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Ways to Adopt in BC

Last updated on May 6, 2026

There are different ways to adopt a child in B.C. Each type of adoption has its own process and rules. The goal is to find families who can give children and youth a safe, loving, and permanent home.

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Are you hoping to adopt a child or youth in British Columbia?

 

Adopt BC Kids (Adopt from Foster Care)

A limited number of children and youth in B.C. are legally available to be adopted from foster care. These children may:

  • Be school-aged or teens
  • Have siblings who need to stay together
  • Need extra support because of past experiences

Families who adopt from foster care must complete training and a comprehensive home study.

Priority is given to placement with family and community, or with people who already have a connection or relationship with the child or youth. 

If you are applying to adopt a child or youth already known to you, connect directly with a worker at the Ministry for Children and Family Development

 If you are a potential adopting family in BC wanting to adopt a child of youth in foster care who you do not already have a connection with, go to Adopt BC Kids to make an application online

Parent or Guardian Placement (Infant Adoption)

Birth Parents who choose adoption for their child often work with licensed B.C. adoption agencies. They can:

  • Help choose the adoptive family
  • Decide how much contact they want after the adoption
  • If you are a birth parent wanting to make an adoption plan, contact a licensed adoption agency (add links)
  • If you are a potential adoptive family interested in adopting an infant in BC, contact a licensed B.C. adoption agency

Direct placement

Direct placement adoption is when a birth parent chooses a specific person or couple to adopt their child. This type of adoption may be supported by a licensed BC Adoption agency. The birth parent(s) and adoptive parent(s) work together with lawyers and social workers to complete the process.

Who can use direct placement

In British Columbia, direct placement adoption can be used when:

  • The birth parent and adoptive parent know each other
  • The child is not in government care
  • Both sides agree to the adoption

Intercountry adoption

Families in B.C. can adopt children from other countries. This type of adoption:

  • Requires working with a licensed B.C. Adoption agency
  • Follows Legislation and Regulations from both countries
  • If you are a perspective adopting family interested in adoption a child from another country, please contact a licensed B.C. adoption agency

Custom Adoption

Custom Adoption process makes it possible for Indigenous families and communities to use a culturally appropriate ways of planning for their Indigenous children.

Other Types of Adoption

Relative or stepchild adoption

You can adopt a child who is related to you or is your partner’s child:

  • If you are interested in adopting a relative or stepchild, you will need to seek legal advice.You must apply to the court
  • This type of adoption does not apply to children and youth in foster care, to adopt a relative in foster care please contact the child’s worker.

Adult Adoption

  • Adult adoption is when someone 19 or older is legally adopted by another adult.
  •  This can happen when the adult being adopted lived with and was supported by the person applying to adopt them before they turned 19.
  • If you are interested in adult adoption, it’s recommended that you seek legal advice.

Other Permanency Options

  • Not every child or youth in foster care needs to be adopted to find a permanent, loving home.
  • In B.C., there are other ways to give children and youth long-term stability and connection. These options include kinship care, guardianship, and Indigenous customary care.
  • In these types of placements, the family will already have a connection to the child or youth
  • To learn more about these options talk to a worker for the child or youth at the Ministry of Children and Family Development

There are many supports available for caregivers and youth in B.C.