About the Post Adoption Registry

The Alberta Post Adoption Registry maintains the sealed adoption records for all granted adoptions completed in the province of Alberta. This program provides reunion services and information to adult adoptees, adoptive parents and birth family. There are no fees for the registry services.

On November 1, 2004, when the Child, Youth & Family Enhancement Act came into effect, the Alberta government opened access to identifying information contained in adoption records. This change affects all adoptions granted in the province prior to January 1, 2005. Birth parents and adoptees, who are 18 years and older, may obtain identifying information about one another, unless a veto is in place at the time of the request. This veto will prevent the release of any birth registration or adoption information identifying the person.

For all adoptions granted after January 1, 2005, adult adoptees will be able to obtain identifying information in their adoption record. Birth parents may access information once the adoptee is six months past his/her 18th birthday. While identifying information cannot be protected by a veto, birth parents or adoptees may register a contact preference.

Find out more about changes to Adoption Records

Frequently Asked Questions