Get your booster dose   |   Rapid antigen testing kits are free at pharmacies
Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Advanced Education and Skills Training
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure

close menu Office of the Premier

Province stops museum plan, will consult public on museum’s future

June 22, 2022 12:45 PM
Royal BC Museum project is stopped
The Province is halting plans announced last month to rebuild the Royal British Columbia Museum.
  Read More

Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Advanced Education and Skills Training

Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey

June 23, 2022 10:15 AM
Expanded physical therapy program coming to Surrey
More people in Surrey and the Fraser Valley will be able to pursue careers in physical therapy at a new training space coming to Surrey.
  Read More

Investing in biomedical engineering will bolster British Columbians’ health

June 13, 2022 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

B.C. ramps up support for agritech

June 24, 2022 8:30 AM
Two Vancouver-based agritech businesses are paving the way for stronger food security through B.C.’s Agritech Ramp-Up Pilot Program (Ramp-Up) with robotics and technology to support B.C.’s agriculture sector.
  Read More

Agriculture advisory group to help create more resilient food supply

June 14, 2022 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
  Read More

Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
  Read More

Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

More Cariboo communities connected to high-speed internet

June 23, 2022 9:00 AM
More than 1,200 households in 15 communities, including four First Nations communities, have access to high-speed internet services in the Cariboo, thanks to the installation of new fibre to the home.
  Read More

Province seeks people to join anti-racism committee, help dismantle systemic racism

June 24, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families

June 20, 2022 12:02 PM
Expansion of $10 a day child care to benefit thousands more B.C. families
Applications are being accepted from child care providers to join the $10 a Day ChildCareBC program this year, which will enable them to offer low-cost child care, making life more affordable for thousands more families in B.C.
  Read More

Nisga’a students will benefit from new gymnasium

June 20, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

British Columbians can access more in EV charger rebates

May 18, 2022 10:05 AM
Better rebates for EV chargers
The Province and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are making it more affordable for people to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their homes, businesses and communities.
  Read More

B.C. supports EV adoption from purchase through repair

June 1, 2022 12:55 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy

June 20, 2022 1:15 PM
B.C. strengthens actions to prepare for climate change with new strategy
People in British Columbia will be better protected from the impacts of wildfires, flooding and extreme heat through the actions included in the new Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy.
  Read More

Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

Heat pump demand heats up in northern B.C.

June 20, 2022 11:52 AM
Heat pumps are more affordable than ever in B.C. with a provincial sales tax (PST) exemption and the launch of a new incentive to help people switch to the cleaner, energy-efficient technology that works in warm and cold climates.
  Read More

Rating agencies validate B.C.’s financial plan to support people, businesses

June 10, 2022 11:23 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season

June 3, 2022 9:15 AM
Historic investments help B.C. prepare for wildfire season
British Columbians can expect cooler and wetter conditions in June, which means the fire hazard is anticipated to remain low through the early summer, as shown in the BC Wildfire Service’s latest seasonal outlook.
  Read More

Province launches public engagement on strengthening Great Bear Rainforest

June 9, 2022 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital

May 30, 2022 11:10 AM
Construction begins on redeveloped Burnaby Hospital
People in one of the fastest-growing communities in B.C. are one step closer to expanded patient care as construction begins on the redevelopment of Burnaby Hospital.
  Read More

BC Cancer launches lung-screening program

May 25, 2022 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act

June 6, 2022 10:38 AM
Tahltan Central Government, B.C. make history under Declaration Act
Tahltan Central Government and the Province have entered into the first consent-based decision-making agreement under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act).
  Read More

B.C. invests in First Nations language, arts, culture and heritage revitalization

June 14, 2022 1:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour

January 20, 2022 8:00 AM
Nominate an exceptional citizen for Province’s highest honour
Nominations are being accepted for the Order of British Columbia, the Province’s highest honour.
  Read More

Outstanding people recognized for service during the pandemic

March 22, 2022 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation

Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure

June 16, 2022 1:30 PM
Significant partnership with Japan to better support transportation infrastructure
A new agreement signed between the Province of B.C. and the group Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN) will help deliver innovative and clean solutions for future transportation projects and priorities.
  Read More

Tŝilhqot’in Nation will benefit from forest-to-frame project

June 22, 2022 10:46 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers

May 31, 2022 8:30 AM
B.C. minimum wage increases June 1 for lowest paid workers
As of June 1, 2022, B.C.’s lowest paid workers will get a pay boost as the minimum wage increases from $15.20 to $15.65 per hour, which is the highest of any province.
  Read More

B.C. expands cancer coverage for firefighters

April 22, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Land, Water and Resource Stewardship

Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.

