Adopting a child can be a rewarding way to grow your family. In Ontario, there are several pathways to adoption, each with its processes and considerations. This article explores the various options for adopting a child in Ontario, including public, private, international, and family adoptions, and provides essential information on eligibility, processes, and accessing adoption records.
Introduction to Adoption
Adopting a child can be a fulfilling and life-changing experience. To adopt in Ontario, you must be a resident and able to meet the child’s needs, considering factors like your age, health, and financial situation. Adoption cannot be denied based on race, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, or marital status.
Types of Adoption
There are four primary types of adoption in Ontario: public, private, international, and family (kinship) adoption. Each type has its unique process and requirements.
- Public Adoption
Public adoption involves adopting a child in the permanent care of a Children’s Aid Society (CAS). Most children in CAS care are school-age and may have siblings who wish to stay together. Children become eligible for public adoption either because their birth parents decided to make an adoption plan or a court determined the child must be permanently removed from their birth parents or legal guardians.
Process of Public Adoption
- Orientation and Information Session: Attend an information session provided by CAS to understand the requirements and process of public adoption.
- Application: Complete an application form provided by CAS.
- Home Study and PRIDE Training: Undergo a home study assessment, which includes interviews, home visits, and background checks, and complete the Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education (PRIDE) training program.
- Matching: CAS matches prospective parents with a child based on the child’s needs and the family’s ability to meet those needs.
- Placement: Once a match is made, the child is placed with the adoptive family. There is a probationary period during which CAS monitors the placement.
- Finalization: After a successful probationary period, the adoption is legally finalized in court.
Public adoption is free through CAS, but the process can take from six months to over two years to be matched with a child.
- Private Adoption
Private adoption, also known as domestic adoption, involves adopting a child through a private agency. These agencies facilitate the adoption process for infants or older children whose birth parents have chosen to place them for adoption.
Process of Private Adoption
- Select an Agency: Choose a licensed private adoption agency to work with.
- Application and Orientation: Submit an application and attend an orientation session to learn about the process.
- Home Study and PRIDE Training: Complete the home study assessment and PRIDE training.
- Profile Creation: Create a profile that birth parents can review.
- Matching: The agency matches prospective parents with birth parents who choose the adoptive family.
- Legal Process: After the birth parents consent to the adoption, legal proceedings begin to transfer parental rights to the adoptive parents.
Private adoption can cost between $15,000 and $30,000, covering services such as paperwork and matching families with children, as well as additional costs for home study assessments, parent training programs, and potential travel expenses if the child is born in another part of Canada.
- International Adoption
International adoption involves adopting a child from another country. This process is more complex due to international laws and regulations but allows families to adopt children from a broader pool.
Process of International Adoption
- Select an Agency: Work with a licensed international adoption agency.
- Application and Orientation: Complete an application and attend an orientation session.
- Home Study and PRIDE Training: Undergo a home study assessment and complete PRIDE training.
- Dossier Preparation: Prepare a dossier of documents required by the child’s country of origin, which may include medical, financial, and criminal background checks.
- Approval and Matching: Obtain approval from both Ontario authorities and the child’s country of origin. The agency then matches the family with a child.
- Travel and Placement: Travel to the child’s country to meet and bring the child home. Multiple trips may be required.
- Finalization: Finalize the adoption in the child’s country or in Ontario, depending on the regulations.
International adoption can be expensive, involving agency fees, the required Ontario homestudy assessment, parent training, and travel and accommodation costs. You must also apply to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the child’s permanent residency in Canada.
- Adoption of a Family Member (Kinship Adoption)
Family adoption, or kinship adoption, involves adopting a relative such as a stepchild or other family member within Canada. This type of adoption is generally simpler than other forms of adoption, as the child already has a relationship with the adoptive family.
Process of Family Adoption
- Application: Submit an application to the Ontario court system.
- Home Study and PRIDE Training: Depending on the circumstances, a home study and PRIDE training may be required.
- Consent: Obtain consent from the child’s biological parents unless it is waived by the court due to specific circumstances.
- Legal Process: Complete the legal process through the court system to transfer parental rights to the adoptive parents.
If the child lives in Ontario, the process may not require a training program or homestudy assessment. Adopting a relative from outside Canada follows the same process as international adoption.
Accessing Birth Family Information
Ontario’s adoption records are open, meaning you can request information about an adoption finalized in Ontario. This service is free and can include medical information, non-identifying details, and copies of adoption orders. Adult adoptees and birth relatives can also connect through the Adoption Disclosure Register. Each province and territory has its process for accessing adoption records, so check with the relevant region for specific procedures.
Summary
Adopting a child in Ontario involves several pathways, each with its processes and requirements. Prospective parents can choose between public, private, international, and family adoptions. Understanding the legal considerations, undergoing mandatory training, and accessing available support resources are crucial steps in ensuring a successful adoption journey.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Must be an Ontario resident, meeting specific criteria but not denied based on race, gender, etc.
- Public Adoption: Involves children in CAS care, usually school-age; free through CAS.
- Private Adoption: Involves a private agency; costs range from $15,000 to $30,000 plus additional fees.
- International Adoption: Involves children from outside Canada; expensive and requires compliance with international laws.
- Family Adoption: Involves adopting a relative; the process varies if the child is in Ontario versus outside Canada.
- Birth Family Information: Open records in Ontario; free access to adoption information and medical details.
By understanding the options and steps involved, prospective adoptive parents in Ontario can make informed decisions and provide loving homes to children in need.
Last modified: August 30, 2024
