Intercountry Adoption Booklet · Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement. The...

Intercountry Adoption Program | 1

IntercountryAdoption Program

saskatchewan.ca | 1-800-667-7539

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2 | Intercountry Adoption ProgramADO-1 09/19

Use of this Guide

This Guide is intended to help Saskatchewan residents who are interested in adopting through the Intercountry Adoption Program to gain some knowledge and understanding of the processes involved and to provide information to help them as they work through the Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement. The application will help form the basis for your adoption plan, and will help the Ministry understand how to better assist the applicant(s).

The Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement will be provided to the prospective applicants once they have had an opportunity to discuss their interest in the adoption program with a Ministry caseworker. Applicant(s) are encouraged to use this guide as they complete the application. Once the application is completed and received, a Ministry worker will contact the prospective applicants to schedule an in-person meeting to review the application. Applicants cannot undertake the Mutual Family Assessment home study process until they have been approved by a Ministry worker to proceed.


Table of Contents

Overview ................................................................................................. 4

Intercountry Adoption Laws ............................................................... 5

Requirements for an Intercountry Adoption ................................... 6

Role of the Provincial Government .................................................... 7

Role of Citizenship and Immigration ................................................. 9

Applicant Eligibility Requirements ..................................................10

Adoption Agencies ..............................................................................12

Intercountry Adoption Process ........................................................ 13

Motivation to Adopt ............................................................................................... 13

The Mutual Family Assessment (MFA) Home Study Reports.................... 14

Expenses...................................................................................................................... 17

Changes to Applicant Circumstances ............................................................... 18

Range of Acceptance .............................................................................................. 20

Children Available for Adoption ......................................................................... 21

Child Proposals ......................................................................................................... 22

Post-Placement Reports ........................................................................................ 24

Final Notes ............................................................................................25

For More Information .........................................................................25

4 | Intercountry Adoption Program

Overview

Adoption is the permanent, legal transfer of all parental rights and responsibilities for a child from the State or birth parents to adoptive parents. It is in the child’s best interests, and a fundamental right, for a child to remain with his or her biological parent(s), to be raised by his or her extended biological family, or to remain in his or her country of origin. However, when this is not possible, adoption may be one of the many permanency planning options available.

The primary focus with any adoption is always for the best interests of the child. The legal processes and procedures involved with adoption are set in place to protect and safeguard these interests, as well as those of the birth and adoptive families.

The decision to add to your family through adoption requires careful consideration. Adoption is a major, life-changing event that affects all members of the adoption triade. The adoption triade refers to the three parties involved in the adoption process; the biological parents, the child (adoptee) and the adoptive parents. Over the course of their lifetime, each party will encounter many significant issues related to the adoption experience.

A successful adoption that is in the best interests of the child requires genuine cooperation and respect for the rights and needs of all parties involved.

This guide will provide prospective adoptive parents in Saskatchewan with general information about the requirements and processes involved with adopting a child from a country other than Canada, referred to as an Intercountry Adoption. It will also serve as a companion document when completing the Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement.


Intercountry Adoption Laws

The Intercountry (Hague Convention) Implementation Act, ratified in 1997, The Adoption Act, 1998 and The Adoption Regulations, 2003 of Saskatchewan govern Intercountry Adoption activity.

The Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (commonly called The Hague Convention) was concluded in May 1993. Over the years, the number of countries that have become a signatory to the convention has risen to over 90. The Convention safeguards the best interests and fundamental rights of children in adoption by setting international standards and procedures between a child’s country of origin and the adoptive parents’ country of residence. It is intended to prevent abuses such as abduction, sale or trafficking of children, and improper or other financial gain. The Convention requires each contracting Country to designate a central authority to discharge the duties and standards imposed by the Convention, which in Saskatchewan is the Ministry of Social Services.

