Ontario Helping Families Seeking To Adopt
September 30, 2009 9:31 AM
McGuinty Government Taking Action To Strengthen International Adoption System
The government is supporting the immediate resumption of Imagine Adoption's operations and is providing a six month extension for families involved with the restructured agency whose home studies expire before April 2010.
The government is enhancing the accountability of international adoption agencies by requiring agencies to provide the following as part of the annual licence renewal process, effective immediately:
- An audited financial statement,
- An Annual Report, available to the public, and
- A report from the Board of Directors that outlines agency operations and activities.
International adoption agencies will also be required to ensure prospective
adoptive families understand the licensing process, the roles and
responsibilities of licensed agencies, and the financial and other risks
associated with international adoption.
QUICK FACTS
- Thirty-eight of the 47 children who were matched to Canadian families and living in the transition home in Ethiopia have returned to Canada with their adoptive families.
- Sixteen international adoption agencies and one individual are currently licensed under the Intercountry Adoption Act, 1998 by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to facilitate international adoptions.
- Since 2000, an estimated 6,900 Ontario families have had home studies for international adoption approved by the ministry.
CONTACTS
- Kevin Spafford
Minister's Office
416-212-7159
- Anne Smith
Ministry of Children and Youth Services
416-325-5185
ontario.ca/children
"I'm very pleased that many families involved with Imagine Adoption will be able to continue their adoptions. We're taking steps now to ensure that families seeking to adopt internationally - an already lengthy and emotional process - are better informed and protected."
– Deb Matthews
Minister of Children and Youth Services
Communities
