INTERNATIONAL
ADOPTION

Through international adoption, we bridge continents and cultures, creating families that span the globe.

Start Your Journey

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 via email, or phone call at 780-421-1177.

Your Path to International Adoption Starts Here

Considering International Adoption?

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 virtual adoption 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:

Alberta Children and Family Services: Alberta Adoption and Permanency Services

Phone: 780-422-0178 |   Email: adoption.services@gov.ab.ca

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 and Permanency 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 more information please contact our office at (780) 421-1177 or info@smallmiraclesadoption.com

Process for International Adoption

  • 1. Apply

    Complete International Adoption Application

    Approval is required to move forward from Alberta Adoption and Permanency 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 and all applicants MUST be present in person for the homestudy interviews.

    If the report is approved, and signed, it is sent to Alberta Adoption and Permanency 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 and Permanency 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 and Permanency 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 and Permanency 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.

Roles &
Responsibilities

    • Parent Training and Home Study Report

    • Preparation of supporting documents and notarization, authentication and verification of signatures

    • Translation

    • Courier fees

    • Immigration fees

    • Child’s medical examination

    • Agency fees in child’s country of origin

    • Travel and accommodations

    • Adoption finalization
      Legal fees

    • Post Placement Reports on a schedule prescribed by the child’s country of origin

    • Providing information/procedures for adopting from specific countries

    • Reviewing Home Study Reports completed by licensed agencies and determining that the applicants are suitable for adoption

    • Forwarding the adoption dossier to the child’s country of origin

    • Agreeing to the adoptive match

    • Delegating the proposal of the adoptive match to the family’s licensed adoption agency

    • Ensuring the child meets immigration requirements and will be admissible to Canada

    • Providing provincial acceptance of the match for immigration purposes

    • Finalizing the adoption order in Alberta, if the order cannot be finalized in the child’s country

    • Forwarding Post Placement Reports to the child’s country of origin, as required

Questions?

We're here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need more information about domestic adoption, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can call us at 780-421-1177, email us at info@smallmiraclesadoption.com, or simply use the contact form here to send us a quick message.

Our dedicated team is ready to provide the support and answers you need as you explore the wonderful journey of adoption.