Adoption Information
Becoming an Adoptive Parent
Adoption is an important and potentially life-changing process for both children and families. The General Authority agencies are mandated to provide adoption services under the Adoption Act.
When reunification with birth families is not possible, we are committed to permanence for children and families, and to supporting adoption workers in finding long-term homes for children in care.
What Are the Different Types of Adoption?
Who May Adopt?
- Single, married or living common-law
- Of any race or ethnicity
- Any sexual orientation
- With or without children of your own
- Any income bracket
You must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- A resident of Manitoba
- Willing to participate in adoption education programs
- Willing to participate in the completion of a homestudy assessment
Our Agencies Are in Need Of
- Adoptive families for children over the age of six years
- Adoptive families for sibling groups
Adoption Process
What steps are involved in the adoption process?
After submitting your application to adopt, you will be required to attend an adoption education session where you will learn about grief and loss, attachment, bonding, parenting a special needs child, etc.
The next step is the homestudy assessment. A homestudy is an assessment process between you and a qualified adoption worker employed by a child and family services agency or service region or licensed adoption agency. The homestudy helps determine whether you are able to assume the responsibilities of being an adoptive parent and help identify which children you are most suitable and capable of parenting.
Adoption Placement
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Once approved, you are placed on Manitoba’s Central Adoption Registry to be matched with a child who is available for adoption
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If you are matched with a child, you will be provided with all non-identifying information about the child (medical, background, etc.)
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If you decide to proceed, pre-placement visits will occur so that you and the child can get to know each other before placement occurs
Please note: Being approved for adoption does not guarantee the placement of a child. Adoption workers act in the best interest of the child and are searching for the best and most suitable homes for the child (e.g. culturally appropriate, able to meet the child’s needs, etc.) rather than finding a child for the adoptive family.
Supervisory Period
After placement occurs, there is a six to 12-month period before the adoption is legalized. Your adoption worker will continue to work with you to help everyone adjust and deal with any issues that may arise.
Legalization
Once it is determined that the adoption placement is secure, the agency applies to the court for an Order of Adoption on your behalf (you do not have to attend court). Once the Order of Adoption is granted, the child is legally considered as if born to you.
Please contact your local child and family service agency or service region for more information.
Adoption Resources
Those considering adoption in Manitoba have numerous resources available.
Getting Started
Please view the province of Manitoba’s Adoption Act and its Adoption page.
Additionally, contact your local child and family services agency. You will be provided with adoption orientation information to help you with your adoption decision.
Post-Adoption Registry
Manitoba’s post-adoption registry allows those who have been involved in an adoption that was granted in Manitoba to search for family members.
Searches can be done on behalf of anyone entitled to register, subject to any disclosure or contact vetoes and/or contact preferences on file. Searches for any person under 18 years of age are not permitted.
Searches are conducted by the Department of Families.
For more information, visit the province of Manitoba’s Post-Adoption Registry page.
Open Birth Records
Adoptees and birth parents can apply to find out more about their birth parents or adopted children. Both parties can apply to get access to these records through the Manitoba Post-Adoption Registry.
Adoptees who are 18 and older can request pre-adoption birth registry information. Birth parents can apply for the child’s substituted registration of birth.
For more information, please see Manitoba Post-Adoption Services