International Adoptions Overview

General Information

All international adoptions by Canadian families are governed by the law of the province where the adoptive family resides as well as by the adoption law of the country where the child that is being adopted resides. Canada is also a signatory to the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption, which is generally known as the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption. The Convention establishes safeguards to ensure that international adoptions take place in the best interests of the child and it establishes a system of co-operation amongst Contracting States. The requirements of the Convention will apply where both countries are signatories.

Non-Relative Adoption

If you are a resident of Ontario, an international adoption of a child that is not related to you may fall under either the Child and Family Services Act or the Intercountry Adoption Act, depending on where the adoption is being finalized. In either case, you must register with an agency that is licensed by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services. If you wish to adopt an unrelated child, give us a call for an appointment to discuss your particular circumstances.

Relative Adoption

As per Ontario law, relative adoptions must also be approved by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services if the adoption is being completed in the child’s country of origin. If the adoption is being completed in Ontario after the child arrives in Canada, the requirements are similar but in other ways a little different. World View has extensive experience in carrying out relative adoptions from different parts of the world. Therefore, if you wish to adopt a child that is related to you, we can assist you in this process. If you would like to discuss your particular case, contact us for an appointment.