Beginnings Family Services

Frequently Asked Questions

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Beginnings FAQs
When was Beginnings Family Services (BFS) established?

BFS was incorporated in 1984 and opened its doors in 1985.

Where is the BFS office located?

The BFS office is located at:

1 Young Street
Suite 520
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 1T8
Email:  info@beginnings.ca
Phone:  1 905 528 6665
Toll Free:  1 877 528 6665
Fax:  1 905 528 6589

 

Is BFS a Canada Revenue Agency registered charity?

Yes, Beginnings is a non-profit agency, with registered charitable status (CCRA Charitable Reg. No. 11880 2388 RR0001)

Does BFS directly issue tax receipts to donors?

Yes, BFS directly issue tax receipts to donors from head office.

Are BFS finances audited?

Yes, BFS finances are subject to complete annual audits.

How many infant adoptions has BFS processed since establishment?

BFS has placed over 470 children with adoptive families since establishment.

How many infant adoptions does BFS process on average per year?

On average BFS places 20-25 children with adoptive families each year.

How many prospective adoptive individuals/couples are on the BFS Infant Adoption Waiting List at any given time?

There are an estimated 80 prospective adoptive individuals/couples on the BFS Infant Adoption Waiting List at any given time.

How many embryo donation placements has BFS processed since establishment?

The first embryo donation baby was born in 2013. Since then, more than 50 donors have participated in the program and 43 matches were made as of October 2018.

How many embryo donation placements does BFS process on average per year?

The number can vary from year to year but it is currently about 10 a year.

How many prospective recipient couples are on the BFS Embryo Donation Waiting List at any given time?

The number can vary from year to year but there are about 10 on the list at any given time.

Does BFS charge fees for services provided?

Yes, BFS does charge fees for services provided consistent with the organization’s not-for-profit status.

Does BFS offer financial support to clients who cannot afford services provided?

BFS has an Adoption Reserve Fund for special circumstances that couples can apply to. This is considered on a case by case basis and couples are usually only eligible when adoption costs go above the approximate $22,000 – $25,000 average. There is no financial support available to embryo donation clients at this time.

Is Beginnings a licensed adoption agency?

Yes. Beginnings is licensed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to provide adoption services in Ontario.

Embryo Donation FAQs
What is in-vitro fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a clinical procedure whereby fertilization is accomplished outside a woman’s body, and involves three basic steps:

  • Fertility drugs are used to stimulate the female’s egg production by the female’s ovaries
  • Eggs are retrieved from the female partner and mixed with sperm from the male partner
  • Fertilized eggs (embryos) are mixed with the sperm and transferred to the uterus.  Depending on the number of embryos produced, some may be frozen for later use.
What is a human embryo?

An embryo is a human organism during the first 56 days of its development following fertilization, excluding any time in which its development has been suspended.

What are the current options available to donor families for the management of surplus embryos?

Each year thousands of surplus embryos are created by individuals/couples pursuing IVF treatments across Canada. Currently in Canada, individuals/couples seeking to deal with these extra embryos have limited options that include:

  • Indefinite storage of the embryos
  • Destruction of the embryos
  • Donation of the embryos for medical research
  • Donation of the embryos to another couple
What is embryo donation?

Embryo donation involved the transfer of a human embryo from an individual or family that has completed their own IVF journey (the donor(s)) to an individual or family that is hoping have a child (the recipient(s)/intended parent(s)).

How does embryo donation differ from egg or sperm donation?

Unlike embryo donation, neither egg nor sperm (gamete) donation procedures result in the birth of a child.  Embryos are established entities which, given “appropriate conditions”, can lead to the birth of a child. According to Canadian law, embryos represent more than sperm and egg (gamete) but less than a living child because “appropriate conditions” are still required.

How does embryo donation differ from surrogacy?

