SYDNEY, N.S. — The provincial government has launched an online survey to ask Nova Scotians what they think about open adoption records.
Currently in Nova Scotia, an adult who had been placed for adoption as a child, or a birth parent, can request that the government search for the other party, but if that person is found, they must consent to having their information released.
In a news release, Minister of Community Services Kelly Regan said because adoption records are a sensitive and personal matter, the province needs to hear from Nova Scotians on how a more open approach to adoption records could affect people’s lives.
The online survey will be available until Jan. 3. In-person public engagement sessions will also be scheduled around the province this fall. Locations and dates for the sessions will be announced shortly.
“This is an important step in the right direction in creating meaningful change for adoptees and birth families in Nova Scotia. We encourage all persons affected by adoption to participate at this critical junction to ensure their voices are heard,” said Scott Pyke, founder, Nova Scotia Adoptee Advocacy Group.
A search for someone involved in an adoption can be initiated by either a birth parent or an adult who had been placed for adoption as a child. Open adoption records mean that identifying information about one of the parties to an adoption, either an adult adopted person or a birth parent, can be released to the other without consent, unless the birth parent or adult adopted person has filed a disclosure veto.
A disclosure veto allows a birth parent or adoptee to register in advance so that identifying information about them cannot be released. A disclosure veto expires upon the person’s death.
Current disclosure rules flow from the Adoption Information Act of 1996. A previous attempt to open adoption records in Nova Scotia was abandoned in 1999.
Nova Scotians wanting to participate in the engagement sessions can take the online survey and find more information at novascotia.ca/adoption-records-consultation/. Feedback can also be submitted to [email protected].
Questions about specific adoption records should be directed to the Adoption Disclosure Services Program by calling 902-424-2755 or by writing to: Adoption Disclosure Services Program, Halifax District Office - Child Welfare, 103 Garland Ave., Dartmouth, N.S. B3B 0K5 .
