Intercountry Adoption Program

Intercountry Adoption Program i

Use of this Guide This guide is intended to help Saskatchewan residents who are interested in adopting through the Intercountry Adoption Program to gain some knowledge and understanding of the processes involved with an intercountry adoption, and to provide information to them as they work through the Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement & Workbook. The application/workbook will help form the basis for your adoption plan, and will help the Ministry understand how to better assist you. Prospective adoptive applicants are encouraged to read through this Guide thoroughly before contacting a Ministry adoption worker. The Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement & Workbook are only available from a Ministry of Social Services worker, and should only be completed by applicants once they have had an initial discussion with a Ministry worker and have read through this guide. Once a completed application/workbook is received, the Ministry worker will contact the prospective applicants in order to set up a time to review the application/ workbook in person. Applicants cannot undertake the home study process until they have been approved by the Ministry worker to proceed. ii ADO-1 Reprinted: 01/13

Table of contents Overview...1 Intercountry Adoption Laws...2 Requirements for an Intercountry Adoption...3 Role of the Provincial Government...4 Role of Citizenship and Immigration...5 Applicant Eligibility Requirements...7 The Home Study Report...8 Motivation to Adopt...11 Changes to Applicant Circumstances...12 Child Proposals...15 Children Available for Adoption...16 Range of Acceptance...18 Adoption Agencies...19 Post-Placement Reports...20 Expenses...21 The Intercountry Adoption Process...22 Final Notes...25 Where to Call...25 iii

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Overview Adoption is the permanent, legal transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities for a child from the State or birth parents to adoptive parents. It is considered a fundamental right and in a child s best interest to remain with his or her biological family and to be raised by his or her biological parent(s), or to remain in his or her country of origin. When this is not possible, adoption may be one of the many permanency planning options available for that child. The decision to raise a child, whether biological or adopted, is always a serious matter requiring careful consideration. A successful adoption that is in the best interests of the child requires genuine cooperation and respect for the rights and needs of all parties involved. Adoption is a major, life-changing event that affects all members of the adoption circle. Over the course of their lifetime, birth parents, adoptive parents and children of adoption will encounter and deal with important issues related to the adoption. The primary focus with any adoption is always on the best interests of the child. The legal processes and procedures involved with adoption are set in place to protect and safeguard these interests, as well as those of the birth and adoptive families. This guide will provide prospective adoptive parents in Saskatchewan with general information about the requirements and processes involved with adopting a child from a country other than Canada, referred to as an intercountry adoption. It will also serve as a companion document in helping fill out the Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement & Workbook. 1

Intercountry Adoption Laws The Intercountry (Hague Convention) Implementation Act, ratified in 1997, The Adoption Act, 1998 and the Adoption Regulations govern intercountry adoption activity in Saskatchewan. In May 1993, over 60 countries, including Canada, reached agreement on the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (commonly called The Hague Convention). The Convention safeguards the best interests and fundamental rights of children in adoption by setting international standards and procedures between a child s country of origin and the adoptive parent s country of residence. It is intended to prevent abuses such as abduction, sale or trafficking of children, and improper or other financial gain. The Convention requires each contracting State to designate a central authority to discharge the duties and standards imposed by the Convention, which in Saskatchewan is the Ministry of Social Services. These standards have been enacted as law in our province and apply to all intercountry adoptions, including relative adoptions and adoptions of children from countries that do not participate in the Convention. Most countries have laws in place regarding who may make arrangements to place children for adoption. Countries where adoption has been unregulated have had the most problems with unscrupulous or unethical adoption practices. Copies of all provincial legislation pertaining to intercountry adoption can be found online at the Queen s Printer, which can be accessed at http://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/. The Hague website can be accessed at http://www.hcch.net. 2

