Adoption Information for Canadians, Page 2

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 Societies (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.

Credits: Sandy Zurbrig-Tutt