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Impact on adopted children in different age ranges

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Impact on adopted children in different age ranges

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According to Paediatrics & Child Health (2001) there are several social impacts that might occur in different age ranges of adopted children (as listed below).

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As children grow up, they develop a positive sense of their identity, a sense of psychosocial well-being ( 1). They gradually develop a self-concept (how they see themselves) and self-esteem (how much they like what they see) ( 2). Ultimately, they learn to be comfortable with themselves. Adoption may make normal childhood issues of attachment, loss and self-image ( 2) even more complex. Adopted children must come to terms with and integrate both their birth and adoptive families.

Children who were adopted as infants are affected by the adoption throughout their lives. Children adopted later in life come to understand adoption during a different developmental stage. Those who have experienced trauma or neglect may remember such experiences, which further complicates their self-image ( 1). Transracial, crosscultural and special needs issues may also affect a child's adoption experience ( 2, 3). All adopted children grieve the loss of their biological family, their heritage and their culture to some extent ( 4). Adoptive parents can facilitate and assist this natural grieving process by being comfortable with using adoption language (eg, birth parents and birth family) and discussing adoption issues ( 5).

The present statement reviews how children gain an understanding of adoption as they grow from infancy through adolescence. Specific issues relevant to transracial adoptions are beyond the scope of this statement and will not be addressed.

INFANCY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD

During infancy and early childhood, a child attaches to and bonds with the primary care-giver. Prenatal issues, such as the length of gestation, the mother's use of drugs or alcohol, and genetic vulnerabilities, may, ultimately, affect a child's ability to adjust. The temperament of everyone involved also plays a role.

As a child approaches preschool age, he or she develops magical thinking, that is, the world of fantasy is used to explain that which he or she cannot comprehend. The child does not understand reproduction, and must first understand that he or she had a birth mother and was born the same way as other children ( 2, 5). Even though a child as young as three years of age may repeat his or her adoption story, the child does not comprehend it ( 3, 5). The child must first grasp the concept of time and space, which usually occurs at age four to five years, to see that some events occurred in the past, even though he or she does not remember them. The child must understand that places and people exist outside of his or her immediate environment.

Telling a child his or her adoption story at this early age may help parents to become comfortable with the language of adoption and the child's birth story. Children need to know that they were adopted. Parents' openness and degree of comfort create an environment that is conducive to a child asking questions about his or her adoption ( 3).

SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Operational thinking, causality and logical planning begin to emerge in the school-aged child. The child is trying to understand and to master the world in which he or she lives. The child is a problem solver. He or she realizes that most other children are living with at least one other biological relative ( 6). It is the first time that the child sees himself or herself as being different from other children. The child may struggle with the meaning of being adopted, and may experience feelings of loss and sadness ( 1, 7). He or she begins to see the flip side of the adoption story and may wonder what was wrong with him or her; why did the birth mother place him or her up for adoption? The child may feel abandoned and angry ( 1, 2). It is normal to see aggression, angry behaviour, withdrawal or sadness and self-image problems ( 1, 8) among adopted children at this age. The child attempts to reformulate the parts of his or her story that are hard to understand and to compensate for emotions that are painful ( 2). As a result, daydreaming is very common among adopted children who are working through complex identity issues ( 5, 7).

Control may be an issue. A child may believe that he or she has had no control over losing one family and being placed with another. The child may need to have reassurance about day to day activities or may require repeated explanations about simple changes in the family's routine ( 5). Transitions may be particularly difficult. The child may have an outright fear of abandonment, difficulty falling asleep and, even, kidnapping nightmares ( 1).

It is helpful to explain that the birth mother made a loving choice by placing the child up for adoption, that she had a plan for his or her future. The child may need to hear this statement repeatedly. There is some similarity between the symptoms of grief and symptoms associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; care givers must be wary not to label a child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder when, in fact, the child's behaviour is consistent with a normal grieving process ( 9). A parent's patience and understanding are crucial at this point of an adopted child's life. Parents may be pro-active by educating school personnel about the natural grieving issues related to adoption that their child is experiencing.

ADOLESCENCE

The adolescent's primary developmental task is to establish an identity while actively seeking independence and separation from family ( 2). The adopted adolescent needs to make sense of both sets of parents, and this may cause a sense of divided loyalties and conflict ( 7). In early adolescence, the loss of childhood itself is a significant issue. The adopted adolescent has already experienced loss, making the transition to adolescence even more complicated ( 1, 7). This period of development may be difficult and confusing. Adolescents may experience shame and loss of self-esteem, particularly because society's image of birth parents is often negative ( 2).

Adopted adolescents will want to know details about their genetic history and how they are unique. They will reflect on themselves and their adoptive family to determine similarities and differences. They will attempt to ascertain where they belong and where they came from ( 7). All adolescents may have a natural reticence about talking to their parents, and adopted adolescents may not share questions about their origins with their parents. They may keep their reflections to themselves. Adopted adolescents' search for information about themselves is very normal, and parents should not see this as a threat. Instead, parents' willingness to accept their child's dual heritage of biology and environment will help their child to accept that reality ( 7).

CONCLUSIONS

Children's interest in adoption varies throughout the developmental stages of childhood and adolescence. As children progress from one stage to another, they gain new cognitive abilities and psychosocial structures. They look at adoption differently and, often, have more concerns or questions. Their questions may diminish until a new cognitive and psychosocial level is reached. Parents can facilitate this developmental process by being knowledgeable and supportive, and by continuing to retell their child his or her adoption story. The grief that their child experiences is real and should not be denied or avoided. Support from knowledgeable health care providers is invaluable in helping adoptive parents and their child. Although this statement has addressed common issues that relate to a child's perception of adoption, a psychological or psychiatric referral is indicated if the child suffers from depression, or has symptoms that affect his or her day-to-day functioning. Paediatricians and other professionals who care for children should provide anticipatory guidance by counselling parents of adopted children about relevant issues that concern their child's understanding of his or her adoption.

Good, common sense resources are available to parents. Lois Melina's Making Sense of Adoption: A Parent's Guide ( 5) is an excellent, practical source of adoption information for parents. Joyce Maguire Pavao's The Family of Adoption ( 7) looks at the entire family's adoption experience throughout the family life cycle. Also, "Talking to children about their adoption: When to start, what to say, what to expect", is a brief, yet informative, article for parents that was published in the Adopted Child newsletter ( 6).

REFERENCES

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Understanding adoption: A developmental approach

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As children grow up, they develop a positive sense of their identity, a sense of psychosocial well-being (1). They gradually develop a self-concept (how th

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Canada's total fertility rate decreased rapidly to 1.33 in 2022, a new lowest record (Provencher & Galbraith, 2024).

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/91f0015m/91f0015m2024001-eng.htm

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Infants or preschool aged children might have problems to adjust to new family situation.

When adoptees reach the age of 3 years, it helps to start talking with them about the birth. At this age they have a better cognitive understanding and start to mentally classify events.