Requirements for an Intercountry Adoption Under the Hague Convention, an intercountry adoption can only take place once it has been established that: the child s country has deemed that the child is legally eligible to be adopted; resources within the child s country have not been identified and intercountry adoption is in the child s best interests; the prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suitable to adopt; the central authorities in both countries agree to the adoption; and the child can be authorized to enter and permanently reside in Canada. Adoption authorities in the child s country of origin are responsible for establishing when a child can be legally adopted. As in Saskatchewan, certain conditions are expected to include: full and informed counseling of the effects of adoption for the birth parents; proper legal consents without any influence; due consideration to the possibilities for placement of the child within the child s country of origin; confirmation that intercountry adoption is in the child s best interests; and due counseling and consideration of the child s wishes and opinions based on the age and maturity of the child. Adoption authorities in Saskatchewan are required to ensure that prospective adoptive parents are eligible and suitable for adoption and that they have received the counseling and information they require. They must also have assurance that the child is, or is likely to be, authorized to enter and reside 3

permanently in Canada. This applies to every intercountry adoption whether or not the child is known, not known, related or unrelated to the prospective adoptive parents. Saskatchewan residents must apply to Saskatchewan Social Services for approval for intercountry child placement and must complete a home study. Social Services may place terms and conditions on the approval of applicants and for intercountry child placement. Prospective adoptive parents are expected to research information applicable to their own needs. They are encouraged to seek sources of information such as books and internet websites, adoption support groups and experienced adoptive parents or professionals who can provide relevant information based on their adoptive experiences. Role of the Provincial Government Saskatchewan Social Services is responsible for child welfare in the province and oversees all adoption activity. With respect to intercountry adoptions, Social Services approves intercountry adoption placement based on the home study report, supporting documents and recommendation by the adoption worker and independent practitioner. Legislation regarding intercountry adoption as it applies to Saskatchewan residents can be found in The Adoption Act, 1998, and The Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) Implementation Act. The Ministry of Social Services, in the role of central authority, is responsible for: 4 approving the case plans of all prospective applicants; notifying applicants when they are eligible to undertake the home study process; ensuring compliance of the home study report and accompanying documents (known as the dossier) before

they are sent to the agency or foreign country; ensuring that the proposed adoption is in accordance with the laws in Saskatchewan, as well as with the laws in the child s country of origin; assisting in arranging placement of the child when able; providing other services for adoptive parents as they move through the adoption process; and educating and accrediting the independent practitioners. The Ministry of Social Services cannot : locate a child or children available for adoption in other jurisdictions or foreign countries; become directly involved in the adoption process of another country; order that an adoption take place; or order that a visa be issued. Role of Citizenship and Immigration There are two processes that applicants must go through in order to adopt a child from another country: the adoption process and the immigration process. To determine whether or not a child is authorized to enter and reside permanently in Canada, prospective adoptive parents must make application to Citizenship and Immigration Canada. In cases that are subject to the Hague Convention, the Ministry of Social Services must agree to the child s placement before the adoption can take place. Once a sponsorship application has been approved, the Case Processing Centre (CIC) will write to the Ministry to issue a Notification of Agreement to the adoption. This notification is sent directly by the province to the visa office abroad. 5

The visa office will notify the Ministry when the child has met the immigration requirements and is ready to be issued a visa. The adoption procedures can be finalized if the adoption takes place in the country of origin, or the child will be entrusted to the adoptive applicants if the adoption will proceed in Canada. In cases that are not subject to the Hague Convention, the CIC will write to the province to request a Letter of No Objection. Where a home study and specific information are required, for the issuance of the letter, the Ministry will review the home study and the information before issuing the appropriate letter and forwarding it to the Canadian visa office abroad. The visa office will process the case and ensure that the child meets immigration requirements. When this process is finalized, the visa office will verify the adoption or legal custody papers and the travel document and issue and immigrant visa to the child. Applicants must contact CIC in order to obtain information on the processes and requirements that would be specific to their case. Applicant Eligibility Requirements In order for Saskatchewan residents to make an application to adopt a child from outside Canada, they must show proof of: Saskatchewan Residency; and Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency Status. 6 Countries outside Canada may have eligibility requirements of the adoptive applicants that may be different than those

