Difference between revisions of "Adoption Registries"

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{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
This script explains the different adoption registries in BC. It includes information on:
This script explains adoption registries in BC. It also explains how to search for an adopted child or birth parent. Detailed information is available on the BC provincial government’s [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions adoption website] and its [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry adoption reunions and registries website]. Both sites are updated regularly.
*the Birth Father Registry
*making an “openness agreement” after a child has been adopted
*searching for an adopted child or birth parent


==Society’s attitudes toward adoption have changed over the years==
==Society’s attitudes toward adoption have changed over the years==
Many people who were adopted want to know about their origins. Many birth mothers want to know how the child they placed for adoption is doing. And many adopted people and birth parents want to meet one another. In BC, several adoption registries exist to help connect birth parents, adoptive parents and adoptees with each other. These include the following registries:
Many adopted people want to know about their biological parents. Many birth mothers want to know how the child they placed for adoption is doing. Many adopted people and birth parents want to meet each another. In BC, the following [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries adoption registries] help connect birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children with each other:
*Birth Father Registry
 
*Parents Registry
*Post-Adoption Openness Registry
*Post-Adoption Openness Registry
*Exchange Registry
*Adoption Reunion Registry
*Adoption Reunion Registry


==What is the Birth Father Registry?==
==[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/birth-parents-registry Parents Registry]==
A biological father who registers with the Birth Father Registry is entitled to receive written notice of a proposed adoption placement, which gives him the opportunity to be involved in the planning for his child. The father can register any time before the birth and up to 150 days after the date that the child was placed. There’s no fee to register.
Birth parents of a child placed for adoption can register to receive notice of adoption details and be involved in the adoption planning for the child. Parents can register any time before, and up to 150 days after, the birth of their child. There’s no fee to register.  


==What is the Post-Adoption Openness Registry?==
==[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/post-adoption-openness-registry Post-Adoption Openness Registry]==
Many people believe that adoption creates a permanent kinship network between birth and adoptive families, and that adoption shouldn’t sever relationships – it should create them. They believe that an on-going relationship with birth parents and other birth family members can help an adopted child develop a healthy sense of identity and belonging. The Post-Adoption Openness Registry is meant for birth parents, adoptive parents and relatives of an adopted child under the age of 19 who wish to communicate with each other after the child has been adopted, if no “openness agreement” was made before the adoption order. There are no fees to register.
Many people believe that the adoption of a child shouldn’t end a parent’s relationship with the child. Instead, it should create a new relationship with the child’s adoptive family. They believe that a continuing relationship between the child and their birth parents and other birth family members can help the child develop a healthy sense of identity and belonging. The Post-Adoption Openness Registry is meant for birth parents, adoptive parents, and relatives of an adopted child under the age of 19 who want to communicate with each other after the child has been adopted, if no openness agreement was made before the adoption order. There are no fees to register.  


==How does the Post-Adoption Openness Registry work?==
==How does the Post-Adoption Openness Registry work?==
Once an application is made, the registry is checked to see if there’s a match. For example, if both the adoptive parents and the birth mother register, then there’s a match. Registry staff will contact you to discuss the type of openness you want. You’ll be asked to arrange for a facilitator to help you reach an openness agreement acceptable to both of you – be it saving letters and photographs to give to the adopted child at a certain age, or a continuing exchange of letters or phone calls, or even visits.
When you apply to the registry, it 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. Registry staff will contact you to discuss the type of openness you want. You’ll be asked to arrange for a facilitator to help you reach an openness agreement acceptable to both of you. It may involve saving letters and photographs to give to the adopted child at a certain age, or a continuing exchange of letters and calls, or even visits.  
 
In figuring out how much openness is best, the best interest of the child is the most important consideration. And participation is voluntary – both the adoptive parents and the birth mother or relatives must register.
 
An application to the Post-Adoption Openness Registry stays in effect until the adopted child reaches 19 years of age, at which time, if no match has been made, an application can be made to the Adoption Reunion Registry (discussed later in this script).


==What is the Exchange Registry?==
In deciding how much openness is best, the best interests of the child are the most important factor. Participation is voluntary—both the adoptive parents and the birth mother or relatives must register.
The Exchange Registry is used by people who have negotiated a non-identifying openness agreement, where the adoptive family and the birth family don’t communicate directly with each other, but through the registry. It facilitates communication between the adoptive family and the birth family as agreed to in their openness agreement. Communications are sent to the Exchange Registry, which redirects that to the other person or family. The Exchange Registry remains in effect until the adopted child turns 19. After that point, the adult adoptee or the birth family member can apply to the Adoption Reunion Registry to make direct contact with each other.


==What is the Adoption Reunion Registry?==
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, discussed later in this script.
The Adoption Reunion Registry connects adopted adults with their birth families. This government registry can help if the adoption took place in BC. Everyone must be 19 or over – you must be an adult, and the person you want to connect with must also be an adult.


The Adoption Reunion Registry operates two registries:
==[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry Adoption Reunion Registry]==
*a Passive Registry
The Adoption Reunion Registry connects adopted adults with their birth families, if the adoption took place in BC and everyone involved is 19 or over when the connection is made. The Adoption Reunion Registry operates the '''Passive registry''' and in some cases, it will perform an active search.
*an Active Registry


==How does the Passive Registry work?==
:'''Passive registry'''
If you register your name, and the person you’re looking for also registers for contact with you on the Passive Registry, a match is made. A staff social worker will then contact both of you by letter or telephone and help you to make contact with each other.
:If you register and the person you’re looking for also registers for contact with you on the Passive Registry, a match is made. Staff will then contact both of you and help you contact each other. Staff will not try to find the person you want to locate.


