Difference between revisions of "Adoption of a Child"

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{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
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This script explains the adoption process in British Columbia, for both adopting a child within BC and adopting a child from overseas.
Adoption is the process to legally transfer parental responsibilities for a child from one family to another. Learn what’s involved in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption.
Understand the legal framework
How a child becomes available for adoption
Children become available for adoption in different ways.
Under the law in BC, a parent or guardian of a child may place the child for adoption. They can place the child with an adoption agency to seek an adoptive family. Or they can work with an agency to place the child with someone they know (who is not a relative). This type of adoption is called a direct placement.
The adoption process can also start with a child being placed into the permanent care of the provincial government. When a child enters foster care, the goal is to reunite them with their birth family. In some circumstances, this is not possible or in the child's best interest. These children are placed in the Adopt BC Kids program.
BC’s licensed adoption agencies also facilitate international adoptions. These feature adopting a child from another country.
A family may become interested in adopting a relative or partner's child. For instance, someone may wish to adopt a sibling’s child, or to adopt the child of their new partner. In order to adopt a child related to you by blood, or to adopt your partner's child, you need to apply to court.
The government and licensed adoption agencies handle adoptions in BC
Only the BC government or an agency licensed by it can handle an adoption in BC. The Ministry of Children & Family Development facilitates the adoption of BC children living in foster care.
The adoption agencies licensed by the BC government handle various types of adoptions. Even with a direct placement, where the birth parents choose the adoptive parents, a licensed adoption agency must be involved before the adoptive parents receive the child.
It’s illegal to be paid for placing a child for adoption
Birth parents cannot be paid for placing a child for adoption. Under BC law, it’s illegal (with a few specific exceptions) to pay or accept money for placing a child for adoption. 
The exceptions under this law are:
A parent or guardian can receive money from a prospective adoptive parent to cover certain expenses. For example, the birth mother can be paid for medical services related to the birth of the child, and accommodation and transportation related to the transfer of the child. 
An adoption agency can receive fees and expenses up to certain limits set under the law.
A lawyer can receive reasonable fees and expenses for legal services provided in connection with an adoption.
A health care provider can receive reasonable fees and expenses for medical services provided to a child being adopted or to the birth mother in connection with the pregnancy or birth.
The Ministry of Children & Family Development does not charge fees to people who adopt a child in care. 
Who must consent to an adoption
A birth mother’s consent to an adoption is required unless the child is in the permanent care of the child welfare authorities. 
A birth mother’s consent is valid only if the child is at least 10 days old when the consent is given. The consent must be in a specific written form, and other documents are also required.
A biological father’s consent is usually required too, but there are exceptions. For example, a court can be asked to do away with the biological father’s consent if he can’t be located or if to do so is in the child’s best interests.
If the mother or father change their mind
A person who consented to their child's adoption may revoke their consent (cancel it) before the child is placed for adoption.
As well, the birth mother may revoke her consent to the adoption within 30 days of the child’s birth — even if the child has already been placed for adoption.
The revocation must be in writing and delivered to the adoption agency or the BC director of adoptions. 
An older child’s consent is required
If a child is age 12 or older, their consent to being adopted is required. The views of a child between seven and 11 must be considered, and if the child is mature enough, the child must receive counselling about the effects of adoption.
Who can adopt a child
Anyone over 19 years of age who lives in BC can adopt a child. They can be single or married, or in an unmarried relationship. Sexual orientation is not a factor.
Factors considered in placing a child for adoption
