[GOA2004]

For more information: www.gov.ab.ca/adoptionrecords

June 7, 2004

Alberta opening adoption records

Legislation governing adoption records balances needs for openness and confidentiality

Edmonton... Access to Alberta's adoption records will change on November 1, 2004, when the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act comes into force. For all adoptions granted prior to January 1, 2005, adult adoptees and birth parents will be able to access identifying information about each other. Adult adoptees and birth parents who want to keep their information confidential can do so by filing a veto with Alberta's Post Adoption Registry. By filing a veto, individuals can ensure that their identifying information remains confidential.

"This is very good news for adoptees and biological parents," said Minister of Children's Services Iris Evans. "Government has listened to Albertans and responded by developing legislation that provides access to personal information for those who are searching for information about biological history. At the same time, we've respected the wishes of individuals who want to maintain their privacy."

The decision to open adoption records was made after extensive consultations with stakeholders and the public during the Child Welfare Act Review in 2001-02. The amended legislation, the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, applies to all adoptions that have taken place in Alberta.

Beginning November 1, adult adoptees and birth parents will have the ability to obtain identifying information about each other contained in their adoption records. If a veto is in place, the information will not be released. Adoptees who are turning 18 have six months from their 18th birthday to file a veto preventing the release of their identifying information. Birth parents will not be given information about a biological child until six months after the adoptee's 18th birthday, to allow the adoptee time to file a veto.

For adoptions that occur in Alberta after January 1, 2005, identifying information cannot be protected by a veto, however contact preferences may be filed. Preferences are not legally binding.

Veto forms, applications for release of information and more information can be accessed online at www.gov.ab.ca/adoptionrecords, or by calling 310-4455 toll-free in Alberta. Outside Alberta, call toll-free at 1-866-825-4455.

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Backgrounder


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Changes to Adoption Records Legislation

The Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act governs access to adoption records in Alberta. This act comes into force on November 1, 2004.
Identifying information from adoptions granted prior to January 1, 2005 will be released to adult adoptees and birth parents upon request, as of November 1, 2004, unless either party files a veto prohibiting the release of their identifying information.
The amendments to access adoption records were made after extensive consultations with stakeholders and the public during the Child Welfare Act review in 2001-02.
British Columbia opened adoption records in 1996; Newfoundland and Labrador opened adoption records May 31, 2004.
History

Alberta's Post Adoption Registry opened in 1985.
In 1995 new legislation allowed licensed search agencies to search for birth parents on behalf of adult adoptees. If found, birth parents had the option to file a veto or consent to contact.
In 1996 the government expanded criteria, allowing birth parents or adult siblings to search for adult adoptees. If found, adoptees had the option to file a veto or consent to contact.
As of January 1, 2000, adoptions granted after December 31, 1999 have open records with the provision for vetos to be filed.
All adoptions granted on or after January 1, 2005 will have open records. Birth parents and adult adoptees will not have a veto provision, however they can file a contact preference.
Statistics

More than 83,000 adoptions have taken place in Alberta since the early 1900s.
Since 1985 Alberta's Post Adoption Registry has received:
Approximately 33,000 inquiries.
More than 25,500 requests for information contained in adoption records.
Approximately 430 disclosure vetoes.
Alberta's Post Adoption Registry has facilitated more than 3,000 reunions.