Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to identify as Aboriginal to adopt from NCFST

At NCFST we strive to place our children in culturally appropriate homes and have been very successful to date.  If you do not identify as Aboriginal then please call your local CAS to gather more information about adoption.

How do I get started?

After reviewing the material on this webpage, please email/phone the adoption worker to request an application package.  Provided you meet the eligibility criteria, an adoption intake worker will visit you at your home. After this intake visit, if there is a mutual decision to proceed to adopt, the CAS will conduct a home study that involves you completing a number of forms, attending all training, and having several visits to your home. During the home study you'll be encouraged to assess your own attitudes and abilities. You'll also be asked to provide four character references, as well as undergo current medical and police checks.  By working together through this process, a decision can be made about whether adoption is right for you, and what kind of child or children you could parent.

How long do I have to wait to adopt a child?

There are no standard waiting periods.  Everything depends on the right match.  Adoption placements are based on the child's need, so the waiting time depends on an appropriate match being made between a child needing adoption, and a family approved for adoption. Therefore, there's no set waiting time or waiting list.
Once the match is made, there may be several visits to allow the child to get to know the new family and surroundings before moving into the home.  By law, there's a minimum six-month adjustment period from the time a child moves into the new home until the adoption is completed. A longer adjustment period may be necessary depending on the needs of the child and the adoptive family. This is the time when any problems that might arise in the developing relationship can be worked out.
When everybody's ready to complete the adoption, the NCFST applies to the court for an adoption order. This makes the adopting parents the child's legal parents, and the child a legal member of their family.

Can I adopt as a single applicant?

Yes, we accept single applicants as long as you have some form of a support system around you.

Why would I not be able to proceed to the Home Study phase of the process?

There could be several reasons why an applicant would not proceed to the Home Study phase. We expect that our applicants not have a criminal record of a serious, recent and relevant nature. Also, we are looking for applicants who are healthy, emotionally and financially stable and are able to provide a good loving home. Additionally as we have so few infants we only will do home studies for those interested in special needs children, over 2 years old.

Do we have to be wealthy to adopt a child?

No. We are only looking for financially stable applicants who are comfortably able to provide for a child.
 
Will adopting through NCFST cost anything?
 
No. There are no fees involved in adopting a child through a CAS.
 
How long will I have to wait to be placed with a child?
 
The timing of a placement is highly dependent upon the children being referred to adoption and your own family's strengths and experiences. There is no standard timeframe.
 
Can I specify what type of child I am looking to adopt?
 
Yes. Through your Home Study process, you will explore what type of child you and your family would feel most comfortable with and as such, what type of child would be the "best match" for your family.
 
Can I adopt more than one child at a time?
 
You can only adopt more than one child at a time if the children are siblings. In all other cases, if you would like to adopt more than one child, you must wait until your first adoption has been completed before initiating the adoption process for the second time. If you pursue adoption for a second time, you will need to have an update of your Home Study, medical reports, reference letters and police checks.