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Some people believe it’s easier to build close bonds with adopted infants or younger children, so they prefer to adopt children below 2 or 2-5 years old (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, 2022, p.22).

https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-Canada-Adoption-and-Foster-Care-Attitudes-Report-WEB-Final.pdf

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In Canada, different provinces and territories have their own responsibility for adoption. If you want to adopt a child, you should contact your provincial or territorial adoption authority in your residential domain to check whether you meet the requirements of adoption or not (Government of Canada, 2024).

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadians/adopt-child-abroad/processes/choose-process/immigration/apply.html

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Children’s aid societies

Child welfare agencies

Central adoption authorities

Adoption intake services

https://www.enfamil.ca/blogs/pregnancy-development-calendar-month-1/how-to-adopt-a-child-in-canada

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All About FOSTER TO ADOPT in Canada! / Realities & How to Become a Concurrent Foster Parent.

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School aged adoptees start to realize that they are different from other children. In their surroundings, most children live with at least one biological family member. They start to wonder what is wrong with them. Aggression, sadness, and anger might occur and is normal among adoptees in this age range. Daydreaming is a common result. Control issues and difficulties with transitions are common to occur as well. Reassurance about the daily activities from the parents will help.

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There are only 3% people who would like to have adopted teenagers over 13 years old (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, 2022, p.7).

https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-Canada-Adoption-and-Foster-Care-Attitudes-Report-WEB-Final.pdf.

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Older Kids Talk About The Challenges Of Getting Adopted | TODAY

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Adoption needs the  7-12 years old children’s advice  in BC.  

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Adoption needs the  7-12 years old children’s advice  in BC.  

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In some provinces, the adoption also needs the child’s advice except the child’s birth parents. In British Columbia, if you wish to adopt a child who is 7-12 years old, you must meet with the child to obtain their views and consent to the adoption（Adoption Act, 2024）.

https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96005_01#section31.

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Adolescent adoptees need to make sense from both parental situations, the birth parents and the adoptive parents. This complicates their seeking of independency and finding their identity in this process. Having already experienced loss impedes the transition from childhood into adolescence.

Feelings of shame and loss of self-confidence can happen, due to a negative social image of the birth parents.

Finding similarities and differences between themselves and the adoptive parents is common. Adolescent adoptees might look for info about their birth parents, which the adoption parents shouldn`t see negatively. Rather a willingness to accept the adoptee’s former history will also help the child’s acceptance of the situation.

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In Quebec, a child aged 10 or older can end the adoption at any time.

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In Quebec, a child aged 10 or older can end the adoption at any time.

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In Quebec, if the child is equal or over 10 years old, the child can put the adoption to an end at any time ( Gouvernement du Québec , 2024).

https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/pregnancy-parenthood/adoption/adoption-in-quebec.

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Adoption from Foster Care:

Children and youth that don`t live with parents and reside with a foster family. This is the most common type of adoption.

Infant Adoption:

Birth parents put their baby for adoption. There are 2 ways for placements:

1. Agency placement – the child stays with a placement agency until adoption parents are found

2. Direct placement – birth parents want to place the child with somebody they know, placement agency is involved. Joint guardianship of both parents until adoption process is finalized

Relative or Stepchild

Adoption of a child that is related by marriage or by blood.

The website of Government of BC provides info on how to adopt a child.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child

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The Adoption of Aboriginal children is called Aboriginal Custom Adoption. Custom adoption means how a child is being cared for including Indigenous caregiving practices. It aims to respect and maintain the traditions and cultures of indigenous children.

Aboriginal Custom Adoption includes a Cultural safety agreement. The agreement aims to preserve cultural heritage of indigenous children, if they are placed with non-indigenous parents

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child/aboriginal-custom-adoption

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The Government of British Columbia website offers 3 links to the following adoption agencies:

https://belongingnetwork.com/

-          belonging network offers custom adoption (aboriginal children)

-          what stands out: they recognize that the word adoption brings painful association for the indigenous community!

https://www.sunriseadoption.com/

https://kcr.ca/family-services/adoption-centre-of-british-columbia/

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Choices Adoption

-          Adoption and pregnancy counseling service

-          Non-profit and licensed agency

-          Their contracted social workers who do home study assessment and give support for families during adoption process

-          they offer intercountry adoption and specialize on LGBT

-          open adoption type is offered: ongoing contact between birth parents and adoptee

http://www.choicesadoption.ca/

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The Ministry of Child and Family Development offers support for families after the placement

-          For diverse abilities adoptees, that were placed through provincial government

-          Program to provide financial assistance aiming to support specific needs of child, if not covered by extended medical plan of parents (f.e. therapy, medical expenses, counseling)

-          Application through the assistance of Adoption Social worker

-          Different rates for different age range from the children (0-11 yrs and 12-19 yrs)

-          Eligibility depends on the gross assets of the family

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child/adopt-from-foster-care/post-adoption-assistance-program

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A funding prgram for children (and teens) placed through the provincial government who have special placement needs

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The website of the Government of Canada gives info about parental benefits

-          For parents of recently adopted child who are away from work

-          Must be taken within certain time:

-          Parents can choose between standard or extended parental leave

-          Standard within 52 weeks (12 months), up to 55% of earnings

-          Extended within 78 weeks (18 months), up to 33% of earnings

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-maternity-parental.html

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If one parent is BC Service employee they can get Parental leave after the adoption placement

-Standard (up to 37 weeks)

-Extended (up to 36 weeks)

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/all-employees/leave-time-off/maternity-parental-pre-placement-adoption/parental

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Pre placement adoption leave and allowance for BC Service emoployees

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Pre placement adoption leave and allowance for BC Service emoployees

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Parents employed at BC Public Service wanting to adopt can get Pre-placement adoption leave and allowance

(Pre-placement means temporary placement)

-          Supports the adoption parent to get paid leave

-          To set up pre-placement before actual adoption

-          85% of pay during time of leave

-          Max. 7 weeks of leave per calender year

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/all-employees/leave-time-off/maternity-parental-pre-placement-adoption/pre-placement-adoption

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Pre-placement adoption leave and allowance - Province of British Columbia

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An introduction to pre-placement adoption leave for B.C. Government employees with links to related resources.

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More children in Canadian government's Foster Care system need to be adopted

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More children in Canadian government's Foster Care system need to be adopted

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There are 63,000 children waiting for adoption in Canadian government's Foster Care system, 30,000 of them are legal to be permanently adopted, but only about 2,000 of them will be adopted into a new family each year (Children’ Aid Foundation of Canada, 2021).

https://cyc-net.org/profession/readarounds/ra-papp.html

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A survey given by Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption every 5 years from 2012 claimed that adoption rose rapidly from 2017 (2022, p.16).

https://www.davethomasfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2022-Canada-Adoption-and-Foster-Care-Attitudes-Report-WEB-Final.pdf.

