Frequently Asked Questions

Adoption Centre of BC - Adoption letter blocks

We know you will have many questions and look forward to discussing your options with you further, but here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers you may be wondering about:

Birth Parents   |   General Adoption Information   |   Prospective Adoptive Parents

Birth Parents

Who chooses the adoptive parents for my baby?
As the birth parent(s), you will choose the adoptive parents for your baby by reviewing profile books and home studies of approved waiting adoptive parents. You will read all about their history, current relationships, lifestyle, employment, etc.

How will I know that my baby is okay after I place him/her for adoption?
Many birth parents choose open adoption so that you can receive email updates and pictures as well as occasional visits with the adoptive parents and baby.

How much does it cost to place my baby for adoption?
There is no cost for birth parents. You will receive birth parent counselling and support from one of our birth parent counsellors nearest to you while making an adoption plan.

What information will the adoptive family know about me?
We ask that you provide as much social and medical information about yourself that you are willing to share. We will also ask you to consent for your doctor to provide prenatal medical information, as well as information about the labour and delivery.

What qualifications must the adoptive parents meet before they are approved as prospective adoptive parents?
All approved adoptive parents have completed a home study with a registered social worker which includes a number of interviews and home visits, a house tour, references, medicals, criminal record checks, child protection checks as well as education about adoption.

What information is needed from the birth father?
Just like birth mothers, we ask that birth fathers provide as much social and medical information as they are willing to share. If he is not involved in the adoption plan, birth mothers can provide any information about him that she knows. The birth father may be unknown/unacknowledged.

Will I be able to see my baby in the hospital after I give birth?
Yes, you can. Along with your birth parent counsellor, you will make a hospital plan which will include how much time you want to spend with baby at the hospital if you want a parent or close friend to come to meet the baby, and when you want the adoptive parents to come to the hospital and take over care and custody of the baby.

Can I name my baby and will the adoptive parents keep the name I pick?
Yes, you can choose the name for your child’s Registration of Live Birth. The adoptive parents will also have an opportunity to choose a name for their child.

Can I change my mind after the baby is born?
In B.C., a birth mother can change her mind about the adoption up to 30 days after the baby is born. A written revocation notice will need to be provided to the agency before the 30 days has passed.

When do I sign consent papers with a lawyer?
A birth father can sign legal consent to the adoption with a lawyer any time after baby is born. A birth mother can sign legal consent once baby is at least ten days old. There is no cost for this lawyer appointment to the birth parent and your birth parent counsellor will arrange this appointment for you and attend the appointment with you if you would like to provide you with support.

General Adoption Information

How long does a home study take?
On average it takes 4-5 months but can take longer depending on circumstances.

How long will I have to wait to be placed with a child?
This is a tough question to answer. With the domestic program, there is no typical time frame. Birth parents choose who they want to place with so families can be chosen quickly or the wait could be long. There is also not a guarantee of placement. For intercountry adoption, the wait times vary by country and can be unpredictable as circumstances may change.

Are all adoptions open?
The vast majority of adoptions are open. The extent of openness is agreed on between the birth parents and adoptive parents.

I don’t live in the Okanagan, does this matter?
Absolutely not! We have contract adoption social workers for adoptive parents and birth parents all over the Province. We will find our social worker closest to you.

Can we register in multiple programs?
Yes, you can register in more than one program at the same time.

Which country should I adopt from?
Review the adoption criteria for each country in our information package to determine what may be a good fit. You should also review the children available in each country to make sure it is fit for your family.

What is the cost of an intercountry adoption?
In addition to the agency fees as listed in the information package, each country program has its own fees. Some programs have a set fee while others provide a range. Travel and accommodation are not included in the program fees. Other additional fees may be translation, notarizing, etc.

How do I receive an information package?
You can contact us by phone or email to request our information package. The information package includes a list of our programs, flow chart of adoption process, eligibility criteria, and estimated costs.

Prospective Adoptive Parents

Who will see our home study? What information about us will the birth parent know?
Birth parents who are making an adoption plan and are ready to choose a family will review your home study. Identifying information such as your last name, city/town, name of employer, etc. will not be shared. For Intercountry adoptions it will be seen by the Central Authority in the country you are adopting from.

What are birth parents looking for in an adoptive family?
Every birth parent is different. They are often looking for a family who is financially stable and can provide a life for their baby that they currently are unable to provide. They often look for a connection to the adoptive family which may be a number of different things.

Who are the birth parents that ACBC works with?
We work with birth mothers and birth fathers throughout the province. They vary in ethnic backgrounds and in age from their teens to their early 40’s. For some, this is their first child, and for others, they may be parenting already or have had other children. Some have a stable lifestyle and others may be experiencing a higher-risk lifestyle.

How long will it take for the adoption to be finalized?
The adoption isn’t official until it is granted in court. This happens about 6 months after placement. You will not have to attend court for an adoption order being granted in BC.

Birth Parents can also text us at 250.718.2396