Embryo donation is not surrogacy. In a surrogacy arrangement, an agreement is made for a person with a uterus to carry a pregnancy on behalf of the intended parents. The surrogate may or may not have any genetic link to the child they are carrying but is considered the birth parent when a child is born.  With embryo donation, the donor(s) relinquish all rights to the embryo and resulting child after the legal agreement has been signed. With embryo donation, a recipient carries the embryo to term and becomes the delivered child’s birth parent.

How does embryo donation differ from infant adoption?

Embryo donation differs from infant adoption because:

  • Donation relates to the medical and legal transfer of tissue between patients.
  • Embryo donation involves a medical procedure to transfer genetic tissue (the embryo) created by 2 parties (the donors and/or the gamete providers used by the donors) to a recipient. If successful, a child is born to the recipient. Since the recipient gives birth to the child, they are considered the birth and legal parent of the child.
  • Adoption is a process that involves the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the birth parent(s) to the adopting individual or couple. Consent for adoption cannot be given until after the birth of the child.
  • Canadian law accords a lesser legal status to embryos than that of children. Accordingly, the term “donation” is used for the sake of clarity.
Can recipients pursue successive pregnancies using embryos that remain?

Yes. If a pregnancy is achieved using one of the donated embryos and others still remain, they can be used at a later date in pursuit of future pregnancies.

Does Beginnings work at the outset with individuals/couples engaging in IVF treatments who want to pursue embryo donation?

The decision to donate embryos is typically made after individuals or individuals/couples have completed their own families and have surplus embryos remaining from their IVF treatment and not at the start of treatment. As part of our counselling services, Beginnings can assist individuals or individuals/couples making decisions about IVF treatment and any surplus embryos created and stored.

In the event of one partner’s death, can the remaining partner donate embryos to Beginnings for placement?

If the remaining partner has the sole right to make decisions, and/or has a legal consent signed by the deceased partner, for the stored embryos and can provide the required medical history, then it may be possible to donate these embryos to recipients. It means there will only be one donor parent involved in the open relationship with the recipient couple.

What is the process for donating embryos through Beginnings?
  1. Initial contact via website, email or phone call
  2. Consultation with Beginnings staff
  3. Donors must have at least two embryos to donate
  4. Completion of registration forms and Service Agreement
  5. Complete an Assessment including full medical and social history
  6. Provide a lab report on the embryos
  7. Confirmation of testing for any infectious diseases or known genetic disorders from the donor’s clinic
  8. Provide a family photograph and information on donor’s children
  9. Review recipient profiles and select a family
  10. Meeting and/or phone call with recipient(s) arranged with full information disclosure
  11. Participate in an Openness Agreement with the recipient(s) regarding ongoing contact
  12. Notification of the fertility clinic where embryos are stored
  13. Completion of legal agreement for embryo release
  14. Donor responsibility for embryos ceases
  15. Donors are informed of outcomes and ongoing contact maintained
What does Open Embryo Donation involve?

Open embryo donation involves ongoing communication and contact between the donor parent(s) and the recipient(s), including the children from both families. This can take the form of letters, emails, phone calls, and/or visits. The amount of contact is negotiated between the parties and varies from one situation to another. Beginnings believes openness is beneficial for a child as it allows them to maintain relationships with important people in their life; as they grow older. Openness allows access to information about the child’s genetic origins and background and to any other siblings they may have.

Can embryo donors opt for a closed process?

No. Beginnings provides only open embryo donation services in the belief that this is in the best interest of the child(ren) created by embryo donation to have a relationship with their donor family members, although there is a range of ongoing contract arrangements they can mutually agree to. It is possible that the donors may have used anonymous egg and/or sperm but there can be relationships between genetic siblings.

What are the steps involved in embryo donor and recipient matching?

