Adopting a Child Privately

Introduction

When it comes to private adoption, there are two methods available: direct placement, step-parent or relative adoption, and licensed adoption agencies. Depending on the method chosen, the adoption process can take between 2 to 6 months from the time of filing the court application to receive an adoption order.

Private Adoption Process

To understand the processes and timelines for private adoption, a PDF of 43 KB is available for reference and information.

Direct Placement, Step-Parent or Relative Adoption

Look no further than direct placement, step-parent or relative adoption if you are interested in adopting a child from a spouse or relative, such as grandchild, niece, nephew, great-niece or nephew. If birth and adoptive families have a pre-existing arrangement to place a child, this method works for them.

Licensed Adoption Agencies

Choose licensed adoption agencies if you prefer adopting a child from Alberta via a private licensed adoption agency.

Eligibility

To adopt a child, you must meet specific requirements:

• You must be an Alberta resident
• You must be a minimum of 18 years old
• You must demonstrate financial and domestic stability

Costs

Direct Placements, Step-Parent or Relative Adoption

If you opt for self-arrangement, you can expect to pay photocopying charges, fees to obtain some documents, filing costs, and document service costs. Single or multiple children's documents' filing fee with the court is roughly $250.00. Licensed adoption agencies charge fees for their services, and sometimes a "Home Study Report" may be required, which can cost you approximately $3000.

Application Process

• Step 1. Choose an Application Process

  Choose direct placement, step-parent or relative adoption application if you plan to adopt the child from a spouse or relative. However, If you want to adopt through a licensed adoption agency, you must contact the agency directly.

• Step 2. Fill Out the Adoption Self-Help Kit

  Download the Adoption Self-Help Kit (PDF, 556 KB), which provides comprehensive information on how to complete the forms and supporting documents required for an Application for Adoption Order. Alternatively, you can purchase the kit from the King's Printer.

• Step 3. File Your Application with the Court of King’s Bench

  Find a Court of Kings Bench to file your adoption application, along with all supporting documents required. A filing fee of $250 applies.

• Step 4. Serve Notice of Your Application

  Serve the Application for Adoption Order personally to:

• These are the parties you must serve with a Notice of Application for Adoption Order:
• The child’s current guardian(s) other than yourself
• The biological father of the child
• If you are the sole guardian, the person who was the guardian before you
• The Minister of Alberta Children’s Services
• The child, if they are 12 years old or older

• Step 5. Complete and File an Affidavit of Service

  Fill out an affidavit for each person you serve using the Affidavit of Personal Service (PDF, 15KB).

  You must swear your affidavit in front of a Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public, or have the clerk of the court commission your affidavit.

  Submit the completed form to the court clerk within 10 days of serving the last person with the notice for the Application for Adoption Order.

Issues with PDF Forms

• If the fillable PDF forms are not opening on your mobile devices or web browsers:
• Download and save the form to your computer by clicking or right-clicking the link.
• Open the PDF form in Adobe Reader and fill it out.
• If you are still experiencing issues with the form, contact PDF form technical support.

Application Review

The court clerk will deliver your Application for Adoption Order to a judge for review. The judge may:

• Grant an Adoption Order
• Request additional information
• Order preparation of a Home Study Report
• Mandate a hearing to take place
• Dismiss your Application for Adoption Order

The court will notify you of the judge’s decision.

Licensed Adoption Agencies

A Small Miracle Adoption

Scotia Place, Tower 1

Suite 2020, 10060 Jasper Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8

Phone: 780-421-1177

Email: [email protected]

Website: Small Miracles Adoption

Adoption Options

Calgary

#207, 5940 MacLeod Trail SW

Calgary, Alberta T2H 2G4

Phone: 403-270-8228

Toll free: 1-888-277-8228

Email: [email protected]

Website: Adoption OptionsEdmonton

Welcome to Adoption Options, with locations in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta. For inquiries regarding adoption, please see the following contact information:

In Edmonton, please call 780-433-5656 or toll-free at 1-800-770-3023. You may also email us at [email protected] or visit our website at adoptionoptions.com.

For those located in Calgary, please call 403-256-3224 or toll-free at 1-877-256-3224. You may also reach us via email at [email protected] or visit our website at amarisadoption.com.

If you have already adopted a child in Alberta, you may be eligible for financial supports. Please note that eligibility varies by program.

If you require legal information pertaining to an adoption, please visit the Legal Advice - Lawyer Referral Service website or call toll-free at 1-800-661-1095. You may also call 403-228-1722 for those located in Calgary.

For additional resources related to adoption, please visit the Child and Youth Permanency Council of Canada website, as well as Canada's Waiting Children and Youth. Additionally, Alberta Health Services operates International Adoption Clinics in both Calgary and Edmonton.

If you have any further questions or comments, please connect with Alberta Adoption Services via their website at alberta.ca/contact-alberta-adoption-services.aspx. Thank you for considering Adoption Options and Amaris Adoption and Family Support Services.