Difference between revisions of "Adoption Registries"

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{{Dial-A-Law Blurb}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [http://gov.bc.ca/mcfd Adoption Branch], Ministry of Children & Family Development|date= February 2020}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = children}}
Adoption registries and reunion services can help adopted people and their relatives reconnect. Learn how British Columbia’s '''adoption registries''' work.


{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
==What you should know==
People who have been adopted and their relatives can use adoption registries and reunion services to find one another and exchange information. Learn how British Columbia’s three adoption registries work.


==Understand the legal framework==
===Registries help connect adopted people with their relatives===
Many adopted people want to know about their birth parents. Often, birth parents want to know how a child they placed for adoption is doing. Many adopted people and birth parents want to meet each other.


===There are registries to help connect people who have been adopted and their relatives===
In BC, there are '''registries''' that help put relatives separated by adoption back in touch.
Society’s attitudes toward adoption have changed over the years. Many adopted people want to know about their birth parents. Many birth parents want to know how a child they placed for adoption is doing. Many adopted people and birth parents want to meet each other.
 
In BC, there are '''registries''' that help connect people who have been adopted and their relatives.  


====Parents Registry====
====Parents Registry====
Birth parents of a child placed for adoption can register with the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/birth-parents-registry Parents Registry] to receive notice of adoption details and be involved in the adoption planning. Parents can register any time before the child’s birth, and up to 150 days after the child was placed for adoption. There is no fee to register.
Birth parents of a child placed for adoption [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/birth-parents-registry can register with the Parents Registry]. This allows them to receive notice of adoption details. It also lets them be involved in the adoption planning. Parents can register any time before the child’s birth and up to 150 days after the child was placed for adoption. There’s no fee to register.


====Post-Adoption Openness Registry====
====Post-Adoption Openness Registry====
Adoptive parents, birth parents or relatives of an adopted person can register for the opportunity to share information after an adoption order is granted for a child who is under 19 years old. By registering in the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/post-adoption-openness-registry Post-Adoption Openness Registry], they can exchange information and communicate with each other after the adoption. There are no fees to register.
When an adoption order is granted for a child under 19 years old, the door opens for potential reconnections. Adoptive parents, birth parents, and relatives can decide to share information with the adopted child, and communicate with each other. To do so they [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/post-adoption-openness-registry register with the Post-Adoption Openness Registry]. They choose the level of contact they want. They also decide how much they want to reveal about themselves. There are no fees to register.


====Adoption Reunion Registry====
====Adoption Reunion Registry====
The [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry Adoption Reunion Registry] connects people who have been adopted with their relatives for adoptions that took place in BC. Adopted adults can search for their birth parents or siblings. Birth parents who placed a child for adoption can start searching for them as soon as the child is age 19.  
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry The Adoption Reunion Registry] connects people over 19 years old who were involved in a BC adoption. Adopted adults can search for their birth parents or siblings. Birth parents who placed a child for adoption can start searching for them as soon as the child turns 19.


===How the Post-Adoption Openness Registry works===
===How the Post-Adoption Openness Registry works===
Registering in the Post-Adoption Openness Registry gives adoptive parents, birth parents and other relatives the option of exchanging information after an adoption order is granted for a child who is under 19 years old. The information exchange may range from medical information, letters, cards and pictures, to the full exchange of names and addresses for direct contact.
After an adoption order is made for a child under age 19, those involved in the adoption — including adoptive parents, birth parents, and other relatives — can exchange information by [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/post-adoption-openness-registry registering in the Post-Adoption Openness Registry]. The adults may choose to share things like medical information, letters, cards and pictures. Or they may opt for full disclosure and exchange of names and addresses for direct contact.


====A successful match====
====A successful match====
When you [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/post-adoption-openness-registry apply to register], the registry checks if there’s a match with anyone else involved in the adoption. For example, if the adoptive parents and the birth mother register, there’s a match. The registry will only contact parties if a match occurs.
When you [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/post-adoption-openness-registry apply to register], the registry checks to see if anyone else involved in the adoption is in the system. For example, if both the adoptive parents and the birth mother are registered, that’s a match. The registry will only contact parties if there’s a match.


====Reaching an openness agreement====
====Reaching an openness agreement====
If there is a match, the registry will contact the parties to discuss the level of contact they want. The parties can opt for full disclosure and direct contact, or a non-identifying exchange of information. If one or both want a non-identifying exchange, a social worker will help them make an '''openness agreement'''.
The registry will next ask the matched parties about the level of contact they want. The parties can choose full disclosure and direct contact, or a non-identifying exchange of information. If one or both want the second (less direct) option, a social worker will help them make an '''openness agreement'''. This type of agreement sets out the ways that birth parents, relatives, and the adoptive family will communicate after the adoption process is complete.