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Impact on the relationship between adoptee and adoptive parents

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Impact on the relationship between adoptee and adoptive parents

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If birth parents had little interest in social engagement this leads to a hostile driven relationship between adoptee and adoption parents. For the adoptee this might result in difficulties to engage with the adoptive parents. Studies show that if adoption parents offer a highly structured parenting style, the adoptee’s well-being gets fostered. Especially if coming from birth parents with strong behavior issues (Marchessault, C. 2023).

https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/adoption-study-highlights-impact-of-young-childrens-genetic-makeup-on-their-parents/

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Factors that can cause mental health problems on the adoptive parents:

Infertility can lead to lack of self-acceptance

Unrealistic expectations towards the adoptee

Hidden hostility in the relationship with the adoptee (Wegar, 2000).

Therefore the full willingness, acceptance to change and inclusiveness is important!

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According to consideringadoption.com adoptees are at higher risk of substance abuse, depression and ADHS (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Adoptive families that experience difficulties from behavior problems by the adoptee could benefit from receiving training. Also to look for help through therapy or counseling with an adoption trauma specialized counselor is being advised.

This website also displays the so called adoption loss.

This feeling of loss can occur after many years of the adoption. If the adopted child was placed as newborn, they might still feel loss and grief in their later life. Parents are advised to be understanding and supportive towards the adoptee.

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Considering Adoption | A Trusted Adoption Resource

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Are you a pregnant woman or prospective adoptive family considering adoption? We provide all the information you need to make your decision here.

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The 60's Scoop removed estimated 20, 000 indigenous children from their communities from around the 60's until the 80's. Children were placed into non-indigenous families in Canada, USA and as far as New Zealand, according to this YouTube Video.

Trauma and harm still impacts the indigenous communities today. Loss of their culture and language means also a loss of their identity.

Even today more than half of children in government care are indigenous (Government of Canada, 2023).

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Separating children from parents: The Sixties Scoop in Canada

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pdf format, English / French, certified translating

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After you receive a confirmation letter, you must apply online with the filled pdf form of “Document Checklist”, ensuring all the needed documents are in English/French or certified translating into English/French (Government of Canada, 2022).

https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5287e.pdf.

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Apply online:you need to sign your full legal name, add an application fee receipt, and get the permission of the adopted child’s birth parents(Government of Canada, 2024).

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadians/adopt-child-abroad/processes/choose-process/immigration/apply.html

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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

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alternative paper, braille, or large print format application

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Reuest for alternative application method

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Reuest for alternative application method

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If you can’t apply online considering disabilities, email to IRCC.PRPortalALTRequest-DemandeALTPortailRP.IRCC@cic.gc.ca and you will receive an alternative form, like paper, braille, or large print (Government of Canada, 2024).

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/how-to-apply-online.html#alternative

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Adoption has become an irresistible trend in Canada.

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Adoption has become an irresistible trend in Canada.

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Organisations that help with reunion of 60's Scoop Survivors

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Organisations that help with reunion of 60's Scoop Survivors

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60's Scoop Healing Foundation and 60's Scoop Network help with reunification of 60’s scoop survivors and supports their healing and well-being.

https://sixtiesscoopnetwork.org/services

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Welcome to the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada - a new, independent organization, established through the National Sixties Scoop Settlement. Our mission is to accompany Survivors and their descendants along their healing journey by supporting cultural reclamation and reunification, holistic wellness services, advocacy, commemoration, and educational initiatives.
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Our Survivor-led, volunteer board of directors was appointed in November 2020, with the mandate to make the Foundation a reality. We envision a future where Sixties Scoop Survivors are welcomed and become a community filled with healing and wellness. We envision a world that has deeper knowledge and empathy for Survivors' experiences and histories.
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Independent of government, the Foundation aims to serve all Survivors of the Sixties Scoop-Inuit, First Nations, Métis, status and non-status-in every region of Canada and beyond. We are in our early days and have much work to do in the months ahead to begin achieving the Foundation's potential.
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We invite you to join us and share your feedback as we grow.

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Welcome to the National Sixties Scoop Healing Foundation of Canada - a new, independent organization, established through the National Sixties Scoop Settlement. Our mission is to accompany Survivors and their descendants along their healing journey by supporting cultural reclamation and reunification, holistic wellness services, advocacy, commemoration, and educational initiatives.

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The Children's Aid Foundation of Canada is Canada’s number one charity who dedicates themselves to improving the lives of children and youth and families who are in the child welfare system.

They aim to raise grant funds and develop helpful programs that are delivered in partnership with 104 agencies across the country to help child- and youth.

With the help from partners and donors, they help both children and youth who are in the child welfare system get access to resources and opportunities for help.

https://cafdn.org/

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In BC currently, there are over 4000 children who need temporary foster families, because they are unable to live at home. These children come from difficult places, and finding a right foster family can greatly help them out, and change their lives.

The BC Foster Parents Association (BCFOPA), is a registered non-profit charity that is run for foster parents, by foster parents. Their goal is to bring together  social workers, foster caregivers and others who want to help make the standard of care for children in BC better.

bcfosterparents.caBC Foster Parents Association – Another branch of the family ...

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Where Your Donations Go

Annual post-secondary bursaries, scholarships and grants

These private bursary funds are donated to the BCFPA largely as bequests and legacy gifts by major donors. Our bursaries are available to foster parents' children to assist with the costs of pursuing post-secondary education.

Camps for Kids Bursaries

These funds are raised at our Annual General Meeting (AGM). Funding helps us send children who live in the home of a foster family to a summer camp of their choice, where they can participate in sports and explore art, science, music, theatre, photography, technology and more! This is a great way for kids to build self-esteem and discover their talent and potential. Camps for Kids bursaries have enabled many children with increased and complex needs to enjoy summer activities with others who share their challenges.

Education and Training Workshops for Foster Parents

Workshops are funded by donations from community groups or foundations, as well as contributions from the MCFD. Training workshops are generally offered at BCFPA's Annual General Meeting and Conference. We are currently seeking to increase funding to offer additional training through our Solutions Program.

Recognition awards for foster community members

This is a new funding category to recognize the excellent work of foster parents and their contributions to the community.

Solutions Program (support and advocacy for foster parents)

Additional program funding is necessary to reimburse volunteers who may need to travel in order to provide direct support to their peer foster parents in other communities. These funds may also be used for community outreach purposes for the Solutions Program to strengthen partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

General program service

This funding is for general operating efforts and new initiatives to sustain and expand the scope of the organization's programs, which serve and provide valuable support to foster families.

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BC Foster Parents Association - Another branch of your family tree.

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Annual post-secondary bursaries, scholarships and grants These private bursary funds are donated to the BCFPA largely as bequests and legacy gifts by major donors. Our bursaries are available to foster parents' children to assist with the costs of pursuing post-secondary education. Camps for Kids Bursaries These funds are raised at our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

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Indigenous community have priority for placements of indigenous children

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Indigenous community have priority for placements of indigenous children

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Bill C92 states that priority for the placement of a child is to be in their family. If that’s impossible than the placement should be within the community of the Indigenous group the child belongs. Next priority is to place the child with another Indigenous group. Last priority is the placement with any other adult, which means non-indigenous.

