Covering transfer fees for former Choices clients

On 2019-10-18, Choices adoption agency closed their doors permanently after 30 years in operation. This has left clients wondering what is next for their families and for the future of adoption in BC as only two adoption agencies remain open in the province.

After families have spent tens of thousands of dollars already, the Provincial Director of Adoption’s Office is telling families they are free to take their files to other agencies but the families will be responsible for paying the charges to transfer their files and to register in another agency’s program (domestic or international). These fees range from approximately $1500 to $10,000.

The Provincial Director of Adoption’s Office knew of Choices’ financial crisis in early 2019 but allowed the agency to remain open. The Provincial Director of Adoption’s Office sent $90,000 to Choices to close the agency in April 2019 but did not enforce this closure by suspending and cancelling Choices’ licence to perform adoptions.

Please sign this petition if you think the ministry should be assisting families with the costs associated with transferring their files and registering with a new agency.