Under BC law, the most important consideration in placing a child for adoption is determining the best interests of the child. This includes considering:
the child’s safety
the child’s physical and emotional needs
the importance of continuity of the child’s care
the child’s relationship with their parents and family
the child’s cultural, racial, linguistic and religious heritage
the child’s views (depending on the child’s age)
The process to adopt a child
The adoption process starts with an application to adopt. The adoption representative will review the application. They check references, conduct a criminal record check, and complete a prior contact search through the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
A homestudy is conducted
An adoption worker will conduct a homestudy. This involves six to eight visits to the home of the prospective adoptive parents. The parents also participate in mandatory adoption training.
Proposal and placement
The adoption representative calls the prospective adoptive parents with a potential placement. If everything looks fine, a child is placed in the adoptive home.
After the child is placed in the adoptive home
For the first six months, the adoption worker visits the child in the home.
After the child has lived with the adoptive parents for at least six months, the parents can apply to court for an adoption order. If it’s a Ministry adoption, the adoption worker makes the court application for the parents.
If the court is satisfied the proposed adoption is in the child’s best interests, it makes the adoption order.
Relative or stepparent adoption
Someone may become interested in adopting a relative or partner's child. For instance, someone may wish to adopt a grandchild, or to adopt the child of their new partner. In order to adopt a child related to you by blood, or to adopt your partner's child, you need to apply to court.
The legal requirements are outlined in BC’s adoption law. It's a good idea to get legal advice on how to complete this kind of adoption.
The court will consider the child’s best interests when making decisions about their future. Children older than age seven will have a private interview with an adoption worker to make sure they understand the meaning of adoption, and get their views on potential placement. Children aged 12 and over must consent to their adoption.
Anyone who has a court order or enforceable agreement for contact with the child will be notified about the adoption application.
Common questions
What if the child is indigenous?
Under BC’s adoption law, special emphasis is placed on Aboriginal heritage. If the child is Aboriginal, the importance of preserving their cultural identity must be considered in determining the child’s best interests. 
If the child is under 12 and the birth parent or other guardian doesn’t object, the Ministry or adoption agency will notify the child’s Aboriginal community and consult with them about planning for the adoption.
Under the federal Indian Act, an Aboriginal person who is adopted doesn’t lose any rights or privileges they have as a “status Indian” under the Act and other laws like the Income Tax Act.
Can a birth mother choose an open adoption?
Yes, the birth parents and adoptive parents can choose to communicate with each other after a child is adopted. Before an adoption order is made, the birth parents and adoptive parents can agree on how much and what type of ongoing communication or contact they want after the adoption. If an agreement isn’t made before the adoption order, they can register with the post-adoption openness registry. Our information on adoption registries (no. 146) has more on open adoptions.
What if I want to adopt a child from another country?
To adopt a child from another country, you must use one of the licensed adoption agencies in BC. Like domestic adoptions, an international adoption requires a homestudy to assess the adoptive parents’ suitability to adopt. So if you want to adopt a child from another province or country, you should tell the adoption agency you plan to work with early in the planning process.
What information is given to the birth and adoptive parents?
Before a child is placed with their adoptive parents, the Ministry or the adoption agency must tell the birth parents about the adoption process and its alternatives. They also gather as much information as possible about the medical and social history of the child’s birth family, preserve this information for the child, and give a copy to the adoptive parents.
Get help
With more information
The Ministry of Children & Family Development has information about adoption  on its website.
Web: gov.bc.ca/mcfd
The Adoptive Families Association of BC supports the adoption community at all ages and stages through education, counselling and advocacy.
Toll-free: 1-877-236-7807
Web: bcadoption.com