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Preamble

Whereas the Government of Canada is committed to implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

Whereas Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination;

Whereas Parliament recognizes the legacy of residential schools and the harm, including intergenerational trauma, caused to Indigenous peoples by colonial policies and practices;

Whereas Parliament recognizes the disruption that Indigenous women and girls have experienced in their lives in relation to child and family services systems and the importance of supporting Indigenous women and girls in overcoming their historical disadvantage;

Whereas Parliament recognizes the importance of reuniting Indigenous children with their families and communities from whom they were separated in the context of the provision of child and family services;

Whereas the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action calls for the federal, provincial and Indigenous governments to work together with respect to the welfare of Indigenous children and calls for the enactment of federal legislation that establishes national standards for the welfare of Indigenous children;

Whereas Parliament affirms the right to self-determination of Indigenous peoples, including the inherent right of self-government, which includes jurisdiction in relation to child and family services;

Whereas Parliament affirms the need

to respect the diversity of all Indigenous peoples, including the diversity of their laws, rights, treaties, histories, cultures, languages, customs and traditions,

to take into account the unique circumstances and needs of Indigenous elders, parents, youth, children, persons with disabilities, women, men and gender-diverse persons and two-spirit persons,

to address the needs of Indigenous children and to help ensure that there are no gaps in the services that are provided in relation to them, whether they reside on a reserve or not,

to eliminate the over-representation of Indigenous children in child and family services systems, and

to enact legislation for the benefit of Indigenous children, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation children;

Whereas the Government of Canada is committed

to working in cooperation and partnership with Indigenous peoples to support the dignity and well-being of Indigenous children and youth and their families and communities, as well as the achievement of their full potential, and to respecting, strengthening and building on the accomplishments of Indigenous peoples in this regard,

to achieving reconciliation with First Nations, the Inuit and the Métis through renewed nation-to-nation, government-to-government and Inuit-Crown relationships based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, and

to engaging with Indigenous peoples and provincial governments to support a comprehensive reform of child and family services that are provided in relation to Indigenous children;

And whereas the Government of Canada acknowledges the ongoing call for funding for child and family services that is predictable, stable, sustainable, needs-based and consistent with the principle of substantive equality in order to secure long-term positive outcomes for Indigenous children, families and communities;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

Interpretation

Definitions

care provider means a person who has primary responsibility for providing the day-to-day care of an Indigenous child, other than the child's parent, including in accordance with the customs or traditions of the Indigenous group, community or people to which the child belongs.‍ (fournisseur de soins)

child and family services means services to support children and families, including prevention services, early intervention services and child protection services.‍ (services à l'enfance et à la famille)

family includes a person whom a child considers to be a close relative or whom the Indigenous group, community or people to which the child belongs considers, in accordance with the customs, traditions or customary adoption practices of that Indigenous group, community or people, to be a close relative of the child.‍ (famille)

Indigenous, when used in respect of a person, also describes a First Nations person, an Inuk or a Métis person. (autochtone)

Indigenous peoples has the meaning assigned by the definition aboriginal peoples of Canada in subsection 35(2) of the Constitution Act, 1982 .‍ (peuples autochtones)

Rights of Indigenous peoples

Conflict - existing agreement

Minimum standards

Nunavut Act

Designation of Minister

Order in council

Her Majesty

Binding on Her Majesty

Purpose and Principles

Purpose

Principle - best interests of child

Principle - cultural continuity

Principle - substantive equality

Best Interests of Indigenous Child

Best interests of Indigenous child

Primary consideration

Factors to be considered

Consistency

Provision of Child and Family Services

Effect of services

Notice

Personal information

Representations and party status

Priority to preventive care

Prenatal care

Socio-economic conditions

Reasonable efforts

Placement of Indigenous Child

Priority

Placement with or near other children

Customs and traditions

Family unity

a person referred to in paragraph (1)‍(a), if the child does not reside with such a person; or

a person referred to in paragraph (1)‍(b), if the child does not reside with such a person and unless the child resides with a person referred to in paragraph (1)‍(a).

Attachment and emotional ties

Jurisdiction - Child and Family Services

Affirmation

The inherent right of self-government recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982 includes jurisdiction in relation to child and family services, including legislative authority in relation to those services and authority to administer and enforce laws made under that legislative authority.

Dispute resolution mechanisms

Application of Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Laws of Indigenous Groups, Communities or Peoples

Coordination and Application

Notice

Coordination agreement

Application - sections 21 and 22

Clarification

Dispute resolution mechanism

New request

Coordination agreement entered into after one year

Force of law

A law, as amended from time to time, of an Indigenous group, community or people referred to in subsection 20(3) also has, during the period that the law is in force, the force of law as federal law.

Interpretation

Application of federal laws

Conflict - federal laws

If there is a conflict or inconsistency between a provision respecting child and family services that is in a law of an Indigenous group, community or people and a provision respecting child and family services - other than any of sections 10 to 15 of this Act and the provisions of the Canadian Human Rights Act - that is in a federal Act or regulation, the provision that is in the law of the Indigenous group, community or people prevails to the extent of the conflict or inconsistency.

Clarification

Conflict - provincial laws

Application to Indigenous children - exception

Conflict - stronger ties

References to laws

Publication and Accessibility

Publication

as soon as feasible after receiving a notice under subsection 20(1), or a request under subsection 20(2), post on a website the name of the Indigenous group, community or people on whose behalf an Indigenous governing body has given the notice or made the request, as the case may be, and the date on which the notice or request was received;

Accessibility

General

Role of Minister

Agreements - information

Powers of Minister

Disclosure of information

Five-year review

Provincial governments

Report

Tabling of report

Regulations

Regulations

Provincial governments

Transitional Provisions

Representations and party status

Regulations

Provincial governments

Coming into Force

Order in council

Published under authority of the Speaker of the House of Commons

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Government Bill (House of Commons) C-92 (42-1) - Royal Assent - An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families - Parliament of Canada

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Government Bill (House of Commons) C-92 (42-1) - Royal Assent - An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth and families - Parliament of Canada

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In Canada, every child that is adopted is considered the same in status as any biological child

Adopting a child in Canada can take many legal and complex steps to get through

Every city province, and type of adoption is different

Legally, all adoptions need to follow the Assisted Human Reproduction Act of Canada, which requires legal contracts

NANDA & Associate Lawyers help to represent all types of families in their adoption process.

They know that every family and situation will be different, and help families cater to the specific needs of each family

https://www.nanda.ca/family-law/adoption/

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Bonding & Creating Families By Adoption | Family Lawyers Brampton

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Want to adopt a child but not familiar with child adoption laws? Hire Our Brampton Family Lawyers for Bonding & Creating Families By Adoption.

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Adoption is one way that people who identify as LGBTQ can fulfill their dream of having children.

Many adoptive parents often face stigma because of “non-traditional” family structures. LGBTQ adoptive parents sometimes face additional stigma because of their sexual identity.

