[anarchamama]

My partner and I have been approached by a birth mom in ontario, who has asked us to adopt her baby, due in aug. Several social workers and a lwyer I have talked to have said that adoption in ontario can be much more complicated than in manitoba. During the 30 day revokation period the baby has to be placed in foster care? Also the mother and potentially the birth father are metis, so even if they are not status they have to notify the band and the band has to give permission for the adoption? Anyone know anything about this or have any experience with it?

Thanks
Heather

[Leigh131313]

Hmmmm....that DOES sound a bit much, but I have no clue.

I find the 30 day in foster care thing a little hard to believe - but that doesn't mean it isn't true.

I can't help, I'm in Alberta...but I know there are some Ontario residents here.

[time2grow]

When we took our pride classes they touched on this briefly. If I remember correctly, when a child is of native descent, the band and government agencies are to make every effort to find a family hopefully within the metis community to preserve the childs heritage. If they are unable to secure a family within the community, they then look to other prospective families who would be willing to instill some of the native heritage & traditions in thier upbringing.

In ontario, a birthparent cannot give their consent to place a child for adoption until the 7 days after the birth. Once the consent is given, then the 21 day period begins where the mother has the right to revoke her consent to adoption. All total 28 days minimum. If the child is placed in foster care, the CAS will not (in most cases) place the child with the adoptive family until the child is legally free for adoption.

[anarchamama]

In our case it is not through CAS it is private, and the birth mother is an aquiantace who has appoached us specifically. Which is why I am having trouble understanding how the band can take precedence over her wishes.

Heather

[evansmum]

Go to the Ontario website, they have tons of information on all types of adoption. Government of Ontario, Canada / Gouvernement de l'Ontario, Canada


Direct link - Adoption in Ontario - Programs and Services

HTH!

[anarchamama]

Unfortunatly all the gov website says is this:

What about adoption of aboriginal children?
The Child and Family Services Act stresses the importance of a child's emotional well-being and cultural background in relation to adoption. In keeping with this commitment, there is particular recognition given to preserving the unique heritage and cultural ties of aboriginal children. Every effort is made to find adoptive families for them within the aboriginal communities. When such a family cannot be found, parents in the larger community may be considered, as long as they promote their child's awareness of his or cultural heritage.

What exactly does this mean is what I need to know. I have no problem with notifying the band if that is birth mums wishes. However, I do not want to persue an adoption in which the child is in foster care for 2 years, while the band decides, and neither does she, that's what she's trying to avoid.

[allanacw]

With a private adoption the child does not have to be placed in foster care during the min. 28 day period. The baby could go home with you. One of our former workers was able to bring her son home, but also had to return three babies to their mothers after caring for them for almost a month.

Try giving Native Child and Family Services in Toronto a call. They're located on College Street. Friends of mine foster through that agency and I've heard good feedback about one of the adoption workers. Hopefully they will be able to help and give insight to a private adoption.

A canada411 search brought up their number for me.

Best of luck!

Allana