Adoption

Adoption | Children Waiting for Adoption | Birth Parent Involvement | The Adoption Process | Adoption Placement
| Stability and Adoptive Homes | Adoption Disclosure | FAQ | Links | Help Find Homes for Teens | Adoption Stories Video

Adopted children require stability, consistency and security in their home environments. There may be life situations that impact the stability of your home and therefore the timing of the adoption process. We are looking for homes where you are managing your life with the fewest stresses as possible. There may be things going on in your life that would make it difficult for you to fully focus on the needs of an adopted child in your home. If there has been a period of major challenge, we will ask for at least two years of stability.

The following are some examples of life circumstances that can impact the timing of an adoption application:

You are not stressed or worried about your financial situation. You are able to manage your finances well and adding a child to your home would not cause a financial burden. You are able to support the financial needs of a child in your home.

If you are thinking about moving, or have recently moved, then this is not the time to add a child to your home. Wait a few months, let things settle, then call us back.

If you're involved in some family situations (divorce, poor emotional or physical health of family member, separation, recent loss, behaviour problems) then now may not be a good time to consider adoption. You are probably already busy with things that require your attention and adding a child to your home would take you away from those other situations. It would not be fair to the child or you.

You may be considering family planning through natural means or alternative means (fertility testing, in vitro fertilization, artificial insemination etc.). Either way, your attention and energies are directed to those priorities and the needs and demands of a child may stretch your limits. We ask that you to make a decision to pursue either adoption or family planning through natural/alternative means.

You may have experienced challenges in your life that have been very stressful on you. Examples include death of a loved one, separation and divorce or some form of abuse. Such experiences often make people stronger and provide skills to cope with similar situations in the future. However, unresolved issues may be triggered by the grief expressed by children placed in an adoptive home. We will want to discuss your history to ascertain that you have successfully accepted and resolved your experiences.

The above examples are some of the reasons that may make your situation unstable for a child. Each situation is different and we will speak with you about your individual circumstance. We do recognize that all individuals and families experience minor stresses and regular worries. It is the big ones that concern us, as we do not want you to become over stressed with the extra demands of an adopted child and the child welfare system.


Our mailing address is:
Foster Adopt Recruitment Team
Family and Children's Services of the Region of Waterloo
300 Ardelt Avenue
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 2S6
Call (519) 576-0540, ask for a Foster/Adopt Recruitment Worker
E-mail: foster.adoption@facswaterloo.org