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Part of Adoption

Adoption statistics

See statistics for different types of adoption in Alberta.

Adoption and private guardianship orders

The statistics included here show Adoption and Private Guardianship Orders granted for children who were in the permanent care of Children and Family Services.

Table 1. Orders granted April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025

Permanency typeNumber of orders granted
Adoption159
Private Guardianship319

Read the quarterly updates. Adoption and Private Guardianship numbers are featured in the permanency Outcomes Table.

Licensed agency adoptions

Adoptions may be facilitated by any of the non-government, non-profit agencies that have been granted the authority to arrange private adoptions in Alberta. Birth parents may choose to place their child for adoption through a licensed adoption agency. These children do not have any legal status with the ministry.

Table 2. Licensed adoptions granted April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025

Licensed adoption agencyNumber of adoptions
Abide Adoption and Family Services15
Adoption Options23
AMARIS Adoption and Family Support Services8
Total46

Private adoptions

The following statistics are adoptions of children by the spouse of the child’s biological parent, a relative, or through a private direct placement. These children are not in government care.

Table 3. Private adoptions granted April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025

Type of private adoptionNumber of adoptions
Spousal or step-parent70
Relative31
Private direct placement21
Total122

International adoptions

Adoptions of children from other countries are managed by Children and Family Services and are completed with the involvement of licensed adoption agencies and adoption coordinators.

Table 4. International adoptions by country April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025

CountryNumber of adoptions
Congo, Democratic Republic of4
Ethiopia3
Ghana3
Haiti1
India3
Nigeria16
Philippines3
South Africa5
St. Vincent and the Grenadines1
Thailand1
United Kingdom1
United States of America1
Total42

Contact

Connect with Alberta Adoption and Permanency Services with questions or comments.