Frequently Asked Questions

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Can singles adopt in Ontario?

YES!!!

Can singles adopt internationally?

Yes. However, as well as meeting Ontario requirements, you must also meet the requirements of the country from which you are adopting. Each country has its own regulations about marital status.

Can single men adopt?

In Ontario, yes. Internationally, each country makes its own regulations and some that allow single women to adopt will not allow single men or will do so only with certain restrictions. You will need to do some research to find the countries that will accept you.

What age restrictions are there?

According to Ontario law, you can adopt a child if you are between the ages of 18 and 65. Realistically, however, if you are close to either end of that spectrum it will be extremely difficult. Internationally, each country sets its own age restrictions and you will need to do some research to find the countries that will accept you.

What countries are open to singles?

As of January, 2007, the following countries accept single applicants:

• Bulgaria (long waiting times for singles)
• Ecuador
• Ethiopia
• India (applicants of Indian descent only)
• Haiti
• Kazakhstan
• Russia
• Ukraine
• USA
• Vietnam

Do I need to be wealthy to adopt?

No. You do need to show that you have the resources to raise a child and agencies will look at your net income—what you have left after the monthly bills are paid. Income may be the deciding factor in which adoption process you choose as international and private domestic can be quite costly.

Do I need to choose ONE of the three adoption options (private, public or international) before proceeding?

No. Ontario regulations allow you to pursue all three avenues at once, giving you a greater chance of getting a placement in a reasonable time. However, you will only be allowed to accept one placement in an 18 month period (the only exception would be adoption of a sibling group, which is unlikely in an international adoption). If you are choosing the international option, you must choose one country as the Ministry will only issue one letter of no objection at a time.

What is a ‘homestudy’?

A homestudy is an evaluation of your ability to parent, prepared by a social worker. If you are pursuing a domestic public adoption, a social worker will be chosen for you. With both domestic private and international, you must choose a Ministry approved social worker.

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