canada and in the home country.

Support

In order to navigate the adoption process, many people need the support of a good social worker and others who have adopted before them. It also requires a great deal of patience and hope that, in the end, the dream of being a family will be realized. Adoption networks and support groups may be of great assistance during the waiting period and after an adoption placement has occurred.

Photo is the personal property of Sandy Zurbrigg-Tutt, used with permission.

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