April 21, 2022 11:15 AM
Watershed restoration creates a healthier future for B.C.
An ongoing effort to restore watersheds and wetlands in the province is creating a healthier future for British Columbians by mitigating the impacts of climate change on communities, strengthening ecosystems and securing quality drinking water.
  Read More

Minister’s and parliamentary secretary’s statement on federal decision about salmon farms

June 22, 2022 4:20 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

Settlement reached with Purdue Pharma (Canada) for opioid damages

June 29, 2022 9:08 AM
Opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Canada) (Purdue Canada) has agreed to a first of its kind settlement in Canada resulting from B.C.-led efforts to recover health-care costs related to the sale and marketing of opioid-based pain medicines.
  Read More

New Foundry will provide services to youth in northeastern B.C.

June 14, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
  Read More

Summer Reading Club will keep kids and families reading

June 27, 2022 12:15 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Joint statement on the first anniversary of the Lytton wildfire

June 30, 2022 8:00 AM
First anniversary of the Lytton wildfire
Premier John Horgan and Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, have released the following statement marking one year since the Lytton wildfire:
  Read More

Toxic drug supply continues to devastate communities throughout B.C.

June 9, 2022 10:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians

June 29, 2022 10:15 AM
B.C. provides financial assistance for displaced Ukrainians
Ukrainian citizens arriving in B.C. under the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) can now apply for hardship assistance from the B.C. government.
  Read More

Network helps people with disabilities focus on mental, physical wellness

June 3, 2022 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city

June 16, 2022 2:37 PM
Vancouver named FIFA World Cup 2026 official host city
FIFA has confirmed that Vancouver has been chosen as an official host city for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
  Read More

Grants help youth in and from government care get in the game

May 30, 2022 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1

June 16, 2022 8:00 AM
Permanent repairs begin soon to Coquihalla and Highway 1
Permanent repairs to flood-damaged sections of the Coquihalla (Highway 5) and Highway 1 will soon be underway, protecting the safe movement of people and goods in British Columbia.
  Read More

Major progress on Kicking Horse Canyon Project in first year of construction

June 8, 2022 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Advanced Education and Skills Training
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Land, Water and Resource Stewardship
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Children and Family Development

Focusing on teens during Adoption Awareness Month

Share

More from this Ministry
Honourable Mitzi Dean

Honourable Mitzi Dean

Honourable Mitzi Dean

Read Bio

Contact

Email: MCF.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Children and Family Development

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM
A survey about B.C’s new service approach for children and youth with support needs is now open to the public.
  Read More

Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Children and Family Development

British Columbia News

Focusing on teens during Adoption Awareness Month

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01115

Share

News Release

Victoria
Sunday, November 6, 2011 8:30 AM

Share

News Release

Victoria

Sunday, November 6, 2011 8:30 AM

More from this Ministry

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • Call Provincial Centralized Screening if you think a child or youth is being abused or nelected
  • Indigenous Child & Family Development
  • Children & Youth with Support Needs
  • Adoption
  • Fostering

Featured Services

  • Protecting Children
  • Child & Youth Mental Health
  • Youth & Family Services

Throughout November, B.C. celebrates Adoption Awareness Month to acknowledge the many families created through adoption and bring attention to those children and youth who still need the care and love of a permanent family.

As part of the festivities, the Ministry of Children and Family Development is helping promote Expressions of Family, a travelling art gallery put on by the Adoptive Families Association of BC to raise awareness about the need to find more adoptive homes for teens.

The gallery features 14 pieces of artwork from youth, aged 12 to 24. Each tells the story of the artist's adoption and foster care experiences and will tour the province, with stops in Langley, Burnaby, Kelowna and Courtenay. The exhibition officially opens at 12:30 today at the Burnaby Village Museum as part of AFABC's Family Fun Day event.

