A Practical Legal Guide to Adoption in Alberta

Adoption is a transformative and rewarding process that brings families together, creating new bonds and nurturing lifelong relationships. In Alberta, the adoption process is governed by the Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act, and the provincial government's Child and Family Services Division oversees and administers adoptions. In this section, we'll provide an overview of adoption in Alberta and discuss the different types of adoption available to prospective parents.

1. Introduction

1.1 Overview of Adoption in Alberta

Adoption in Alberta involves the legal process of transferring the rights and responsibilities of parenthood from a child's birth parents to their adoptive parents. Once an adoption is finalized, the adoptive parents become the child's legal parents, and the birth parents relinquish their parental rights and responsibilities. The goal of adoption is to provide a permanent, loving home for a child who is unable to remain with their birth family.

Adoptions in Alberta can be facilitated through Alberta Child and Family Services, licensed adoption agencies, or private adoption lawyers, depending on the type of adoption involved.

Adoption in Alberta is regulated by the Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act, which sets out the legal framework for adopting a child within the province. The primary goal of the adoption process is to ensure that the best interests of the child are always the central focus. Adoptions can take various forms, including private adoptions, step-parent adoptions, and international adoptions.

1.2 The Role of Alberta Child and Family Services

Alberta Child and Family Services (ACFS) is the provincial government agency responsible for overseeing the adoption process in Alberta. ACFS is dedicated to ensuring that children in need of adoption find safe, loving, and permanent homes. The agency works closely with prospective adoptive parents, birth parents, adoption agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate adoptions and provide support services for all parties involved.

ACFS is responsible for:

• Assessing and approving prospective adoptive parents
• Coordinating the adoption process for children in government care
• Providing support and resources to adoptive families
• Regulating and monitoring adoption agencies and adoption service providers

Alberta Child and Family Services plays a crucial role in the adoption process within the province. They are responsible for overseeing the adoption process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met, and providing support and resources to adoptive families, birth parents, and adoption agencies. Their primary focus is to ensure the best interests of the child are met throughout the entire adoption process.

In some cases, Alberta Child and Family Services may also be directly involved in the placement of children in need of adoption. This typically occurs when a child is in the care of the government due to abuse, neglect, or other circumstances that make it impossible for the child to remain with their birth family.

1.3 Differences Between Private Adoptions, Step-Parent Adoptions, and International Adoptions

There are three primary types of adoptions in Alberta: private adoptions, step-parent adoptions, and international adoptions. Each type of adoption has its own unique legal processes, requirements, and considerations.

1.3.1 Ministry/Public Adoptions

Ministry adoptions, also known as public or government adoptions, are facilitated by the provincial government, specifically Alberta Children's Services, and involve children who are in the care of the government.

In a ministry adoption, prospective adoptive parents work directly with government agencies and caseworkers rather than private adoption agencies. Children in the care of the government may be there for various reasons, such as abuse, neglect, or parental incapacity. These children often have more complex needs and may have experienced trauma, which may require additional support and resources from adoptive families.

1.3.2 Private Adoptions

Private adoptions occur when a child is adopted by a new family without the involvement of a public child welfare agency. In a private adoption, birth parents choose to place their child for adoption with a prospective adoptive family. This process is often facilitated by a licensed adoption agency or a lawyer specializing in adoption. In Alberta, private adoptions can involve both infant adoptions and the adoption of older children.

1.3.2 Step-Parent Adoptions

Step-parent adoptions occur when a step-parent wishes to legally adopt their spouse's child, creating a permanent legal parent-child relationship. In these cases, the custodial birth parent retains all of their rights and responsibilities as a parent, while the non-custodial birth parent's rights are terminated. Step-parent adoptions are relatively straightforward when the non-custodial birth parent consents to the adoption, but can become more complex if consent is not obtainable or the non-custodial parent cannot be located.

1.3.3 International Adoptions

International adoptions involve adopting a child from another country. These adoptions are more complex due to the need to comply with the laws and regulations of both the child's country of origin and Alberta. Prospective adoptive parents must work with an adoption agency authorized to facilitate international adoptions and complete a home study, as well as additional requirements specific to the child's country of origin.

