Adoption Information for Canadians

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:

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• domestic adoption
  • private
  • through provincial social services
  • through Children's Aid Societies (Ontario)
• 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 in our section on Provincial Adoption Resources

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.

Example: Ontario

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 Societies (see next page).

Credits: Sandy Zurbrig-Tutt