Child Relinquishment

Child relinquishment is the voluntary, legal act of a birth parent permanently giving up parental rights, often to facilitate adoption. It is typically done when a parent feels unable to care for the child and wants to ensure the child’s well-being and future stability.

The Relinquishment Process

Counseling and Decision-Making

The birth parent receives counseling and information to make an informed, voluntary decision about relinquishing the child.

Contacting an Adoption Agency or Child Welfare Authority

The parent reaches out to a licensed adoption agency or child protection authority to begin the official process.

Temporary Care and Planning

The child may be placed in temporary care while the adoption plan is developed and the parent considers options.

Legal Consent to Adoption

After a mandatory waiting period (varies in provinces), the parent can sign legal documents consenting to the adoption.

Revocation Period (if applicable)

In some provinces, the parent has a short period to revoke consent before it becomes final and legally binding.

Adoption Finalization

The court finalizes the adoption, permanently transferring legal rights to the adoptive family and ending the birth parent’s legal relationship with the child.

Section Title

This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors.

Child Relinquishment

The Relinquishment Process

Counseling and Decision-Making

Contacting an Adoption Agency or Child Welfare Authority

Temporary Care and Planning

Legal Consent to Adoption

Revocation Period (if applicable)

Adoption Finalization

Section Title

Resources by Provinces/Territories

Click on your province or territory to find local adoption laws and support services.

ALBERTA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

MANITOBA

NEW BRUNSWICK

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

NOVA SCOTIA

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

NUNAVUT

ONTARIO

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

QUEBEC

SASKATCHEWAN

YUKON