Deciding to adopt a child in Ontario can be incredibly rewarding. There are three different options for all potential parents, each posing its own benefits and in some instances “risks.” It is important to discuss these risks with your partner (you can adopt if you are single as well), consider the age of child you would like to welcome into your home and whether you are able to care for some of the needs of a child, should he or she have physical or mental delays.
Adopting a child through CAS not only helps a child find a full-time home, but also helps the community in continuing to provide foster care to those children in need. When adopting a child in Ontario from the CAS, the first thing to do is give your local office a call. The staff will refer you to an adoption specialist, who will be ready to answer any questions or concerns you may have. The social worker will then take your information, and invite you to attend an adoption consultation.
Adoption Consultation
This consultation discusses the types of children requiring care, the process in adopting a child and generally includes adopted children or adoptive parents to share their experience as well. Once the meeting is complete, you can register. Registering will provide you with a personal worker who will help guide you through the process of adopting a child through CAS.
PRIDE Program
Every potential family is required to complete a PRIDE program. PRIDE stands for Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education. It will take you 10 weeks to complete the needed training, and every week is mandatory. The training will involve discussions on the impact of adoption to your own family, child welfare issues, loss during adoption and other crucial elements to prepare you for your newest addition.
Homestudy
The homestudy consists of four home visits, and look into the various aspects of your life. The worker will discuss your wants and desires as a family, the reasons you are looking at adoption and will also find out what your partner's desires are as well. When adopting a child in Ontario, many find the homestudy very intrusive. It will look into your background, financial information and your current mental and physical capabilities. Although there is no minimum salary, it is important to have sound financial capabilities before continuing with adoption.
Placement
When adopting a child through CAS, the social worker will work with you to find a great match. Although your wants and needs are considered, the primary goal for the social worker is to find a family suitable for the children – not a child for the family. The more open you and your family is to different types of children, the easier it would be for a social worker to place a child with you.
Signing Off
The adoption process is not complete as soon as a child is placed in your home. The social worker will work with you and your child for six months after he is placed in your home. This allows you to contact her should any concerns arise, and help you work through the initial issues that can arise with adopting a new child.
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