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.

Adoption success story

Wednesday's Child adoption story: Julia and Karyn

At age 11, after years in permanent care, Julia was featured on Wednesday’s Child as a way to find her a legal permanency family through adoption. When Karyn and her husband, John, saw Julia’s clip air on the program, it was love at first sight. Within months, she was placed with their family. Years have passed since her adoption, and Julia is now a young adult who has a strong voice for the power and hope that legal permanency provides for children in permanent care. In Julia’s words – “you can be their hope”.

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 with special needs who is not able to live with their biological family and is 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

  • Photo of Dreson

    Dreson

    Dreson, born in 2018, is an affectionate and good-natured boy with dark brown hair, brown eyes and a golden complexion. 

    Featured on CTV News on October 2, 2024.

    View video

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