These standards have been enacted as law in our province and apply to all Intercountry Adoptions, including adoptions by relatives and adoptions of children from countries that do not participate in the Convention. Most countries have laws in place regarding who may make arrangements to place children for adoption. Countries where adoption has been unregulated do not have the same safeguards in place to protect against risks of illegal or ill-prepared adoption practices.

Copies of all provincial legislation pertaining to Intercountry Adoption can be found online at the Publications Saskatchewan, which can be accessed at http://[email protected]. The Hague website can be accessed at http://www.hcch.net.


Requirements for an Intercountry Adoption

Under The Hague Convention, an Intercountry Adoption can only take place once it has been established that:

• the child’s country has deemed that the child is legally eligible to be adopted;

• resources within the child’s country have not been identified and Intercountry Adoption is in the child’s best interests;

• the prospective adoptive parents are eligible to adopt;

• the central authorities in both countries agree to the adoption; and

• the child can be authorized to enter and permanently reside in Canada.

Adoption authorities in the child’s country of origin are responsible for establishing when a child can be legally adopted. As in Saskatchewan, certain conditions are expected to include:

• full and informed counseling of the effects of adoption for the birth parents;

• proper legal consents without any influence;

• due consideration to the possibilities for placement of the child within the child’s country of origin;

• confirmation that Intercountry Adoption is in the child’s best interests; and

• appropriate counseling and consideration of the child’s wishes and opinions based on their age and maturity.

Adoption authorities in Saskatchewan are required to ensure that prospective adoptive parents are eligible for adoption and that they have received the counseling and information they require. They must also have assurance that the child is, or is likely to be, authorized to enter and reside permanently in Canada. This applies to every


Intercountry Adoption whether or not the child is known, not known, related or unrelated to the prospective adoptive parents.

Saskatchewan residents must apply to the Ministry of Social Services for approval for Intercountry child placement and must participate in the Mutual Family Assessment (MFA) home study process. The Ministry may place terms and conditions on the approval of applicants.

Prospective adoptive parents are expected to research information applicable to the country they want to adopt from and their eligibility requirements. They are encouraged to seek sources of information from books and Internet websites, such as www.childwelfare.gov and www.canada.ca; adoption support groups and experienced adoptive parents or professionals who can provide relevant information based on their adoptive experiences.

Role of the Provincial Government

The Ministry of Social Services is responsible for child welfare in the province and oversees all adoption activity. With respect to Intercountry Adoptions, the Ministry approves adoption placement based on the Mutual Family Assessment (MFA) home study report, supporting documents and recommendation by the adoption worker and Independent Practitioner (IP).

IPs are professionally accredited social workers who are trained and certified by the Ministry of Social Services to complete both MFA home studies and post-placement reports. The Ministry provides oversight on the IP’s fees to applicants, to ensure they are within a range that is comparable with other jurisdictions and within the scope for professional practice. IPs will co-ordinate their time and availability according to what is mutually agreed upon which may also be dependent on workload or other pressures.


Legislation regarding Intercountry Adoption as it applies to Saskatchewan residents can be found in The Adoption Act, 1998, and The Intercountry Adoption (Hague Convention) Implementation Act.

The Ministry of Social Services, in the role of central authority, is responsible for:

• approving prospective applicants’ case plans;

• notifying applicants when they are eligible to begin the MFA home study process;

• ensuring the MFA home study report and accompanying documents (known as the dossier) are completed before they are sent to the agency or foreign country;

• ensuring that the proposed adoption follows Saskatchewan adoption laws, as well as the laws in the child’s country of origin;

• assisting in arranging placement of the child when able;

• providing other services for adoptive parents as they move through the adoption process; and

• educating and accrediting the Independent Practitioners.

The Ministry of Social Services cannot:

• locate a child or children available for adoption in other jurisdictions or foreign countries on behalf of prospective adoptive applicant(s);

• become directly involved in the adoption process of another country;

• order that an adoption take place;

• conform or adapt any adoption to meet Saskatchewan legislation; or

• order that a visa be issued.