2. Private Adoptions in Alberta: Birth, Step-Parent and International Adoptions

2.1 Private Adoptions

2.1.1 Process and Requirements

In private adoptions, prospective adoptive parents work with a licensed adoption agency or a lawyer to adopt a child, usually an infant, whose birth parents have voluntarily decided to place the child for adoption.

Prospective adoptive parents must meet specific requirements, including being at least 18 years old, residents of Alberta, and having no disqualifying criminal record. Additionally, they must complete a home study assessment and receive approval from Alberta Child and Family Services.

Key documents and filings in private adoptions include:

• Adoption Application: Prospective adoptive parents must complete an adoption application form and submit it to the licensed adoption agency or their lawyer.
• Birth parent consents: The birth parents must provide written consent for the adoption.
• Home study report: A home study is conducted to assess the prospective adoptive family's suitability to adopt.
• Adoption Order: After a successful placement, the adoptive parents must apply to the court to obtain an Adoption Order, which legally finalizes the adoption.

Private adoption applications can be resolved through a desk application or a hearing.

• Desk Application: In some cases, a private adoption can be finalized through a desk application, which involves submitting the necessary paperwork to the court, without the need for a formal hearing. This can be a more streamlined and efficient process.
• Hearing: In other cases, a hearing may be required to finalize the adoption. This typically involves the adoptive parents, their lawyer, and potentially the birth parents, attending a court hearing where a judge will review the case and, if appropriate, grant the Adoption Order.

2.1.2 Home Study

A home study is a thorough assessment conducted by a licensed adoption agency or a social worker to evaluate the prospective adoptive parents' ability to provide a safe, nurturing, and supportive home environment. The process includes interviews, reference checks, background checks, and discussions about the family's motivations, expectations, and understanding of adoption.

2.1.3 Costs Involved

Private adoptions in Alberta can involve various costs, including fees for the home study, legal services, and agency fees. The expenses may vary depending on the adoption agency and the specific circumstances of the case. Financial assistance may be available through government programs or adoption grants.

2.1.4 Consent from the Birth Parents

In private adoptions, the birth parents must provide their informed and voluntary consent to the adoption. Consent can only be given after the child is born and the birth mother has had a minimum of 10 days to consider her decision. The birth parents have the right to revoke their consent within a specified period, typically 10 days, following the placement of the child with the adoptive parents.

2.1.5 Key differences between private and ministry adoptions

• In private adoptions, the child is not in the care of the government; instead, the birth parents have chosen to place their child for adoption.
• Private adoptions often involve infants, while ministry adoptions may involve children of various ages.
• Private adoptions may have higher costs, as prospective adoptive parents may need to pay fees to adoption agencies or lawyers to facilitate the process.

2.2 Step-Parent Adoptions

2.2.1 Process and Requirements

In step-parent adoptions, the spouse or common-law partner of the child's custodial parent adopts the child. This process involves the submission of an adoption application to the Court of King’s Bench, a consent from the custodial birth parent, and the fulfillment of other requirements such as a criminal record check and a home assessment if deemed necessary by the court.

2.2.2 Consent from the Non-Custodial Birth Parent

Consent from the non-custodial birth parent is typically required for a step-parent adoption. However, obtaining consent can be challenging if the non-custodial parent is uncooperative or difficult to locate.

2.2.3 Situations Where Consent is Not Required

In certain situations, the consent of the non-custodial birth parent may not be required, such as when the parent has abandoned the child, failed to provide financial support, or has been deemed unfit due to abuse, neglect, or other factors.

2.2.4 Rights and Responsibilities of the Step-Parent

Once the adoption is finalized, the step-parent assumes all the legal rights and responsibilities of a biological parent, including the duty to provide financial support, make decisions regarding the child's upbringing, and participate in the child's life.

2.3 International Adoptions

2.3.1 The role of the provincial government and Citizenship and Immigration Canada

In international adoptions, both the provincial government and Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) play essential roles. The provincial government oversees the adoption process and ensures that it complies with Alberta's adoption legislation. CIC is responsible for granting the necessary visas for the adopted child to enter and reside in Canada.

2.3.2 The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption

The Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption is an international treaty that establishes safeguards to protect the best interests of children involved in intercountry adoptions. Canada is a signatory to the Convention, which means that adoptions from other Convention countries must follow specific procedures and meet additional requirements.