The matching process is a mutual selection process. Donors will provide detailed information about the qualities, characteristics and circumstances of the recipients requested. Non-identifying background information about the donors will be shared with the recipients. Ideally, donors will have several profiles to choose from. Donors may consider various factors, such as age, length of relationship, existing children, income, work, childcare plans, religion, race, culture, ethnicity, interests, health, and degree of contact desired.  The donors and recipients have the opportunity to meet via Zoom alongside Beginnings staff. It is important to note that ultimately it is donors who choose recipients.

Why is Implications Counselling/a Psychosocial Assessment required of embryo recipients?

It is important to be fully informed about the issues a child will encounter and the implications for each of the involved parties and their extended families. It also provided reassurance to the donors that recipients are healthy, have a stable relationship, are able to provide a safe, nurturing, environment, and are well prepared for ongoing contact.

What is involved in Recipient Implications Counselling/ a Psychosocial Assessment?

It is an information gathering and education process by Beginnings to determine an understanding and readiness to parent a child conceived by embryo donation. If the recipients have already completed an adoption Home Study assessment, this can be used towards the recipient assessment requirements. The assessment may take several weeks and includes:

  1. Documentation: application form, medicals, police checks, child welfare records checks, references and the completion of a questionnaires.
  2. Education: Discussion will include motivation, risks and implications involved with the procedure, disclosure to your child and others, and how to manage an open relationship with the donor family.
  3. Interviews: There will typically be 1 or 2 interviews.
How long does the embryo donation process take from registration to live birth?

This depends on the availability of embryos and if/when you are chosen by donors. There is no guarantee that a pregnancy and live birth will result from the donation of embryos.

Is there a way for embryo donors to expedite the process?

Only if you come to Beginnings with a donor/ recipient connection already made. Beginnings would proceed with the education, counselling and support services.

Who would choose to donate embryos through this program?

Individuals/couples who have undergone IVF treatment may generate embryos surplus to their requirements. These patients may seek alternatives to the current options of indefinite storage, destruction, or contribution of surplus embryos to medical research. Beginnings Embryo Donor/Recipient Program offers an alternative to the anonymous donation model and the chance for future contact with the chosen recipients.

Does Beginnings work with embryo donors of various ethnic origins, religions or walks of life?

Beginnings facilitates embryo donation by working with individuals or individuals/couples of any ethnic origin, religion and/or walk of life who wish to donate surplus embryos produced through IVF.

Does Beginnings work with individuals/couples in all provinces across Canada who wish to donate embryos?

Beginnings is a national family services provider and therefore facilitates embryo donation by working with donors and recipients anywhere in Canada.

Who would hope to receive donated embryos through this program?

Individuals or couples who have failed to conceive through IUI/IVF or those for whom treatment was not medically possible or genetically advisable. There are many infertility diagnoses (such as premature menopause, poor egg quality, sterility as a result of cancer treatment, polycystic ovarian syndrome, azoospermia, genetic translocations, etc) where carrying a child to term via donated embryos is a viable alternative.

Does Beginnings work with embryo recipients of specific ethnic origins, religions or walks of life?

Beginnings works with individuals and couples of any ethnic origin, religion and/or walk of life who wish to receive surplus embryos produced through IVF.

Does Beginnings work with single applicants and same sex couples hoping to receive donated embryos?

Yes. Beginnings is guided by human rights legislation. The embryo donors are the ones who select the recipients.

Does Beginnings work with individuals or couples who do not have an infertility diagnosis but are hoping to receive donated embryos?

Yes. In most cases, recipients of donated embryos are those who are unable to have a child through either natural conception or through fertility treatments, or who are carriers of genetic disorders advised not to conceive. However, Beginnings works with individuals/couples who do not have a fertility diagnosis. It is the donors that select who will receive their embryos. While some may have a preference for an individual/couple that have experienced infertility, others may be open to individuals/couples who are choosing embryo donation.

What are some of the risks involved in embryo donation?
  • Donated embryos may not survive the thawing or transfer process
  • Pregnancy and childbirth are not guaranteed
  • Risk of higher multiples if more than a single embryo is transferred
  • Medical risks involved with pregnancy and childbirth
What are the costs incurred by the embryo donor throughout the process?

