FAQ
The Adoption Process

• Can I adopt as a single applicant?
• Why would I not be able to proceed to the Home Study phase of the process?
• Do we have to be wealthy to adopt a child?
• Will adopting through CAS cost anything?
• How long will I have to wait to be placed with a child?
• Can I specify what type of child I am looking to adopt?
• Can I adopt more than one child at a time?
• What am I entitled to know about the adoptive family?
• Can I see the baby before the adoption?
• Can I receive payment or a reward from a family I place my baby with?
• Am I entitled to know when the adoption is completed?
• What if the birth father does not wish to be involved?

Can I adopt as a single applicant?

Yes, we accept single applicants as long as you have some form of a support system around you.

Why would I not be able to proceed to the Home Study phase of the process?

There could be several reasons why an applicant would not proceed to the Home Study phase. We expect that our applicants not have a criminal record of a serious, recent and relevant nature. Also, we are looking for applicants who are healthy, emotionally and financially stable and are able to provide a good loving home.

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Do we have to be wealthy to adopt a child?

No. We are only looking for financially stable applicants who are comfortably able to provide for a child.

Will adopting through CAS cost anything?

No. There are no fees involved in adopting a child through a CAS.

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How long will I have to wait to be placed with a child?

The timing of a placement is highly dependent upon the children being referred to adoption and your own family's strengths and experiences. There is no standard timeframe.

Can I specify what type of child I am looking to adopt?

Yes. Through your Home Study process, you will explore what type of child you and your family would feel most comfortable with and as such, what type of child would be the "best match" for your family.

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Can I adopt more than one child at a time?

You can only adopt more than one child at a time if the children are siblings. In all other cases, if you would like to adopt more than one child, you must wait until your first adoption has been completed before initiating the adoption process for the second time. If you pursue adoption for a second time, you do not need to attend the Orientation Training but must update your Home Study, medical reports, reference letters and police checks.

What am I entitled to know about the adoptive family?

Birth parents are entitled to non-identifying information about the adoptive family. Sometimes adoptions are much more "open" and an agreement may be made that pictures and letters would be exchanged over the years. And some families may agree to ongoing visits. But no names or addresses are exchanged without everyone's permission.

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Can I see the baby before the adoption?

You can see, feed, hold and name the baby before you place the baby for adoption. You may also leave a letter or gift for the baby with the adoptive parents or the adoption worker who places your child for adoption.

Can I receive payment or a reward from a family I place my baby with?

No. It is a criminal offence to accept payment or a reward for an adoption placement.

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Am I entitled to know when the adoption is completed?

Yes, this is your right. Tell your adoption worker that you would like to be informed when the adoption has been completed.

What if the birth father does not wish to be involved?

We cannot force the involvement of the birth father. We do make all efforts, however to involve both birth parents in planning for their child and in signing consent to the child's adoption. It is important to remember that both birth parents can provide vital information about the child that no one else would know. They are the key to providing accurate health and social history information for the child and it is in the child's best interest to have this information from both parents.

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