This can cause many mental health struggles for these couples.

LGBTQ people wanting to adopt can face stigma, discrimination and microaggressions due to their parental sexual orientation.

Ex. microaggression : someone asking a lesbian couple: “who's the father?".

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Ableism is a prejudice, bias, or discrimination of people with disabilities. There is often some stigma surrounding people with disabilities and their abilities to be capable parents, based on their mental/physical abilities, which can lead to problems for them being able to adopt.

“If a disability appears to be a legitimate concern, placement may be denied, as long as this is not part of the routine exclusion of prospective parents based on disabilities.” ( Perkins, 2014).

Adoption for them is not impossible though, and many people with disabilities do quality to be adoptive parents, and are seen often as being great, capable parents.

In the photo above, we see a woman with disabilities, who adopted four children, some of them with disabilities as well. She loves and supports her happy, healthy family.

https://adoption.com/disabled-persons-can-adopt

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People with Disabilities Can Foster or Adopt

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Creating a Family highlights articles of interest in the news on adoption.

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When many heterosexual couples have prolonged, unsuccessful attempts at conceiving biologically, this can lead them to think of adoption.

Adoptive parents may face stigma from family, and friends, who think that adoption is the “second best” option; they think that adoption is non-authentic or that the child is not natural, real

Some adoptive parents feel less, or no support from their family or peers because their child is not related to them.

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The Adoption Act regulates adoptions to safeguard the interests of all parties involved, particularly the child undergoing adoption. Placement of children for adoption is solely permitted by the provincial government and qualified non-profit adoption agencies. (Adoption Act, 2023).

The Adoption Act provides comprehensive information about adoption procedures, including those concerning indigenous children. It is divided into eight parts to outline the adoption process, covering placement for adoption, consents, custody, and guardianship. Additionally, the Act addresses court proceedings, interprovincial and intercountry adoptions, administrative and legal matters. It also includes provisions for offenses, penalties, and regulations (Adoption Act, 2023).

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This Act is current to April 2, 2024

See the Tables of Legislative Changes for this Act's legislative history, including any changes not in force.

Adoption Act

[RSBC 1996] CHAPTER 5

Part 1 - Introductory Provisions

Definitions and interpretation

"administrator" means the chief executive officer of an adoption agency or another officer of an adoption agency designated by the agency for the purposes of this Act;

"adoption agency" means a society licensed in accordance with the regulations;

"caregiver" means a person with whom a child is placed by a director or an administrator and who, by agreement with the director or the administrator, is authorized to carry out the rights and responsibilities, under the agreement, of the director or the administrator;

"child" means an unmarried person under 19 years of age;

"Convention" means the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption;

"court" means the Supreme Court of British Columbia;

"designated representative", when used in relation to the Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government, a First Nation, an Indigenous community or a Treaty First Nation, means a representative designated in accordance with the regulations;

"direct placement" means the action of a parent or other guardian of a child placing the child for adoption with one or 2 adults, none of whom is a relative of the child;

"director" means a person designated as a director of adoption under section 76.1 (1) (a) and the Provincial director;

"extraprovincial agency" means an official or agency located outside British Columbia and having substantially similar powers as a director in respect of guardianship;

"First Nation child" means a child

"Indigenous child" means a child

"Indigenous community information", in relation to an Indigenous community to which an Indigenous child belongs, means the following information:

"openness agreement" means an agreement made under section 59;

"parents' registry" means the registry referred to in section 10;

"post-placement report" means a report to court prepared by a director or an adoption agency;

"Provincial director" means the person designated as the Provincial director under section 76.1 (1) (b);

"relative", subject to subsection (3) of this section, means a person

"Treaty First Nation", in relation to a Treaty First Nation child, means the Treaty First Nation of which the child is a Treaty First Nation child.

Part 2 - The Process Leading to Adoption

Division 1 - Placement for Adoption

Division 2 - Consents

Division 3 - Care, Custody and Guardianship

What care and custody includes

"health care" means anything that is done for a therapeutic, preventative, palliative, diagnostic, cosmetic or other health related purpose, and includes a course of health care;

"health care provider" includes any person licensed, certified or registered in British Columbia or in another province or state to provide health care.

Part 3 - Court Proceedings

When an adoption order may be set aside

Part 4 - Interprovincial and Intercountry Adoptions

Division 1 - Interprovincial Adoptions and Intercountry Adoptions Outside the Scope of the Hague Convention

Division 2 - Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions

Part 5 - Openness and Disclosure

Definitions

"adoptive parent" means a person who adopted a child under this Act or any predecessor to this Act;

"original birth registration" means

Disclosure to pre-adoption parent when adopted person is 19 or over

Applicant must comply with Vital Statistics Act

Director's right to information

Disclosure in relation to registration

Subject to subsection (2), a director may disclose the following information to the registrar under the (Canada) for the purpose of determining whether to register an adopted person under section 5 of that Act:

Part 6 - Administrative and Legal Issues

Division 1 - Agreements Respecting the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Definitions for this Division

Agreements in relation to the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Division 2 - Other Administrative and Legal Issues

Part 7 - Offences and Penalties

Part 8 - Regulations

General regulation making power

The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations referred to in section 41 of the Interpretation Act.

Part 9 - Transitional and Other Provisions

Transition from former Act - general rule

Subject to the provisions of this Part and to any regulations made under section 91 (2) (w), sections 35 and 36 (1) of the Interpretation Act apply to all matters affected by the repeal of the former Adoption Act and its replacement by this Act.

Application of the former Act

Consents under the former Act

Director's reports

A report prepared by the director under section 6 of the former Adoption Act before the repeal of that Act is considered for the purposes of this Act to be a post-placement report.

Continuation of vetoes

If, before the repeal of the former Adoption Act, a person named on a birth registration indicated under section 13.3 of that Act that the person wished not to be contacted or a person filed a veto under section 13.4 (1) of that Act, that indication or veto has the same effect as a disclosure veto filed under section 65 of this Act.

Continuation of registrations

Authorization, non-contravention, immunity from legal action and validation

as section 80 (a) or (b), as applicable, read on the date the assistance was provided, reviewed, altered or terminated.

Authorization, non-contravention, immunity from legal action and validation - use and disclosure of information

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This Act is current to April 2, 2024 See the Tables of Legislative Changes for this Act's legislative history, including any changes not in force.

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Adoption Act and Financial Administration Act

Adoption regulation offers detailed rules regarding adoption processes, covering areas such as placement for adoption, parents’ registry, court proceedings, openness and disclosure, as well as financial assistance and other assistance. This regulation also incorporates guidelines from the Hague convention on intercountry adoptions. Each section of adoption regulation specifies the corresponding act that the regulation adhere to, providing on the specific legal framework being followed (B.C. Reg,2023).

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This consolidation is current to December 5, 2023.
See the Cumulative B.C. Regulations Bulletin 2023
for amendments effective after December 5, 2023.