2.3.3 Process and requirements for adopting from specific countries

The process and requirements for adopting from specific countries can vary depending on the country's adoption laws and whether it is a Hague Convention country. Prospective adoptive parents should research the specific requirements for the country they wish to adopt from and consult with an experienced adoption professional or agency to ensure they are meeting all necessary criteria.

2.3.4 Post-adoption requirements and support

After an international adoption is finalized, there may be post-adoption requirements to fulfill, such as submitting reports to the child's birth country or participating in post-placement visits with a social worker. These requirements will vary depending on the country of origin and the adoption agreement. It's crucial for adoptive parents to be aware of and comply with these requirements.

Additionally, adoptive parents should seek out post-adoption support services to help them navigate the unique challenges of international adoption, such as bonding with their child, addressing potential attachment issues, and assisting with cultural integration.

3. Ministry/Public Adoption Process in Alberta

3.1 Overview of ministry adoptions

Ministry or public adoptions involve adopting a child who is in the care of the Alberta government. These children may have been removed from their birth families due to neglect, abuse, or other circumstances that make it unsafe for them to remain with their biological parents.

3.1.2 Eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive parents

To be eligible for a ministry adoption in Alberta, prospective adoptive parents must be at least 18 years old, be residents of Alberta, and demonstrate the emotional, physical, and financial ability to provide a stable and nurturing home for a child.

3.1.3 Application process

Prospective adoptive parents must complete an application form and submit it to their local Child and Family Services office. Once the application is received, the adoption process begins, and applicants will be guided through the necessary steps.

3.2 Pre-Adoption Requirements

3.2.1 Adoption education and training

Prospective adoptive parents must complete mandatory adoption education and training programs. These programs are designed to help individuals understand the unique challenges and rewards of adoption and provide them with essential tools and resources to navigate the adoption process successfully.

3.2.2 Criminal record checks and child intervention checks

Before adopting, prospective parents must undergo criminal record checks and child intervention checks to ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Both adoptive parents and any adult members residing in the same household must provide these clearances.

3.2.3 Medical assessments

Adoptive parents must also undergo a medical assessment to ensure that they are physically and mentally capable of caring for a child.

3.2.4 Home Study

A home study is a comprehensive assessment conducted by a qualified adoption professional to evaluate the prospective adoptive parents' suitability and readiness to adopt a child.

3.3 Purpose and importance of the home study

The home study is an essential part of the adoption process, as it serves to evaluate the prospective adoptive parents' ability to provide a nurturing, stable, and supportive environment for the child they wish to adopt. It also helps adoption professionals determine the best possible match between the child and the adoptive family, ensuring a smooth and successful adoption experience.

3.3.1 The home study process

The home study process typically involves the following components:

1. Interviews: Prospective adoptive parents will participate in a series of interviews, both individually and as a couple, with a social worker or adoption agency representative. These interviews help assess the applicants' motivations for adopting, their understanding of the adoption process, and their expectations regarding the child.
2. Home Visits: A social worker or adoption agency representative will visit the prospective adoptive parents' home to evaluate its safety, cleanliness, and overall suitability for a child. They may also observe interactions between family members and discuss any potential adjustments needed to accommodate the child.
3. Documentation Review: Prospective adoptive parents will need to provide various documents, such as financial statements, criminal record checks, child intervention checks, medical assessments, and personal references, to support their application. These documents help verify the applicants' stability and readiness for adoption.
4. Adoption Education and Training: The home study may also require prospective adoptive parents to complete adoption education and training courses, which cover topics like attachment, loss, and trauma, as well as the unique challenges of adoptive parenting.

3.3.2 How to prepare for a home study

To prepare for a home study, prospective adoptive parents can take the following steps:

1. Gather necessary documentation: Assemble all required documents, such as financial statements, criminal record checks, child intervention checks, medical assessments, and personal references, to streamline the process and demonstrate your preparedness.
2. Ensure home safety: Conduct a thorough inspection of your home to ensure it meets safety standards, such as having functional smoke detectors, secure windows and doors, and no apparent hazards.
3. Reflect on motivations and parenting styles: Spend time reflecting on your reasons for adopting and your approach to parenting. Be prepared to discuss these topics openly and honestly during interviews with the social worker or adoption agency representative.
4. Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with the adoption process, the challenges unique to adoptive parenting, and the resources available to support you. This will demonstrate your commitment to providing the best possible environment for the child you wish to adopt.
5. Be open and honest: Remember that the home study is not meant to be an intrusive or judgmental process. Its purpose is to ensure the best possible match for both the child and the adoptive parents. Be open and honest about your feelings, concerns, and expectations during the interviews and home visits.