for residents of Saskatchewan who adopt domestically. While completing your application, you must research these eligibility requirements on your own and show that you understand and accept these parameters as set by the foreign country. It is important to note that the Ministry of Social Services cannot influence the regulations of another jurisdiction, or order that exceptions be made for any individual resident of Saskatchewan. When identifying a country from which to adopt, prospective adoptive parents should research all that country s eligibility requirements. The following are examples of some common requirements that foreign countries will place on the approval of applicants: age some countries may limit the minimum or maximum age for applicants, or they may limit the minimum or maximum age difference between the applicants and the child eligible for adoption; relationship status some countries may allow only heterosexual married couples to apply; gender in the case of a single applicant, some countries may accept only applications from females; and religion some countries may allow only people of a certain religion or faith to apply. Prospective adoptive parents are also asked to research and consider these other factors: financial costs; expected waiting times; the special needs of children from other countries with respect to their culture, ethnicity, race and linguistic background; 7

the special needs of children from other countries with respect to their pre and post-natal development and environment; health trends that may impact foreign countries; the unique or inherent personality, disposition, strengths and limitations of any child; the potential for lack of information on the child; and the risk of unpredictable circumstances occurring in the adoption process. The Home Study Report The home study is a process that identifies the interests, motivation, suitability, eligibility and ability of prospective adoptive parents. Information to be detailed may include family background and medical history, acceptance of and knowledge of other cultures, races and traditions, personality, education, financial ability and community participation. Counseling is part of the home study process, and may be done on either an individual or a group basis. Home studies include a combination of several joint and individual personal interviews with the prospective adoptive parents and any other persons living in the home. The home study process helps to educate and prepare prospective adoptive parents. Home studies cannot be completed in less than a four-week period, and most will take at least three months to complete. 8 The home study process begins when your adoption worker confirms that your application has been approved to proceed. Upon this confirmation, your adoption worker will provide you with a list of independent practitioners (IPs) who are available to meet with you and commence the home study process. The adoption worker will notify the IP when the home study process can be undertaken.

Independent practitioners are professionally accredited social workers who are licensed by the Ministry of Social Services to complete both home studies and post-placement reports. IPs charge fees for their services that are within a range that is acceptable for professional practice. IPs will manage their time and availability according to their own workload or other pressures. There are a minimum number of interviews, both joint and individual, that an IP must complete with applicants. The IP, however, will reserve the right to conduct as many interviews as necessary or required beyond the minimum in order to obtain the information required to complete a thorough assessment. The home study must contain current information when submitted to another country. Generally, this information cannot be more than six months old. Foreign authorities, however, may specify how often home study information must be updated. Applicants must be aware of any such requirements, and must be prepared to cover the costs associated with updating a home study. Within the home study, the information you will be required to share includes, but is not limited to your: reasons or motivation for wanting to adopt; family background information, including any biological or adopted children you already have; level of education; occupation; personality; physical and emotional or mental health status; personal and interpersonal relationships; financial situation; community and community participation; personal supports (supports for adoption); and 9

range of acceptance with regards to preference for age or age groups, number of children or sibling groups, gender and health or special needs of a child. Although the home study forms the basis of your adoption dossier, you will also be required to submit some or all of the following documents: Application form from the other country (if required); Certified copy of Birth Certificate for each prospective adoptive applicant; Copy of Marriage Certificate/Divorce Decree as applicable; Physician s Medical Report for each applicant (some countries have their own medical report forms that they require applicants to have completed); Criminal Record Check for each applicant and any other individuals who reside in the home who are over the age of 18; Child welfare background checks for each applicant and any other individuals who reside in the home who are over the age of 18; Reference check information for five (5) individuals. The IP will seek letters of support from these individuals, and will follow up with them either in person or by phone. Countries may specify who they want the references from, which will usually include clergy, employers and members of the immediate family or community. Income Tax Return or other documents indicating financial capability; Psychological evaluation by licensed psychiatrist or psychologist (if applicable); 10

