Choosing to grow your family through adoption is a beautiful and meaningful step. Both domestic adoption and international adoption can lead to extraordinary relationships — they just look different in process and support.
What Is Domestic Adoption?
Domestic adoption involves adopting a child born in Canada. In Alberta, open adoption is mandatory and supported by law. The level and type of contact will vary for each situation, but openness helps support a child’s identity, history, and emotional well-being.
- The child is born within Canada.
- Openness is a required component of adoption in Alberta, with individualized contact agreements.
- Governed by provincial adoption legislation.
- Wait times vary based on openness and child considerations.
- Often opportunities to meet or build a relationship with birth parents.
- ✓No international travel.
- ✓Typically more complete medical & social history.
- ✓Local, ongoing supports are accessible.
- ✓Openness supports lifelong identity and connection.
Considerations: Timelines can vary, and openness requires communication and collaboration.
What Is International Adoption?
International adoption involves adopting a child born outside Canada. Families complete the adoption in the child’s country and then complete Canadian immigration or citizenship steps.
- Child resides in another country.
- Typically less direct openness with birth family.
- Travel is required (length varies by country).
- Children may be older and may have had early life transitions.
- Paperwork & timelines vary significantly by country.
- ✓Some programs have more predictable timelines.
- ✓Clear, defined steps within certain country programs.
- ✓Options to adopt sibling groups or older children.
Considerations: Travel, citizenship paperwork, and cultural transitions often require additional planning and post-adoption support.
How Do I Choose? A Quick Comparison
| Question | Domestic Adoption | International Adoption |
|---|---|---|
| Openness with birth parents? | Open adoption is mandatory and supported in Alberta. | Usually more limited or indirect. |
| Timeline predictability? | Varies based on match and openness. | Some programs are more predictable. |
| Travel requirements? | No travel required. | Travel required; duration varies by country. |
| Cultural identity support? | Within Canadian cultural context. | Lifelong, intentional cultural connection is essential. |
What Matters Most
Adoption is about relationship, identity, belonging, and love. Whether domestic or international, every adopted child deserves:
- ✓Lifelong connection and compassion
- ✓Respect for their story and identity
- ✓Stability and attuned caregiving
- ✓A family who will walk with them through every chapter
We’re Here to Support You
Thinking about adoption and want to talk it through? Abide offers information sessions, one-on-one consultations, home studies, ongoing education, and community support.