How to Begin – the adoption process

Gather Adoption Info
 

Dos
Do find as much information as you can about adoption.
Do talk to a birth parent, if possible.
Weigh the pros and cons of parenting vs adoption.

Don’ts
Don’t rush into adoption.

Choose a Licensee
Dos
Find out information about Ontario private adoption licensees, adoption agencies and your local Children’s Aid Society.
Make a list of the things you would like in your adoption plan.
See what service meets your needs the best – most adoption services have websites if phoning is not your thing.
Decide on a service and make a commitment to work with that service.

Don’ts
Don’t pick the first adoption service you call.
Do some comparison shopping.
Don’t plan an adoption with two adoption services at the same time.

Provide your Child with all Kinds of Family Information
Dos
Gather as much information and as many pictures as you can of you and your family members.

Don’ts
Don’t give inaccurate information.

Consider Counselling
Dos
Discuss counselling options with your adoption service.
Ask for a counsellor that is knowledgeable in grief, loss and adoption issues.
Give Counselling a try – meet at least once. If it isn’t a good match, ask to see another counsellor.
Ask for the counsellor’s academic credentials. Most family therapists have a Master’s in Social Work.

Don’ts
Don’t automatically reject the idea of counselling.