Role of Citizenship and Immigration

There are two processes that applicants must go through in order to adopt a child from another country: the adoption process and the immigration process. The adoption and immigration processes can occur almost simultaneously. As these two proceed, other tasks requiring detailed planning also become evident. These processes include self-directed learning about adoption, child development and the requirements for a particular country.

To determine whether or not a child is authorized to enter and reside permanently in Canada, prospective adoptive parents must make application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

In cases that are subject to The Hague Convention, the Ministry of Social Services must agree to the child’s placement before the adoption can take place. Once a sponsorship application has been approved, the Case Processing Centre with IRCC will write to the Ministry to seek a “Notification of Agreement” to the adoption. This notification is sent directly by the Ministry to the visa office abroad.

The visa office will notify the Ministry when the child has met the immigration requirements and is ready to be issued a visa. The adoption procedures can be finalized if the adoption takes place in the country of origin. If the adoption will proceed in Canada, the child will be entrusted to the adoptive applicants.

In cases that are not subject to The Hague Convention, the IRCC will write to the Ministry to request a “Letter of No Objection”. Where a MFA home study and other specific information are required for issuing the letter, the Ministry will review the MFA home study and the information before issuing the appropriate letter and forwarding it to the Canadian visa office abroad.


The visa office will process the case and ensure that the child meets immigration requirements. When this process is finalized, the visa office will verify the adoption or legal custody papers and the travel document and issue an immigrant visa to the child.

Applicants must contact IRCC in order to obtain information on the processes and requirements that would be specific to their case.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

For Saskatchewan residents to make an application to adopt a child from outside Canada, they must show proof of:

• Saskatchewan residency; and

• Canadian citizenship or permanent residency status.

Countries outside Canada may have eligibility requirements for the adoptive applicants that may be different than those for residents of Saskatchewan who adopt domestically. When completing the application, applicants must research these eligibility requirements themselves and show that they understand and accept these parameters as set by the foreign country. There is a tremendous amount of information about Intercountry Adoption, so it is beneficial to identify credible sources of information and to talk to others who have experience with Intercountry Adoption. It is also important to note that the Ministry of Social Services cannot influence the regulations of another jurisdiction, or order that exceptions be made for any individual resident of Saskatchewan.

When identifying a country from which to adopt, prospective adoptive parents should research the country’s eligibility requirements.


The following are examples of some common requirements that foreign countries may place on the approval of applicants:

• age – some countries may limit the minimum or maximum age for applicants, or they may limit the minimum or maximum age difference between the applicants and the child eligible for adoption;

• relationship status – some countries may allow only heterosexual married couples to apply;

• gender – in the case of a single applicant, some countries may accept only applications from females; and

• religion – some countries may allow only people of a certain religion or faith to apply.

Prospective adoptive parents are also asked to research and consider these other factors:

• financial costs;

• expected waiting times;

• the special needs of children from other countries related to their culture, ethnicity, race and linguistic background;

• the special needs of children from other countries related to their pre - and post-natal development and environment;

• health trends that may impact foreign countries;

• the unique or inherent personality, disposition, strengths and limitations of any child;

• the potential for lack of information on the child; and

• the risk of unpredictable circumstances occurring in the adoption process.


Adoption Agencies

Saskatchewan does not have adoption agencies accredited to provide Intercountry Adoption services. However, there are accredited adoption agencies in other provincial jurisdictions that will accept clients from outside their areas. Prospective adoptive applicants in Saskatchewan are not required by law to use an accredited adoption agency, but many find that using the services of an agency can streamline the process considerably. Please note that some countries may require prospective adoptive applicants to use an agency located in another jurisdiction that they license in order to facilitate the adoption of their children.

Agencies often specialize in providing services for the adoption of children from only one or two countries, enabling them to be well-versed in adoption matters from those particular countries and to respond quickly to demands or emerging issues that affect prospective adoptive parents. Processes such as document preparation and travel and accommodation arrangements are usually handled quite routinely by agencies.

