Events

• Annual General Meeting
  The Society's Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd. Details to follow.

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Adoption

The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa places approximately 70 children into adoptive homes every year. Most of these children have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect.

Most children waiting to be adopted are school-aged or in a sibling group that needs to stay together. Many have emotional disabilities; others have physical, mental or developmental disabilities. All need the love of a permanent family.

Who Can Adopt?

Below is a guide for those wishing to adopt.

• people who are willing to make a commitment to a child for a permanent lifetime relationship
• people from all cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds
• people who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay or lesbian
• people who are at least 19 years of age
• people who can financially manage the addition of a child(ren)
• people who have lots of parenting experience or none at all
• people who have no criminal history that will prevent them from being approved to adopt

The Process

You will need to first attend an Information Session to learn more about all that is involved in adopting a child and the children who are waiting for homes. Check under the section "Information Sessions" for upcoming dates and locations. You will then need to complete and submit an application to the Society. Application forms can be picked up at the Information Session. You can also fill out our application form on line at www.winningkids.ca .

You will need to attend the Society`s required training program which is a 20 hour program focusing on the issues in adoption and foster care. At the same time as attending the training program, you will participate in a home study that gathers extensive information about you.

This is a mutual process whereby both the worker and applicant decide on whether adoption is right for you and, if so, which child would be best matched with you.

How long will it take to adopt?
There is a waiting period for all adoptions. The time frame varies with the type of child being adopted and the range of acceptance of adoption applicants. Children with special needs can often be adopted quickly, while the wait for a healthy infant can take years. Our philosophy is to find a family to meet the child's needs and not the contrary.

For more information call (613) 742-1620 or visit, www.winningkids.ca.

Adoption Disclosure

The Children's Aid Society of Ottawa provides adoption disclosure services to adult adoptees, adult children of deceased adult adoptees, birth relatives, and adoptive parents. What this means for you, is that, as per regulations in the , you may be eligible to receive non-identifying information in the form of a redacted file held on record at the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa.

If you have been touched by adoption and would like more information regarding non-identifying information, please contact the Adoption and Former Crown Ward Disclosure Services. We can be reached at 613-747-7800 extension 2444. It would be our pleasure to respond to any of your inquiries.

NB. Through the Office of the Registrar General you may be eligible to obtain identifying information in the form of copies of original adoption orders and/or birth registration. Through the Custodian of Adoption Information, you may register on the Adoption Registry, which matches registered people who have been touched by adoption. Information on these services are available at the or 1-800-461-2156 for information.

Information Sessions

Come to the Adoption Information sessions and learn about the joys and rewards of adoption.

Hear about the children in need of permanent adoption homes and the process of becoming an adoptive parent.

The session begins at 7 p.m. at the Children's Aid Society of Ottawa, 1602 Telesat Court unless otherwise indicated. Call 742-1620 to register!

Adoption and Foster Care Information Sessions - 2008-2009