Adoption

Adoption in Ontario can be carried out in four different ways, through:

• one of the children's aid societies in Ontario (generally involving Crown wards of the province who are available for adoption); or
   
• licensed private adoption agencies or individuals licensed (licensees) by the ministry (generally involving Ontario infants whose parents have decided that adoption is the best option for them); or
   
• licensed international adoption agencies (who are authorized to place children from many different countries); or
   
• the courts in the case of the adoption of Ontario children by their relatives or step-parents (note that "relative" is limited to the child's grandparent, great-uncle, great-aunt, uncle or aunt).

More information is available from the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.