Health and
Social Services

Place a Child for Adoption

If you believe that adoption is the best option for your child and you choose to place your child for adoption, you can arrange for your child to be taken care of by another family or the Department of Health and Social Services (HSS).

There are three ways that you can place a child for adoption in Nunavut:

  • Aboriginal Custom Adoption
  • Private Adoption
  • Public Adoption
Aboriginal Custom Adoption

Families who come together for a custom adoption often know each other and do not need social workers or lawyers involved in the adoption. A custom adoption is legal and complete the moment the child is given to the adoptive parents.

If you want to place a child for Aboriginal Custom Adoption, talk to your local Adoption Commissioner.

Click here for information on how to contact your local Social Services office.

Private Adoption

Private adoptions are arranged between a child’s birth parents and adoptive parents. Lawyers and HSS should be involved in the adoption to make sure the adoption follows the Adoption Act and is in the best interest of the child.

If you want to place a child for private adoption, talk to your local child protection worker.

Click here for information on how to contact your local Social Services office.

Birth parents will have to fill out the following forms. Your local social worker can help you complete the forms:

  • Consent to Notify Aboriginal Organization
  • Personal History
Public Adoption

Public adoptions are conducted through HSS. After talking to a child protection worker, parents may choose to give their child up for adoption. The child is placed in the care of HSS and put into a foster home until an adoptive family is found and approved.

If you want to place a child for adoption through HSS, talk to your local child protection worker.

Click here for information on how to contact your local Social Services office.

Contact

If you have questions about adoptions in Nunavut, contact the local Social Services office in your community.

Click here for information on how to contact your local Social Services office.

You may also contact the Deputy Director of Adoptions at the address below:

Deputy Director of Adoptions
Department of Health and Social Services
Government of Nunavut
Box 1000, Stn. 1000
Iqaluit, Nunavut
X0A 0H0
Phone: (867) 975-5781
Fax: (867) 975-5722
Email