There are no costs to the embryo donors.

What are the costs incurred by the embryo recipient throughout the process?

The average cost for Embryo Recipients through Beginnings is between $12,000-$15,000. Costs may exceed this amount depending on the complexity of the case. Most of the cost is incurred once recipients have been chosen by a donor. Costs will be for the following services:

  • Consultation
  • Registration
  • Implications Counselling/ Psychosocial Assessment
  • Agency administrative and coordination fees
  • Fertility Clinic fees (outside cost)
  • Legal Consultation (outside cost)
  • Shipping of embryos (when necessary)
Does Beginnings offer or arrange financial support for embryo recipients to offset costs associated with the process?

Not at this time.

Does Beginnings facilitate the donation of embryos created using donated sperm or eggs?

Yes. Although Beginnings prefers to work with non-anonymous donors, we are able to work with donors who have used anonymous or identity release gamete donors, where there are no restrictions on doing so. If you have utilized donated sperm and/or eggs, we encourage you to review your donor contracts to ensure that you have the legal right to donate your remaining embryos to a recipient.

What is the process for embryo recipients?
  1. Initial contact via website, email or phone call
  2. Completion of registration forms and Service Agreement
  3. Consultation with Beginnings’ staff
  4. Complete Implications Counselling and a Psychosocial Assessment including full medical and social history and supporting documents
  5. Provide medical documentation that the recipient is medically in good health and capable of carrying a baby to term and agree that the recipient will carry the baby
  6. Prepare a profile with photos to share with potential donors to assist in the matching process
  7. Accept that the choice of family is up to the embryo donors and not up to Beginnings
  8. After matching, meeting and/or phone call with donor(s) arranged with full information disclosure
  9. Attend chosen fertility clinic to get medical go ahead from the fertility doctor
  10. The embryo transfer can take place at a fertility clinic chosen by the recipient(s) providing the clinic will accept embryos created at a different clinic. The embryos may need to be shipped to the recipient’s clinic
  11. Pay fees due to Beginnings Family Services
  12. Participate in an Openness Agreement with the donor family in respect to sharing identifying information, as well as ongoing contact
  13. Completion of legal documentation for embryo release
  14. Recipient(s) attend fertility clinic, comply with regulations, and receive embryo transfer procedure
  15. Provide pregnancy outcome information to Beginnings and to donors
  16. Maintain contact with donors
  17. Respect the donor’s wishes for the use of surplus embryos
Does Beginnings work with embryo donors and recipients throughout Canada?

Yes. Beginnings can work with embryo donors in any province or territory across Canada.

Does Beginnings work with embryo donors and recipients outside of Canada?

No. Beginnings works with embryo donors and recipients solely residing in Canada but if a Canadian donor has used an out of country fertility clinic, the embryos could be brought to Canada.

Infant Adoption FAQs
Is Beginnings a licensed adoption agency?

Yes. Beginnings is licensed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to provide adoption services in Ontario.

What adoption services does Beginnings provide?

Beginnings offers information to all persons interested in private adoption, provides placements and foster care homes for children from newborns up to 12 months of age.

What adoption services does Beginnings provide to adoptive parents?

Beginnings offers adoptive parents an orientation session and a consultation with the Executive Director to determine the “best fit”, profile review, maintenance on Beginnings Active List, matching services,  facilitation of meetings between birth and adoptive families, collaboration with the adoptive couple’s private adoption practitioner, provision of travel letters and OHIP cards, commissioning of documents and court finalization documentation. Covenant agreements are arranged between birth and adoptive families and are facilitated by Beginnings, and Entrustment Ceremonies are available at the time of placement. Follow up support is ongoing for adoptive parents and children adopted through Beginnings throughout their life time.