Any decision to enter into an openness agreement should be based on what is in the best interests of the adopted child. An openness agreement cannot be forced — it's based on voluntary cooperation of everyone involved.
Any decision to enter into an openness agreement must be made with care. The best interests of the adopted child should determine how it’s constructed. Its success depends on the voluntary cooperation of everyone involved.


====How long registration lasts====
====How long registration lasts====
An application to the Post-Adoption Openness Registry lasts until the adopted child reaches 19 years of age. Then, if no match has been made, an application can be made to the Adoption Reunion Registry.
An application to the Post-Adoption Openness Registry lasts until the adopted child reaches age 19, a match is made, or the application is withdrawn in writing. If there’s no match by the time the child turns 19, a different, adult registry comes into play. Interested parties can then apply to the Adoption Reunion Registry.


===How the Adoption Reunion Registry works===
====How the Adoption Reunion Registry works====
The [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry Adoption Reunion Registry] connects people who have been adopted with their relatives for adoptions that took place in BC. Everyone involved must be age 19 or over when the connection is made.
[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry The Adoption Reunion Registry] connects people over age 19 who were involved in a BC adoption. Everyone must be age 19 or over when the connection is made.


The registry operates a passive registry and in some cases can help with an active search.
The registry operates a passive registry. In some cases, though, it can help with an active search.


====Passive registry====
====Passive registry====
For adoptions that happened in BC, people who have been adopted, birth parents, siblings and other relatives can register to connect with their birth relatives.
For adoptions that happened in BC, people who have been adopted, as well as their birth parents, siblings, and other relatives, can register to connect.


The '''passive registry''' requires two parties looking for each other to register — a match is only made if both parties register. If there is a match, the registry will contact both parties and help them contact each other.
The '''passive registry''' requires interest from both sides. The registry is looking for a match. That can only happen if both parties are registered. If there’s a match, the registry will contact both parties and help them connect.


====Active search====
====Active search====
The registry can help with an '''active search''' for a relative. They will first check if the relative is registered. If not, they will search for the person. If they find the person, the registry will contact them to discuss next steps. If the person also wants a reunion, the registry will discuss with both parties the options for communicating, such as letters, phone calls, a meeting, or visits in person.
The registry can also help with an '''active search''' for a relative. First they’ll check if the relative is registered. If not, they’ll start a search. If they find the person, the registry will contact them to discuss next steps. If this person also wants a reunion, the registry will talk with both parties about the options for contact. These can include letters, phone calls, meetings, or visits in person.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
The Adoption Reunion Registry can provide brief counselling and support during the reunion search process. You may also seek other counselling through a local social services agency or a private therapist.
The Adoption Reunion Registry offers brief counselling and support during the reunion search process. You may also seek other counselling through a local social services agency or a private therapist.
|}
|}


==Registering with the Adoption Reunion Registry==
====Registering with the Adoption Reunion Registry====
You can apply to be registered with the Adoption Reunion Registry by:
You can apply to register with the Adoption Reunion Registry by:
*completing and mailing the [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry application form] to the registry
 
*paying the $25 fee to register (you can ask for it to be waived)
* [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry filling out the application form] and mailing it to the registry
* paying the $25 fee to register (you can ask for it to be waived)


As well, you must submit additional documents that vary depending on who you are.
There are also other documents to complete. Which ones are required depends on who you are.


If you’re a person who was adopted or a birth mother, you must send a copy of your birth certificate (as proof of your identity).
If you’re a person who was adopted or a birth mother, you must send a copy of your birth certificate (as proof of your identity).


Siblings searching for an adult sibling who was adopted need to provide the birth parent's birth and death certificates.
Adult siblings searching for a brother or sister who was adopted need to provide their birth parents’ birth and death certificates.
 
If you are requesting an active search, there is an additional $250 fee. You also need to send a copy of the adopted person’s original birth registration document and the adoption order.  


You can get these documents from the Vital Statistics Agency. See its website at [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/order-certificates-copies gov.bc.ca/vitalstatistics], or call 250-952-2681 in Victoria, and toll-free 1-888-876-1633 elsewhere in BC.
An active search costs an additional $250. You also need to send a copy of the adopted person’s original birth registration document and the adoption order. These documents are available from the Vital Statistics Agency. [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/order-certificates-copies See its website], or call 250-952-2681 in Victoria, and toll-free 1-888-876-1633 elsewhere in BC.


