During the application process

There are some financial assistance options that parents should consider while going through the adoption process. both are government programs designed either to assist with the cost of adopting, or assist with the costs of adopting a child through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) with special needs.

Post Adoption Assistance (PAA) program

BC's Post Adoption Assistance program provides support for children adopted through MCFD who are designated as having special needs. The program provides two methods of financial support - a basic maintenance payment and coverage for specific services such as respite, therapy or equipment. Your adoption worker will be able to provide you with information relevant to your family’s unique circumstances.

To find out more about PAA, eligibility, and available benefits, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content?id=B8E50A16BCF24EDFB715A87406804C18

Federal Adoption Tax Credit

Revenue Canada offers both a federal and provincial credit to BC adoptive parents.

Adoptive parents may claim eligible adoption expenses, provided the costs were incurred during the adoption period, and that the child was 18 years or under.

Eligible expenses include:

• Fees paid to an adoption agency licensed by a provincial or territorial government.

• Court, legal and administrative expenses.
• Reasonable travel and living expenses for the child and the adoptive parents.
• Document translation fees.
• Mandatory fees paid to a foreign institution.
• Any other reasonable expenses required by a provincial or territorial government or an adoption agency licensed by a provincial or territorial government.

For current tax information, contact your accountant or visit: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/