When prospective adoptive parents are doing their initial research, they are encouraged to contact agencies that specialize in a particular country from where they are interested in adopting. Most agencies welcome requests for information about their services and references from those who have already received services from them.

Prospective adoptive parents who decide to use an agency should research a number of accredited agencies to gain an understanding about the services available and associated fees. When prospective applicants indicate that they wish to use the services of an agency, the Ministry of Social Services adoption worker will verify the agency’s authorization and obtain information from the adoption authority that licensed the agency if necessary. The Ministry of Social Services can neither recommend nor endorse any particular agency.


Intercountry Adoption Process

Motivation to Adopt

Applicants who apply to the Intercountry Adoption Program will be asked to comment on their motivation in the application and will review their responses with a Ministry worker. Once approved to undertake the MFA home study process, applicants will again be asked to review their motivations to adopt with their chosen Independent practitioner (IP) because this forms an integral part of the home study report.

There are a variety of reasons why people decide to adopt. They have a vision of what they want their family to look like and how adoption might help them achieve this vision. Prospective adoptive applicants should consider whether parenting an adopted child is the right choice for them. Unrealistic expectations often result in dissatisfaction or disappointment and may potentially lead to adoption disruption or breakdown. It may be helpful for applicants to identify their strengths and limitations as parents and consider how they can successfully provide for the unique needs of the child. The IP will then help to explore their vision and assess the reality of their expectations.

All family members involved in an adoption plan must be committed to the process. Successful adoptive parenting requires consistent support, commitment and involvement from all family members. A considerable lack of involvement by one parent can greatly increase the stress on the involved parent.

Prospective adoptive applicants will be asked to share experiences related to their own grief and loss, which may include infertility, as well as the grief and loss experiences of the birth family and the child they hope to adopt (identity, culture, etc.). They will be asked to share their understanding and their readiness to adapt and learn from these experiences.


It is important to remember that Intercountry placement should only occur when a child’s country of origin does not have the resources to place the child within that country.

The Mutual Family Assessment (MFA) Home Study Report

The Mutual Family Assessment (MFA) home study is a written assessment of an individual’s suitability and readiness to undertake an adoption plan. The MFA is an educational process that identifies strengths and needs of a family’s past and current capacities which aligns with the Parent Resource for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) on-line training model offered by the Ministry that prospective applicants must complete.

The Ministry will notify prospective adoptive parent(s) when they have been approved to undertake the MFA home study process. An Independent Practitioner (IP), selected by the applicant(s), will be contacted by the adoption worker to confirm a time to meet with the applicants and begin the MFA home study.

The MFA home study includes a combination of several joint and individual interviews with the prospective adoptive parents and any other persons living in the home. The IP, however, will reserve the right to conduct as many interviews as necessary or required beyond the minimum in order to obtain the information required to complete a thorough assessment.

The MFA process is intended to assist adoptive applicants in completing a thorough examination of their readiness and suitability to adopt and to provide IPs with an assessment of the family. MFA home studies may take approximately three to six months to complete.

The MFA home study must contain current information when submitted to another country. Generally, this information cannot be more than six months old. Foreign authorities, however, may specify how often home study information must be updated. Applicants must be aware


of these requirements, and must be prepared to cover the costs associated with updating an MFA home study.

Within the MFA home study, the information required includes, but is not limited to the applicant’s:

• reasons or motivation for wanting to adopt;

• family background information, including any biological or adopted children the applicant already has;

• level of education and/or occupation;

• physical, emotional and/or mental health status;

• personal and interpersonal relationships;

• financial situation;

• community and community participation;

• personal supports (supports for adoption); and

• range of acceptance with regards to preference for age or age groups, number of children or sibling groups, gender and health or special needs of a child.