Adoption Act and Financial Administration Act

Adoption Regulation

[Last amended July 1, 2023 by B.C. Reg. 160/2023]

Part 1 - Interpretation

Definitions

"criminal record check" means a record obtained from a police agency by each prospective adoptive parent and, if applicable, by any other adult person living in the household of the prospective adoptive parent, stating whether or not that person has any conviction or has been charged under any federal or provincial enactment;

"former Act" means the Adoption Act, R.S.B.C. 1979, c. 4;

"health care provider" has the same meaning as in section 27 (4) of the Act;

"homestudy" means

"pre-placement assessment" means a summary assessment of the prospective adoptive parents in a direct placement;

"prior contact check" means a record obtained from the ministry with respect to each person living in the household of the prospective adoptive parent stating whether or not the ministry's records show a prior contact with that person;

"social worker" means, other than in Schedule 1,

[am. B.C. Regs. 362/2003, s. 1; 350/2005, Sch. 3, s. 1; 350/2012, Sch. s. 1; 102/2014, s. 1; 211/2015, s. 2; 43/2020.]

Residency

In this section, "reside" means to have a place that is a permanent place of abode to which, whenever absent, the person intends to return.

[am. B.C. Reg. 175/2017, s. (a).]

Part 2 - Placement for Adoption

Notice of direct placement

[am. B.C. Reg. 350/2005, Sch. 3, s. 1.]

Part 3 - Parents' Registry

Part 4 - Court Proceedings

Birth mother, pre-adoption parent or guardian expenses affidavit

[am. B.C. Regs. 260/2001, s. (b); 350/2012, Sch. s. 13; 102/2014, s. 4.]

Part 5 - Openness and Disclosure

Remission of fees

If a person must pay more than one fee under this Part, "fee" for the purpose of subsection (1) means the sum of all fees payable by that person under this Part.

[en. B.C. Reg. 47/2010, Sch. s. 1.]

Part 6 - Financial Assistance and Other Assistance

Definitions

"designated child" means a child

"support service", with respect to a designated child, means

[en. B.C. Reg. 189/2021, App. 2, s. 4.]

Asset and income limits

"dependent person" with respect to a designated child's family unit, means

but does not include a child

and a member of the family unit is the relative with whom that child resides;

"family unit" means

"financial institution" has the same meaning as in

"parent" includes

"reside" has the same meaning as in section 2 (1).

[en. B.C. Reg. 189/2021, App. 2, s. 6.]

Assistance agreement

In this section, "eligibility period" means the period

[en. B.C. Reg. 160/2023, s. 1.]

Part 7 - Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions

Part 8 - Administrative

Transitional

the person designated as Superintendent of Family and Child Service under the Family and Child Service Act, S.B.C. 1980, c. 11, if the matter occurred before January 29, 1996, or

[am. B.C. Reg. 350/2005, Sch. 3, s. 8.]

Schedule 1

[en. B.C. Reg. 331/2002, App. 1, s. 2; am. B.C. Regs. 350/2005, Sch. 3, s. 9; 52/2011, s. 2; 53/2011, Sch. 1, s. 1; 15/2016, Sch. 1, s. 1; 189/2021, App. 2, s. 2.]
Designated Representative of First Nation

Adams Lake First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Ahousaht First Nation

First Nation Manager or Family Care Worker

Aitchelitz First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Alexandria First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Alexis Creek First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Ashcroft First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Beecher Bay First Nation

First Nation Chief or First Nation Social Worker

Blueberry River First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Bonaparte First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Boothroyd First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Boston Bar First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Bridge River First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Burns Lake First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Burrard First Nation

Social Development Director

Campbell River First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Canim Lake First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Canoe Creek First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Cape Mudge First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Cayoose Creek First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Chawathil First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker

Cheam First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Chehalis First Nation

First Nation Family Support Worker

Chemainus First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Cheslatta Carrier First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Coldwater First Nation

Coldwater First Nation Social Services Coordinator

Columbia Lake First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Comox First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Cook's Ferry First Nation

First Nation Social Development Coordinator or First Nation Manager

Cowichan First Nation

Cowichan First Nation Administrator

Dease River First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Ditidaht First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker or Family Care Worker

Doig River First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Douglas First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Ehattesaht First Nation

First Nation Manager

Esquimalt First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Fort Nelson First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Gitanmaax First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Gitanyow First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Gitsegukla First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Gitwangak First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Glen Vowell First Nation

First Nation Social Development Officer

Gwa'sala-Nakwaxda'xw First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Hagwilget Village

First Nation Social Worker

Halalt First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Halfway River First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Hartley Bay First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Heiltsuk Nation

First Nation Social Worker or Executive Director

Hesquiaht First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

High Bar First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Homalco First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Iskut First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Kamloops First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Kanaka Bar First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Katzie First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker

Kispiox First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Kitamaat Village First Nation

First Nation Social Development Administrator

Kitasoo First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker

Kitkatla First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Kitselas First Nation

First Nation Social Development Officer

Kitsumkalum First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Klahoose First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker

Kluskus First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Kwakiutl First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Kwantlen First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Kwaw-Kwaw-Apilt First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Kwiakah First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Kwicksutaineuk-Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Lake Babine Nation

Lake Babine First Nation Chief

Lake Cowichan First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Lax-Kw'alaams First Nation

First Nation Administrator

Leq'a:mel First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Little Shuswap Lake First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Lower Kootenay First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Lower Nicola First Nation

First Nation Administrator

Lower Similkameen First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Lyackson First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Lytton First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Malahat First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Matsqui First Nation

Xyolhemeylh Portfolio Holder

McLeod Lake First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Metlakatla First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Moricetown First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Mount Currie First Nation

First Nation Social Development Manager

Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Musqueam First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Nadleh Whut'en First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Nak'azdli First Nation

First Nation Social Development Director, Family Care Worker or Senior Manager

'Namgis First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Nanoose First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Nazko First Nation

First Nation Counsellor

Nee-Tahi-Buhn First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Neskonlith First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

New Westminster First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Nicomen First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Nooaitch First Nation

First Nation Social Development Coordinator

North Thompson First Nation

First Nation Social Worker or First Nation Manager

Nuchatlaht First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Nuxalk Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Okanagan First Nation

First Nation Social Services Supervisor

Old Massett Village First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Oregon Jack Creek First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Osoyoos First Nation

First Nation Social Services Manager

Oweekeno Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Pacheedaht First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Pauquachin First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Pavilion First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker

Penelakut First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Penticton First Nation

First Nation Manager or First Nation Social Worker

Peters First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Popkum First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Qualicum First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Quatsino First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Red Bluff First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Samahquam First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Saulteau First Nations

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Scowlitz First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Seabird Island First Nation

First Nation Manager or Community Health Representative

Sechelt First Nation

First Nation Chief or Councillor

Semiahmoo First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Seton Lake First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker

Shackan First Nation

First Nation Social Development Coordinator

Shuswap First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Siska First Nation

