Programs and services

We take pride in pioneering new programs and implementing new techniques when it comes to supporting and promoting adoption in Canada.

Advocacy

We take action to create positive change surrounding adoption, but it's a cause that is constantly evolving and changing. We are constantly challenging offensive or discriminatory treatment of adoptive families, such as the ubiquitous "Adopt a Street" or "Adopt an Athlete" campaigns.

We work for better representation of adoptive families in the media. We are active in supporting adoptive parents who are fighting for equal treatment from many employers and the Canadian government. AFABC also supports initiatives like the Adoption Tax Credit and the fight for equalization of treatment of adoptive children by immigration legislation.

Awareness

Part of our mission is to inform the public about adoption, engage them in conversations about the many ways that adoption shapes our culture and society, and to dispel the myths and stereotypes that surround adoption.

bcadoption.com

Our website is Canada's number one adoption-related resource, it serves as a starting place for families considering adoption. It also keeps families informed on the issues relating to adoption by providing an up to date resource centre that contains articles, documentaries, books, and downloads.

Adopt BC Kids program

We are a proud province-wide partner of the Ministry of Children & Family Development's Adopt BC Kids program. We take an active role by:

• Hosting a free online presentation, Adoption Basics, which includes information on Adopt BC Kids and other adoption options. 
• Running the Adopt BC Kids information line and email, which provides information about the program.
  Drop us a line at 1-877-ADOPT-07 or adoptbckids@bcadoption.com 
• Hosting an online chat feature, available Monday-Thursday, 9:00-2:30pm at www.bcadoption.com/online-chat
• Hosting free information sessions.
• Offering guidance to families considering or who have already adopted through MCFD.
• Holding support groups and family events.
• Raising awareness through media and community engagement campaigns.
• Finding families for waiting children and youth through our Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiters.

Education program

AFABC offers a wide variety of online parent learning, such as the Adoption Education Program, online workshops, and on-demand webinars. Each has been developed to support and strengthen families throughout their adoption and permanency journeys. 

Family-to-family support services

We believe in peer support that empowers families to understand and resolve their own challenges. Coordinated and trained by our Family Support Workers, our peer support volunteers provide AFABC support groups in communities across the province.

Provincial support services

Our provincial support services provide direct support to adoptive families across British Columbia. Made up of a team of Family Support Workers, the program operates in the community by providing information sessions and social activities for our families. FSWs provide one-to-one support services over the phone, online, and in person, and they also coordinate an active team of resource volunteers.

Resource Centre

Our resource centre is Canada's largest publicly-accessible collection of adoption-related books, magazines, and videos, which can be borrowed by members, or used in-house by non-members. We also provide a mail-service that sends items to our members who do not live in proximity to our Burnaby office.

AgedOut.com

AgedOut.com is a resource for youth and young adults in and from government care in British Columbia. It's an up-to-date warehouse of information on resources and services available to youth and young adults, in addition to being a learning tool to help people feel empowered as they leave care.

Wendy's Wonderful Kids (WWK)

For many of BC's waiting children and youth, a forever family no longer has to be a dream thanks to our Wendy's Wonderful Kids team. A signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Canada, the WWK program focuses on finding potential families within a child's immediate network before moving on to consider families outside of the child's circle.