In New Brunswick, there are over 7000 children who are placed in foster care and are looking for a permanent place to live. Of these 7000 children, approximately 500 of them are over the age of twelve which make it much more difficult for them to be adopted.
Planning an adoption takes many steps and resources. There is deciding on who to adopt, be it a baby, an older child, a child with special needs, or siblings. There is making sure that the child that is to be adopted will be well taken care of financially and mentally. Food, shelter, and loving parents are what children need. A mutual decision between both partners must be reached as well before starting an adoption process. Making sure the marriage or union is stable and loving is a factor that most social workers will consider before helping in an adoption application.
New Brunswick has two major types of adoptions. There are ministeral adoptions which means adopting infants, older children, special needs children, and siblings. This type of adoption is the most common type. Another type is the private adoption where a couple decide to adopt a child from someone that they know.
If deciding that adopting an older child is right for the couple, they must keep in mind that this child has been through alot and may have problems emotionally and mentally. The child might not take to the adopting couple right away, but with lots of love and understanding, the child will eventually "adopt" the couple. Also, if the child that is being adopted has any siblings, try not to adopt just one. Adopt all of them. Remember these children were never seperated and have come to depend on each other for survival. Seperating these children could lead to damaging effects emotionally and mentally.
In deciding to adopt a child with special needs (emotional, social, physical, or educational) there are some factors that should be considered first. Ask the social worker what exactly the needs are of said child. Research this child's disease or needs by going on the internet, talking to a doctor, or even talking to the people closest to the child. Make sure the home is ready to accomadate this child's needs. Having the time to spend with the child is a must as well. Before adopting the child, spend time with him or her until the child feels comfortable with you.
Adopting privately requires a lot of determination. As said earlier, private adoptions are done with children whose parents are known to you, wether socially or family. This requires the adopting couple to decide wether they want to have the parents involved with this child. They also need to keep in mind that if they are adopting the child in the same town as the parents, they will be the fact that they will be running into each other. A mutual decision must be made between both parties before the adoption takes place. Does the adopting couple let the child call them mom and dad? What does the adopting couple tell the child about their parents? and so on.
If any further questions require answers, the adopting couple in New Brunswick can always go to www.nbadoption.ca or call 1-866-ADOPT-01. They may also contact their local minsiter of Social Development for further information.
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