Adoption FAQs
Q: Can we apply with you if we live outside of Hamilton and our Children’s Aid Society is not taking applicants? What if our area does not have a Catholic agency?
A: In general, you must apply at the Children’s Aid Society in the Municipality where you live. Depending on the needs of this Society we may from time to time accept Catholic applicants who live in Grimsby or Burlington but you would need to contact our Society directly to confirm this. Our Society is mandated and funded to serve Catholic families in the City of Hamilton. There are only two Catholic Societies in Ontario.
Q: I am Catholic but my husband is not... can we still apply?
A: To apply with our Society, either you or your spouse, must be a practicing Roman Catholic and you must be committed to raising your child in the Catholic faith. You will be asked to provide a reference from a Catholic priest during the home study process.
Q: We already have a private home study – what happens now?
A: Although you can only apply to one Children’s Aid Society, you are free to apply or pursue as many private options as you choose. We will accept S.A.F.E. home studies completed by a private adoption practitioner licenced to complete home studies in the Province of Ontario. You can also attend the mandatory P.R.I.D.E. preservice training either privately or through our Society. However, you must still attend an Adoption Information Night at our Society to apply with us, and must complete an Adoption Education Group with our Society. Your particular situation can be discussed with an Adoption Worker at your Intake Interview.
Q: We are still pursuing infertility treatment – should we still apply?
A: We encourage people to apply with us as they are exploring other alternatives to becoming parents. Attending one of our information nights will help you to decide if adoption through a Children’s Aid Society might be for you. You can withdraw your application at any time in the process.
Q: We are looking into international adoption – should we still apply?
A: Yes - you can apply with us and still pursue international adoption. However, once you are matched with a child you must withdraw from the other process as you can only pursue one adoption placement at a time.
Q: Is there any cost to adopting through your Society?
A: No there are no costs other than a nominal charge for our education group. Some physicians will charge you for filling out the medical reference we require.
Q: Is there a set financial status for adoptive couples.
A: No. You must be in good financial standing and be able to assume the financial costs of raising a child or children.
Q: We already have a birth child. Is there anything we should consider before applying?
A: When placing a child in a family that is already parenting, the child in the home should usually maintain their birth order in the family, and the adopted child should enter the home as the youngest child. We usually recommend a two year age gap between the child we place and the next oldest child in your home. We are always happy to talk to any prosepective applicant about their particular questions or concerns.
Q: How long does it take to have a child placed with us?
A: This is the most commonly asked question and the one that is the most difficult to answer. Adoption is not a fast process as it takes thought and consideration on your part, and there are several steps that have to be completed before you become approved adoptive applicants. It may take up to a year or longer before you have completed the education group and your home study. Once you are approved the length of time it may take to have a child placed with you varies depending on how many children we have available, and what you have decided is a good match for your home. On average it takes one to three years from the date of application to placement.
Q: Aren't there children all over Ontario who need homes?
A: Yes! There are definitely children across the province in need of adoptive families. Children’s Aid Societies, and private adoption practitioners in Ontario work together to place our children. Once you are an approved adoptive family, you may be considered by other agencies seeking an adoptive family for a particular child.
Q: We are most interested in adopting a straight-forward newborn, should we apply?
A: The majority of placements through this Society are children between the ages of one and four or older and we ask that anyone applying at our Society be comfortable considering children in this age range.
Q: What about sibling groups?
A: Our Society and Societies across the province have a need for families who are comfortable in considering sibling groups. Most agencies work hard to ensure that siblings are placed together where ever possible.
Q: How can we find out more information?
A: We encourage you to attend one of our information nights. You need only want to hear more information to attend! There is an opportunity after the session to speak directly to adoption staff. We would also be happy to talk to you by phone about your particular questions or concerns at any time.