1. Free Canada Adoption/Family Search and Reunion is a closed group on the social media site, Facebook. According to their about section, this group is only for Canadian adoptees and their birth families to find each other. They currently have 7,898 members in their group. In order to join this group, you will need to click the join group button which will bring you to three questions that you must answer in order to be accepted into the group. The questions are: Are you an adoptee in a search or are you searching for an adoptee, Do you intend to sell anything, and did you read the pinned post at the top of the page? Once you answer these three questions, you will have to wait for an administrator to approve your request.  To find this group go to this Facebook page.
2. Parent Finders Ottawa is a nonprofit organization that is part of the Parent Finders of Canada network. They are volunteers that provide information and support to help reunite families separated by adoption. Their services include registering people in their matching database and educating people on their legal rights under provincial laws. Check out their website here.
3. Mouvement Retrouvailles is a nonprofit organization with over 13,000 members. They have four main objectives which are: to ensure that the rights of both adoptees and non-adopted persons, as well as those of the birth and adoptive parents, are respected, to increase awareness for adoption-related issues in the public at large, to do away with the taboos surrounding adoption,  and to provide support to people who are experiencing difficulties before, during, or after their search for a birth parent or child placed for adoption. You can visit them at their website here. 

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Are you Canadian or are you interested in learning more about how to adopt in Canada? Read on for some top questions asked by those interested in adoption in Canada.

1. What is the cost to adopt in Canada?

There are several factors that play into the cost of adoption. These factors may include the type of adoption you undertake, whether you work with a licensed agency and any travel costs depending on the province you reside in. Below are some figures:

Public (foster care): $0-$3,000

Licensed Private Agency: $10,000-$20,000

International: $20,000-$30,000

As you can see, it costs very little to adopt through the public welfare system.

2. What are the qualifications to adopt?

Qualifications may differ between provinces. This means that depending on where you live, the regulations and qualifications may change slightly. Qualifications will also depend on whether you adopt through an agency, through the public welfare system, or internationally. One qualification that is standard among all types of adoption is home studies. Every potential adoptive parent will have to complete a home study which is conducted by a qualified social worker. Most provinces do require some training or preparation before you adopt a child.

3. What is a home study?

A home study, which is conducted by a qualified social worker, is an in-depth application and interview process. Though home study requirements vary between provinces, many require references, background checks, and home visits.

4. How long does the adoption process take?

The process can last from nine months to nine years. This depends upon the type of adoption you undertake, and the process of the country involved if you are adopting internationally. One thing you can do to speed up the process is to become educated, informed, and proactive.

5. What kinds of adoption are available in Canada?

There are five main types of adoption in Canada. These include: public domestic, private domestic, international adoption, adopting a stepchild, and a kinship adoption. A kinship adoption is the adoption of a relative.

6. How do I get started with the adoption process?

The first step to take in the adoption process is to get informed. Learn more about the adoption process in your province. Find out about the laws and requirements of adoption for your province. Know your facts before you decide anything!

7. Who can help us get started?

There are many great resources out there for potential Adoptive parents. A good place to start would be the Adoption Council of Canada. They offer How-to-Adopt seminars in some provinces. Interview anyone you know that has adopted before. They can give you insight on the process. You can also join support groups as well as contact adoption agencies in your area.

8. Can anyone adopt in Canada?

In theory, yes, but there are some restrictions. You must be a Canadian citizen over the age of 18 with no criminal history. Gays and lesbians can adopt, as well as singles.

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