USA Adoption
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Overview
The Children’s Bridge supports Canadian families pursuing adoption from the United States through a regulated intercountry adoption process.
The USA program is unique because expectant parents considering adoption are typically involved in selecting the prospective adoptive family. Our team works alongside our U.S. adoption partner to support families throughout the adoption process.
Children & Adoption in the USA
The USA program primarily involves the adoption of infants. Each adoption situation is unique, and the information available about the child, expectant parents, medical history, and circumstances will vary.
Families should carefully consider the types of adoption situations they feel prepared to pursue and the importance of openness, connection, and maintaining appropriate relationships with birth family when possible.
How it Works
Families begin by determining their eligibility and completing the required provincial adoption approvals, including a home study. Once approved, a family profile is prepared and submitted to our U.S. partner.
Prospective adoptive families are then considered for adoption opportunities. If selected by an expectant parent, the family receives information about the proposed match and decides whether they feel prepared to proceed.
The Process
1
Apply
2
Home Study & Approval
3
Family Profile
4
Waiting & Matching
5
Placement
6
Travel/Stay in the USA
7
Return to Canada
8
Post-Placement & Finalization
Matching & Wait Times
Unlike programs where families wait for a child referral based primarily on chronological order, expectant parents in the USA are generally involved in choosing the prospective adoptive family.
For this reason, there is no guaranteed timeline for a match. Wait times vary considerably and can be influenced by a family's adoption approval, openness, preferences, and the individual circumstances of adoption opportunities.
Travel & Post-Adoption
Families should expect to travel to the United States at the time of placement and remain there while the required legal and immigration processes are completed before returning to Canada.
After returning home, families complete the required post-placement supervision, reporting, and adoption finalization steps.
Is the USA Right for Your Family?
Families considering the USA program should be comfortable with the uncertainty of the matching process and understand that expectant-parent choice plays an important role.
Prospective adoptive parents must meet applicable provincial and U.S. adoption requirements and be prepared for the emotional, practical, and financial considerations involved in the process.
Want to learn more?
Every adoption journey is different. Our team can help you understand the USA program, current requirements, matching process, and whether it may be an appropriate option for your family.