First Nation Manager or First Nation Social Worker

Skatin First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Skawahlook First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Skeetchestn First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Skidegate First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Skin Tyee First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Skowkale First Nation

First Nation Chief

Skuppah First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Skwah First Nation

Child and Family Services Portfolio First Nation Councillor

Skway First Nation

First Nation Family Support Worker

Soda Creek First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Songhees First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Soowahlie First Nation

First Nation Councillor

Spallumcheen First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Spuzzum First Nation

First Nation Manager

Squamish Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Squiala First Nation

First Nation Chief

St. Mary's First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Stella'ten First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Stone First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Sumas First Nation

First Nation Community Development Coordinator or Education Coordinator

T'Sou-ke First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Tahltan First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Takla Lake First Nation

First Nation Family Care Worker

Taku River Tlingit First Nation

Social Program Manager

Tl'azt'en First Nation

First Nation Family Care Worker

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations

First Nation Family Care Worker or Social Development Worker

Tlatlasikwala First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Tobacco Plains First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Toosey First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Tsartlip First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Tsawataineuk First Nation

First Nation Social Development Worker or Drug and Alcohol Counsellor

Tsawout First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Tsay Keh Dene First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Tseshaht First Nation

First Nation Chief Executive Officer, Family Support Worker, or Social Development Worker

Tseycum First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Ts'kw'aylaxw First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Tzeachten First Nation

First Nation Manager

Ulkatcho First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Union Bar First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Upper Nicola First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Upper Similkameen First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

West Moberly First Nation

First Nation Social Development Director

Westbank First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Whispering Pines/Clinton First Nation

First Nation Social Service Worker

Williams Lake First Nation

First Nation Social Worker

Yakweakwioose First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Yale First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

Yekooche First Nation

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent

First Nations not listed

First Nation Manager, Social Development Officer or Equivalent Position

Schedule 1A

[en. B.C. Reg. 331/2002, App. 1, s. 2; 189/2021, App. 2, s. 2.]
Designated Representative of Nisg̱a'a Lisims Government
Schedule 1B

[en. B.C. Reg. 52/2011, s. 3; am. B.C. Regs. 53/2011, Sch. 1, s. 2; 15/2016, Sch. 1, s. 2; 189/2021, App. 2, s. 2.]
Designated Representative of a Treaty First Nation (section 5 (2.1) )

Huu-ay-aht First Nations

Director of Human Services

Ka:'yu:'k't'h'/Che:k'tles7et'h' First Nations

Director of Community Services

Tla'amin Nation

Chief Administrative Officer

Toquaht Nation

Director of Community Services

Tsawwassen First Nation

Health and Social Services Manager

Uchuklesaht Tribe

Director of Human Services

Ucluelet First Nation

Director of Community Services

Schedule 2

[en. B.C. Reg. 331/2002, App. 1, s. 2; am. B.C. Regs. 350/2005, Sch. 3, s. 10; 189/2021, App. 2, s. 2.]
Designated Representative of Aboriginal Community

The Chetwynd and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Tansi Friendship Centre

The Courtenay and Region Aboriginal Community

Director, Wachiay Friendship Centre Society

The Dawson Creek and Region Aboriginal Community

Program Manager of Dawson Creek Aboriginal Resources Society
OR
Executive Director of Nawican Friendship Centre

The Duncan and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Hi'ye'yu Lelum House of Friendship

The Fort Nelson and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Fort Nelson/Liard Friendship Society

The Fort St. John and Region Aboriginal Community

Legal Information Worker of Keeginaw Friendship Centre

The Houston and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Houston Friendship Centre

The Kamloops and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Interior Indian Friendship Centre

The Kelowna and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Central Okanagan Friendship Centre Society

The Lillooet and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Lillooet Friendship Centre Society

The Merritt and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Conayt Friendship Society

The Mission and Region Aboriginal Community

Family Support Worker of Mission Indian Friendship Centre

The Nanaimo and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Tillicum Haus Society

The Port Alberni and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Port Alberni Friendship Centre

The Prince George and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Prince George Friendship Centre

The Prince Rupert and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Friendship House Association
of Prince Rupert

The Quesnel and Region Aboriginal Community

Assistant Executive Director and Referral Worker or
First Nations Family Support Worker of Quesnel Tillicum Society

The Smithers and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Dzel K'ant Indian Friendship Centre Society

The Terrace and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Kermode Friendship Centre

The Vancouver and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society

The Vernon and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of First Nation Friendship Centre

The Victoria and Region Aboriginal Community

Director of Social Programs, Victoria Native Friendship Centre

The Williams Lake and Region Aboriginal Community

Executive Director of Cariboo Friendship Centre

Metis Community

Executive Director of Metis Commission for Children and Family Services

The Kelly Lake Aboriginal Community located south-east of Pouce Coupe

Chief of Kelly Lake First Nation Society

Liard River Reserve No. 3 located at Lower Post

First Nation Manager

Eastern Arctic Inuit Community

Chairperson of Social Development Council, Nunavut Social Development Council

Western Arctic Inuit Community

Registrar of Enrolment, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Schedule 3

[am. B.C. Regs. 350/2005, Sch. 3, s. 11; 350/2012, Sch. ss. 21 to 25; 102/2014, s. 8; 75/2022, s. 1.]

Form 1
NOTICE OF INTENT TO RECEIVE A
CHILD BY DIRECT PLACEMENT
[Check one]

THIS WILL BE YOUR NOTICE that

.................................... [first applicant] and ................................. [second applicant] who reside at ................................. in the city/town of ............................. in the Province of British Columbia intend to receive a .......................... [sex] child into my/our home for the purposes of adoption.

The child ......................................... [legal name] was born on ................................ [date of birth] at .......................................... [city/town] ................................................. [province/state/country].

If known, complete as much of the following information as possible:

The pre-adoption parents are:

If the child you intend to receive is not yet born, please indicate approximate date of birth .............................................. .

Circumstances regarding proposed placement. How you came to know about the child proposed for adoption:

......................................................................................................................................................................

......................................................................................................................................................................

Dated ............................................. at ..........................................................................................................

First Applicant:
[Signature] ..................................................... [Name (please print)] .................................................

Second Applicant:
[Signature] ..................................................... [Name (please print)] ...............................................

Witness:
[Signature] ...................................................... [Address] ..............................................................

Legal authority for collection of this information is the Adoption Act, section 8 (1).

Form 2
(section 9 (1) (a))
This is the ........... [1st/2nd/3rd/etc.] affidavit of
....................................... [name] in this case and was
made on .............................................. [mmm/dd/yyyy]

Court File No.: .............................

Court Registry: .............................

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION ACT

IN THE MATTER OF A CHILD

Birth Registration Number ...............................
A F F I D A V I T Consent to Adoption by Parent or Guardian
I, ................................................................................................ [Name in full of person consenting] of ............................................... [Address], .................................................................................... [Occupation], swear (affirm) as follows:
(* Only applies to a direct placement)
Form 3
(section 9 (1) (b))
This is the ........... [1st/2nd/3rd/etc.] affidavit of
....................................... [name] in this case and was
made on .............................................. [mmm/dd/yyyy]

Court File No.: .............................