==If a birth parent or adopted person doesn’t want to be known or found==
===If a birth parent or adopted person doesn’t want to be known or found===
People who want to remain unknown can have a disclosure veto or no-contact declaration placed on their records in the Vital Statistics Agency.
Either the birth parent or the adopted person can choose to stay unknown. This requires having a '''disclosure veto''' or '''no-contact declaration''' placed on their records in the Vital Statistics Agency.


A '''disclosure veto''' prevents the release of any information on the birth registration or adoption order identifying the person who placed the veto. A disclosure veto also prevents the Adoption Reunion Registry from helping to locate the person who filed the veto. You can place a disclosure veto on your record if you’re a birth parent or adopted person involved in an adoption that occurred before 1996.
A '''disclosure veto''' blocks identifying information from appearing on the birth registration or adoption order. It also prevents the Adoption Reunion Registry from helping to find the person who filed the veto. You can place a disclosure veto on your record if you’re a birth parent or adopted person (age 18 and over) involved in an adoption that occurred before 1996.


A '''no-contact declaration''' allows information to be released, but prohibits any contact with the person who placed the no-contact declaration. If a no-contact declaration was placed on the birth or adoption records you’re searching, you’ll have to sign a statutory declaration promising not to contact the other person while the no-contact declaration lasts. If you break your promise, you may face a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
A '''no-contact declaration''' allows information to be released, but stops any contact with the person who placed it. If a no-contact declaration was placed on the birth or adoption records you’re searching, you’ll have to sign a statutory declaration promising not to contact the other person while the no-contact declaration lasts. If you break your promise, you may face a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.


A person who files a disclosure veto or no-contact declaration can also file a written statement. This statement may include social, medical and health information and perhaps the reason the person doesn’t want to be contacted. If the birth and adoption records you’re searching at the Vital Statistics Agency contain a written statement, you’ll be given a copy.
A person who files a disclosure veto or no-contact declaration can also file a '''written statement'''. This statement may include social, medical, and health information. It may also tell you why the person doesn’t want to be contacted. If the birth and adoption records you’re searching at the Vital Statistics Agency contain a written statement, you’ll be given a copy.


==Get help==
==Who can help==


===With more information===
===With more information===
The '''Ministry of Children & Family Development''' has information on its website about adoption reunions and registries.
The '''Ministry of Children & Family Development''' has information on its website about adoption reunions and registries.
:Web: [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries gov.bc.ca/mcfd]
* [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/birth-adoption/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries Visit website]


The '''Adoptive Families Association of BC''' supports the adoption community at all ages and stages through education, counselling and advocacy.
The '''Adoptive Families Association of BC''' supports the adoption community at all ages and stages through education, counselling and advocacy.
:Toll-free: 1-877-236-7807
* Call 1-877-236-7807 (toll-free)
:Web: [https://www.bcadoption.com/ bcadoption.com]
* [http://bcadoption.com/ Visit website]
 
 
 
[updated March 2018]
 
'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [http://gov.bc.ca/mcfd Adoption Branch], Ministry of Children & Family Development, and [https://www.boydarbitration.ca/ John-Paul Boyd], John-Paul Boyd Arbitration Chambers.'''


----
===Free and low-cost legal help===
----
Options for legal help include legal aid, pro bono services, legal clinics, and advocates. [[Free and Low-Cost Legal Help|See our information on free and low-cost legal help]].


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Latest revision as of 22:22, 30 April 2021

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Adoption Branch, Ministry of Children & Family Development in February 2020.

Adoption registries and reunion services can help adopted people and their relatives reconnect. Learn how British Columbia’s adoption registries work.

What you should know

Registries help connect adopted people with their relatives

Many adopted people want to know about their birth parents. Often, birth parents want to know how a child they placed for adoption is doing. Many adopted people and birth parents want to meet each other.

In BC, there are registries that help put relatives separated by adoption back in touch.

Parents Registry

Birth parents of a child placed for adoption can register with the Parents Registry. This allows them to receive notice of adoption details. It also lets them be involved in the adoption planning. Parents can register any time before the child’s birth and up to 150 days after the child was placed for adoption. There’s no fee to register.

Post-Adoption Openness Registry

When an adoption order is granted for a child under 19 years old, the door opens for potential reconnections. Adoptive parents, birth parents, and relatives can decide to share information with the adopted child, and communicate with each other. To do so they register with the Post-Adoption Openness Registry. They choose the level of contact they want. They also decide how much they want to reveal about themselves. There are no fees to register.

