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, 2023 to March 31, 2024

Permanency typeNumber of orders granted
Adoption139
Private Guardianship282

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, 2023 to March 31, 2024

Licensed adoption agencyNumber of adoptions
A Small Miracle Adoption18
Adoption Options29
AMARIS Adoption and Family Support Services5
Total52

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, 2023 to March 31, 2024

Type of private adoptionNumber of adoptions
Spousal or step-parent88
Relative18
Private direct placement22
Total128

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, 2023 to March 31, 2024

CountryNumber of adoptions
Belize1
Brazil2
Cameroon3
China1
Colombia4
Ethiopia2
Fiji1
Ghana4
Haiti3
Honduras2
India3
Indonesia1
Liberia3
Mozambique1
Nigeria12
Philippines6
Sierra Leone2
South Africa7
Taiwan1
Tanzania1
Thailand1
United States of America2
Total63

Contact

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