P.E.I. couple frustrated adoption application denied

Katie Jay says she always wanted to have a big family. But she's frustrated because she fears that will not happen now that Child and Family Services has denied her family's application to adopt.

"I've always wanted to have four or five kids. And I mean obviously now that's not going to happen, but it would mean a lot for us, for sure."

Katie and Melvin Jay have one son, John, 13.

"We've struggled, even to have our first child so yes we're very fortunate to have him," Katie said.

Hope case can be reopened

The couple said they were told their application to adopt a sibling for John was denied because of John's lack of compatibility with achild they had previously cared for in their home. The couple said they previouslyapplied seven years ago to adopt, but were turned down. They said they were told their family was too set in its ways.

The Jays hope to meet with the minister of Family and Human Services to see if their case can be reopened.

To me it's a slap in the face not only for us but it's a really big slap in the face for our little guy.- MelvinJay

They don't believe their son had a fair chance to be assessed for his compatibility for a new sibling.

"I feel that us being honest and open and explaining the whole situation out, how it worked and why it didn't work was really what came back to haunt us," said Melvin. "To me it's a slap in the face not only for us but it's a really big slap in the face for our little guy."

The Jays believe their son would have benefited from having a sibling.

Extensive, thorough process

Child and Family Services said it can't comment on the Jay's situation specifically, but June McKinnon, the provincial adoption coordinator, said the process of approving a family is extensive and thorough.

"There are some families that for a number of reasons may not be approved," she said. "We are looking for various skills and qualities that a family needs to possessFamilies can be refused if they're not displaying those skills or qualities that we're looking for."

Many families reapply

The last thing CFS wants is for an adoption to not work out, McKinnon said, adding that many families have reapplied after working on issues and been approved for the adoption registry.

"We want family members to all be on the same page with a goal of adoption, recognizing that it is a parent's job if there are other children in the family to help prepare that child for a potentialbrother or sister entering the family through adoption."

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