Ontario makes it easier for families to adopt and offers financial help

TORONTO – About 7,000 Crown wards in Ontario will finally become eligible for adoption under updates to the Child and Family Services Act.

Until now, access orders given to birth parents when a child goes into the care of a Children’s Aid Society meant that child was ineligible for adoption.

Children’s Services Minister Laurel Broten says that legal barrier has prevented three-quarters of the Crown wards in the province from finding permanent families.

Broten says removing that barrier will increase the number of children being adopted into what she calls “forever families.”

The government wants to offer more financial support by allowing adoptive parents to qualify for the $800 to $1,500 a month subsidy given to foster parents.

William Falk, an adoptive father and co-chair of the province’s expert panel, says updating the adoption rules will make a big difference in the lives of thousands of young people, and help them find a family.

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