==How does a child become available for adoption?==
A child may be placed for adoption by:
*the BC government, through the Director of Adoption, or
*a licensed non-profit [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions adoption agency] (listed on the Ministry of Children & Family Development website), or
*a birth parent or other guardian (called a direct placement).
The BC government adoption website describes [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child the following ways to adopt in BC]:
*[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child/adopt-from-foster-care Adopting from foster care]
*[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child/infant-adoption Infant adoption]
*[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child/adopt-from-another-country Adopt a child from another country]
*[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/how-to-adopt-a-child/relative-step-parent-adoptions Adopt a relative or stepchild]
==Who oversees adoptions?==
Only the BC [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/children-and-family-development Ministry of Children & Family Development] or provincially-licensed non-profit adoption agencies handle adoptions in BC. There are [https://www.bcadoption.com/adoption-agencies four adoption agencies] in BC. Even with a direct placement, where the birth parents choose the adoptive parent or parents, the ministry or a licensed adoption agency must be involved before the adoptive parents receive the child.
==Is there a fee to adopt?==
It’s illegal to give or receive money for placing a child for adoption. But the following fees and expenses are allowed:
*expenses relating to the birth and adoption can be paid by people involved in adopting, like the birth mother
*fees charged by licensed adoption agencies and lawyers providing legal services
For example, the [http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/291_96 Adoption Regulation] allows an adopting parent to pay the birth mother’s expenses for medical services, reasonable accommodation, counselling services, and other related expenses.
The ministry does not charge fees to people who adopt a child in its care.
==Who can adopt?==
Anyone over 19 years of age who lives in BC can adopt. They can be single or married, or in an unmarried relationship. Sexual orientation is not a factor.
==What factors are considered in placing a child for adoption?==
The most important thing is making sure that the best interests of the child are looked after. A child’s best interests include their:
*safety
*physical and emotional needs
*continuity of their care
*relationship with an adoptive parent
*relationship with the birth parent
*cultural, racial, linguistic, and religious heritage
•views, depending on the child’s age
==What information is given to the birth mother and adoptive parents?==
Before a child is placed with their adoptive parents, the ministry or the adoption agency must tell the birth parent about the adoption process and its alternatives. They also gather as much information as possible about the medical and social history of the child’s birth family, preserve this information for the child, and give a copy to the adoptive parents.
==Is a home study done?==
Yes. A home study has an educational part and an assessment of the adoptive parent or parents. The home visits can take up to three to four months. The adoptive parents will be asked to get a medical assessment from their family doctor and to have criminal record and reference checks done.
==What if it’s a direct placement?==
In a direct placement, a pre-placement assessment must still be done before the child can go to the home (unless the adoptive parents are related to the birth parents).
==What happens after a child is placed?==
If everything looks fine, a child is placed in the adoptive home. For the first six months, the adoption worker visits the child in the home. Then, after the child has lived with the adoptive parent or parents for at least six months, the parents can apply to the BC supreme court for an adoption order. If it’s a ministry adoption, the worker makes the court application for the parents. If the court is satisfied that the proposed adoption is in the child’s best interests, it makes the adoption order.
==Is a birth mother’s consent to adoption required?==
Yes, a birth mother’s consent to an adoption is required unless the child is in the permanent care of the ministry. But her consent is valid only if the child is at least 10 days old when she consents. The consent must be in a specific written form, and other documents are also required.
==What if a birth mother changes her mind?==
A birth mother can cancel, or revoke, her consent within 30 days of the child’s birth—even if the child has already been placed for adoption. But she must do this in writing and deliver it to a Director of Adoption or the administrator of the adoption agency before the end of the 30 days.
==Is a biological father’s consent required?==
A biological father’s consent is usually required too, but there are exceptions. Usually the father must be notified of the proposed adoption, unless the father's identity is unknown or the court rules that it’s not in the child’s best interests.
==Is an older child’s consent required?==
If a child is 12 or older, their consent to being adopted is required. The views of a child between 7 and 11 must be considered, and if the child is mature enough, the child must receive counselling about the effects of adoption.
==Adopting an aboriginal child==
The ''[http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96005_01 Adoption Act]'' has a special concern for aboriginal children. An aboriginal child’s cultural identity must be considered when looking at the child’s best interests. If the child is under 12 and the birth parent or other guardian doesn’t object, the ministry or adoption agency will notify the child’s aboriginal community and consult with them about planning for the adoption. Under the federal ''[http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-5/ Indian Act]'', an aboriginal person who is adopted doesn’t lose any rights or privileges they have as a “status Indian” under the ''Indian Act'' and other laws like the ''Income Tax Act''.
==Can a birth mother choose an open adoption?==
Yes, the birth parents and adopting parents can choose to communicate with each other after a child is adopted. Before an adoption order is made, the birth parents and adopting parents can agree on how much and what type of ongoing communication or contact they want after the adoption. If an agreement isn’t made before the adoption order, they can register with the Post-Adoption Openness Registry.
Script [[Adoption Registries (Script 146)|146]] on “Adoption Registries” has more on openness and making an openness agreement.
==International adoptions==
To adopt a child from another country, you must use one of the licensed adoption agencies in BC. Like domestic adoptions, an international adoption requires a home study to assess the adoptive parents’ suitability to adopt. So if you want to adopt a child from another province or country, you should tell the adoption agency you plan to work with early in the planning process.
==More information==
*Check the Ministry of Children & Family Development [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions adoption website].
*Contact the [https://www.bcadoption.com/ Adoptive Families Association of BC] at 1.877.236.7807.
*Check script [[Adoption Registries (Script 146)|146]] on adoption registries.
==Summary==
Only the BC government or an adoption agency licensed by it can handle an adoption. If you’re over 19 and live in BC, you can adopt. When deciding on placing a child, many factors are looked at to determine if the placement is in the child’s best interests. The birth mother can consent to placing her child for adoption once the baby is 10 days old, but she can still change her mind within 30 days of the birth if she does it in writing. Usually the biological father’s consent is necessary, and older children may have to give their consent too.




