What does it mean?

To adopt privately means to adopt a child without any facilitation by Alberta adoption authorities, or the involvement of licensed Alberta adoption agencies except in the completion of a Home Assessment Report.

Fewer countries are allowing Private International Adoption. In those countries where the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption has been adopted, Private Adoption is not possible.

Relative Adoptions from the Philippines must be completed under the Hague Convention, not through domestic adoption processed in the Regional Trial Court. The information package may also be requested by contacting Adoption Services at (780) 422-0178, or fax (780) 427-2048.

Private Relative Adoption

A completed Questionnaire for Relative Adoption Applicants must be submitted with any government or Hague jurisdiction international adoption application where the applicant(s) intend to adopt a child to whom they are related.

Obtaining the Adoption Order

Unless the child is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, the Adoption Order must be obtained in the child's country as it cannot be filed in an Alberta Court of Queen's Bench. Therefore, all privately arranged international adoptions must be finalized in the child's country. A child adopted in another country may enter Canada as a member of the adoptive family, subject to immigration provisions.

International Adoption Statistics

Private Non-Relative Adoption

Many countries do not allow the adoption of their children by foreigners. Some allow only government facilitated adoptions or Guardianship Orders. Alberta has no role in the Private Guardianship process.

Applicants must first make sure that the child's country allows private international adoptions and obtain all requirements to finalize the order in the foreign jurisdiction. Contact the appropriate foreign embassy or consulate in Canada for information. Also ensure that Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will allow the child to enter Canada as a permanent resident after the adoption is granted. If the child's country has implemented the Hague Convention, it will not be possible to process a private adoption.

Even if a Home Assessment Report is not required to finalize the order in the child's country, it is required by Canada Immigration in order to sponsor the child. Complete an International Adoption Application  (ADOP2777) form to obtain authorization for a Home Assessment Report through a licensed private Alberta adoption agency. The completed Home Assessment Report must be reviewed and approved by Adoption Services. A letter of provincial approval will be provided in order to validate the Home Assessment Report.

For immigration purposes, you will need a Letter of No Involvement from Adoption Services. This letter indicates that Alberta Children's Services did not arrange your private adoption but that our Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act recognizes adoptions finalized according to the legislation of other jurisdictions.

Once you obtain the adoption order in the child's country:

• if necessary, have the order translated into English, preferably by a certified translator

• supply a copy of the order and the translation by mail or fax (780-427-2048) to Adoption Services.

Adoption Services sends a Letter of No Involvement to the Canadian Embassy abroad with a copy to you.

Edmonton Adoption Clinic

The Edmonton Adoption Clinic is a resource for adoptive parents both pre and post adoption. A team of professionals headed by Dr. Cecilia Baxter is dedicated to consulting and supporting adoptive families. For more information see Edmonton Adoption Clinic brochure.