Q. I've heard there is a lengthy waiting list to adopt a child?

A. There is no "waiting list" for persons interested in adopting the children seen on this Web site or in the media. Children are "matched" with the family who is best able to provide the appropriate care for them. There is a waiting list for families wishing to adopt healthy infants.

Q. Are there many children available for adoption in Alberta?

A. While there are very few healthy infants available, there are a number of older, special needs children available.

Q. Who are these "special needs" children that are available?

A. The children needing adoptive families are usually over the age of two, may be of mixed racial origin or may be part of a sibling group. Some of the children will have health problems, a physical or emotional disability, be developmentally delayed or have challenging behaviours.

The child might need:

• a special service for an existing condition or one that may develop because of family history.
• a special placement that is compatible with the child's age, culture or need to stay with siblings.

Q. Does it cost money to adopt these children?

A. Alberta Children's Services covers all the administrative costs of adopting a child who is in the care of the Ministry. Adoptions completed through private agencies, or any portion of an adoption that is completed by an agency (for example, a Home Assessment), will have fees attached. In addition, when completing Spousal, Relative or Adult adoptions, there are fees attached, which are the responsibility of the applicants.

Q. Do you have to own your own home and earn a high income?

A. No. You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient room and income to accommodate the child/children.

Q. What kind of help can I expect if I adopt a "special needs child?

A. Adopting a special needs child is challenging. Post Adoption Supports are available to families adopting these children. If a child needs special services, families can be reimbursed for the costs of the services necessary to meet the child's needs, when no other program is available to help. If a child's needs can best be met by a family who requires financial help, Post Adoption Supports can assist the family in covering the child's day to day living expenses. The family's size and income are considered when determining a family's eligibility for financial support. Adoption workers can also assist the family in locating appropriate groups or organizations for personal support.

Q. Can single people adopt?

A. Yes. In some cases, a single applicant is considered the best choice for a child being "matched" for adoption.

Q. What is the process that I will need to go through to adopt?

A. Applicants for special needs children are required to attend training sessions. A Social Worker will then be assigned to do a family assessment to decide what kind of child would best fit into your family. You will be considered for placement of a child once you have been approved. If the adoption professionals determine that you are the best match for a given child, you will be provided with additional information about the child. If it is agreed that you wish to proceed, a placement plan is prepared. The child and your family will be gradually introduced and integrated. After a period of time when you and the Social Worker are satisfied that your family is adjusting satisfactorily, arrangements are made to finalize the adoption in court.

Q. Who finalizes the Adoption?

A. Your social worker will prepare the required documents and arrange to file them with the court in order to obtain your Adoption Order. If the child is over 12, the child is required to provide his or her consent to the adoption. You and the child may be required to attend court.

Q. Where can I get more information on Adoption?

A. Contact the office of the Child and Family Service Authority that serves your area.