Letter from Saskatchewan Social Services confirming approval for child placement; Confirmation of willingness to provide post-placement or progress reports; and Recent photos of applicants, their immediate family and community surroundings. These should be on sheets no larger than 8 ½ x 11 inches, and should be able to fit into a flat album. The country may specify the type and number of photographs required. Foreign countries can and often do require different information, and it is up to applicants to ensure that they are aware of what documents are required to complete the adoption package or dossier. Document preparation may include translation by an accredited translator, notarization by a Notary Public, legalization and certification or authentication by the provincial Lieutenant Governor and the foreign Embassy or Consulate. The costs associated with completing any of the above are the responsibility of the applicants. Motivation to Adopt Applicants who apply to the Intercountry Adoption Program will be asked to comment on their motivation in the application/workbook and will discuss their responses with a Ministry worker. Once approved to undertake the home study process, applicants will again be asked to review their motivations to adopt with their chosen IP as this forms an integral part of the home study report. There are a variety of reasons why people decide to adopt, and will have visions of what they want their family to look like and how adoption might help them achieve this vision. Unrealistic expectations often result in dissatisfaction, disappointment and, potentially, adoption disruption or 11

breakdown. The IP will help you explore your vision and assess the reality of your expectations. All family members involved in an adoption plan must be committed to the process. Successful adoptive parenting requires consistent support, commitment and involvement from all family members. A considerable lack of involvement by one parent can greatly increase the stress on the involved parent. Prospective adoptive applicants will be asked to share issues such as infertility with their IP, and will be expected to demonstrate how they have addressed these issues. It is important to stress that children have the right, and it is preferable for them, to remain with their family of origin. It is also their right, as well as preferable, for children to remain within their communities or countries of origin when at all possible in order to maintain familial and cultural ties. Intercountry placement should only occur when a child s country of origin does not have the resources to place the child within that country. Changes to Applicant Circumstances Children, whether they are biological, adopted or placed with you through some other form of guardianship arrangement, respond or react to change in a variety of ways. Some may make adjustments with very little disruption happening to the family unit overall, while some may have a difficult time with the change and so may require special supports. A key component to any adoption plan should be consideration for how any potential disruption will be managed. 12

Children who come from other countries face a variety of issues in coming to Canada. They can be affected by such factors as weather or climate change, but they can also be affected by more serious changes related to the loss of what was familiar to them such as family and community or home. Studies show that even infants can be negatively impacted by such changes or losses. As a result, children may exhibit a variety of behaviours, some that can be considered challenging, in an attempt to communicate such feelings as frustration, anxiety or mistrust of the new people in their lives. All this can lead to difficulties with the child attaching to the adoptive parents, or, in a worst case scenario, it can lead to adoption disruption or breakdown. Applicants are asked to research the concepts of attachment and family adjustment as they apply to adoption, and will be asked to comment on their understanding in their application/ workbook. Adoption disruption does not often occur, but there remains a period of adjustment after an adoption that is crucial in helping foster attachment between the adoptive parents and the child, and to allow the family overall the time to adjust to the change in the family constellation and to build relationships. Families will need to be prepared with supports for any potential disruptions or issues with child behaviour that may arise. The Ministry of Social Services observes, in the best interests of a child, that placement times between children who are adopted or who enter the home through birth or some form of guardianship arrangement, should be maintained in order to allow for adjustment. Based on supporting literature, it is suggested that the developmental needs of a child experiencing adoption adjustment difficulties can vary. The Ministry, therefore, observes a twelve month wait time between the placements of children. 13

Intercountry home studies cannot be undertaken by applicants who are expecting a child of their own, or who are expecting child placement through a separate adoption plan or some other form of guardianship arrangement. If applicants find out that they are expecting during the home study process, then they must notify their adoption worker so that a review of their circumstances, in consultation with the independent practitioner, may be undertaken. The adoption worker will notify the foreign authority of the pregnancy or child placement. Prospective applicants must also disclose to the adoption worker any changes in other personal circumstances that may occur during the home study process. Such changes may include, but are not limited to, changes in domestic partnership/marriage (e.g., separation or divorce), changes in residency, death of a domestic partner/spouse, change in health status of one or both applicants, additions to the household, changes to employment or income, and a change in range of acceptance. Again, the adoption worker will review the change of circumstances in consultation with the adoptive applicants and, if necessary, the independent practitioner. The director for the Provincial Adoption Program has the ability, according to The Adoption Act, 1998, to impose any conditions on applicants that would be considered appropriate or as being in the best interests of a child. Waiting periods between child placements or after some other significant change to the family unit are supported by most child welfare jurisdictions across Canada and foreign countries. An update to the home study report will be required after any significant changes, and any costs associated with such updates will be the complete responsibility of the applicants. 14