Although the MFA home study forms the basis of the adoption dossier, the applicants will also be required to submit some or all of the following documents:

• Application form from the chosen country (if required);

• Certified copy of Birth Registration for each prospective adoptive applicant;

• Copy of Marriage Certificate/Divorce Decree as applicable;

• Physician’s medical report for each applicant (some countries have their own medical report forms that they require applicants to have completed);

• Criminal record check/fingerprint checks for each applicant and any other individuals who reside in the home who are over the age of 18;


• Child welfare background checks for each applicant and any other individuals who reside in the home who are over the age of 18;

• Reference check information from five (5) individuals. Countries may specify who they want the references from, which will usually include clergy, employers and members of the immediate family or community. The IP will seek letters of support and will follow up with them either in person or by phone.

• Income tax return or other documents indicating financial capability;

• Psychological evaluation by licensed psychiatrist or psychologist (if applicable);

• Letter from Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services confirming approval for child placement;

• Confirmation of willingness to provide post-placement or progress reports; and

• Recent photos of applicants, their immediate family and community surroundings. These should be on sheets no larger than 8 ½ x 11 inches, and should be able to fit into an album with flush edges. The country may specify the type and number of photographs required.

Foreign countries can and often do require different information, and it is up to applicants to ensure that they are aware of the documents required to complete the adoption package or dossier.

When the MFA home study is complete and the adoption worker has verified that the eligibility requirements for Saskatchewan and the foreign country have been met, the adoption worker or the agency involved will send the completed dossier to the foreign adoption authority.

Document preparation may include translation by an accredited translator, notarization by a Notary Public,


legalization and certification or authentication by the Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor and the foreign Embassy or Consulate. The costs associated with completing any of the above are the responsibility of the applicants.

Expenses

The Hague Convention states under article 32, “No one shall derive improper financial or other gain from activity related to an intercountry adoption. Only costs and expenses, including reasonable professional fees of a person involved with the adoption, may be charged or paid. The directors, administrators and employees of bodies involved in an adoption shall not receive remuneration which is unreasonably high in relation to services rendered.”

Expenses for Intercountry Adoption are usually substantial and are the responsibility of the prospective applicants.

Fees vary by country, program or agency with which the applicants become involved. Individuals considering Intercountry Adoption should create a list of all the items required and estimated costs before proceeding. However, applicants may receive quotes from agencies that itemize all expected costs or fees associated with the adoption planning process. Social Services is not involved in setting fees or costs associated with Intercountry Adoption.

Expenses may include, but are not limited to:

• MFA home study report and post-placement documents;

• travel and accommodation away from home (required length of stay in the country, number of trips expected after adoption proposal has been accepted and before the child can travel to Canada);

• agency use, including legal consultation;


• document and report preparation;

• medical and psychological reports;

• translation and document authentication;

• immigration processing fees (check with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada); and

• child in foster setting or medical care.

Changes to Applicant Circumstances

Children respond or react to change in a variety of ways, regardless if they are biological, adopted or placed with caregivers through some other form of guardianship arrangement. Some children may make adjustments with very little disruption to the family unit, while others may have more difficulty with the change and may require special supports.

Children arriving in Canada from other countries may experience challenges and barriers due to differences in cultural background and the community into which they will be integrated into. Some challenges may be discreet, such as weather or climate change, or they may be more significant such as loss of family, home and what was familiar to them. As a way to manage and cope, children may exhibit a variety of potentially challenging behaviors in an attempt to communicate feelings of frustration, anxiety or mistrust of their new surroundings and new family. These may lead to difficulties with the child attaching to the adoptive parents, or, at worst, to an adoption disruption or breakdown.

Applicants are asked to research the concepts of attachment and family adjustment as part of the MFA home study process.

When a child arrives in the adoptive home, there is a period of adjustment that is crucial in helping create attachment between the adoptive parents and the child. The family’s adjustment to changes in composition and in relationships will require time and nurturing. Families


who are prepared with supports already in place reduce any potential disruptions or issues with child behavior that may arise.

