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.

Individuals who want their identifying information to remain confidential must file a disclosure veto with Alberta#s Post Adoption Registry. This veto will prevent the release of any birth registration or adoption information identifying the person.

Will the Post Adoption Registry continue to provide services?

Yes. People already registered with the Post Adoption Registry should not register again.  New legislation means that services offered through the registry will expand to include: providing identifying information to assist persons in obtaining Metis or Inuit status and accepting applications for reunion from an adoptive parent on behalf of a deceased adoptee.

What will happen if I do not file a veto?

If you do not file a veto by November 1 and the adult adoptee or birth parent registers a request for your identifying information, your information will be released to the biological parent or adoptee making the request. Birth parents will not be able to access information about their biological child until six months past the child#s 18^th birthday.

Can I prevent the release of my identifying information?

Yes. If the adoption took place prior to January 1, 2005, either party can file a disclosure veto to ensure that identifying information remains confidential.  If a request for information is made after November 1, 2004, a disclosure veto must be in place to prevent the release of identifying information.  You can obtain a disclosure veto on-line or by calling the Alberta government toll free at 310-4455.  The disclosure veto can be mailed or faxed to Alberta#s Post Adoption Registry. Once received, the veto will be placed in the adoption record.

What happens when I register an Application for the Release of Information with the Post Adoption Registry?

If a veto is not in place, your application will be processed. Due to the anticipated volume of requests, registered individuals can expect to wait upwards of 10 # 12 weeks from the time the application is received.

What information will I get if the other person has registered a veto?

If the person you want to find has registered, you can still receive non-identifying information, which includes: province of birth, marital status, occupation, education level, physical description, personality, interests of the parent and medical history of the family.

Can a veto be filed on behalf of an adopted person?

In rare cases where an adult adoptee does not know they are adopted and the adoptive parents believe the release of personal information could be detrimental to the adoptee, the adoptive parents may provide the supporting information to the ministry and the minister will make a decision in the best interest of the adoptee.

Will identifying information about the adoptive parents be released?

No.  All identifying information relating to the adoptive parents will remain confidential.  Birth parents and adult adoptees may only obtain identifying information about one another, unless a disclosure veto is in place prohibiting the release of this information.

What if I need more time to consider my decision?

If an adult adoptee and/or a birth parent require more time to make their decision, it is recommended that they file a disclosure immediately to ensure confidentiality.  The disclosure veto can be withdrawn at any time if the individual changes their mind.  It is important to note that if a request for information is received, and a disclosure veto is not on file, your identifying information will be released.

Will registering an Application for Release of Information mean that I will be reunited with my birth parent or biological child?

Not necessarily. Birth parents and/or adult adoptees may obtain the identifying information contained in the adoption record, if a veto is not on file.  Once the identifying information has been obtained, the individual will need to decide what to do with the information. 

What kind of information can I expect to receive?

Effective November 1, adult adoptees and birth parents will have access to both identifying and non-identifying information contained in the adoption record. Non-identifying information may include: province of birth, marital status, occupation, education level, physical description, personality, and interests of the parent(s) and medical history of the family. The identifying information could include names, ages (date of birth if known) and place of birth.  If a disclosure veto is on file, the adult adoptee and birth parent will continue to receive the non-identifying information in the adoption record.

What about individuals who are not sure how they want to proceed?  Is there support available for adoptees and birth parents?

Yes. There are different options for information, counselling or supports. You can access a resource list or get in touch with the Post Adoption Registry.

Where can I get more information?

Additional information is available by calling 310-4455 inside Alberta. Outside Alberta call toll free 1-866-825-4455.  Disclosure vetos can be faxed to (780) 427-2048.  You can also mail disclosure vetos to Post Adoption Registry, 11^th Floor, Sterling Place, 9940-106 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2N2, or email: postadoption.registry@gov.ab.ca

What if I live in Alberta, but I was adopted in another province?

Each province maintains their own adoption records. Please contact the province where your adoption was finalized. Canadian Registries

I need to provide Maintenance Enforcement with proof that the child I fathered was adopted.  Can you help me? 

You will have to contact Maintenance Enforcement @ (780) 422-5555 to discuss your concern.