How Does Private Adoption of a Newborn Work in Ontario?
Private adoption of a newborn in Ontario goes through a licensee, not a private arrangement between families. Only a children's aid society or a licensee may place a child with another person for adoption, with an exception for placements with a relative, the child's parent or a stepparent when the child lives in Canada and the placement is within Ontario.
Licensees generally charge $15,000 to $30,000, and the homestudy and parent training cost extra. The SAFE homestudy and the 27-hour PRIDE training are both required. The ministry must approve the proposed adoption plan before the child is placed. During the first six months of the adjustment period the practitioner must make at least three visits, and the licensee then submits an adjustment report for ministry approval.
For the birth parent, consent cannot be given before the child is seven days old. The society or licensee must explain the right to withdraw, and the parent must get a chance to seek counselling and independent legal advice. Consent can be withdrawn in writing within 21 days, and a court may allow later withdrawal if it is in the child's best interests, unless the child has been placed and remains with the adoptive placement.
Key takeaways
- Only a children's aid society or a licensee may place a child with another person for adoption, with limited exceptions for relatives, parents and stepparents.
- Licensees generally charge $15,000 to $30,000, and the homestudy and parent training cost extra.
- The ministry must approve the proposed adoption plan before the child is placed, and practitioner visits follow during the adjustment period.
- A birth parent cannot consent before the child is seven days old, and consent can be withdrawn in writing within 21 days, with limited court exceptions for later withdrawal.