What infant adoption services does Beginnings provide to birth parents?

Beginnings offers birth parents the opportunity for open adoption education, comprehensive, ongoing counselling support, choice of adoptive families, viewing profiles, meetings with adoptive individuals/couples, sharing of identifying information and background information about the adoptive couple, hospital support, referral and transportation for independent legal advice and consent signing. Covenant agreements are arranged between birth and adoptive families and facilitated by Beginnings. Birth parents have the opportunity to take part in an Entrustment Ceremony at the time of placement. Follow up support is ongoing for birth parents and their immediate family members throughout their life time.

Why does Beginnings facilitate infant adoption?

Private adoption offers an alternative to parenting, when expectant parents are not able or prepared. It also offers an alternative to child welfare intervention. An open adoption empowers birth parents to choose their child’s family and stay connected.

Does Beginnings work out of province?

Beginnings does not provide matching services for out of province adoptive families. However, if a birth parent outside of Ontario has made a connection with adoptive parents in Ontario, we can explore each individual situation to see if we can provide assistance.

Does Beginnings work with out of country birth mothers and fathers?

No. We only provide domestic adoption services. If birth parents are willing and able to travel to Ontario and be responsible for all medical costs, living costs etc., then it may be possible to place a child with a couple through Beginnings.

Does Beginnings work with out-of-country adoptive individuals/couples?

No.

What does Open Adoption involve?

Open adoption involves ongoing communication and contact between the birth parent (s) and the adoptive parents including the child. This can take the form of letters, emails, text messages, phone calls, and/ or visits. The amount of contact is negotiated between the parties and varies from one situation to another. Beginnings believes openness is good for a child as it allows him or her to maintain relationships with important people in his or her life; as he or she grows older, openness allows access to information about his or her origins and background and to any other siblings he or she may have.

Why do birth mothers and fathers need to complete social and medical history?

Birth parents provide important details about their medical history, family background, present health, interests, physical traits and characteristics in order that an adopted child will have information about him/ herself. Health history and information can direct adoptive parents to provide resources and the best care plan for the child as he/ she grows up.

Can birth mothers and fathers choose a closed adoption?

In rare circumstances involving safety of the child or where a birth parent refuses openness. Otherwise, Beginnings provides fully identified adoption services with a range of ongoing contact.

What are the basic requirements of the adoptive individuals/couples?

Couples who are hoping to adopt through Beginnings need to:

  • Be residents of Ontario
  • Attend a PRIDE training course
  • Complete a Home Study including references, police and child welfare checks
  • Provide a range of acceptance for the kind of adoption situation
  • Accept that it is the birth parents who choose the parents of their child
  • Agree to participate in a Covenant contact agreement with birth parents in respect to sharing identifying information as well as on going contact
  • Attend an orientation session and have a consultation with Beginnings Executive Director
  • Provide a profile for review by birth parents
  • Agree to meet with birth parents, extended family members and siblings
  • Know that the child is under the legal guardianship of Beginnings until the adoption is finalized in court and maintain contact with Beginnings during this supervisory period following placement
What is a Covenant Agreement?

It is an agreement outlining the specific contact arrangements between birth parents and the adoptive couple. The word Covenant means “promise” and implies a commitment on both sides to carry through with the arrangements they are making – for the sake of the child.  These agreements are not legally binding, but are considered by Beginnings to be a binding promise to stay in touch.

What if there is miscommunication after the adoption is finalized, will Beginnings offer support services?

Yes. Beginnings staff is available to offer on going counselling and mediation services for reviewing and resolving contact arrangements.

Does Beginnings stay in touch with adoptive individuals/couples and birth parents after the adoption is finalized?

Yes. Beginnings adoptive individuals/couples and birth parents can be involved in many activities with the agency following the finalization of the adoption. Everyone is considered a member of Beginnings Family Services and are offered follow up services:

• Birth parent counsellors are available to meet with birth parents
• Adoption Staff is available to meet with adoptive individuals/couples and adoptees
• Birth parents and adoptive individuals/couples may participate in education panels

What is an Entrustment Ceremony?

