FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY ADOPTIVE PARENTS

What are my chances of adopting a baby?

Through the Children's Aid Society, most of the children are somewhat older than infants. Privately, the majority of placements are infants. On the international scene, children around the age of 1 year are common.

What is the difference between a semi-open and open adoption?

Semi-open adoptions were practised in Ontario many years ago but are much less common today. They involve adoptive parents and birth parents finding out non-identifying information about each other and usually having a meeting. Subsequent to the adoption, the only contact is usually pictures, letters and e-mails, usually through the adoption practitioner and licensee

Can I do my Home Study while having fertility treatments?

Yes. Fertility treatments are so protracted today and last so long that families have often done a great deal of grieving about their fertility during the fertility process. Having their Home Study initiated towards the end of their fertility work-up can often help them resolve the grief around their infertility and see light at the end of the tunnel. It should be noted that having a Home Study done is a stressful situation as is having a fertiltiy work-up so for some families doing both at the same time may not be advisable

What if I get pregnant during the Home Study?

I would give you my congratualtions and suggest that you discontinue the Home Study until you are certain that a child will result from your pregnancy. The costs you have paid for the Home Study will be reimbursed to you excluding an hourly rate of $120.00 plus GST for time put in to the Home Study.

Can a single person adopt?

Yes. A single person can adopt. You will have to check if you are looking internationally as to which countries accept single placements.

What if I am interested in adoption but not sure if my partner is?

Adoption is a couple endeavour and it is important that both partners are 100% on board with pursuing an adoption. If one partner is somewhat reluctant in the beginning, counselling may be suggested and further education

How do we find a birth mother for private adoption?

Birth mothers usually identify themselves to licensees or Private Adoption Practitioners. They then ask for profiles of prospective adoptive families. Your Private Adoption Practitioner should be able to help you prepare a suitable profile and help you to network with it

Can we pursue public, private and international adoption at the same time?

Yes you can. Your Home Study can be sent to the Children's Aid Society in your area and your profile can be submitted to a licensee. As well, you can pursue international adoption with one country

How long is a Home Study valid for?

A Home Study for international adoption approved by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services is valid for 18 months from the date of approval. A Home Study that has been completed for domestic adoption is valid for 2 years. At the time of a proposal, an update will be done by your Private Adoption Practitioner

How long must I wait before I can adopt a second time?

18 months is required between placements and between the ages of the children. Your Update Reapplication Home Study can be started after 9 months from the first placement date

How do I get started?

Call Adele Blair at Ottawa Adoption Connections for a free consultation at 613 825-2332