Finding Adoption Records in Canada

Many people adopted as babies have difficulty locating their birth parents when they grow up.

The Adoption Information Act of 1996 was passed in Canada regarding the process and rights of individuals affected by adoption. This legislation allows natural parents and adoptees the right to request information pertaining to the identity and location of their parents or child lost to adoption, if the child is 19 or older. All adoption records are sealed and closed to the public, so those requesting information must apply to the Passive Adoption Registry. The Adoption Reunion Registry (ARR) of British Columbia, and the Post Adoption Registry (PAR) of Alberta, Manitoba are a few networks also available to assist people seeking to reunite with a loved one lost to adoption.

Things You'll Need

• Passive Adoption Registry Application
• Copy of your Birth Certificate
• Fee
• Envelope
• Postage
• Computer
• Internet access
• Printer
• Photocopied identifications

Instructions

1. Download forms and applications for Request For Release of Information and Passive Adoption Registry from a Canadian provincial government adoption website such as The Government of Alberta Children and Youth Services Adoption Records.

2. Print the forms and applications on your printer. Fill out the forms with all required information, including adopted person's name, date of birth, known birth parents, known adoptive parents, your contact information, and your relation to the person you are seeking. Sign the form.

3. Photocopy two forms of identification, one of which needs to have a photo, to send with the forms.

4. Place forms, copies of identifications and fee in an postage-paid envelope addressed to the adoption registry in your Canadian province.

5. Call the registry if you have not heard back within four to six weeks to check on the status of your inquiry.

Tips & Warnings

• The address to send your application for the Passive Adoption Registry is different depending on which province where you reside. Visit the American Adoption Congress Canadian Legislation website to find the addresses, phone numbers, and forms for each province.

References

• Canadian Council of Natural Mothers: Provincial Search Information
• Canadian Adoptees Registry Inc.: Home
• Adoption and Re-Connection: Adoption and Re-Connection Organizations
• NS Legislature: Adoption Information Act
• Government of Alberta: Adoption Records
• American Adoption Congress: Canadian Legislation