Adoption and Fostering

Adoption

Are you considering adopting a child?

This is a wonderful way to grow your family! Changes to the adoption system have been made to protect our children and children from other countries as well. These changes strive to place children in the best care possible.

Some people choose to adopt a child because of a physical or medical concern, while others may choose to adopt for personal reasons. The reason you choose to adopt a child does not matter; what does matter is that you are prepared for the journey. It is a good idea to speak to someone about the adoption process so you can be informed and prepared.

If you believe you would like to adopt a Canadian or international child, you may want to start the process sooner rather than later as it can be a lengthy procedure. Many families wait for many years before getting the child of their dreams. You can contact a Child & Family Services (CFS) centre agency or a licensed adoption agency in Manitoba. Call 204-944-4200 in Winnipeg or 1-866-345-9241 Manitoba wide to find more information on CFS agencies, or click on the links below.

Manitoba Child and Family Services Agencies

When adopting, there are classes you must take, papers to fill out, home visits with a social worker and a lot of time spent waiting. The adoption process is emotionally challenging; recognize that, as you wait for your child, there will likely be ups and downs. It is okay to feel upset, frustrated or angry if things do not work out the way you had hoped. Make sure you take time to relax, surround yourself with positive people and remind yourself that the child is worth the wait.

Adoption is a wonderful choice, but it isn't the right choice for every family so make sure you are ready for the challenges associated with adoption. It's also a good idea to have your support system in place as you may need to lean on them during the process.

Follow the links below to learn more about the different options and services available.

International Adoption
Provides information on international adoption for parents looking to adopt a child from another country.

Birth Parent Counselling
There are resources available for birth parents considering placing a child for adoption.

Post-Adoption Registry
Provides non-identifying information, search and reunion services to those who were involved in an adoption that was granted in Manitoba.

Talking to Your Child About Adoption
Tips and recommended reading resources for how to talk to your child about his or her adoption.

Fostering

All children deserve to grow up in caring and supportive homes. When children are unable to live with their birth families, foster families can provide the nurturing so important for healthy child development. Single persons or couples, with or without children, can apply to become a foster parent.

Foster families are a unique type of family as they welcome children into their families on a temporary basis. The length of the placement varies from case to case. Some children are placed in a foster family for less than six months, while others may be placed indefinitely. Fostering a child can be a fantastic experience; however, it is not for every family or individual.

It is a good idea to take the time to relax and maintain your emotional, mental and physical wellness for the journey ahead. The fostering process can take time to finalize and includes classes, paperwork and home visits with a social worker. Once you are a foster parent, you might experience unique challenges that require expert advice. Fortunately, resources are widely and readily available.

Interested in becoming a foster parent?

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, speak to someone about the fostering process and find out what kinds of supports are available. You can contact a Child & Family Services agency at 1-866-345-9241 or The Kinship & Foster Family Network of Manitoba at (204) 940-1280 for more information.

Manitoba Child and Family Services Agencies
Provides information on different Child and Family Services agencies and how to contact them.

How to Become a Foster Parent
Provides information on Foster Care and the eligibility criteria to become a foster parent.

Becoming a Foster Parent: Frequently Asked Questions
Provides answers to frequently asked questions about becoming a foster parent such as “Do foster families receive support?” and “What is the difference between foster care and adoption?”.

The Kinship & Foster Family Network of Manitoba
Provides information on many different aspects of being foster parents including supports that are available and education for foster parents.