Getting Started

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Choosing to adopt is a big decision and we want to be sure that you have all of your questions answered.  Please call 519-576-0540 or email foster.adoption@facswaterloo.org to speak with a Recruitment Worker about your questions. 

Once we have received your completed application form, a Recruitment Worker will schedule a meeting with you in your home to talk about next steps and answer any further questions you may have.

Getting Ready to Adopt

Getting ready to adopt a child in Ontario involves successfully completing 2 steps: PRIDE Training and a SAFE Homestudy.  PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education) Training is a 9-part training session designed to provide you with the basic tools needed to successfully adopt a child.  Sessions are facilitated by a Recruitment Worker and an Adoptive Parent.

The SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation) homestudy will take place after your training is completed.  This mutual evaluation process includes 4-6 interviews in your home and identifies your readiness, willingness, and ability to adopt a child.

During the training and homestudy process, you will be provided with a package that asks for several documents to be completed, including:

  • police checks
  • child welfare checks
  • a medical form from your doctor
  • personal references

These and a few other documents help to complete the assessment of your family.  Often families are curious as to what we are looking for when we are assessing families for adoption.  We know that children require stability, consistency, and security in their home environments. Typically, we have found that families who are successful in adopting have:

  • proven problem-solving abilities
  • patient parenting skills
  • a strong commitment to a child or youth
  • the ability to accept differences in others
  • know how to build up a child's self-esteem
  • encourage a feeling of belonging within the adoptive family.
  • the patience to let children progress at their own pace
  • realistic expectations

We know that life can bring challenges to all families at times.  If your family has recently experienced a loss or is under significant stress, it would be better for you to wait for a period of time before continuing with your adoption plans. Having a stable and healthy family environment at the beginning of the adoption process is key to a successful adoption.  

Create a profile book for adoption

Creating a profile book will help you show who you are as a family through pictures and short descriptions.  Whether you’re planning to adopt a baby or an older child, this book is presented to birth parents and agency workers to assist them in finding the best possible match.