Child Proposals It is the responsibility of the child welfare authority in the child s country of origin to determine which children are eligible for intercountry adoption placement and to govern this process. All countries are to make efforts to find a suitable adoptive family for a child within its own country prior to permitting adoption by foreign adoptive parents. Neither the Ministry of Social Services nor the adoptive applicants can have any influence over this process. Adoptive applicants: should not have any knowledge of a child available for adoption prior to receiving a child proposal; cannot apply to adopt a specific child except in the case where they are applying to adopt a relative; and cannot undertake a private adoption, or arrange an adoption in private with an agency or individual who is not legally accredited to provide adoption services in that country. Prospective adoptive applicants are cautioned to be aware of any children who are advertised or proposed for adoption through websites, email or any other means other than through a child welfare authority or designate. The Ministry of Social Services receives all child proposal information from the foreign country first and will review it jointly with applicants before applicants make a decision on whether or not to accept. 15

Children Available for Adoption Most children identified for intercountry adoption have experienced events in their short lives that are to some degree traumatic. Events that significantly impact a child s development include, but are not limited to: being separated from their biological parents and extended family; living in an orphanage or institutional setting; not receiving adequate pre and post-natal care, healthy stimulation or health care services; and being exposed to diseases and health problems that have been virtually eliminated in Canada, including malnutrition, parasites, tuberculosis and Hepatitis B. Adoptive applicants should acquaint themselves with health issues that impact women of child-bearing age in the countries from which they hope to adopt. In addition to health trends, adoptive applicants should also be aware of what societal problems or issues exist, and how these may impact the child. For example: 16 The incidence rate of alcoholism and domestic violence in many Eastern European countries remains high. Pre and post-natal healthcare in these countries is not readily accessible for many women and, as a result, certain conditions such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ARND) may go largely undiagnosed or unsuspected in a child, particularly if a birth mother s medical history does not indicate her alcohol use during pregnancy. Some reports indicate that while every two in one thousand (2/1000) children in North America are affected by FAS, every two in one hundred (2/100) children in Eastern Europe are affected (World Health Organization).

Hepatitis B remains endemic in China. It is estimated that approximately 10 per cent of China s population is infected with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). While vaccination against HBV for newborns in China is now free, it remains inaccessible for children who are born in remote or rural areas where poverty exists and there is limited access to hospitals or health institutions. As a result, many children born in China do not receive the vaccine at a time in their development that is crucial. HBV is transmitted through bodily fluids, and can lead to future problems with liver function if left untreated (World Health Organization). The Hague Convention requires the child s country of origin to prepare a report regarding the child s needs, health, development and background. Although there may be very little health, medical or background information available, it is important that prospective adoptive parents: have as much information as possible about the circumstances and events of a child s life and that they consult with their doctor or other child development specialist before they make a decision to parent an adopted child; understand there are no guarantees regarding the future health and development of a child. Birth parent and family history of children who come from foreign countries can be significantly unknown or unavailable, so a child s predisposition to certain disorders or conditions may not be diagnosed or predicted at birth or at a young age; and carefully research the history and health trends of the country from which they hope to adopt and consider them against the possible future support requirements of an adopted child. Prospective adoptive applicants must be aware of the risks associated with adopting children from abroad, and must be prepared to fully support an adopted child s future needs. 17

