Questions and Answers:
New International Adoption Licensing Procedures
September 30, 2009
What is the government's role in facilitating international adoption?
The role of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services is to license adoption agencies to facilitate international adoptions according to the laws of Ontario, the foreign jurisdiction, ministry standards and guidelines of good practice and the Hague Convention, where applicable.
What are the changes the government is making to the international adoption licensing process?
The changes we are making will ensure that families seeking to adopt internationally – an already lengthy and emotional process – are better informed and protected.
The new requirements will make it mandatory that all international adoption agencies provide:
- An audited financial statement,
- An Annual Report, to be released publicly,
- A report from the Board of Directors that outlines agency operations and activities.
International adoption agencies will also be required to ensure all prospective adoptive families understand the licensing process, the roles and responsibilities of licensed agencies, and the financial and other risks associated with international adoption.
How do the new changes make international adoption more transparent?
International adoption agencies are private corporations licensed by the Ontario government to safely facilitate adoptions under the Intercountry Adoption Act
International adoption agencies will be required to ensure all prospective adoptive families understand the licensing process, the roles and responsibilities of licensed agencies, and the financial and other risks sometimes associated with international adoption.
Ontario has some of the most comprehensive international adoption licensing requirements in Canada. These changes to the licensing requirements will enhance accountability of agencies – prospective parents will know the potential risks of international adoption, the financial status of the agency and all its activities. Those seeking to adopt internationally will be better informed and better protected.
What can parents expect from a licensed international adoption agency?
Adoptive applicants can expect to receive ongoing service from their agency, from the beginning of their contract with each other, through the location and matching of a child with them, to the finalization of the adoption abroad and their child’s safe arrival in Ontario.
The agency is responsible for notifying the applicants of any change in adoption programming, or otherwise, either in Ontario or abroad that would affect their ability to adopt.
What other measures are in place to protect parents who are adopting internationally?
The ministry has requested that a working group of licensed agencies examine ways to establish a self-funded insurance plan to protect prospective parents in the event of an agency’s collapse.
When do the changes take effect?
The changes to the licensing process take effect immediately.
Why is the government making these changes now?
The recent restructuring of Imagine Adoption highlighted the need for more accountability within the international adoption system. These changes will ensure that families seeking to adopt internationally — an already lengthy and emotional process — are better informed and better protected.
What about families currently involved with Imagine Adoption? How is the government helping them?
It’s been a very difficult time for families involved with Imagine Adoption. The Minister and the Ministry have been able to make some really good progress.
The government is supporting the immediate resumption of Imagine Adoption’s operations and is providing a six month extension for families involved with the restructured agency whose home studies expire before April 2010.
Thirty-eight of the 47 kids who were matched to Canadian families and waiting in the transition home in Ethiopia have made their way home, thanks to assistance from Minister Jason Kenney, the hard work of the trustee and families, a generous corporate donation, and the cooperation of Ethiopian authorities.
See also: How to adopt
