Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you have an information package on adoption that I can download?

  Yes, we have made a selection of key articles from this website available as downloadable booklets.

• How long is the wait to adopt a child?

  It depends on what kind of adoption you decide to pursue. Realistically, most families who decide to adopt should expect a 12-24 month wait. Some happen sooner, and some take longer; there are many factors. But it is worth the wait, no matter how long it takes!

• Doesn’t adoption cost a lot of money?

  No, not always. You might be surprised to learn that adoption of waiting children in Canada costs almost nothing! Private and international adoptions can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. Read more in our article “Why is adoption so expensive? Or is it?”

• What’s the difference between private, public and international adoption?

  We have articles on each of these types of adoption. Visit our “Adoption basics” section.

• What’s a home study really like?

  Many people are initially intimidated by the prospect of having a social worker come into their home and ask them lots of personal questions. Read this article about what the process is really like and what you can expect.

• What can my church do to help encourage families in our community to adopt?

  Visit our section for churches to find practical ideas on beginning a caring ministry to adoptive families.

We’ve heard that it’s very difficult to parent a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Why would people do that?

We have a wonderful article by a mom who shares her experience parenting FAS children. Click here to read her story.

• We have extended family who are not supportive of our adoption plans. What can we say to them?

  Extended family are important to you and your adoptive children. It’s important to listen to their concerns and invite them to learn along with you as you take this journey. Click here for a helpful article on this topic.

• My wife and I are over 50. Are we too old to adopt?

  In some cases, you may be; some countries have age restrictions. However, Canadian foster care adoption recruiters would be glad to hear from you and answer your questions about adopting children in care. You might also find it helpful to read this story about a family who adopted later in life.

• I’ve heard that it’s very difficult to adopt a baby. Is that true?

  It depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of adoption you choose and so on. We recommend that you contact a local adoption agency, attend an information session (which are usually free) and ask for their advice. People do adopt babies through all forms of adoption, but there are more older children, and even teens, who desperately long for a forever family of their own.

• Are there Christian adoption agencies in Canada?

  Yes – in Alberta and Ontario. Click on each province name for more information.

• What’s the process for adopting in Canada?

  All Canadian adoptions require training, a home study and a period of waiting. You will need the help of an agency or your provincial government. Here’s an article describing what to expect and where to go next.