Court Registry: .............................

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION ACT

IN THE MATTER OF A CHILD

Birth Registration Number ...............................
A F F I D A V I T Consent to Adoption by Child Twelve or Over
I, .................................................................................................. [Name in full of child consenting] of ......................................................................................................................... [Address], swear (affirm) as follows:

Form 3.1
(section 9 (1) (c))
This is the ........... [1st/2nd/3rd/etc.] affidavit of
....................................... [name] in this case and was
made on .............................................. [mmm/dd/yyyy]

Court File No.: .............................

Court Registry: .............................

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION ACT

IN THE MATTER OF A CHILD

Birth Registration Number ...............................
A F F I D A V I T Consent to Adoption by Director of Child Protection
I, .................................................................................................................. [Name in full of person consenting], Director designated for the ............................................. [Region] of ........................................... [Director's Address], ............................................. [Director's City], British Columbia, swear (affirm) as follows:

Form 4
(section 13 (1)) APPLICANT'S INFORMATION:
Surname: ..................................................... Given names: ........................................................

Date of birth: .............................. Other known names: ...............................................................

Address: .................................................................................. Postal code: ...............................

Phone number: ..............................................................
PRE-ADOPTION PARENTS' INFORMATION:
[ Complete the following for each pre-adoption parent other than the parent who is making this application.]

Full name Date of birth Other known names (include maiden name) Address (include postal code/zip code and country) Phone number (include area code)
CHILD'S INFORMATION:
Surname: ..................................................... Given names: .....................................................

Gender: ........................................................ Date of birth: ......................................................

Expected date of birth: ................................. Birth place: .........................................................

Address: ................................................................................... Postal code: ...........................

Phone number: ............................................

Signature of applicant: .............................................................. Date: ......................................

1. Include a copy of birth certificate or driver's licence or passport.

2. Acknowledgment of receipt of your registration will be sent to the address provided on this registration form.

3. Mail to:

Provincial Director of Adoption
Parents' Registry
P.O. Box 9705
Stn. Prov. Govt.
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 9S1
Offence
Section 86 of the Adoption Act states that a person must not make a statement that the person knows to be false or misleading in an application on the parents' registry. A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and is liable to a fine of up to $5 000.

Form 5
BIRTH MOTHER, PRE-ADOPTION PARENT
OR GUARDIAN EXPENSES AFFIDAVIT
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION ACT
A F F I D A V I T
I, ........................................................... [Name in full], ............................................ [Occupation], and ........................................................ [Name in full], ............................................ [Occupation], of ........................................................................................................................ [Street address] ...................................................................................... [City, Municipality, etc] , British Columbia, swear (affirm) as follows:

Schedule 4

[en. B.C. Reg. 160/2023, s. 2.]

[Provisions relevant to the enactment of this regulation: Adoption Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 5, ss. 91 and 93 and the Financial Administration Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 138, s. 19.]

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This consolidation is current to December 5, 2023.See the Cumulative B.C. Regulations Bulletin 2023 for amendments effective after December 5, 2023. Adoption Act and Financial Administration Act Adoption Regulation [Last amended July 1, 2023 by B.C. Reg.

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IRCC clarifies the process of adopting a child from abroad, defining its role in adoption. International adoption involves two distinct processes: the adoption process, and the immigration or citizenship process. Adoption procedures are managed by the provinces and territories, all of which adhere to laws implementing the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, Canada ratified in 1993. The adoption authorities in Canada are listed on the IRCC website. Both the adopting parents and the adopted child must meet at least one condition: either the immigration requirements or the citizenship requirements. Countries with adoption suspensions or restrictions, as well as information on avoiding adoption issues, are regularly updated on the government website. (International Adoption, 2024)

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International (or intercountry) adoption

is a process that recognizes a person or couple as the legal and permanent parent(s) of a child from another country

complies with the laws of the parent's country and the country where the child is coming from

For all international adoptions, you must complete 2 processes:

1. the adoption process

2. the immigration or citizenship process

1. Adopting your child

To be eligible to adopt, you must meet the adoption requirements of the

Canadian province or territory where you live (or the country where you live, if you're abroad)

adoption authority of the country where the child lives

To start the adoption process, contact your provincial or territorial adoption central authority. They will

tell you if you need to contact a licensed adoption agency

advise on the adoptions laws of the country that you want to adopt the child from

explain the requirement of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoptions

2. Bringing your adopted child to Canada

To bring your child to Canada, you must apply for the child's

Canadian citizenship, or

permanent residence (immigration)

The process you use depends on your situation and where the child is from.
Check which process to use

The federal government's role in adoption

The federal government is only responsible for the immigration or citizenship process of an adopted child. The provinces or territories are responsible for the adoption process.

Under the Hague Convention, Canada's federal Central Authority is Intercountry Adoption Services (IAS), which is part of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

IAS

collects and distributes to

Canadian provincial and territorial Central Authorities

foreign authorities

helps with communication, cooperation and coordination

between federal and provincial and territorial Central Authorities

within the federal government

with foreign Central Authorities or adoption authorities

helps to address issues such as unethical and irregular adoption practices

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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The requirements for adoption sponsorship outline who is eligible to sponsor a child. IRCC lists the following requirements for sponsoring a child: the sponsor must be at least 18 years old, must reside in Canada, and must be a Canada citizen or permanents resident. Additionally, there are cases where individuals may not be eligible to sponsor a child. For residents of Quebec, it is necessary to follow Quebec’s immigration sponsorship guidelines for intercountry (Intercountry Adoption,2024).

Similarly, requirements for intercountry adoption must be also considered. Most international adoptions take place within the child's country of origin. Each nation has its own regulations and processes governing adoption by non-citizens. For instance, some countries allow adoptions outside the child's home nation, while others restrict adoptions to within their borders. Furthermore, not all nations permit international adoptions, but the intercountry adoption need to completed either out of Canada or within Canada (Intercountry Adoption,2024)

Medical requirements dictate that all adopted children must undergo a medical exam before they can become permanent residents. Sponsors are required to follow the rules set by their territory or agencies regarding how and when the medical exam should be conducted (Intercountry Adoption,2024).

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From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

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Immigration process — Intercountry adoption: Who can apply - Canada.ca

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Immigration process — Intercountry adoption: Who can apply

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The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption (DTFA) publishes the Canada Adoption Attitudes Survey every five years. In 2022, this survey report illustrates the changes in Canadian’s awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding adoption. The survey includes reasons why people choose to adopt or not , the challenges of caregiving, people’s beliefs about adoption and its development, common resources for adoption care, concerns about financial support, the value of adoptive parents, the main problems with the DTFA’s investment, and the impact of adoption on social issue. This survey lists specific details to analyze all these aspects and provides numerous data points for foster parents and early childhood educators (ECEs). As an ECE, this survey can help us provide the best support for our adoptive families and communities (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, 2022).