International Adoption in Canada

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION IN CANADA With 153 million orphans worldwide, many Canadian families choose to look abroad and adopt internationally. The adoption process can be complicated and, unless the proper procedures are followed, even heartbreaking. Here, OpenCanada breaks down the process outlined by Ontario's Ministry of Children and Youth Services. WHERE ADOPTED CHILDREN CAME FROM IN 2012 Asia: 419 The Americas: 287 Africa: 149 Europe: 72 *Adoption via Citizenship Process STEPS OF ADOPTION PROCESS ! 1. Initiate Contact a ministry-approved 2. SAFE Structured Analysis Family Evaluation is a comprehensive assessment undertaken to evaluate your capability as adoptive parents. The process involves assessments with adoption workers, a home safety checklist, medical and police checks, and character references. 3. PRIDE Parent Resources for Information and practitioner and a licensed international adoption agency outside of Canada to facilitate the Development Education is a mandatory 27-hour curriculum designed to help prepare all prospective parents for the responsibilities of adopting a child. adoption process. Once you have selected your country of adoption, sign a service agreement with the agency. AGIEEMENT ............ 4. Eligible If the review is favourable, the ministry will issue a letter approving suitability and eligibility to adopt. Your file is then sent to the country from which you are applying to adopt with all the necessary information. 5. Being Matched Once your agency receives a suitable proposal, you practitioner will review the proposal with you. If accepted, your practitioner will prepare a consent report. 6. Visiting National Authorities will grant permission to visit the child. Some countries may require you to make two visits. CANAA 7. Finalization The adoption will likely be finalized in the court of the child's country of origin. 8. Immigration You must make an application for your child to enter Canada with Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Your child must remain in their 9. Return Home After receiving the necessary document from CIC, the child can arrive at its new home. country of origin until necessary documentation is received. Congratulations! The long anticipated welcoming of your child marks the start of life with your new family. Now comes the rewarding but challenging job of raising your child. CIC CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL Sources: children.gov.on.ca, cic.gc.ca, wwo.org CONSEIL INTERNATIONAL DU CANADA