Q. I've heard there is a lengthy waiting list to adopt a child?
A. There is no "waiting list" for persons interested in adopting the children seen on this website or in the media. Children are "matched" with the family who is best able to provide the appropriate care for them. There is a waiting list for families wishing to adopt healthy infants.
Q. Are there many children available for adoption in Alberta?
A. While there are very few healthy infants available, there are a number of older, special needs children available.
Q. Who are these "special needs" children that are available?
A. The children needing adoptive families are usually over the age of five, and may be part of a sibling group. Some of the children will have health problems, a physical or emotional disability, be developmentally delayed or have challenging behaviours.
The child might need:
a special service for an existing condition or one that may develop because of family history.
a special placement that is compatible with the child's age, culture or need to stay with siblings.
Q. Does it cost money to adopt these children?
A. Alberta Children's Services covers all the administrative costs of adopting a child who is in the care of the Ministry. The Supports for Permanency Program is in place to assist families who adopt special needs children.
Adoptions completed through private agencies, or any portion of an adoption that is completed by an agency (for example, a Home Assessment), will have fees attached. In addition, when completing Direct Placement, Spousal/Relative or Adult adoptions, the fees attached are the responsibility of the applicants. The Supports for Permanency Program is not available for privately arranged adoptions.
Q. Do you have to own your own home and earn a high income?
A. No. You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient room and income to accommodate the child/children.
Q. What kind of help can I expect if I adopt a "special needs child?
A. Adopting a special needs child is challenging. Supports for Permanency are available to families adopting these children.
Under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, the Supports for Permanency program and new supports to those who obtain private guardianship of children under permanent guardianship have been combined into one program called Supports for Permanency.
Under the Enhancement Act, which came into force on November 1, 2004, assistance is provided to caregivers who assume provate guardianship of a child the permanent guardianship in the care of Children's Services. This support was previously only extended to adoptive parents under the Child Welfare Act. The primary reason for the change was to further support caregivers in providing premanent homes to children who are not able to return to their parents' care, thus assisting children in obtaining earlier permanency.
In addition, for those caregivers who are eligible, services will be coordinated with the Family Support for Children with Disabilities Program.
The new Supports for Permanency Program continues to offer both maintenance and financial assistance.
Maintenance is equal to basic foster care rates and will be available to families whose gross family income in under $60,000/year.
Financial assistance may be obtained:
to assist in maintaining a First Nations child's cultural ties,
for parental relief up to a maximum of 576 hours annually per family
if the child has behavioural or emotional programs, as follows:
counselling to a maximum of 10 sessions per year (at approved provincial rates), and
$70 per week to purchase additional services to address the child's behavioural or emotional problems.
Q. Can single people adopt?
A. Yes. In some cases, a single applicant is considered the best choice for a child being "matched" for adoption.
Q. What is the process that I will need to go through to adopt?
A. Applicants for special needs children are required to attend training sessions. A caseworker will then be assigned to complete a Home Assessment Report. You will be considered for placement of a child once you have been approved. You may also respond to children profiled on the Adoption Website or featured on the Wednesday's Child Television Program or in the newspaper. You will be provided with information about the child. If you wish to proceed, a placement plan is prepared. The child and your family will be gradually introduced and integrated. After a period of time when you and the worker are satisfied that your family is adjusting satisfactorily, arrangements are made to finalize the adoption in court.
Q. Who finalizes the Adoption?
A. Your worker will prepare the required documents and arrange to file them with the court in order to obtain your Adoption Order. If the child is over 12, the child is required to provide his or her consent to the adoption.
Q. Where can I get more information on Adoption?
A. Children and Youth Services - Adoption Profile Lookup
