Nova Scotia Adoption Resources

Public Adoption
Family and Children's Services
Phone: 902 424-4279
Fax: 902 424-0708

Care is provided by the Department of Community Services, a Children's Aid Society or a Family and Children's Services Agency.
County Children’s Aid Societies
Canada’s Waiting Kids
The Nova Scotia Adoption Exchange, operated by the Department of Community Services, assists in this process. All Agencies and District Offices provide a full range of child welfare services including child protection. The Home of the Guardian Angel also provides placement services.

Private Adoption
Private adoptions are allowed by a child placing agency or District Office of the Department of Community Services The prospective adoptive parents must apply to the local agency or District Office to arrange to have a homestudy completed by an approved private practitioner for the agency's approval.

Private interprovincial adoption
The requirements for private adoptions vary from province to province, therefore interprovincial private adoption can be complex. If a private interprovincial adoption is being considered by a family or a birth parent, it is recommended that they contact their local Children's Services Agency and/or a lawyer before entering into an arrangement.

International Adoption
Information is available from the Family and Children's Services Division, Department of Community Services. International adoption homestudies are required in all international adoptions.These homestudies are completed by private practitioners on a fee-for-service basis, paid by the adoptive parents. Applicants interested in applying to adopt internationally must submit the application provided by the Family and Children's Services Division of the Department of Community Services to the local agency. A list of private practitioners is made available by agencies and the Family and Children's Services Division of the Department of Community Services.

Open Adoptions
Open adoption allowed.

Search/Reunion
Registry is available and details are provided in the Adoption Information Act. For more general search help, see Canadian Search & Reunion Resources.

Miscellaneous Information
General Adoption Information
Adoption agency list