3.4 Matching Process: Factors considered in matching adoptive parents with a child

When matching adoptive parents with a child, adoption agencies and Alberta Child and Family Services consider various factors to ensure the best possible fit for both the child and the adoptive family. These factors include:

• The adoptive parents' preferences, such as age and gender of the child
• The adoptive family's capacity to meet the child's needs, including physical, emotional, and educational support
• Cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds
• The child's preferences, if they are old enough to express them

3.4.1 Waiting periods and expectations

The waiting period for an adoption can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the type of adoption, the availability of children, and the preferences of the adoptive parents. It is essential to remain patient during this process, as finding the right match may take time.

3.4.2 Placement and Post-Placement Support

Once a suitable match has been identified, the placement process begins. This may involve a series of pre-placement visits between the child and the adoptive family to help them get to know each other and assess the compatibility of the match.

Post-placement support is provided to help the family and the child adjust to their new situation. This support may include counseling, educational resources, and access to community services.

3.5 The transition period

The transition period is a crucial time for both the child and the adoptive family. It involves adjusting to new routines, environments, and relationships, and can be both exciting and challenging.

3.5.1 Post-placement visits and reports

After the child has been placed with the adoptive family, post-placement visits and reports are required to ensure the child's well-being and the success of the adoption. The frequency and duration of these visits may vary depending on the type of adoption and any specific requirements outlined by the adoption agency or court.

3.5.2 Finalizing the adoption in court

The final step in the adoption process is the legal finalization of the adoption in court. This involves a hearing where a judge reviews the case and, if everything is in order, grants the adoption order. Once the adoption order is granted, the adoptive parents become the child's legal parents, and the adoption is considered complete.

3.5.3 Post-adoption services and resources for ministry/public adoptions

After the adoption is finalized, adoptive families can access various post-adoption services and resources, such as counseling, support groups, and educational materials, to help them navigate the unique challenges and joys of raising an adopted child.

4. Legal Aspects of Adoption in Alberta

4.1 Consent and Revocation of Consent

4.1.1 When consent is required

In Alberta, the consent of the birth parents is generally required for an adoption to proceed. Consent must be given in writing and must be witnessed by a designated witness, such as a social worker, lawyer, or notary public. The birth mother cannot provide consent until at least 10 days after the child's birth, while the birth father can consent at any time after the child's birth. If the child is 12 years of age or older, they must also provide consent.

4.1.2 When consent is not required

There are certain circumstances in which consent is not required for an adoption to proceed, such as:

1. The birth parent's parental rights have been terminated by a court order.
2. The birth parent is deceased.
3. The birth parent cannot be located after reasonable efforts have been made.
4. The child has been in the continuous care of the prospective adoptive parents for at least six months, and the court finds that it is in the child's best interests to proceed with the adoption without the birth parent's consent.

4.1.3 How and when consent can be revoked

In Alberta, birth parents can revoke their consent to an adoption within 10 days of providing it. To revoke consent, the birth parent must give written notice to the person or agency to whom they initially provided consent.

In specific circumstances, consent can also be revoked after the 10-day period, but before the adoption order is granted. For example, if the birth parent can demonstrate that they provided consent under duress, fraud, or misrepresentation, the court may allow the revocation of consent.

It is important to note that once the adoption order has been granted, it is final and cannot be reversed based on the revocation of consent. The Supreme Court of Canada, in cases like Racine v Woods (1983) and M(M) v H(R) (1992), has emphasized the importance of finality in adoption proceedings for the best interests of the child.

4.2 Adoption Disclosure

4.2.1 Access to adoption records

In Alberta, adoption records are protected by privacy laws, and access to these records is limited. Adopted persons who are 18 years of age or older can apply to access non-identifying information about their birth parents and medical history. They can also apply to obtain identifying information about their birth parents, such as their names and last known addresses, if the birth parents have not filed a disclosure veto.

