International Adoption
International Adoption is an exciting approach to growing your family! Our families have shared beautiful stories of how international children have enriched & blessed their lives.

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Register for a Seminar   |     Roles & Responsibilities      |      International Adoption Process

Thank you for considering our agency to support you through this journey. International adoption is an exciting approach to grow your family! We understand it can be challenging but we will do our best to help and guide you.

If you would like more information, please feel free reach out to our office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or phone call at 780-421-1177.

 

REGISTER FOR A SEMINAR

 Click to download full information packages.

 

                                              

 

CONSIDERING INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION? REGISTER FOR A SEMINAR

We help families create or grow their family through international adoption. We can also help with international adoptions of relative children who presently reside outside Canada and are in need of a permanent, safe family.

Adopting from another country is very complex as programs and requirements change, sometimes without notice, and it is your responsibility to determine if you are eligible to adopt from a country. Keep in mind, you must also meet all the eligibility requirements in Alberta.

All international adoptions should be considered “special needs” adoptions and adoptive applicants should understand the medical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional issues that can be accompanied with children who come into care for a variety of reasons worldwide. We provide families with in-person preparation seminars, and cover topics such as process, institutionalization, attachment, medical issues, and adopting older children.

It is difficult to predict a timeline for the completion of an adoption as timelines vary based on a number of factors, and there are no guarantees that any adoption application will be successful. That said, most families wait about three to four years to complete an adoption. If you are considering international adoption, the place to start is by doing your research: What countries are you interested in? Is there a proven adoption program in this country? Is the country part of the Hague Convention? Do you qualify to adopt in that country? Next, before the agency can start working with you on your application, an Adoption Application Form needs to be submitted to Alberta Human Services. We will need a copy of your “approved” application.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information on international adoption please refer to:

Children's Services: Alberta Adoption Services

Phone: 780-422-0178 |   Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You can also download the International Adoption Guidebook: A Guide For Alberta Families

 

USING A COORDINATING AGENCY

Due to the complexity of requirements for international adoptions, families have the option of working with a coordinating agency. A coordinating agency can help with preparation of documents on your behalf, obtaining travel visas and making travel arrangements, and arranging for translators.

Alberta Adoption Services does not license, monitor, or endorse agencies that arrange international adoptions, but families can hire a coordinating agency of their choice. Small Miracles also does not endorse any coordinating agency, and it is your responsibility to ensure the agency you choose is reputable and has the authority to arrange and finalize adoption in the child’s country of origin.

Working with a coordinating agency can add substantially to the costs of an adoption. No matter what country you choose to adopt from, and what coordinating agency you choose to work with, Small Miracles fees remain the same. The cost difference will depend on the country and the coordinating agency.


For our comprehensive fee schedule or further information please contact our office at 780-421-1177 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

INTERNATIONAL PROCESS

With international adoption, approval is required at all stages of the process. It is important to note that agency approval does not guarantee Alberta Adoption Services approval, and Alberta Adoption Services approval does not guarantee placement of a child.

1| APPLY


Complete International Adoption Application

Approval is required to move forward from Alberta Adoption Services before the agency can start working with you. Small Miracles Adoption will require a copy of the approval letter.

2| PREPARE


It is a Legislated requirement that all applicants complete an adoption preparation program with a licensed Adoption Agency. This seminar is 5-6 hours of classroom presentation.

For the purposes of international adoption, the seminar can be taken while in the process of completing the application.

3| APPLY to SMA


Complete Small Miracle's application package and submit required documentation (police and child intervention checks, medical report. ect)

4| HOMESTUDY


A registered Social Worker will meet with you to complete the home assessment report. This takes at least three months to complete.

If the report is approved, and signed, it is sent to Alberta Adoption Services for provincial approval (if approved). There is a time lag of at least 10 weeks before your report will be reviewed by the Province so expect this to be closer to 3 months.

5| DOSSIER


Once the home study report has been reviewed and approved by Alberta Adoption Services, you will need to gather all the required documents and compile them into an Adoption Dossier.

Small Miracles Adoption can assist you in compiling your dossier. This is then sent to Alberta Adoption Services

6| IMMIGRATION


You will need to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to initiate the process of having the necessary documents to allow you to bring your child into Canada. The following link provides additional information regarding immigration:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/adoption/apply-how.asp.

It should be noted, Agency approval and Alberta Adoption Services approval does not guarantee Citizenship and Immigration Canada will allow your child to enter the country.

7| PROPOSAL


Once you are matched with a child, we will review your match proposal with you. We will support you in determining if this is a right fit for your family.

8| POST PLACEMENT


A child’s country often wants to know how the child is doing in their new environment and with their new family.

Our social workers can complete the required assessments with you.