Adoption

If you are in a situation where you feel you are not able to care for your child, you may consider placing the baby for adoption. Adoption is a legal process where a child becomes a part of a new family with the permission of the birth parent(s). The three main types are:

•   Private adoption: birth parents or expectant parents are connected with families who wish to adopt with the help of a private agency or individual licensed by the government. 
•  Public adoption: birth parents or expectant parents are connected with families who wish to adopt, through the help of Children’s Aid Society.
• Adoption of a stepchild or relative: children are adopted by a step-parent or close relative. Unlike other types of adoption, the adoption can be done directly through an Ontario court. A licensed private adoption agency or licensed individual practitioner is not required.

For all types of adoption, there is no cost to the birth parents. There are also a variety of relationship arrangements depending on what contact (if any) the birth parents will have with the child.

The resources below offer more information about adopting in Ontario to learn more about your options and help you make a decision.

• Ontario.ca - Adoption

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• Planned Parenthood – Adoption as a Choice

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• Ontario.ca – Licensed agencies and individuals for private adopt