This is a ceremony that happens at the time a child is placed in the care of an adoptive couple by the birth parent(s). It is an acknowledgment of moving a child from  one family to another and honours the role of birth parents in the lives of their children. Each ceremony is unique and reflects what is important to the people attending. Often there is chosen music, a poem or reading, and candle lighting to join the families in their Covenant agreement.  Beginnings’ Covenant and Entrustment Ceremony form a foundation for the new relationships created through adoption.

What are the steps involved in the matching process?

The process involves the following steps:

  • After adoptive parents have attended the Beginnings orientation and consultation appointment, they will provide a hard copy profile to Beginnings.
  • Birth parents describe the type of adoptive applicant they would consider.
  • Beginnings Executive Director will contact active list members who are have similar characteristics the birth parents are looking for and provide specific risk information for their consideration.
  • If the prospective adoptive applicant agrees to be presented, their profile will be included in the presentation to the birth parents.
  • If chosen, the full background information will be shared with the prospective adoptive applicants.
  • The prospective adoptive couple’s private adoption practitioner will be contacted and information will be sent to them for review with the adoptive couple prior to a first meeting.
  • First meeting will be held with birth parents and any extended family members they wish to include, the birth parent counsellor, Executive Director, the adoptive couple, and their private adoption practitioner.
  • Once everyone agrees to move forward, this is considered a match.
Why is a Home Study required of adoptive individuals/couples?

A Home Study is completed by a private Adoption Practitioner and is an in-depth assessment of your family and may take several months to complete. It is an important tool to assess the readiness and suitability of the adoptive applicant to adopt.  There is an education component as well to help individuals/couples understand adoption from the child’s perspective. Visit www.children.gov.on.ca for more information.

How long does the adoption process take from registration to placement?

There is no single answer to this question. Birth parents choose the adoptive parents by looking at their profiles and hearing about them through the information contained in their Home Study(s). It can happen quickly if there is the right match, or, it may take some time for this to happen. There is no guarantee that a match will be made through Beginnings.  Beginnings staff and the Adoption Practitioner will work with each adoptive couple to help them through the process. Beginnings also works closely with other private adoption agencies and Children’s Aid Societies when they hear about a match that could work for one of our adoptive individuals/couples.

Who would hope to adopt an infant through this program?

There are many reasons why people wish to adopt. Some applicants who are unable to conceive a child or carry a child to term may consider adoption as a way to create their family. Others may have genetic diagnoses that preclude having children, or they may be cancer survivors who cannot have a biological child. Some individuals/couples see this as a way to augment their family following secondary infertility, or they see adoption as a way to expand their family.

Does Beginnings work with adoptive individuals/couples of specific ethnic origins, religions or walks of life?

Beginnings works with clients from all races, cultures, faiths and walks of life.

Does Beginnings work with single women hoping to adopt an infant?

Beginnings is guided by the expressed wishes of birth parents in terms of choosing adoptive parents.

Does Beginnings work with same-sex individuals/couples hoping to adopt an infant?

Beginnings is guided by the expressed wishes of birth parents in terms of choosing adoptive parents.

Does Beginnings work with individuals/couples of any age who are hoping to adopt an infant?

Yes. It is the birth parents who choose their adoptive couple. However, it must be pointed out that older adoptive applicants will find it more difficult to be chosen by young birth parents.

What are some of the risks involved in private adoption?

The most difficult risk is that birth parents will reverse their decision to place their child for adoption and withdraw consent. In Ontario, they have all rights to do this until 21 days are completed following the signing of consents. There is also a risk when the birth father has not signed consents up until the time the adoption is finalized.

What are the costs incurred by the birth parents throughout the process?

There are no costs for birth parents.

