SHORE Centre is a pro-choice organization that supports your choices in all situations.  Our Pregnancy Options Program offers safe, confidential, non-directed and non-judgmental information and support for anyone facing an unplanned pregnancy. We treat everyone who comes to SHORE Centre as an individual. There is no “one size fits all” approach to making reproductive health decisions. We will support you no matter what you decide and then help you through the adoption process.

Adoption is a way for a child to become part of a new family, creating a permanent legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child. At SHORE Centre we can guide you through the early steps of considering adoption and connect you with the appropriate agencies regarding your decision.

On this page you can learn more about:

• Emotional support before adoption
• Emotional support after placing a child for adoption
• Adoption resources 

Choosing a licensed adoption professional (adoption counsellor) is an important first step in the adoption process. When placing a child for adoption you may choose to work with a private adoption licensee or a local Children’s Aid Society. It is illegal in Ontario to offer any sort of financial incentive to birth parents who have placed their child for adoption.

Not all adoptions look the same. Together with your adoption counsellor you will create an adoption plan to suit your needs. Your adoption plan will include choosing what kind of contact (if any) you may want to have with the child after the adoption takes place. This is commonly called an openness agreement. For example, you may want to be able to exchange pictures and letters, have visits with the child, or have no ongoing contact with the child.

General Information

• Adoption Council of Ontario
• Adoption Council of Canada
• Ministry of Children and Youth Services
• Canada Adopts