What is the process for adoption by relatives?

Many of the provisions regarding stepparent adoptions under the Adoption Act also apply to relative adoptions.

• A child aged 7 to 12 years being adopted by a relative must be interviewed in private by an authorized person. This is to find out if the child understands the meaning of adoption and has any views on the proposed adoption. The report must be filed with the court.
• In addition to being asked to consent to the adoption, any child 12 years or older must be asked for consent to any change of name resulting from the adoption.
• Anyone with access rights to the child must be given notice of the adoption application.
• The Ministry of Children and Family Development does not have a role in relative adoptions. However, the Court (under section 34 of the Adoption Act) has the authority to order the ministry to conduct a review into any aspect of the application (ie., the absence of a biological father's consent, the child's views) and file a report with the Court.
• The Court must consider the child's best interests when making a determination to grant an adoption order.

Interviewing child/children between 7 and 11 years of age

Under the Adoption Act, a younger child must be interviewed and his/her views on the proposed adoption and name change will be submitted to the Court.

• A worker who is employed either by a licensed adoption agency, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, or is in private practice and registered by the Board of Registration for Social Workers of the Province of British Columbia, can interview the child and submit a report to the Court. As well, registered psychologists or psychiatrists are able to carry out the same function.
• The Board of Registration for Social Workers can provide a listing of registered workers. If you wish to receive this information,
  call 604 737-4916.

Interviewing child/children 12 years of age or older

• If your child is 12 years of age or older his/her consent to the adoption and name change must be obtained.
• A child can revoke their consent to the adoption at any time before the adoption order is granted.

Birth Father Registry

The Birth Father Registry must be searched in all cases were birth parent(s) voluntarily request adoption placement for their child, and in direct placement situations. The court may require a search in adoptions by stepparent or relatives. A search form can be obtained from the Birth Father Registry by calling 250 387-3660.

The following persons may apply to request a search of the birth fathers' registry:

1. a social worker
2. an extra-provincial agency
3. a person entitled to practice law under the Legal Profession Act who represents a party to the adoption
4. a prospective adoptive parent in a direct placement who has given notice of intent to receive a child into his or her home under section 8(1) of the Act

Birth Father Search Request Form (PDF Format)

Homestudies are required by citizenship and immigration Canada to sponsor a related child from another country who is to be adopted by a British Columbia resident. A homestudy is completed by the ministry or an adoption agency.

For more information or to begin a relative adoption, please call one of the licensed adoption agencies.