Find out about adopting a child

We provide adoption services to children and families, including:

• inter-country adoptions;
• direct and relative adoptive placements; and
• adoptions arranged by Family and Children’s Services.

We also assist adult adoptees and birth parents seeking:

• disclosure;
• reunion information; or
• counselling.

How does the adoption process work?

Contact us for guidance through the adoption process. We provide:

• information;
• assessments;
• placement;
• training and support for the family; and
• counselling.

We work closely with First Nations to place children in culturally appropriate homes.

Find out about adoption disclosure

The Child and Family Services Act regulates how we deal with adoption disclosures.

The legislation allows for more openness around adoption-related records. This makes it easier for birth parents and adoptees to find each other. However, in situations where people do not wish to be contacted, birth parents and children involved in previous adoptions can maintain confidentiality. They do so by filing a no-contact declaration.

Keeping your information private

If you were involved in an adoption before April 30, 2010, you can keep your information confidential. To do this, you have to file a disclosure veto. This will prevent identifying information from being released through the birth registration or adoption.

Find out how to manage your adoption records held by us.