Research to date indicates that most children adopted from other countries do overcome past difficulties and make significant developmental progress with the dedicated caring and commitment of an adoptive family; however, some children will have long-term developmental and behavioural issues. Applicants should give consideration to the potential future needs of a child, and should be fully prepared to provide life-long support. Note: If you are making application for a relative adoption, either you or your representative (agency or legal counsel) must seek verification from the child s State that he or she is eligible for adoption. Range of Acceptance Range of acceptance refers to what adoptive applicants are willing to accept in a child. Range refers to age or age range preference, gender preference, willingness to adopt a sibling group, and willingness to adopt a child with special needs. On the Application for Child Placement, adoptive applicants are asked to fill out information regarding what they are willing to accept in a child. Foreign adoption authorities who are responsible for proposing children for adoption will use this information in considering a child/ren that could potentially be proposed. It important that applicants take time to understand and know what type of child it is that they wish to consider, and then research the types of children who are available for adoption in their country of choice. 18 The Ministry of Social Services does not allow more than one child to be adopted at a time through the Intercountry Adoption Program except in the case of a sibling adoption. The Ministry of Social Services defines siblings or sibling groups as only biological brothers and sisters who are related by blood. No other type of relationship, even if there is a

degree of consanguinity or blood relation, will be considered for adoption. Some countries do have waiting children programs that can be accessed. These programs often profile children who are harder to place because they are older, or because they have some type of known medical or health issue or concern. It is up to adoptive applicants to fully understand any such programs in which they become interested, and to fully understand what the long-term support requirements might be for a child with special needs. Adoptive applicants must ensure that they are both financially and emotionally able to provide long-term, ongoing support. Adoption Agencies There are no adoption agencies accredited to provide intercountry adoption services in Saskatchewan. However, there are accredited adoption agencies in other jurisdictions that will accept clients from outside their areas. Prospective adoptive applicants in Saskatchewan are not required by law to use an accredited adoption agency, but many find that using the services of an agency for some countries can streamline the process considerably. Please note that some countries may require you to use an agency located in another jurisdiction that they license in order to facilitate the adoption of their children. Agencies often specialize in providing services for the adoption of children from one or two countries, enabling them to be well-versed in adoption matters from those particular countries and to respond quickly to demands or emerging issues that affect prospective adoptive parents. Processes such as document preparation and travel and accommodation arrangements are usually handled quite routinely by agencies. 19

When prospective adoptive parents are doing their initial research, they are encouraged to contact agencies that specialize with a country from where they are interested in adopting. Most agencies welcome requests for information about their services and references from those who have already received services from them. They understand the need to provide verification of their license and terms of approval and to outline their specific services and all related fees. Prospective adoptive parents who decide to use an agency should check with a number of accredited agencies to gain an understanding about the services available and associated fees. When prospective applicants indicate that they wish to use the services of an agency, the Ministry of Social Services adoption worker will verify the agency s authorization and obtain information from the adoption authority who licensed the agency if necessary. The Ministry of Social Services can neither recommend nor endorse any particular agency. Post-Placement Reports You must agree to have post-placement reports completed as part of the adoption process in your initial Application for Child Placement. Post-placement reports are completed after a child has been placed in your home. Most countries require a minimum of two post-placement reports that are due at certain intervals after child placement, though foreign countries may specify what their expectations around the completion and receipt of these reports are as well as who is responsible of completing and submitting them. 20

Post-placement reports are intended to: let the country of origin know how the placement has been progressing; help measure the developmental progress of the child(ren); and help identify any issues requiring further support. It is often requested that photos of the family be part of these reports. In Saskatchewan, the independent practitioners complete the post-placement reports with the family. Some countries require an accredited social worker to complete such reports, and it is up to the adoptive parents to ensure that their IP is an accredited social worker as not all IPs hold this particular designation. Adoptive parents are required to know when reports are due or at what intervals, and will need to contact an IP well in advance in order to complete them. All costs associated with the completion of these reports are the responsibility of the adoptive applicants. Expenses The Hague Convention states under article 32, No one shall derive improper financial or other gain from activity related to an intercountry adoption. Only costs and expenses, including reasonable professional fees of a person involved with the adoption, may be charged or paid. The directors, administrators and employees of bodies involved in an adoption shall not receive remuneration which is unreasonably high in relation to services rendered. Expenses for intercountry adoption are usually substantial and are the responsibility of the prospective applicants. 21

