Ontario Opens Adoption Records

Starting today, adopted adults and birth parents can get more information about their past.

Ontario's adoption records are now open for the first time since 1927.

GETTING INFORMATION

Once they reach the age of 18, adopted individuals can apply for copies of their birth registration and adoption order. Birth parents can also apply once the adopted adult has reached the age of 19. While there is no standard for adoption orders, they may contain:

• The adopted person's birth name and adoptive name
• The date and place of birth
• The names of the birth parents

PROTECTING PRIVACY

Adopted adults and birth parents who want to protect their privacy can also file:

• A notice of contact preference to specify how they would like to be contacted
• A no contact notice if they do not want to be contacted, but are willing to have their identifying information released
• A disclosure veto if the adoption was finalized before September 1, 2008. This will prevent their identifying information from being released.

FINDING FAMILY

While the Access to Adoption Records Act, 2008 helps people find their birth and adoption information, it does not help them locate their family. People who want to get in touch with their birth relatives can add their name to Ontario's voluntary Adoption Disclosure Register.

These free services are offered through ServiceOntario.