The Ministry of Social Services observes a 12 month wait time following the placement of children to allow for adjustments and bonds to form. Intercountry MFA home studies must be placed on hold if applicants are expecting a child of their own, have entered into some other form of guardianship arrangement, or have a change in circumstances. Applicants will notify their adoption worker so that a review of their circumstances may be made in consultation with the Independent Practitioner. The adoption worker will also notify the foreign authority of a pregnancy or child placement.

Further, prospective applicants who have changes in their personal circumstances are required to advise their adoption worker because this may affect the adoption plan. Such changes may include: changes in domestic partnership/marriage (e.g., separation or divorce), changes in residency, death of a domestic partner/spouse, change in health status of one or both applicants, additions to the household, changes to employment or income, and a change in range of acceptance. Again, the adoption worker will review the change of circumstances in consultation with the adoptive applicants and, when necessary, with the Independent Practitioner.

Under the authority of The Adoption Act, 1998, the Director of Adoption Services, has the ability to impose any conditions on applicants that would be considered appropriate or in the best interests of a child. Waiting periods between child placements or after some other significant change to the family unit are supported by most child welfare jurisdictions across Canada and in foreign countries.

An update to the MFA home study report will be required after any significant changes. Any costs associated with such updates will be the complete responsibility of the applicants.


Range of Acceptance

On the Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement, adoptive applicants are asked to provide information regarding what they are willing to accept in a child. This is referred to as Range of Acceptance and includes age range, willingness to adopt a sibling group, gender preferences and specific needs. Foreign adoption authorities are responsible for proposing children for adoption will use this information in considering a child who could potentially be proposed. It is important that applicants take time to understand and know what needs of a child they wish to consider, and complete research about their country of choice.

The Ministry of Social Services does not allow more than one child to be adopted at a time through the Intercountry Adoption Program except in the case of a sibling adoption. The Ministry of Social Services defines siblings or sibling groups as biological brothers and sisters who are related by blood. No other type of relationship, even if there is a degree of blood relation, will be considered for Intercountry Adoption.

Some countries do have waiting children programs that can be accessed. These programs often profile children who are harder to place because they are older, or because they have some type of known medical or health issue or concern. Adoptive applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these programs that might be of interest to understand what the long-term support requirements might be for a child with special needs. Adoptive applicants must ensure that they are both financially and emotionally able to provide long-term, ongoing support.


Children Available for Adoption

It is the responsibility of the child welfare authority in the child’s country of origin to determine which children are eligible for Intercountry Adoption placement and to govern this process. All countries are to make efforts to find a suitable adoptive family for a child within his/her own country before permitting adoption by foreign adoptive parents.

Neither the Ministry of Social Services nor the adoptive applicants have any influence over this process.

Adoptive applicants:

• should not have any knowledge of a child available for adoption before receiving the child proposal;

• cannot apply to adopt a specific child except when they are applying to adopt a relative; and

• cannot undertake a private adoption, or arrange an adoption in private with an agency or individual who is not legally accredited to provide adoption services in that country.

Prospective adoptive applicants are cautioned to be aware of any children who are advertised or proposed for adoption through websites, e-mail or any other means other than through a child welfare authority or designate. The Ministry of Social Services receives all child proposal information from the foreign country and will review it jointly with applicants before applicants make a decision on whether to proceed.

Most children identified for Intercountry Adoption have experienced events in their lives that may be traumatic. Events that significantly impact a child’s development include:

• being separated from their biological parents and extended family;


• living in an orphanage or institutional setting;

• not receiving adequate pre- and post-natal care, healthy stimulation or health care services; and

• being exposed to diseases and health problems that are not common in Canada, including malnutrition, parasites, tuberculosis and Hepatitis B.

Adoptive applicants should acquaint themselves with health issues that impact women of child-bearing age in the countries from which they hope to adopt. In addition to health trends, adoptive applicants should be aware of the societal problems or issues that may exist, and how these may impact the child, such as:

• The incidence rate of alcoholism and domestic violence;

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder(FASD) or Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ARND);

• Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and HIV/Aids;

• Lack of food, clean water, malnutrition;

• Poverty; and

• Conflict or war.