What are the costs incurred by the adoptive couple throughout the process?

The average cost of an adoption through Beginnings is $22,000 to $25,000. Costs may exceed this amount depending on the complexity of the case.

Your first step is to complete a Home Study through a Private Adoption Practitioner and to attend PRIDE Training (the fees for these services are not paid to Beginnings).

Beginnings initial costs are as follows:

  • Registration       $200
  • Orientation        $350
  • Consultation      $250
  • Active List          $300

For more information please contact Beginnings.

Does Beginnings offer or arrange financial support for adoption to offset costs associated with the process?

Adoptions usually cost at least $22,000 – $25,000. When a match is made you have to be prepared to provide Beginnings with the retainer fee of $15,000, before the proposal can go to the Ministry for approval. Beginnings does have an Adoption Reserve Fund for special circumstances (when an adoption has gone above the approximate $22,000 – $25,000 usual cost). For example, in case of twins, a complicated case that required a longer foster care stay, a case involving higher than usual legal costs etc.

Counselling FAQs
Why does Beginnings offer counselling services?

Beginnings recognizes that individuals, individuals/couples, and families need help along life’s way. There are many decisions to make about family planning and relationships. Our highly qualified professional staff have expertise in specific areas of pregnancy counselling and pregnancy support, adoption, post adoption counselling and embryo donation.

Is there any cost to expectant parents for counselling?

There are no costs.

What if expectant parents can’t come to a Beginnings office to meet with a counsellor?

Counsellors will come to meet birth parents in their community. If they live beyond a reasonable driving distance, Beginnings will arrange for a counsellor in the client’s community.

What counselling services does Beginnings offer dads?

The same counselling options are available to men who are considered or named as birth fathers.

Does Beginnings have Foster Homes?

Yes, sometimes foster homes are needed. It may be that parents are not sure about their decision to parent or make an adoption plan. The child can stay with one of Beginnings approved foster parents for a short term stay (up to 30 days) until a decision is made.

Can birth parents visit their child in foster care?

Yes. Arrangements are made with the foster parents to visit regularly. Extended family members can also visit.

Are Beginnings foster care parents trained and experienced?

Yes. Foster care parents are approved annually through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. They are also offered educational training each year.

Does Beginnings offer counselling to children adopted through Beginnings?

Yes. Beginnings considers children placed through the agency as part of Beginnings family. There are several developmental ages and stages where a child’s understanding of adoption sparks questions or a need to know more. Beginnings counsellors will be there to help with these transitional times. Adolescents in particular may have added adoption related identity or separation issues that could benefit from meeting with a counsellor who understands adoption over the life time.

Does Beginnings offer counselling to birth parents who placed through Beginnings?

Yes. Birth parents will have the opportunity to continue meeting with their counsellor up to 6 months after placement of their child. Further follow up will be arranged as needed. Counsellors are also available to assist birth parents throughout the first year for with ongoing open contact arrangements.
Most Beginnings birth parents develop a relationship with their counsellor and keep in contact over the years via email, calls and occasional meeting.

Can Beginnings arrange for peer support for birth parents?

Yes. A counsellor can connect a new birth mom with a birth parent who has placed her child for adoption. Peer connections can take the form of face to face or email.

Will birth grandparents be included in the child’s life in the future?

In most cases yes, but it up to the birth parents how much they want to have their parents involved in the lives of their adopted child. The adoptive families are usually eager to have ongoing contact with all members of the birth parents families. The Covenant Agreement can include extended family members in the contact arrangements.

What is a Covenant Agreement

It is an agreement outlining the specific contact arrangements between birth parents and the adoptive couple. The word Covenant means “promise” and implies a commitment on both sides to carry through with the arrangements they are making – for the sake of the child.  These agreements are not legally binding, but are considered by Beginnings to be a binding promise to stay in touch.

What is an Entrustment Ceremony?

