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Adoption

Alberta residents are able to adopt children in government care, as well as through private and international adoption.

Introduction

Adoption provides a stable, loving and permanent home to a child or youth.

Adoption is a provincially regulated program. Alberta's Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act indicates that in order for an applicant to be eligible to apply for adoption in Alberta, they must be a resident of Alberta at the time of application, approval and placement.

If you do not live in Alberta, contact the adoption authorities in the province or territory in which you currently reside to inquire about local adoption resources available to you.

November is Adoption Awareness Month. Every year Children and Family Services supports hundreds of children find their forever families through adoption or private guardianship.

Adoption success story

Types of adoption

You do not have to share their genes to be their family

image of a couple holding a child

Adopt a child or youth in the permanent care of Children and Family Services.

Adopt a child of a spouse or relative, or adopt a child through a private direct placement or licensed adoption agency

Albertans can apply to adopt a child who lives in another country.

Feature adoption profile

  • card image of MJ, 2023

    MJ

    MJ, born in 2011, is an endearing young fellow with straight medium brown hair, and grey eyes that are always alert to everything going on around him!

    Featured on CTV News on December 4, 2024.

    View video

The Wednesday’s Child program features some of the children in Alberta who are ready to be adopted.