Adoption

 

Children need to have roots. To experience healthy development and create a sense of self-worth, children need to feel a sense of belonging, with a permanent family who cares for them.

The reality is that for some kids, this is not a possible, and children come into the care of a Children’s Aid Society.  Sometimes it is because they have parents who are not able to provide a safe living environment. In other cases, parents choose to make an adoption plan for their child.

Children who are in the care of a Children’s Aid Society and become ‘wards of the Crown’ are ready and available to be adopted into a permanent family. Children’s Aid Societies help children to make successful transitions into their adoptive families.

Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption

  1. What is adoption?
  2. Who can adopt?
  3. Who are the children?
  4. How do I adopt?
  5. Making the perfect match.
  6. What is public adoption?
  7. I was adopted. How do I find out information on my birth parents?
  8. Are you pregnant and need help?

What is adoption?

Adoption is a compassionate gift of family to a child in need of a permanent, loving relationship. Adoption creates security and acceptance.

Adoption is the legal process that gives children a new family when their birth families are unable to care for them. It is intended to provide children with the stability and lifelong security that comes from a permanent home. In Ontario, there are several ways in which you can adopt, and people often explore options in all three systems:

  • The public child welfare system, or Children’s Aid Society
  • A private adoption agency
  • An inter-country adoption agency

Who can adopt?

People wanting to adopt understand the importance of providing a child with a safe, loving and nurturing environment – a home where the child can reach their full potential. Adoptive parents can be individuals and couples, unable to have children of their own, parents who already have children and want to add to their growing family as well as adults whose first choice for building a family is through adoption.


People from diverse cultural backgrounds, single people or same-sex couples are encouraged to consider adoption. People who are open to parenting special needs children, sibling groups or older children are also encouraged to consider adoption.

Who are the children?

Children range in age from toddlers to teens and come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Some are siblings, waiting for a family who can keep them together. Others are special needs children who require parents willing to learn the skills to care for them. Although some children may have challenges, they all have one thing in common – a need for a safe and loving home for a lifetime.

How do I adopt?

To find out if adoption is right for you, contact your local Children’s Aid Society, private adoption practitioner or Adopt Ontario. By working together, a decision can be made about whether adoption is the right plan for you as well as the kind of child or children you could parent.

The transition to adopting a child is one that is carefully planned with the child’s well being in mind. It is a time that allows for the new relationship to begin in an effort to determine its suitability in meeting the needs of the adopted child.

Parents will undergo a home study that involves several visits to their home. During the home study period, parents will be encouraged to assess their own attitudes and abilities. Training and education will be offered to parents to make sure the adoption process is smooth and successful.

Making the perfect match.

Adoption placements are based on the child’s needs, so the waiting time depends on the best possible match for the child and the adoptive family. If the match is right, the process can happen very quickly!

Once the decision is made, there will be several visits to allow the child to get to know the new family and surroundings before actually moving into the home.

By law, adoptions are legally finalized typically six months or more after the child moves into their new home. The length time depends on the needs of the child and the adoptive family. This adjustment period allows the child and family time to work out any problems that might arise.

When everybody is ready to complete the adoption, the Children’s Aid Society or private adoption practitioner applies to the court for an adoption order. After the court order is made, adoptive parents are the child’s legal parents, and the child is a legal member of their family.

What is public adoption?

  • The CAS has the responsibility to find permanent families for all children in its care who are available for adoption and who could benefit from a family.
  • Permanent adoptive homes are always needed for older and special needs children.
  • Applicants must participate in a home study (SAFE), provided at no cost.
  • The CAS will provide support to the adoptive family once the child is placed in the home and until the adoption is finalized.
  • The CAS may also provide adoptive parents and children with ongoing support, training and education; financial supports and subsidies.
  • If you require assistance after the adoption is finalized, the CAS is prepared to help you.
  • If you have given a child up for adoption or are adopted yourself and would like to begin to learn about your birth family, information about adoption records and disclosure can be found on the Ministry of Community and Social Services website.

For more information on adoption in Ontario, check out these links:

I was adopted. How do I find out information on my birth parents?

If you have given a child up for adoption or are adopted yourself and would like to begin to learn about your birth family, please contact the Ministry of Community and Social Services for assistance.

Are you pregnant and need help?

  • Young persons can turn to CAS when they discover they are pregnant.
  • Many options are available to the mother.
  • The worker will explore all the alternatives with the mother so that she can make the best decision.
  • Support and counselling can be provided to both parents during the pregnancy and after the birth.
  • If the mother decides to parent the baby, support can be provided.
  • Alternate care can be provided during the time of uncertainty.
  • If adoption is chosen, the society will find the best suitable home for the child.

If you have any questions regarding the services provided, please contact your local CAS .