Departmental adoption occurs when a child or youth in permanent care is placed with approved adoptive parent(s). It is regulated under the NWT Adoption Act.

Who Can Apply

• 19 years or older
• Lived in the NWT for at least one (1) year
• Complete both criminal record and child protection record checks
• Complete a home study

Request an Adoption Application

The adoption application is not available online.

To request a copy:

• Email cfs_info@gov.nt.ca
• Or contact your local Health and Social Services Authority

Steps to Adopt

1. Complete an Adoption Application
2. Submit required documents (medical, criminal record check, child protection check, references, etc.)
3. Director of Adoptions approves your application
4. Adoption Worker prepares a Pre-Placement Report
5. Child or youth is matched and placed in your home for a minimum probation period of six (6) months
6. Adoption Worker completes a Family Union Report
7. Court finalizes the adoption and provides a copy of the Adoption Order

Support for Special Needs Adoption

• Families adopting children or youth with special needs may qualify for Subsidized Departmental Adoption Assistance, which may include start-up costs and ongoing maintenance payments.

Contact

• Email cfs_info@gov.nt.ca or contact your local Health and Social Services Authority for more information.