[updated March 2018]
[updated March 2018]


'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy by Adoption and Permanency Branch of MCFD, and edited by John Blois.'''
'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [http://gov.bc.ca/mcfd Adoption Branch], Ministry of Children & Family Development, and [https://www.boydarbitration.ca/ John-Paul Boyd], John-Paul Boyd Arbitration Chambers.'''
----
----



Revision as of 00:37, 11 February 2019

Adoption is the process to legally transfer parental responsibilities for a child from one family to another. Learn what’s involved in adopting a child or placing a child for adoption. Understand the legal framework How a child becomes available for adoption Children become available for adoption in different ways. Under the law in BC, a parent or guardian of a child may place the child for adoption. They can place the child with an adoption agency to seek an adoptive family. Or they can work with an agency to place the child with someone they know (who is not a relative). This type of adoption is called a direct placement. The adoption process can also start with a child being placed into the permanent care of the provincial government. When a child enters foster care, the goal is to reunite them with their birth family. In some circumstances, this is not possible or in the child's best interest. These children are placed in the Adopt BC Kids program. BC’s licensed adoption agencies also facilitate international adoptions. These feature adopting a child from another country. A family may become interested in adopting a relative or partner's child. For instance, someone may wish to adopt a sibling’s child, or to adopt the child of their new partner. In order to adopt a child related to you by blood, or to adopt your partner's child, you need to apply to court. The government and licensed adoption agencies handle adoptions in BC Only the BC government or an agency licensed by it can handle an adoption in BC. The Ministry of Children & Family Development facilitates the adoption of BC children living in foster care. The adoption agencies licensed by the BC government handle various types of adoptions. Even with a direct placement, where the birth parents choose the adoptive parents, a licensed adoption agency must be involved before the adoptive parents receive the child. It’s illegal to be paid for placing a child for adoption Birth parents cannot be paid for placing a child for adoption. Under BC law, it’s illegal (with a few specific exceptions) to pay or accept money for placing a child for adoption. The exceptions under this law are: A parent or guardian can receive money from a prospective adoptive parent to cover certain expenses. For example, the birth mother can be paid for medical services related to the birth of the child, and accommodation and transportation related to the transfer of the child. An adoption agency can receive fees and expenses up to certain limits set under the law. A lawyer can receive reasonable fees and expenses for legal services provided in connection with an adoption. A health care provider can receive reasonable fees and expenses for medical services provided to a child being adopted or to the birth mother in connection with the pregnancy or birth. The Ministry of Children & Family Development does not charge fees to people who adopt a child in care. Who must consent to an adoption A birth mother’s consent to an adoption is required unless the child is in the permanent care of the child welfare authorities. A birth mother’s consent is valid only if the child is at least 10 days old when the consent is given. The consent must be in a specific written form, and other documents are also required. A biological father’s consent is usually required too, but there are exceptions. For example, a court can be asked to do away with the biological father’s consent if he can’t be located or if to do so is in the child’s best interests. If the mother or father change their mind A person who consented to their child's adoption may revoke their consent (cancel it) before the child is placed for adoption. As well, the birth mother may revoke her consent to the adoption within 30 days of the child’s birth — even if the child has already been placed for adoption. The revocation must be in writing and delivered to the adoption agency or the BC director of adoptions. An older child’s consent is required If a child is age 12 or older, their consent to being adopted is required. The views of a child between seven and 11 must be considered, and if the child is mature enough, the child must receive counselling about the effects of adoption. Who can adopt a child Anyone over 19 years of age who lives in BC can adopt a child. They can be single or married, or in an unmarried relationship. Sexual orientation is not a factor. Factors considered in placing a child for adoption Under BC law, the most important consideration in placing a child for adoption is determining the best