Child Proposals

The Hague Convention requires the child’s country of origin to prepare a report regarding the child’s needs, health, development and background. Although there may be very little health, medical or background information available, it is important those prospective adoptive parents:

• consult with their doctor or other child development specialist regarding the information they were provided about the child’s history before they make a decision to parent an adopted child;


• understand there are no guarantees regarding the future health and development of a child. The birth parent and family history of children who come from foreign countries may be unknown or unavailable, so a child’s predisposition to certain disorders or conditions may not be diagnosed or predicted at birth or at a young age; and

• carefully research the history and health trends of the country from which applicants hope to adopt and consider them against the possible future support requirements of an adopted child. Prospective adoptive applicants must be aware of the risks associated with adopting children from abroad, and must be prepared to fully support an adopted child’s future needs.

Research to date indicates that most children adopted from other countries do overcome past difficulties and can make significant developmental progress with the dedicated caring and commitment of an adoptive family. However, some children will have long-term developmental and behavioral issues. Applicants should give consideration to the potential future needs of a child, and should be fully prepared to provide life-long support.

When the foreign authority submits a child proposal, the adoption worker reviews it with the adoptive applicants. The adoptive applicants are requested to consult with other professionals, such as family physicians, who can help assess the child’s circumstances. The applicants will make a decision on whether or not to accept the proposal.

If the adoptive applicants decide to accept the child proposal, they will complete the necessary acceptance documents and await notice and approval from the foreign authority. Approval time frames vary by country. Applicants should plan for travel and accommodation on short notice.


Adoptive applicants are required to travel, at least one time, to the other country to meet the child and travel home with the child. The applicants will complete any other requirements necessary for the adoption. In some countries, prospective applicants may attend the adoption hearing or visit the adoption authorities. When in the foreign country, adoptive parents should take every opportunity to learn more about the child, his or her birth family, place of birth, etc., and should record this information and take pictures.

Upon return to Canada, adoptive parents are required to participate in the completion of post- placement reports. If an order of adoption was not granted in the child’s country of origin, an application is made in Saskatchewan. If an order was granted by a court in the child’s country of origin and is substantially similar to an order in Saskatchewan, nothing further is required.

Note: If applying for a relative adoption, either the applicants or their representative (agency or legal counsel) must seek verification from the child’s country of origin that he or she is eligible for adoption.

Post-Placement Reports

Applicants must agree to have post-placement reports completed as part of the adoption process in their initial Intercountry Adoption Application for Child Placement. Post-placement reports are completed after a child has been placed in the home. Most countries require a minimum of two post-placement reports that are due at certain intervals after child placement. Foreign countries may specify what the expectations are around completion and receipt of these reports, as well as who is responsible for completing and submitting them. Photos of the family are often requested to be included in these reports.


Post-placement reports are intended to:

• let the country of origin know how the placement has been progressing;

• help measure the developmental progress of the child(ren); and

• help identify any issues requiring further support.

In Saskatchewan, the Independent Practitioners complete the post-placement reports with the family. Some countries require an accredited social worker to complete these reports, and it is up to the adoptive parents to ensure that their IP holds this particular designation. Adoptive parents are required to know when reports are due or at what intervals, and will need to contact an IP well in advance in order to complete them. All costs associated with the completion of these reports are the responsibility of the adoptive applicants.

Final NotesAn adjustment period is necessary for an adoptive family and a newly adopted child. Adoptive parents should ensure that resources are in place for the child and the family, and should inform others of their needs as required. A Ministry worker is available to discuss any concerns applicants may have upon the completion of your adoption.

For More InformationInterested applicants can receive further information by contacting 306-787-3654 (in Regina) or 1-800-667-7539, or by writing to:

Intercountry Adoption Program Ministry of Social Services10th Floor – 1920 Broad Street Regina, SK S4P 3V6

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