Recommendations Released on Adoption

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Recommendations Released on Adoption Disclosure

Community Services Minister Peter Christie today released the report of a ministerial advisory committee studying Bill 17, the proposed amendments to Nova Scotia's Adoption Information Act.

Following extensive consultations, the committee has recommended a more open policy on access to adoption information. The result would be increased access to identifying information in the adoption community, and a move away from the practice of sealing adoption records.

"The committee has taken a very emotional and personal issue and attempted to find the appropriate balance in law that will meet the personal needs of all those affected by the release of adoption information," said Mr. Christie. "The committee's recommendations will be part of what government will consider as we determine the future direction of access to adoption information."

If accepted, the committee's recommendations on more open access to adoption information would mark a fundamental change in policy for future adoptions. Currently, adoption records are sealed and may only be opened with the consent of the parties involved. The committee recommends open records for all future adoptions, except when special circumstances require withholding information.

The government introduced Bill 17 in 1999. The proposed amendments would increase access to adoption information by adult adoptees and birth parents for adoptions that occurred in Nova Scotia. Bill 17 also proposed the release of identifying information without prior consent. Debate on the bill and the sensitivity of the issues involved resulted in a range of responses from people who would be directly affected.

As a result, the bill was referred to the Ministerial Advisory Committee. Under the Children and Family Services Act, the committee is responsible for reviewing the Adoption Information Act and making recommendations to the minister regarding proposed amendments.

The committee's report is available on the Community Services Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/coms/files/adoption.asp .