Intercountry Adoption
The term “intercountry adoption” covers a wide range of possibilities and experiences. There are no two adoptions that look exactly the same. For most people, an intercountry adoption will be one of the more challenging events of their life. Since 1986, Sunrise has been supporting Canadian families adopt children from across the world. We have learned from every adoption and have built up resources, materials and expertise to help children find loving families in this country. We will also help you navigate and comply with the complex rules and regulations which apply to adoption.
Many countries throughout the world are signatories to an international adoption agreement called the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). It provides a government-to-government adoption process. The Convention imposes complex processes meant to provide regulation and security to intercountry adoptions. Sunrise has been an Accredited Body under the Convention and has considerable experience helping adoptive families meet these intercountry adoption requirements. Sunrise has also been accredited by The Hague Central Authorities in many countries to assist in finding families for their children in need of care.
Each country has different eligibility requirements for adoptive parents. Criminal records, health, age, financial and marital status are all factors considered. To learn what each county requires, click on the button below.
Please note: Residents of Ontario and Quebec are required to use agencies in their home province.
The Hague Adoption Convention requires that a family be found in the child’s home country if possible before intercountry adoption is considered. What that means is sometimes lengthy waits for the child to find a loving family. It also means thinking about what the characteristics of the child are that you would like to provide a home and family for. Race, age, health, special needs, culture and language are all part of the decision-making process. At Sunrise, our counsellors will help you think through these complex issues and provide advice for you.
Applicants need to be realistic about the challenges involved. One of the things we have learned over the past two decades is that there is no such thing as an easy adoption. Every adoption we have ever been involved with is different. Applicants need to be ready to handle uncertainty, constant change, and levels of risks. At Sunrise we have an advanced and interactive online education course, as well as individual counselling, to help prepare you for these challenges.
An ancient Chinese proverb states that “A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”. To make that first step, contact us for an information package and we will provide you with guidance on this journey. Request the Adoption Information Package here.
Intercountry Adoption for Other Provinces
Sunrise can support prospective adoptive families across Canada. We work in collaboration with provincial Adoption Central Authorities and partner agencies, and we are able to provide services in most provinces and territories. If you live in Canada and are considering adoption, we encourage you to connect with us so we can confirm whether we are able to work with your specific province.