Overview
There are 2 methods of private adoption:
- direct placement, step-parent or relative adoption
- licensed adoption agencies
The adoption process for a direct placement, step-parent or relative adoption can take between 2 to 6 months from the time you file your court application until an adoption order is granted.
Private adoption process
Learn more about processes and timelines for private adoption.
Direct placement, step-parent or relative adoption
Use this process if:
- you are interested in adopting the child of a spouse or relative (for example, grandchild, niece, nephew, great niece or nephew)
- there is a privately made agreement to place a child between birth and adoptive families who know each other and are making their own arrangements
Licensed adoption agencies
Use this process if you wish to adopt a child through a private licensed adoption agency in Alberta.
Eligibility
To adopt a child, you must:
- be an Alberta resident
- be at least 18 years old
- demonstrate financial and domestic stability
Cost
Direct placements, step-parent or relative adoption
If you make the arrangements yourself, you can expect to pay:
- charges for photocopying documents
- fees to obtain some of the documents
- fees to file the documents with the Court
- costs to serve the documents
The fee to file documents with the Court, for one or more children in the family, is approximately $250.
If you use the services of a lawyer or a licensed adoption agency to assist you, you will be charged for their services.
Sometimes, you may need to get a Home Study Report. You can expect to pay approximately $3,000 for a Home Study Report through a licensed adoption agency.
How to apply
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.
After you apply
The clerk of the court will present your Application for Adoption Order to a judge for review.
The Judge may:
- grant an Adoption Order
- request further information
- order that a Home Study Report be prepared
- order a hearing to be held
- dismiss your Application for Adoption Order
You will be notified of the Judge's decision by the court.
Licensed adoption agencies
A Small Miracle Adoption
Scotia Place, Tower 1
Suite 2020, 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8
Phone: 780-421-1177
Email: info@smallmiraclesadoption.com
Website: Small Miracles Adoption
Adoption Options
Calgary
#207, 5940 MacLeod Trail SW
Calgary, Alberta T2H 2G4
Phone: 403-270-8228
Toll free: 1-888-277-8228
Email: aocal@adoptionoptions.com
Website: Adoption Options
Edmonton
#6, 9363 50 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2L5
Phone: 780-433-5656
Toll free: 1-800-770-3023
Email: aoedm@adoptionoptions.com
Website: Adoption Options
AMARIS Adoption and Family Support Services
Calgary
101C, 9705 Horton Road SW
Calgary, Alberta T2V 2X5
Phone: 403-256-3224
Toll free: 1-877-256-3224
Edmonton
Phone: 780-438-3455
Toll free: 1-877-256-3224
Email: info@amarisadoption.ab.ca
Website: wAMARIS Adoption and Family Services
Financial supports
Anyone who has adopted a child in Alberta can apply for the supports below. Eligibility varies by program.
- Alberta Adoption Tax Credit
- Canada Adoption Tax Credit
- Canada Child Disability Benefit
- Canada Employment Insurance – Parental Benefits
- Alberta Child and Family Benefit
- Canada Child Benefit
Resources
Legal Advice – Lawyer Referral Service – Families who are involved in an adoption and require legal information can call toll-free to explain what they need and ask for a lawyer referral:
- 1‑800‑661‑1095
- 403‑228‑1722 (Calgary)
Child and Youth Permanency Council of Canada