interests of the child. This includes considering: the child’s safety the child’s physical and emotional needs the importance of continuity of the child’s care the child’s relationship with their parents and family the child’s cultural, racial, linguistic and religious heritage the child’s views (depending on the child’s age) The process to adopt a child The adoption process starts with an application to adopt. The adoption representative will review the application. They check references, conduct a criminal record check, and complete a prior contact search through the Ministry of Children and Family Development. A homestudy is conducted An adoption worker will conduct a homestudy. This involves six to eight visits to the home of the prospective adoptive parents. The parents also participate in mandatory adoption training. Proposal and placement The adoption representative calls the prospective adoptive parents with a potential placement. If everything looks fine, a child is placed in the adoptive home. After the child is placed in the adoptive home For the first six months, the adoption worker visits the child in the home. After the child has lived with the adoptive parents for at least six months, the parents can apply to court for an adoption order. If it’s a Ministry adoption, the adoption worker makes the court application for the parents. If the court is satisfied the proposed adoption is in the child’s best interests, it makes the adoption order. Relative or stepparent adoption Someone may become interested in adopting a relative or partner's child. For instance, someone may wish to adopt a grandchild, or to adopt the child of their new partner. In order to adopt a child related to you by blood, or to adopt your partner's child, you need to apply to court. The legal requirements are outlined in BC’s adoption law. It's a good idea to get legal advice on how to complete this kind of adoption. The court will consider the child’s best interests when making decisions about their future. Children older than age seven will have a private interview with an adoption worker to make sure they understand the meaning of adoption, and get their views on potential placement. Children aged 12 and over must consent to their adoption. Anyone who has a court order or enforceable agreement for contact with the child will be notified about the adoption application. Common questions What if the child is indigenous? Under BC’s adoption law, special emphasis is placed on Aboriginal heritage. If the child is Aboriginal, the importance of preserving their cultural identity must be considered in determining the child’s best interests. If the child is under 12 and the birth parent or other guardian doesn’t object, the Ministry or adoption agency will notify the child’s Aboriginal community and consult with them about planning for the adoption. Under the federal Indian Act, an Aboriginal person who is adopted doesn’t lose any rights or privileges they have as a “status Indian” under the Act and other laws like the Income Tax Act. Can a birth mother choose an open adoption? Yes, the birth parents and adoptive parents can choose to communicate with each other after a child is adopted. Before an adoption order is made, the birth parents and adoptive parents can agree on how much and what type of ongoing communication or contact they want after the adoption. If an agreement isn’t made before the adoption order, they can register with the post-adoption openness registry. Our information on adoption registries (no. 146) has more on open adoptions. What if I want to adopt a child from another country? To adopt a child from another country, you must use one of the licensed adoption agencies in BC. Like domestic adoptions, an international adoption requires a homestudy to assess the adoptive parents’ suitability to adopt. So if you want to adopt a child from another province or country, you should tell the adoption agency you plan to work with early in the planning process. What information is given to the birth and adoptive parents? Before a child is placed with their adoptive parents, the Ministry or the adoption agency must tell the birth parents about the adoption process and its alternatives. They also gather as much information as possible about the medical and social history of the child’s birth family, preserve this information for the child, and give a copy to the adoptive parents. Get help With more information The Ministry of Children & Family Development has information about adoption on its website. Web: gov.bc.ca/mcfd The Adoptive Families Association of BC supports the adoption community at all ages and stages through education, counselling and advocacy. Toll-free: 1-877-236-7807 Web: bcadoption.com


[updated March 2018]

The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by Adoption Branch, Ministry of Children & Family Development, and John-Paul Boyd, John-Paul Boyd Arbitration Chambers.


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