Getting started with adoption can be exciting and overwhelming — and that’s normal. There are many types of adoption, and the costs and timelines are different for each one. Luckily, most types of adoption follow a similar path. You’ve come to the right place to get started, understand what to expect and where to go next.
Adoption eligibility
The province of British Columbia has made sure that a wide range of people may become adoptive parents. Prospective parents must be 19 or older, and have lived in BC for six months or more. You may adopt a child or youth on your own or with a partner, regardless of your marital status, employment, sexual orientation, disability, or home ownership status.
In BC, prospective parents can adopt from government (foster) care, a local infant program, or an international program. Another common type of adoption is when a relative or step-parent adopts their family member or step-child. If birth parents want to place their child with someone they know, who isn’t family, they can choose a direct placement adoption.
It may be possible to adopt a child who lives in another Canadian province. Every province has different rules, and a licensed adoption agency in BC will be able to tell you what they are.
Adopting a child or youth living in another country
For prospective parents looking to adopt from another country, it’s important to keep in mind that each country may have its own guidelines and considerations that are different from British Columbia. Some considerations include age, marital status, health, income, religion, sexual orientation, and the composition of your household.
Preparing record checks
Nearly all types of adoption ask applicants to complete the same set of record checks. This is to ensure that children and youth are safely matched with suitable families. A complete set of record checks typically includes:
- a criminal record check
- references from friends and family members
- a medical screening form from your doctor
- a “prior contact check” from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) — this pulls up your history of child protection reports and MCFD services you’ve used
- a homestudy by the Ministry of Child and Family Development or your adoption agency
Adoption costs and timelines
Here, you can get a sense of the costs associated with different types of adoption, and how long you might expect it to take.
Adopting a waiting child or youth from foster care
If you’re interested in adopting a child or youth who is in foster care (also known as government care), you’ll need to work with the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD).
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Estimated costs
- Criminal record check (~$25)
- Adoption Education Program registration fee ($95)
Estimated time
- 2 to 3 years or more
More information
- Adopt from BC Foster Care (MCFD website)
- Post Adoption Assistance
Adopting a foster child or youth in your care (for foster parents)
If you’re a foster parent who wants to adopt a child or youth in your care, you’ll need to work with the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD).
Estimated costs
- Adoption Education Program registration fee ($95)
Estimated time
- Varies widely – may take months to years.
More information
- Adopting a foster child (BC Foster Parents Association website)
- Post Adoption Assistance
Adopting an infant in BC (local infant adoption)
If you’re interested in adopting a baby or young child in BC, you’ll need to work with a licensed adoption agency.
Estimated costs
- $30,000 and up, which includes:
- Criminal record check
- Adoption education program
- Homestudy
- Legal fees
- Court filing fees
- Post-placement visits
- Travel costs
Estimated time
- 18 months to 3 years, sometimes more
More information
Adopting internationally
If you’re interested in adopting a child from another country, you’ll need to work with one of BC’s licensed adoption agencies. This is true even if you’re adopting a child who is related to you.
Estimated costs
- $30,000 to $100,000, which includes:
- Criminal record check
- Adoption education program
- Homestudy
- BC adoption agency fees
- International partner agency fees
- Orphanage donation
- In-country consultant
- Lawyer fees
- Travel costs – up to a few trips to the child’s country.
- Residency costs – you may need to live in the child’s country for some time.
Estimated time
- 2-5 years, sometimes more
More information
Adopting a relative or stepchild within British Columbia
If you’re interested in adopting a relative or step-child within British Columbia, you’ll need to work with a lawyer and make an application to the courts. In some cases, you may also need to involve the Ministry of Children and Family Development or an adoption agency.
See the International adoption section if you want to adopt a relative who lives in another country.
Estimated costs
- Varies widely
- Legal fees
- Views of the Child report (if the child is between the ages of 7 and 11)
Estimated time
- Varies
More information
Adopting a child or youth you know (but are not related to)
This is also known as direct placement adoption. You’ll need to work with a lawyer and a licensed adoption agency.
Estimated costs
- At least $10,000
- Pre-placement assessment
- Legal fees
- Other fees
Estimated time
- Varies widely
Adult adoption
You may adopt a person who is 19 or older if you cared for them before they turned 19. You’ll need to apply to the courts and work with a lawyer.
Indigenous custom adoption
Many Indigenous communities have their own ways of adopting children. These ways have existed for much longer than today’s child welfare and legal systems. “Custom adoption” is the English term for these traditional adoptions. Indigenous communities have their own terms in their languages. Custom adoptions ensure that Indigenous children grow up within their own cultures.
It is possible to have a custom adoption legally recognized under British Columbia law. To the best of our knowledge, this requires going through the courts. Contacting a lawyer, or an elder from your community if you are Indigenous, is a good first step.
Adopting an embryo (embryo donation)
Embryo donation is sometimes referred to as “embryo adoption.” This is a form of assisted reproduction and involves working with a fertility clinic.
Estimated costs
- Up to $20,000 per cycle for:
- Fertility clinic fees
- Medication
- Treatment fees
Estimated time
- Varies
Placing a child or youth as a birth parent
If you’re a parent who wants to place a child or youth for adoption, you’ll probably need to work with a licensed adoption agency.
Estimated costs
- No cost to you
- Pre-placement counselling is covered
Estimated time
- You can place your baby with an adoptive family at birth or any time afterwards
- Baby must be 10 days old before you can sign paperwork consenting to adoption
- You have up to 30 days to change your mind after consenting
More information
- Adoption counselling
- More supports
- Consent in the Adoption Act
Donating an embryo
This is a form of assisted reproduction and involves working with a fertility clinic.
Estimated costs
- Embryo storage fees
