ADOPTION PRACTICE IN CANADA - EMERGING TRENDS AND CHALLENGES

Over the past decade two major adoption trends have emerged in Canada: fewer children are being adopted and private adoptions are accounting for an ever-increasing proportion of infant placements. In response t o these changing demographics, several issues have been reconsidered, including openness in adoption, the charging of fees in private adopti on practice, equity concerns, and the definition of the best interests of the child. Changes needed in adoption legislation and procedural r egulations have been identified to meet the challenges of adoption in the future.