This is a ceremony that happens at the time a child is placed in the care of an adoptive couple by the birth parent(s). It is an acknowledgment of moving a child from  one family to another and honours the role of birth parents in the lives of their children. Each ceremony is unique and reflects what is important to the people attending. Often there is chosen music, a poem or reading, and candle lighting to join the families in their Covenant agreement.  Beginnings’ Covenant and Entrustment Ceremony form a foundation for the new relationships created through adoption.

Will my son need independent legal advice?

Beginnings can provide information on the definition of a legal parent, and will speak to fathers about their options and rights. If they agree to sign consents for adoption, all forms and papers will be reviewed with him prior to signing. At the time of signing consents for adoption, an appointment will be made with a lawyer familiar with private adoption who will offer independent legal advice and be available for any questions your son may have.

Is Beginnings a licensed adoption agency?

Yes. Beginnings is licensed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to provide adoption services in Ontario.

What does Open Adoption involve?

Open adoption involves ongoing communication and contact between the birth parent (s) and the adoptive parents including the child. This can take the form of letters, emails, text messages, phone calls, and/ or visits. The amount of contact is negotiated between the parties and varies from one situation to another. Beginnings believes openness is good for a child as it allows him or her to maintain relationships with important people in his or her life; as he or she grows older, openness allows access to information about his or her origins and background and to any other siblings he or she may have.

What additional resources are available?

Providing additional resources to support health and well-being is important. Establishing community connections is a vital part of supporting our clients in building a strong support system. We work together with our clients to connect them with additional community resources including medical services, public health resources, mental health services, family support programs, and financial services. We are grateful for the many partnerships we have with hospitals, local public health services, and child service agencies.

Education FAQs
Why does Beginnings have education as part of their services?

Beginnings views education as the cornerstone for building strong families. Since many of the families who come to Beginnings are created through adoption, embryo donation and single parenting, there is a need to provide support and education to families who have special needs. It is one thing to adopt, donate or receive embryos, or parent on your own, but all parties need to find ways to help their children growing up in unique situations. Beginnings programs offer insight and understanding in how to meet their childrens’needs.

What kinds of programs are offered through Beginnings?

We offer the following programs:

  • Parenting and family support programs
  • Prenatal support
  • Life skills
  • Baby Smarts – Healthy Relationship Program
Who can attend these education programs?

Birth parents and embryo donor parents can attend all programs at no cost to themselves. Adoptive parents and embryo recipients can attend for a fee for service.

What is PRIDE training ? Where can I get this?

Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education (PRIDE) is a comprehensive 27 hour training program that is now recognized as essential preparation for all prospective adoptive and foster parents. It is mandatory in the province of Ontario. It is completed in tandem with the Home Study process before adoptive applicants can adopt. It is offered at various times and locations in Ontario.

Glossary of Terms

Openness: Identifying information is shared between donors and recipients for the sake of the child and for the purpose of providing a life long connection between the 2 families.

Couple: For all intents and purposes, the word “couple” is used throughout for simplicity, but we recognize that “couple” is not defined by a married male and female partner.  It does not exclude single parents as either donor or recipients.

Surrogacy: A woman who carries a child for another woman using her own eggs and donated sperm

Gestational carrier: A woman who carries a child for another woman using donated egg and sperm

IVF: In Vitro Fertilization is a clinical procedure whereby fertilization is accomplished outside a woman’s body, and involves three basic step: fertility drugs are used to stimulate the female’s egg production by the female’s ovaries; eggs are retrieved from the female partner and mixed with sperm from the male partner; fertilized eggs (embryos) are mixed with the sperm and transferred to the uterus.  Depending on the number of embryos produced, some may be frozen for later use.

Openness Agreement: Agreement between donors and recipients about the terms of contact between themselves and the child. Beginnings agreements are based on the best interests of the child and outline the degree of openness mutually agreed upon. They are not legally binding, but they are created and followed in “good faith”.

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