Improving Access to Adoption Information

Community Services Minister Peter Christie tabled amendments in the legislature today that will provide greater access to adoption information in Nova Scotia.

"These amendments will make it easier for people to get personal information about their backgrounds that most others take for granted," said Mr. Christie. "We are following through with our promise to open up adoption records in this province."

The proposed amendments to the Adoption Information Act will give broader access to information for birth parents and adult adoptees as of April 1, 2001. The existing act normally requires consent among the parties involved, using a facilitated search and reunion process.

The changes will ensure that adult adoptees can get their original birth registration, which contains the names of their birth parents. Birth parents will be able to get information about the name their child was given at adoption.

Once the legislation is proclaimed, the information will be accessible through the Vital Statistics division of the Department of Business and Consumer Services, where all birth registrations are kept.

"Many people who have been touched by adoption in some way are looking for this type of openness," said Mr. Christie. "These amendments will mean Nova Scotia has one of the most open adoption disclosure laws in Canada."

The amended act also has provisions to meet the needs of people who don't wish their personal information released or don't want to be contacted. They will have the option of filing documents at Vital Statistics to veto disclosure of their names or to declare they don't want to be contacted.

About 25,000 adoptions have occurred in Nova Scotia over the last 50 years. The department will undertake a public campaign to make sure people are aware of the changes that might affect them.

The act will be implemented in two stages to allow time for people to know about the changes. Beginning April 1, 2000, adult adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents will be able to file disclosure vetoes or no contact declarations. Beginning April 1, 2001, adult adoptees will be able to apply for a copy of their original birth certificates and birth parents will be able to apply for information about the names given their children at adoption.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder on the proposed amendments to the Adoption Information Act is available; please e-mail [email protected] or call 902-424-4492.