News

Since the earthquake in Haiti we have received many requests to adopt a child from Haiti.  This tragedy has moved many Canadians to consider adopting, some for the first time.  Staff at our agency have also been affected by the plight of these children.  Adoptions from Haiti are currently prohibited to several countries in the world.   Although it is far from clear what will transpire in that country please read our Summer 2010 Adoption Spotlight Adopting from Haiti: What Will Happen Next?

In the meantime many Haiti orphanages are in difficult straits.  Please consider making a donation to a Haiti orphanage.

The British Columbia Adoption Central Authority has asked the licensed agencies in British Columbia to advise prospective adopting parents that:

(i) The British Columbia government will issue a suspension of adoptions from Haiti shortly.

(iii) HOWEVER, that does not mean that Canada Immigration will approve and issue a visa for the child.  The BC government has requested that adopting parents be given that warning.

The Sunrise office will be closed on July 1st and 2nd.

Beginning July 12th, the office will be closed Mondays for the balance of the summer.  

We will return to our usual Monday to Friday schedule after Labour Day.

International adoption has changed significantly over the past 7 years.  For an analysis of the current adoption situation and to better understand where we are today, please read The Future of Adoption (Part 2).

While there are millions more orphans in the world every year, fewer are being adopted internationally (See What About the World's Orphans?).

We have developed adoption programs with several Hague Adoption Convention countries.  For information about each of these programs see:

Bulgaria
China
India
Philippines
USA

Effective immediately, the country of Kazakhstan has closed its adoption program while it goes through the necessary processes to join the Hague Adoption Convention.  There is no time set for a formal reopening, and that will probably happen when the Hague Adoption Convention is in place in that country.  In the meantime, it is our understanding that dossiers already logged in with the Kazakhstan government will be grandfathered and proceed.

Newsweek published an article by Jeneen Interlandi: A Case For International Adoption.  As an adoptee from Columbia.  Jeneen provides a unique perspective on intercountry adoption.  The article is a must read for those concerned about children.

The article and a flurry of feedback may be found online at www.newsweek.com/id/234343

December 17, 2009

An Associated Press article reports that international adoptions by Americans have hit a 13-year low. 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has released statistics showing that intercountry adoptions to Canada in 2008 increased by 11% over the year before.

To see all the stats, visit the Adoption Council of Canada's website.

The Adoptive Families Association of BC offers excellent courses and workshops for waiting and adoptive parents. For complete details, dates and times, please visit the AFABC's website.

Safe Baby Training

If you are waiting to adopt an infant, locally or internationally, the Safe Baby workshops are designed for you, especially if there is a risk that your new baby will have been exposed to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. The free workshops are open to all families registered with Sunrise.

Adoption 101

A day full of information about adoption options and key issues for adoptive families. Topics include Adoption Today in BC, BC's Waiting Children Program, Local Infant Adoption, International Adoption, Homestudies, Grief and Loss, Attachment, Openness and your next steps.

Cross-Cultural Adoption

If you are considering adoption of a child of a different race or from a different culture, this workshop is for you. You will learn about Attachment concerns for children and their families, potential medical issues and family matters related to race, culture and heritage. There will also be an opportunity to hear a panel of cross-cultural parents and children.

Transracial Parenting

If you are already parenting a child of a different race or culture, these Saturday workshops are for you. Topics include: Motivation, Family/Racial Identity, Talking to Kids, Stereotypes, Racism, School Issues.

Attachment Toolkit

This workshop was launched in 2007 and has been very popular. The half-day workshop will help you recognize attachment difficulties and take home practical strategies and resources. The workshop is suitable for waiting parents as well as those already parenting.

Coming Home!

Learn what you need to know to ease the transition for your child and your family. Includes everything from mealtimes and bedtimes to medical appointments and preparation of your home. Be ready!

BC's Waiting Child Information Sessions

Offered in partnership with the Ministry for Children and Family Development, these free sessions offer information about adopting one of BC's Waiting Children.

This 5-year study examined the effects of institutional care on the cognitive and behavioral development of young children.

Read the Summary Report of the Bucharest Early Intervention Study