Private Adoption
A private domestic adoption is an adoption that is facilitated by either a licensed private adoption agency or individual who will conduct a homestudy to assess your skills and readiness to raise an adopted child and supervise all private adoption placements.
Important Considerations
Adoption licensees charge fees for their services, generally $15,000-$30,000. There are additional fees for a homestudy assessment and parent training programs.
Note: The CRA offers an adoption tax credit for eligible adoption expenses, so it’s important to keep detailed records of costs incurred. The maximum claim per child is $18,210. More information can be found here.
The time it takes to complete the adoption process varies depending on how long it takes:
To complete a homestudy assessment
To match a child with a prospective adoptive family
For the child and adoptive family to adjust during the adoption placement period
Process for a Private Adoption
STEP 1: Hire a private adoption practitioner
Ontario: There are multiple licensed private adoption agencies and individuals across Ontario. It is important to find a practitioner that you trust.
BC: There are only two private agencies (Sunrise Adoption and Adoption Center of BC). They recommend you meet with both groups so you can make an informed decision.
Alberta: There are a few agencies (Amaris, Adoption Options and Small Miracle) to choose from.
STEP 2: Complete homestudy and mandatory training
The Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) homestudy is mandatory and consists of four to six interviews over four to six months. It determines whether you’re ready to be an adoptive parent and what type of child you’re best suited to adopt.
Your adoption agency will also have mandatory training. For example, in Ontario, you must also complete a 27-hour training, the Parent Resources for Information and Development and Education (PRIDE) program.
STEP 3: Finding a match
Your adoption practitioner will help you create a profile (for example: Canada Adopts)
Birth parents who are seeking to place their child for adoption may review your profile and may select you as someone they want to adopt their child. You’ll receive a proposal from the birth parent(s) through your adoption licensee.
STEP 4: Matching process
Consider the child proposal: An adoptive family is chosen by the birth parent. If a birth parent chooses you, you will have a meeting with your adoption practitioner to discuss the child proposal being presented for your consideration, including the social and medical histories of the birth parents.
Create the adoption plan: You will meet with a combination of your adoption practitioner; a birth parent counsellor; the adoption licensee; and the birth parents if they choose to join to discuss the placement
Consent: If the birth parents agree to place the child with you, you will be contacted by your adoption agency or licensee. An agreement is set out in writing regarding the child’s care and the logistics of the adoption placement.
Placement: The child may be placed with you directly from the hospital or after they have left the hospital. A child must be at least seven days old before the birth parents can consent to the adoption and the ministry must approve the proposed adoption plan before the child is placed with you.
Note: A birth parent has the right to reverse the adoption for a period of time after the placement (30 days in BC, 10 in Alberta, 21 in Ontario). If the birth parent changes their mind, the adoption licensee will return the child to their birth parents.
STEP 5: Adjustment period
Your adoption practitioner must make at least three visits during the first six months to see how your family is adjusting. The adoption practitioner will complete a report on how the child is adjusting and the adoption licensee will submit the report for the ministry to review and approve.
STEP 6: Finalize the adoption
The adoption licensee makes an application to their provincial court to finalize the adoption. A judge issues an adoption order making you the legal parent of your adopted child.
Questions to Ask an Adoption Agency
When considering an adoption agency, it's essential to gather relevant information and ask questions to assess if they fit you and your adoption journey. Here are some key questions to ask an adoption agency:
Agency information:
What is your agency's experience and track record in facilitating adoptions?
Are you licensed or accredited by the appropriate regulatory bodies?
What types of adoption does your agency specialize in? (e.g., public, private domestic, international)
Can you provide references or contact information for adoptive parents who have gone through the adoption process with your agency?
Adoption process:
What are the steps involved in the adoption process?
How long does the adoption process typically take?
What are the eligibility criteria and requirements for prospective adoptive parents?
Services and support:
What services does the agency provide to prospective adoptive parents?
Will there be a designated adoption worker or coordinator who will guide us through the process?
Do you offer pre-adoption education, training, or support groups?
What post-placement services and support are available to adoptive families?
Home study and assessments:
How does the agency conduct the home study assessment process?
What information and documentation will be required from us for the home study?
What are the costs associated with the home study and assessment?
Waiting times and matching:
How does the agency facilitate the matching process between adoptive parents and children?
What is the average waiting time for a match?
Can we specify preferences for the child we wish to adopt (e.g., age, gender, background)? How flexible are these preferences?
How does the agency facilitate communication and contact between birth parents and adoptive parents?
Financial considerations:
What are the estimated costs associated with the adoption process, including agency fees, legal fees, and other expenses?
Are there any financial assistance programs, grants, or subsidies available to adoptive parents?
Can you provide a breakdown of the fees and a clear explanation of what they cover?