November is Adoption Awareness Month, and British Columbians who are looking to start or expand their families now have a new, free-of-charge online resource to help teach them the ins and outs of adopting in B.C.

Adoption Basics, offered by the Adoptive Families Association of BC (AFABC), is an interactive orientation tool that gives prospective adoptive parents the right information to help them make informed decisions about their intent to adopt, before applying.

“This tool helps demystify some of the stereotypes about adoption,” said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development. “People tend to think of adoption as a route to finding that perfect, healthy baby, whereas the greater need right now is to find homes for sibling groups, teens and children who have complex care needs. We want parents to come to this process with their eyes open and we want to ensure we’re finding the best possible fit for those waiting kids.”

This online resource means prospective adoptive families can work through the materials at a time that best suits their personal schedules in the privacy of their own homes. That means equal access throughout B.C., especially in rural locations where the face-to-face courses may not have been as accessible.

“Adoption Basics will help prospective adoptive parents answer the question: ‘Is adoption right for me?’” said Mary Caros, AFABC director of education and community engagement. “Parents will learn about the adoption programs in B.C. and about the adoption process. They’ll also hear from other parents about what it’s like being an adoptive family and will have the chance to reflect on their own motivations to adopt.”

Adoption Basics also offers individuals a realistic understanding of whether adoption is the right fit for them. It is meant to highlight the needs of the child, shifting the emphasis away from the approval process.

AFABC is a non-profit organization providing advocacy, awareness, training, education and networking events for prospective and adoptive families.

Quick Facts:

• Any B.C. resident, 19 or older, is eligible to apply to adopt.
• There have been 244 B.C. adoptions in 2017-18.
• Of the children in foster care who were adopted in 2017-18, 39% were adopted by their foster families.

Learn More:

For more information about adopting in B.C. and Adoption Basics, visit: https://www.bcadoption.com/abasics