Public Adoption in Canada is regulated by specific guidelines in each province. In Ontario, it is overseen by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) and functions within the framework of the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA). In this blog post, we will closely examine Public Adoption in Ontario, facilitated by the Children Aid Society (CAS), an organization often recognized as the caretaker of “Canada’s waiting children.”
Public Adoption becomes a viable option when a child is placed under the extended care of CAS, either voluntarily or involuntarily. In cases of involuntary placement, CAS, acting under the mandate of the state, intervenes to protect children facing abuse or neglect. Following a court case, a judge may decide that the child must remain under the permanent care of CAS as a crown ward.
Embarking on the journey of Public Adoption in Canada through CAS involves contemplating crucial elements. An essential consideration is the access order, somewhat akin to an open adoption, allowing birth parents or family members to maintain contact with the child. It’s crucial to note that this openness may be affected once CAS identifies prospective adoptive parents.
Prospective adoptive parents must complete a SAFE assessment, which is a standardized assessment model for all Ontarians, including home safety checklist and police and health clearance. Complete PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development, and Education) pre-service, a 9-module (30-hour) in-class and online training program designed to prepare and educate families.
CAS plays a pivotal role in matching children to prospective parents. It maintains a list of Adopt Ready parents – individuals meeting the criteria for adoptive parents. Upon confirming prospective adoptive parents, CAS notifies the birth family and kin, initiating a 30-day window during which the birth family can apply for openness, seeking access to the child. This deadline is non-extendable.
After deciding on open or closed adoption, CAS formally places the child in the home of the adoptive parents, initiating a probation period. During this time, CAS closely monitors the adoption process, ensuring the adoptive family provides a suitable and supportive environment for the child.
Public Adoption Ontario (through CAS) necessitates a meticulous consideration of factors such as access orders, openness, and the probation period. This process is guided by the well-being of the child and the legal framework established by the Child and Family Services Act.
Adopting a child can be a difficult time for the prospective parents given the legal complexities that surround the entire adoption process in Canada. However, with a family law attorney that understands the sensitive intricacies of your case, this phase of adoption can be easily navigated. Providing careful guidance and effective representation for you, we make child adoption simple and hassle-free! If in need, dial us for a free consultation with a family lawyer in Mississauga right away.
