• providing information about the adoption program in Alberta
• delivering parent preparation training
• assessing and approving the adoptive family (this includes completing Criminal Record checks, CYIM checks, medicals, contacts with references, financial information, and other information as required)
• making final matching decisions for special needs children referred for adoption matching
• providing background information/documentation on the child
• placing the child for adoption with the selected adoptive family
  ensuring that appropriate Post Adoption Supports are in place
  finalizing the adoption order.
  

First step: complete the Application to Adopt a Child. This form can be obtained from your local Child & Family Services Authority.

Preference is given to applicants interested in adopting children who have special needs.
 
Your Home Assessment Report will be given preference if you:

• will accept a child with major physical, emotional, medical or mental handicaps (e.g. paraplegic, psychiatric diagnosis, Down#s Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Effect, Spina Bifida, Seizure Disorder, Global Developmental Delays)
• will accept a child age seven or over
• will accept a sibling group of three or more children
• are a member of an Indian band or Metis Settlement
• will accept a child who has been featured in the media (Wednesday#s Child, Adoption Website, Newspaper, Photo-Listing)
• want to adopt a foster child who has been in your home at least six months and whose matching referral has been made.