Resources

Adoption

There are two distinct systems when exploring adoptions in BC. The first is through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), involving children who are in government care. Although some children in the continuing care of MCFD are infants, most are older children who may have some form of special need. These children may be part of a sibling group that needs to be placed together, or they may have health and behavioural concerns and difficulties.

Pre and post adoption services for children adopted through MCFD are delivered by the Adoptive Families Association of British Columbia (AFABC). The staff at AFABC are available to communities throughout the province to share their considerable knowledge and experience with adoption. To explore the wide range of services and programs offered, visit the AFABC web site.

The second system for adoption in BC is through licensed adoption agencies. Agencies place children not in the care of MCFD, through inter-country or domestic adoption. There are six licensed adoption agencies in BC that work with communities across the province and offer a variety of services. Click here for a complete list of agencies and contact information.

Every waiting child needs a stable, loving, and nurturing home.

For information about adopting a waiting child,
Call 1 877 ADOPT-07 / 1 877 236-7807
Email: WaitingChild@bcadoption.com

Haitian Adoption Alert

The ministry is concerned about the number of children left without guardians in the wake of the earthquake disaster in Haiti. Both the federal and provincial governments are aware of the interest of many families in Canada in adopting these children.

For families who began the adoption process with Haiti before the earthquake, BC will continue to work closely with our federal departments and Haitian authorities, within the parameters of each country’s legislation and policies, to complete the adoptions as efficiently as possible. This will be done in accordance with all established intercountry policies and relevant laws.

For new adoptions, Haiti must determine which children are indeed orphans and have no possibility of being cared for in their own country or by relatives. It is accepted practice to first try to find a home for orphaned children within their extended family and in their own country. If you are interested in adopting a child from Haiti, please contact a BC licensed adoption agency.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has determined that priority will be given to processing visas for children who have already been adopted. Read the January 16, 2010 News Release and speaking notes from the January 20, 2010 News Conference.

The government of British Columbia will support all efforts for adopted children to be united with their families following this devastating crisis.
Photo of the Centennial Fountain

Adoption Awareness Month

November is Adoption Awareness Month in British Columbia, a time to recognize adoption as an important way to build a family. It is also a time to raise awareness of the children who are still waiting to find a forever family. Over the last five years, 1,471 children in the care of the ministry have found permanent families through adoption, yet there are still around 1,300 children still waiting to be adopted.