Birth parents can also apply for non-identifying information about the adopted child and may be able to access identifying information if the adopted person has not filed a disclosure veto or if the adopted person consents to the release of their information.

Adoptive parents can access non-identifying information about the child's birth parents and medical history, but they cannot access identifying information about the birth parents without the birth parents' consent.

4.2.2 Contact and information exchange between adoptive families and birth families

Adoption in Alberta can range from fully open, where ongoing contact and communication are maintained between the adoptive family and the birth family, to fully closed, where no contact or communication occurs. The level of openness in an adoption is determined by mutual agreement between the adoptive family and the birth family, which is often established during the adoption process.

When an open adoption is desired, the parties can create a legally enforceable Post-Adoption Contact Order (PACO) outlining the nature, frequency, and duration of contact between the adoptive family, the child, and the birth family. A PACO can be modified or terminated by the court if it is determined to be in the best interests of the child.

5. Additional Resources for Adoptive Parents in Alberta

5.1 Adoption agencies and professionals in Alberta

To help navigate the adoption process, it is essential to work with experienced adoption agencies and professionals who can provide guidance and support. In Alberta, there are several licensed adoption agencies that specialize in private domestic and international adoptions. These agencies can help guide you through the legal and procedural aspects of adoption and connect you with the necessary professionals, such as adoption lawyers, social workers, and counselors.

5.2 Support groups and resources for adoptive families

Adoptive families can benefit from a variety of support groups and resources that offer guidance, emotional support, and practical advice throughout the adoption process and beyond. These groups and resources can help adoptive families connect with others who share similar experiences, navigate the unique challenges of adoption, and build a supportive community.

In Alberta, there are several adoption support organizations that provide resources and support to adoptive families, such as:

1. Adoption Council of Canada: The Adoption Council of Canada is a national, non-profit organization that provides information, resources, and support to adoptive families and individuals involved in adoption. Their website features a comprehensive resource library, as well as a searchable directory of local support groups.
2. Alberta Foster and Kinship Association: The Alberta Foster and Kinship Association is a non-profit organization that supports foster and kinship caregivers, including adoptive families. They provide resources, training, and advocacy to help caregivers provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children in their care.
3. Parent Link Centres: Parent Link Centres across Alberta offer programs and services for families, including adoptive families. They provide parenting support, early childhood development programs, and family resources.
4. Facebook groups: There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to adoption, where adoptive parents can connect, share resources, and find support from others in similar situations.

By participating in support groups and accessing available resources, adoptive families can strengthen their connections and develop the skills needed to support their adopted child throughout their life.

5.3 Financial assistance and subsidies

In some cases, financial assistance may be available to adoptive families to help cover the costs of adoption or to provide ongoing support for the care of a child with special needs. This assistance can come in the form of adoption subsidies or reimbursement of specific expenses, such as medical or therapeutic services, depending on the child's needs and the family's financial circumstances. To access these supports, adoptive families must work with their adoption agency and Alberta Children's Services to determine eligibility and apply for any available assistance.

5.4 Books and websites on adoption and parenting adopted children

Several books and websites provide valuable insights and guidance on adoption and parenting adopted children. Some popular titles and resources include:

1. "The Connected Child" by Karyn B. Purvis, David R. Cross, and Wendy Lyons Sunshine
2. "Parenting Your Adopted Child" by Andrew Adesman
3. "Adopting the Hurt Child" by Gregory C. Keck and Regina M. Kupecky
4. Adoption.com: A comprehensive website offering adoption resources, articles, and forums for adoptive parents and professionals.

6. The Role of a Family Lawyer in the Adoption Process

Navigating the adoption process can be a complex and emotionally challenging journey. A family lawyer experienced in adoption matters can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout this process. They can help you understand the legal requirements, advocate for your rights, and ensure that all necessary paperwork and documentation are completed accurately and in a timely manner. A family lawyer can also assist in situations where consent from the birth parents may be contested or difficult to obtain, and help you address any legal hurdles that may arise during the process.

By working with an Alberta family lawyer, you can be assured that you have the professional support and expertise needed to smoothly navigate the adoption process and ultimately build a loving and secure family for your adopted child.

FC&Z Family Lawyers have extensive experience in all types of adoptions. Schedule a consultation with a family lawyer to discuss your adoption plans and begin your journey toward creating a loving home for a child in need.

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