Adoption (Canada/International)
Adoption is the legal process of creating a permanent parent-child relationship. It can take place within Canada (domestic adoption) or across borders (international adoption).
Types of Adoption in Canada
Public Adoption
Managed by government child welfare agencies
Usually involves children in foster care
Minimal or no adoption fees
Private Adoption
Arranged through licensed adoption agencies or lawyers
May involve newborns placed for adoption by birth parents
Costs vary depending on services
International Adoption
Adopting a child from another country
Requires meeting both Canadian and the child’s country’s adoption laws
Often involves longer processing time and higher costs
Eligibility for Adoption
Must be at least 18 years old
Can be single, married, or in a common-law partnership
Must demonstrate financial and emotional stability
Completion of a home study assessment is usually required
Steps in the Adoption Process
Application & Orientation
Contact adoption agency or child welfare authority
Attend information sessions
Home Study Assessment
Interviews, background checks, and home visits
Evaluation of parenting ability and readiness
Matching & Placement
Matching child with adoptive family
Placement of the child in the home for adjustment period
Legal Finalization
Adoption finalized in court
Child gains the same legal rights as a biological child
International Adoption Specifics
Must comply with Canadian adoption laws and the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption (if applicable)
Immigration process must be completed for the child to enter and reside in Canada
Involves additional legal, cultural, and language considerations
Benefits of Adoption
Provides a stable and loving home for children
Expands families in meaningful ways
Ensures children receive legal, social, and emotional security
Strengthens community by reducing the number of children in foster care or institutions