The Government of Alberta has proposed measures that would lower the cost to adopt a child, March 22, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta proposes changes to make adoption more affordable

Mar 22, 2023 | 1:57 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced a series of proposals that it says will ensure more children can find their forever homes.

The new provincial budget includes $4 million in new funding annually over three years to increase subsidies, tax breaks, and benefits for parents who adopt a child.

Minister of Children’s Services Mickey Amery said in a news release that reducing the barriers to adoption will allow more Albertans to adopt.

“We are following through on our commitment to make adoption more affordable for Albertans who are starting or growing their families. If a child can find a loving and stable home sooner – that’s good news for everyone, and most importantly, for the child,” said Amery. “That is why we want to help reduce adoption expenses, so that more children can find their forever families.”

The Financial Statutes Amendment Act, 2023, if passed, would include provisions to cover the cost of dental, vision, and other supplemental health benefits for adopted children, regardless of whether they were adopted through the government or licensed agency systems.

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The provincial adoption expenses tax credit would be increased from $14,365 to $18,210, matching the federal tax credit. The tax credit would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023.

The bill also proposes to increase subsidies to private licensed adoption agencies by $6,000 for families that earn less than $180,000 per year. The government claims that this will reduce the cost of private adoption by 40-50 per cent.

Adoption Options domestic program supervisor Erika Moore said she is pleased to see the additional support for adoptive families through licensed agencies.

“These new supports mean there is one less barrier for couples experiencing fertility loss and hoping to form a family through adoption. It also means less financial stress for families looking to adopt a child with medical or complex needs,” said Moore.

According to a release from the province, there are typically around 100 families that have been approved for adoption in Alberta at any given time, but this has fallen to around 30 in recent years.

In Alberta, there are currently 27 children and youths in government care who are waiting to be adopted. Most are over the age of seven, have special needs, or are part of a sibling group.

The province covers the costs of adopting a child in government care, but claims that adopting a child through an agency can range between $11,000 to $15,000. Adopting a child internationally can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000.