Frequently Asked Questions

Adoption

I asked, “Why me?”. My mother responded, “Maybe it was so that another deserving couple could have a baby they so desperately want”. I took her response to heart, and was able to choose the family to raise my baby through an open adoption. I got to meet and interview families, discuss how I wanted my child to be raised, and to what degree I wanted to be involved in my child’s life. Although it was hard, I am at peace with my decision.

  • Yes, choosing adoption is hard. A mother naturally connects with her child during pregnancy, so it will be an emotional time if you choose adoption. If you decide that you are unable to provide the kind of life you want for your baby or it is not the right time to become a parent, then adoption may be a good fit for you.

  • Private adoption:

    There are three types of private adoption: open, semi-open, and closed. In an open adoption, you are able to see the child at intervals, receive pictures, etc. In a semi-open adoption, you are able to receive pictures and information as updates from the adoptive parents. In a closed adoption, the baby is placed with the adoptive parents and no further communication is made with the birth parent. The birth parents choose what type of adoption would be best for them based on how much contact they would like to have.

    *Children placed with a family via a private adoption would not “get lost in the system” or enter foster care.

    Public Adoption:

    Public adoption occurs when children are placed for adoption through the Alberta government, abandoned, or apprehended. They may become wards of the province and be adopted by someone seeking adoption through the public system. This is separate from the private system which was described above.

  • The first step in creating an adoption plan is contacting an adoption agency. Currently there are 3 adoption agencies in Alberta: Amaris, Adoption Options, and Small Miracles Adoptions Agency. Next, an adoption social worker will help you evaluate what kind of a family and adoption type would work best for you. You will have the freedom to review profiles of prospective adoptive families to hand-pick a family for your child. You are able to choose the family that has your child’s best interests at heart where your baby will thrive. Having an adoption plan means that you, as the birth parent, have thoughtfully considered your decision and have a strategy to place your child with an adoptive family.

  • There are no fees or expenses charged to the birth parent. The adoption agency assists you throughout your adoption process. We can help you book an appointment with an adoption agency.

  • Yes, you can change your mind on whether to parent your child or place them for adoption. You can change your mind at any time leading up to the birth and for up to 10 days after you sign the consent for adoption.

  • Many people have strong feelings about adoption. We want you to remember that this decision is about what you think is best for yourself and your baby. If your family member has concerns about adoption, we are happy to speak with all of them to help calm their doubts and concerns.