Fees vary by the country chosen, or the program or agency with which you become involved. Individuals considering intercountry adoption should create a list of all the items required and estimated costs before proceeding, and should receive quotes from agencies that itemize all expected costs or fees. Social Services is not involved in setting fees or costs associated with intercountry adoption. Expenses may include, but are not limited to, costs and fees for: home study report and post-placement documents; travel and accommodation away from home (you should check the requirements the country you have chosen has for the length of stay in the country after you have accepted a child proposal and before the child can travel to Canada); agency use including legal consultation; document and report preparation; medical and psychological reports; translation and document authentication; immigration processing fees (check with Citizenship and Immigration Canada); and child foster or medical care. The Intercountry Adoption Process 22 The adoption and immigration processes can occur almost simultaneously. As these two processes proceed, other tasks requiring detailed planning also become evident. These processes include educating yourself about adoption and child development and the requirements for a particular country.

The processes and requirements vary by country; however, the following steps are necessary for most intercountry adoptions: 1 Prospective adoptive parents research information about intercountry adoption, and seek information about programs available through accredited agencies in Canada. There is a tremendous amount of information about intercountry adoption, so it is important for applicants to identify credible sources of information and to talk to others who have experience with intercountry adoption. 2 Prospective adoptive parents determine whether parenting an adopted child is the right choice for them. They should identify strengths and limitations as parents, and consider how they could successfully provide for the unique or special needs of a child adopted from another country and how this will impact their family at the time of child placement and in the future. 3 Prospective adoptive parents work on their adoption plan by first speaking with an adoption worker, and then by completing the application. Following this, they must meet with a Ministry adoption worker in person to discuss the processes for an intercountry adoption as well as the applicants eligibility. 4 Prospective adoptive parents receive approval to undertake with the home study process, and then determine who will be completing the home study. The Ministry of Social Services will notify the IP that he or she can begin the process. Either the IP or the adoption worker will begin to gather the required information for completing the adoption dossier. Applicants whose adoption plans are not approved to undertake the home study process will discuss the non-approval and options with a Ministry adoption worker. 23

5 When the home study is complete and the adoption worker has verified that all eligibility requirements for both Saskatchewan and the foreign country have been met, then either the adoption worker or the agency involved will ensure that the dossier is complete and ready to be sent to the foreign adoption authority. Prospective adoptive parents should continue to prepare for the adoption while waiting for a child to be identified (child proposal). 6 When the foreign authority submits a child proposal, the adoption worker reviews it with the adoptive applicants. The adoptive applicants are requested to consult with other professionals, such as family physicians, who can help assess the child s circumstances. The applicants then make a decision on whether or not to accept the proposal. 7 If the adoptive applicants decide to accept the child proposal, then they complete the necessary acceptance documents and await notice and approval from the foreign authority. Approval time frames vary by country. Applicants should plan for travel and accommodation for activation on short notice. 8 Adoptive applicants travel to the other country to meet and bring their child home and to complete any other requirements necessary for the adoption. In some countries, prospective applicants may attend the adoption hearing or visit the adoption authorities. When in the foreign country, adoptive parents should take every opportunity to learn more about the child, his or her birth family, place of birth, etc., and should record this information and take pictures. 24

9 Upon return to Canada, adoptive parents are required to participate in the completion of follow-up reports. If an order of adoption was not granted in the child s country of origin, then an application is made in Saskatchewan. If an order was granted by a court in the child s country of origin and it is substantially similar in effect to an order in Saskatchewan, then nothing further is required. Final Notes An adjustment period is necessary for an adoptive family and a newly adopted child. Adoptive parents should ensure that resources are in place for the child and the family, and should inform others of their needs as required. A Ministry worker is available to discuss any issues you may have upon the completion of your adoption. Throughout life, adopted children and parents will experience a variety of issues at different developmental stages. Being prepared and informed will help in dealing with the challenges of parenting. For More Information Interested applicants can receive further information by contacting 306-787-3654 (in Regina) or 1-800-667-7539, or by writing to: Intercountry Adoption Program Ministry of Social Services 10th Floor 1920 Broad Street Regina, SK S4P 3V6 25

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