Province proposes new compliance measures aimed at protecting children and improving adoption safeguards
The Government of Ontario has introduced proposed legislative changes aimed at strengthening oversight of private and international adoptions, as the province moves to enhance protections for children and prevent misconduct within the adoption system.
Announced Thursday in Richmond Hill by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, the proposed reforms would expand the province’s compliance and enforcement powers while tightening licensing rules for adoption professionals and agencies operating outside of children’s aid societies.
The legislation is designed to reinforce safeguards around adoption services and address growing concerns surrounding illicit practices in private domestic and international adoptions.
“Adoption should focus on the best interests of children and provide them with the stability they need to succeed and thrive,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “The proposed changes would strengthen oversight of adoptions to better protect the best interests, safety and well-being of children.”
Province seeks stronger oversight and enforcement powers
Ontario officials say approximately 130 private domestic and international adoptions take place in the province each year through licensed agencies or individuals operating outside the children’s aid society network.
If passed, the legislative amendments would strengthen the province’s regulatory framework for these adoptions by increasing ministry oversight and introducing new enforcement tools for adoption professionals who fail to comply with provincial laws or licensing conditions.
Proposed legislative changes include:
- Strengthening ministry oversight of adoptions to provide safe, high-quality adoption services
- New compliance and enforcement tools for private adoption licensees that do not comply with Ontario’s adoption laws or the conditions of their licence
- Expanding grounds for refusing or revoking a licence for a private adoption agency to prevent bad actors from entering the system
- Measures to ensure international adoptions are facilitated only by licensed adoption professionals
The proposed amendments would apply to both the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and the Intercountry Adoption Act, which together regulate Ontario’s private and international adoption framework.
Government officials say the reforms are intended to ensure adoption services remain transparent, accountable and centred on child welfare as the system evolves.
Adoption reforms part of broader public safety package
The adoption legislation forms part of a wider package of public safety and community protection measures expected to be introduced by the province in the coming days.
According to the government, the broader legislative agenda will focus on strengthening enforcement of existing community safety measures, supporting vulnerable individuals and improving protections for victims.
“Every child deserves to be safe, supported and protected during the adoption process,” said Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General. “These proposed changes would strengthen oversight, improve accountability and help ensure Ontario’s private and international adoption system continues to put the well-being of children first.”
The government said the new measures also build on previous provincial efforts aimed at improving child protection and enhancing accountability across social service systems.
Hundreds of Ontario families currently navigating adoption process
According to provincial data, approximately 600 families across Ontario are currently at different stages of the private and intercountry adoption process.
Ontario recognizes four categories of adoption: public adoption, private domestic adoption, international adoption, and adoption involving a stepchild or relative.
Private and international adoptions are regulated under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, as well as the Intercountry Adoption Act, 1998. These laws establish licensing requirements, operational standards and oversight responsibilities for adoption practitioners and agencies.
The proposed reforms come at a time when governments across Canada and internationally are facing increased scrutiny over adoption practices, particularly involving international placements and the role of intermediaries operating within the sector.
Child welfare advocates and policymakers have increasingly emphasized the need for stronger accountability mechanisms, clearer oversight structures and more rigorous screening procedures to safeguard the interests of children and adoptive families.
Government emphasizes child welfare and system integrity
Ontario officials say the legislation is intended to reinforce public confidence in the adoption process while ensuring vulnerable children receive appropriate protections throughout every stage of placement and transition.
By expanding enforcement powers and tightening licensing standards, the province aims to reduce risks associated with unregulated or unethical practices while supporting the delivery of safe and reliable adoption services.
The proposed legislation will now move through the provincial legislative process for debate and consideration at Legislative Assembly of Ontario.