Teens represent more than 30 per cent of children in government care registered for adoption but average less than 10 per cent of adoptions every year.

Two hundred sixty-three children and youth in government care in B.C. were adopted last year, but 1,200 others are still waiting for a family to call their own. Many children and youth waiting for adoption are Aboriginal and need a family that will help them retain their identity and cultural connections. Some have special needs and require a higher level of care and attention; others are sibling groups and need a home where they can stay together.

For more information on the Expressions of Family art contest or pre- and post-adoption support services, please visit: http://www.bcadopt.com

Anyone interested in learning about adoption in B.C. or adopting a child is encouraged to call 1 877 ADOPT07 (1 877 236-7807) or visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Corinna Filion
Communications Director
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 812-7977 (cell)

Karen Madeiros
Executive Director
Adoptive Families Association of BC
604 320-7330

BACKGROUNDER

Adoption Awareness Month

The Government of British Columbia has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month. The Ministry of Children and Family Development takes the opportunity to raise awareness about children in care who are waiting for adoptive homes, and to recognize adoption as a valued way to build a family.

Key Facts:

  • Children in permanent care in B.C. may be placed for adoption through the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Permanent care occurs when the courts have determined that the child cannot return to the care of their birth parent(s).
  • For these children, the ministry makes plans for permanency. These plans can include:
    • Adoption (including foster-caregiver adoption: long-term caregivers are encouraged to adopt).
    • Transfer of custody: this transfers custody of a child to someone with a significant tie to the child.
    • Ensuring a child has lifelong connections with significant adults in their lives if adoption or other permanency options are not in the child's best interest.
  • During the past 10 years, on average, 271 children in government care have been adopted annually.
  • Many children available for adoption are school age. They may be siblings who need to stay together. Some may have special placement needs due to difficult early childhood experiences, prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs, learning delays or other developmental challenges.
  • As culture is essential to a child's positive identity formation and preservation, the ministry strives to place children with families that will preserve a child's ethnic and cultural heritage.
  • The percentage of Aboriginal children being placed with Aboriginal families is on an encouraging trend upward and was 68 per cent in 2010-11 - up from 27 per cent a decade ago.
  • In 2007, the Cowichan Tribes on Vancouver Island became the first delegated Aboriginal agency to handle adoptions in British Columbia. They have since completed 18 adoptions for children in their community.
  • The ministry works with community partners, including the Adoptive Families Association of BC, to increase the number of approved adoption homes for children in care. The Adoptive Families Association is contracted to provide both pre- and post-adoptive support. They also assist with recruitment initiatives such as answering the 1 877 ADOPT-07 phone line.

Post-Adoption Assistance Program:

  • The Post-Adoption Assistance Program supports families in meeting their unique needs and makes adoption possible for many families that, otherwise, would not have the financial means to give a child a home and family.
  • The Post-Adoption Assistance Program supported approximately 1,200 families in British Columbia with a budget of over $18 million in 2010-11 - up from $2 million in 2000-01.

Adoption Reunion Registry:

  • The Adoption Reunion Registry has been in operation since 1991 and is legislated to provide search, intermediary and counselling services to those who have been affected by a B.C. adoption.
  • The registry is available to adopted adults, birth mothers and fathers, siblings of an adopted adult, relatives of an adopted adult and the children or grandchildren of a deceased adopted adult. Adoptees who are searching or being sought must be at least 19 years old.
  • Since 1991, approximately 17,000 applications have been filed with the registry, resulting in approximately 5,000 connections.
  • The registry can be contacted in the Victoria area at 250 387-3660 or toll-free within North America at 1 877 387-3660. The registry website can be found at: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption/reunion/index.htm

Contacts:

Corinna Filion
Communications Director
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 812-7977 (cell)

Karen Madeiros
Executive Director
Adoptive Families Association of BC
604 320-7330

https://news.gov.bc.ca/01115

Related Articles

Province seeks public input on supports for children, youth

April 20, 2022 11:15 AM

Process begins to select family connections centres

May 10, 2022 4:08 PM

Simpcw First Nation signs first co-created child welfare agreement in B.C. history

April 12, 2022 12:00 PM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Ministry

Photos

View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media