Adoption Reunion Registry

The Adoption Reunion Registry connects people over 19 years old who were involved in a BC adoption. Adopted adults can search for their birth parents or siblings. Birth parents who placed a child for adoption can start searching for them as soon as the child turns 19.

How the Post-Adoption Openness Registry works

After an adoption order is made for a child under age 19, those involved in the adoption — including adoptive parents, birth parents, and other relatives — can exchange information by registering in the Post-Adoption Openness Registry. The adults may choose to share things like medical information, letters, cards and pictures. Or they may opt for full disclosure and exchange of names and addresses for direct contact.

A successful match

When you apply to register, the registry checks to see if anyone else involved in the adoption is in the system. For example, if both the adoptive parents and the birth mother are registered, that’s a match. The registry will only contact parties if there’s a match.

Reaching an openness agreement

The registry will next ask the matched parties about the level of contact they want. The parties can choose full disclosure and direct contact, or a non-identifying exchange of information. If one or both want the second (less direct) option, a social worker will help them make an openness agreement. This type of agreement sets out the ways that birth parents, relatives, and the adoptive family will communicate after the adoption process is complete.

Any decision to enter into an openness agreement must be made with care. The best interests of the adopted child should determine how it’s constructed. Its success depends on the voluntary cooperation of everyone involved.

How long registration lasts

An application to the Post-Adoption Openness Registry lasts until the adopted child reaches age 19, a match is made, or the application is withdrawn in writing. If there’s no match by the time the child turns 19, a different, adult registry comes into play. Interested parties can then apply to the Adoption Reunion Registry.

How the Adoption Reunion Registry works

The Adoption Reunion Registry connects people over age 19 who were involved in a BC adoption. Everyone must be age 19 or over when the connection is made.

The registry operates a passive registry. In some cases, though, it can help with an active search.

Passive registry

For adoptions that happened in BC, people who have been adopted, as well as their birth parents, siblings, and other relatives, can register to connect.

The passive registry requires interest from both sides. The registry is looking for a match. That can only happen if both parties are registered. If there’s a match, the registry will contact both parties and help them connect.

Active search

The registry can also help with an active search for a relative. First they’ll check if the relative is registered. If not, they’ll start a search. If they find the person, the registry will contact them to discuss next steps. If this person also wants a reunion, the registry will talk with both parties about the options for contact. These can include letters, phone calls, meetings, or visits in person.

Tip

The Adoption Reunion Registry offers brief counselling and support during the reunion search process. You may also seek other counselling through a local social services agency or a private therapist.

Registering with the Adoption Reunion Registry

You can apply to register with the Adoption Reunion Registry by:

There are also other documents to complete. Which ones are required depends on who you are.

If you’re a person who was adopted or a birth mother, you must send a copy of your birth certificate (as proof of your identity).

Adult siblings searching for a brother or sister who was adopted need to provide their birth parents’ birth and death certificates.

An active search costs an additional $250. You also need to send a copy of the adopted person’s original birth registration document and the adoption order. These documents are available from the Vital Statistics Agency. See its website, or call 250-952-2681 in Victoria, and toll-free 1-888-876-1633 elsewhere in BC.

If a birth parent or adopted person doesn’t want to be known or found

Either the birth parent or the adopted person can choose to stay unknown. This requires having a disclosure veto or no-contact declaration placed on their records in the Vital Statistics Agency.

A disclosure veto blocks identifying information from appearing on the birth registration or adoption order. It also prevents the Adoption Reunion Registry from helping to find the person who filed the veto. You can place a disclosure veto on your record if you’re a birth parent or adopted person (age 18 and over) involved in an adoption that occurred before 1996.

A no-contact declaration allows information to be released, but stops any contact with the person who placed it. If a no-contact declaration was placed on the birth or adoption records you’re searching, you’ll have to sign a statutory declaration promising not to contact the other person while the no-contact declaration lasts. If you break your promise, you may face a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

A person who files a disclosure veto or no-contact declaration can also file a written statement. This statement may include social, medical, and health information. It may also tell you why the person doesn’t want to be contacted. If the birth and adoption records you’re searching at the Vital Statistics Agency contain a written statement, you’ll be given a copy.

Who can help

With more information

The Ministry of Children & Family Development has information on its website about adoption reunions and registries.

The Adoptive Families Association of BC supports the adoption community at all ages and stages through education, counselling and advocacy.

Free and low-cost legal help

Options for legal help include legal aid, pro bono services, legal clinics, and advocates. See our information on free and low-cost legal help.

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