Custom Adoption

Custom Adoption may be available when a child/youth’s birth parents want to make an adoption plan for their child/youth and their community (Nation) has a practice, custom or tradition of adoption.

• Custom adoption is practiced by some Indigenous communities where Indigenous children are cared for by someone other than their birth parents. 

• Custom adoption occurs in accordance with the traditional practices of the Indigenous Community.

• It is recommended that birth parents, prospective  adoptive parents and Indigenous communities considering a custom adoption seek independent legal advice.

Custom adoption is facilitated by a child/youth’s Indigenous Community

• Custom adoption is a voluntary process.
• Custom adoption requires consent from the birth parents and adopting parents.
• The adopting parents are Indigenous.
• The Indigenous Community has a history of custom adoption.