International Adoption
Through international adoption, we bridge continents and cultures, creating families that span the globe.
Begin Your International Adoption Journey with Confidence
International adoption offers a beautiful opportunity to provide a permanent, safe, and loving home to a child in need. Whether expanding your family or adopting a relative outside Canada, we provide compassionate, personalized support every step of the way.
With experienced guidance, education seminars, and clear step-by-step assistance, we help make the process manageable and meaningful — from your first questions to welcoming your child home.
Thank you for considering our agency to support you through this journey!
All About International Adoption
There’s a lot to take in — don’t worry!
Feel free to call us anytime (no fee!) and we’ll walk you through it.
Welcome Here!
Embarking on the international adoption journey is an exciting and meaningful way to grow your family. Having personally walked this path ourselves, we know how rewarding—and how complex—it can be. That’s why we’re here to offer the support and guidance you need, every step of the way! Below you’ll find lots of helpful information, but please don’t hesitate to give us a call anytime — we’d love to talk about your unique situation and answer your questions personally.
What We Offer
We provide personalized support, education, and guidance throughout the entire adoption process. Our virtual international adoption seminars cover essential topics such as:
- Understanding the adoption process
- Institutional care and the impact on children
- Building secure attachment
- Medical and developmental considerations
- Adopting older children
A Step-by-Step Journey, Supported at Every Stage (see full process below)
Adopting internationally can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make the process clear and manageable:
- Start with a conversation: There’s no cost to reach out and ask questions. We’re available via email, phone, or video call to discuss your options and help you understand what’s involved.
- Consider your country options: Research if there’s an established adoption program, whether the country is part of the Hague Convention, and if you meet eligibility requirements.
- Submit your Adoption Application Form to Alberta Human Services. Once approved, you can begin your adoption journey with our full support.
- Education and preparation: Attend our seminars, meet with adoption coordinators, complete homestudies, prepare your dossier, and review match proposals — all with guidance from our experienced team.
A Journey as Unique as Your Family
Every adoption is different, and timelines can vary. Most families complete the international adoption process within three to four years. While we can’t guarantee outcomes, we promise you this: you will never walk this path alone. We will be your advocates, your guides, and your strongest allies.
Let Us Help You Turn Hope Into Home
Reach out today — we’re ready when you are.
Helpful Resources
- Alberta Children and Family Services: 780-422-0178
- Email: adoption.services@gov.ab.ca
- Download the International Adoption Guidebook – A Guide for Alberta Families
Full Process
Process for International Adoption
1. Apply
After you've selected your country (we can help you with research if needed!) you will complete International Adoption Application. Abide Adoption will require a copy of the approval letter. We are happy to help you this this process!
2. Prepare
All adoptive parents are required to complete a 5–6 hour preparation seminar with a licensed adoption agency. It’s a great way to learn and feel more prepared. For international adoption, you can take the seminar while your application is being processed — no need to wait!
3. Apply to SMA
Complete Small Miracle's application package and submit required documentation (police and child intervention checks, medical report. ect)
4. Homestudy
A registered social worker will meet with you to complete your home assessment. This process usually takes about three months, and all applicants need to attend the interviews in person.
Once the report is finalized, it’s sent to the province for approval — this review can take up to another three months, so a bit of patience is needed here!
5. Dossier
You’ll need to apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada to get the documents required to bring your child home to Canada.
You can find more details here:
Citizenship and Immigration – Adoption Process
Please note: Even with agency and provincial approval, final approval from Immigration Canada is still required.
7. Match Proposal — The Most Exciting Part!
This is the moment you've been waiting for! When you're matched with a child, we’ll go over the proposal with you in detail. We’re here to help you understand everything and make sure it feels like the right fit for your family. It’s a big step — and we’ll be right there with you.
8. Post Placement
Many countries like to check in and see how the child is settling in with their new family. It’s a way to ensure everything is going well — and we’re here to help with that! Our social workers will complete the required follow-up reports with you, making the process smooth and supportive.
Using a Coordination Agency
International adoption can be complex, and many families choose to work with a coordinating agency to help manage things like document preparation, travel arrangements, visas, and translation services. These agencies can offer valuable support throughout the international side of the process.
While Alberta Adoption and Permanency Services — and Small Miracles — don’t officially license or endorse coordinating agencies, you’re welcome to choose the agency that best fits your needs. It’s important to ensure any agency you work with is reputable and authorized to arrange and finalize adoptions in your child’s country of origin.
We’re always here to help answer your questions about coordinating agencies and what to look for when choosing one. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Keep in mind that working with a coordinating agency may add to your overall adoption costs. However, no matter which country you’re adopting from or which agency you choose, our fees at Small Miracles remain the same. The cost difference will depend on the country and the coordinating agency’s fees.
For our full fee schedule or to chat with us about your options, we’d love to hear from you:
(780) 421-1177
info@smallmiraclesadoption.com
We “Get” it, because we’ve walked it! At Abide Adoption, we understand that adopting from another country can feel overwhelming. Every nation has its own regulations, requirements, and cultural considerations — and navigating those complexities alone can be daunting. What sets us apart is that international adoption is personal to us. Many members of our team have adopted internationally within their own families — we’ve walked this journey ourselves. That means we don’t just know the process; we understand it on a deep, emotional level.
We’re passionate about supporting families with honesty, compassion, and practical guidance, because we’ve been in your shoes — and we know how meaningful and life-changing this journey can be.
Our experienced and compassionate team is here to walk beside you from your very first questions all the way to the moment you welcome your child home.
Questions?
We're here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need more information about domestic adoption, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can call us at 780-421-1177, email us at info@abideadoption.com, or simply use the contact form here to send us a quick message.
Our dedicated team is ready to provide the support and answers you need as you explore the wonderful journey of adoption.
Copyright © 2025 Abide Adoption & Family Services
Calgary Office
Suite 2000,
125 9 Avenue SE,
Calgary, AB T2G 0P6
* By Appointment Only *
Edmonton Office
Tower 1, Suite 2020
10060 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, AB T5J 3R8
* By Appointment Only *
© A Small Miracle Adoption 2026