==How does the Active Registry work?==
:Active search
After you register, staff will actively search for the person you want to locate. If they succeed, a social worker will then contact you to discuss the next step. If the person you’re looking for also wants a reunion, the social worker will explore with both of you the type of contact you want, i.e., letters, phone calls, or a meeting or visits in person. The social worker will stay involved for a limited period of time to assist in facilitating the contact.
:Staff will first check if a relative you want to find is registered. If not, they will search for the person. If they succeed, staff will contact you to discuss next steps. If the person you’re looking for also wants a reunion, staff will discuss with both of you the options for communicating, such as letters, phone calls, a meeting, or visits in person.  


==Who can apply to register on the Adoption Reunion Registry?==
==Who can apply to register on the Adoption Reunion Registry?==
Adult adoptees, birth parents, birth siblings of an adopted adult and other birth relatives can all apply. There are different requirements, depending on who you are.
Adult adoptees, birth parents, birth siblings of an adopted adult, and other birth relatives can all apply. The requirements differ, depending on who you are.


==You register by mail==
==Registering by mail==
If you’re the adult adoptee or birth mother, you need to submit the following three documents:
If you’re an adult adoptee or a birth mother, you must mail the following three documents:


*A signed application form
*A signed application form
*A copy of your birth certificate (as proof of your identity)
*A copy of your birth certificate (as proof of your identity)
*The registration fee, unless the fee has been waived
*The $25 registration fee, unless it has been waived


If you are requesting an active search, you’ll also need to submit a copy of the original birth registration document and/or adoption order. These are obtained from the Vital Statistics Agency (information on how to get documents from the Vital Statistics Agency is explained later in this script). The original birth certificate and adoption order aren’t needed for a search on the Passive Registry.
If you are requesting an active search, you also need to submit a copy of the original birth registration document and adoption order. You can get these from the Vital Statistics Agency (information on how to get documents from the Vital Statistics Agency is at the end of this script). The original birth certificate and adoption order aren’t needed for a search of the Passive registry.


If you’re the birth sibling of an adult adoptee or the biological father or other relative, there are other or different documents you have to submit. For example, if you’re the birth sibling of an adult adoptee (i.e., you’re looking for your birth sibling who was adopted), proof of death of the birth parent is required, for example, a copy of the deceased birth parent’s death certificate from Vital Statistics.
If you’re the birth sibling of an adult adoptee or the biological father or other relative, you must submit other or different documents. For example, if you’re the birth sibling of an adult adoptee (you’re looking for your birth sibling who was adopted), proof of death of the birth parent is required (for example, a copy of the dead birth parent’s death certificate from Vital Statistics).


==What does it cost to register?==
==What does it cost to register?==
There’s a $25 registration/processing fee to register with the Adoption Reunion Registry. If you want an active search on the Active Registry, you’ll be asked to submit an additional fee of $250. If it’s hard for you to pay these fees, you can request an income test. If you qualify, the fees will be reduced or waived.
It’s $25 to register with the Adoption Reunion Registry. If you want an active search, it’s another $250. If it’s hard to pay these fees, you can ask them to be reduced or waived.  


==Counselling is offered==
==Counselling available==
The social work staff at the Adoption Reunion Registry can offer brief counselling and support during the reunion search process. You may also wish to pursue additional counseling through a local agency or private therapist.
The staff at 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.


==How do you get the documents needed from the Vital Statistics Agency?==
==How do you get the documents from the Vital Statistics Agency?==
You have to submit an application form to the Vital Statistics Agency. Visit their website at [http://www.vs.gov.bc.ca/adoption www.vs.gov.bc.ca/adoption]. Or call 604.660.2937 in the lower mainland, 250.952.2681 in Greater Victoria, or 1.800.663.8328 elsewhere in BC.
Submit an application form to the Vital Statistics Agency. Its [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events website] has details (call 604.660.2937 in the lower mainland, 250.952.2681 in Greater Victoria, & 1.800.663.8328 elsewhere in BC).


There’s a fee of $50 to obtain copies of the adopted adult’s original birth registration and/or adoption order. The names of and information about the adoptive parents is deleted to protect their privacy.
There’s a $50 fee for copies of the adopted adult’s original birth registration and adoption order. The names of the adoptive parents, and information about them, are deleted to protect their privacy.


==What if a birth parent or adopted child doesn’t want to be known or found?==
==What if a birth parent or adopted child doesn’t want to be known or found?==
Individuals who want their privacy respected can have a “disclosure veto” or “no-contact declaration” placed on their records in the Vital Statistics Agency.
People who want to remain unknown can have a '''disclosure veto''' or '''no-contact declaration''' placed on their records in the Vital Statistics Agency.


==What’s a disclosure veto?==
:'''What’s a disclosure veto?'''
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 providing assistance in locating the person who filed the veto. You can place a disclosure veto if you’re a birth parent or adopted person involved in an adoption that took place before 1996.
:A [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/how-to-access-adoption-records 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 if you’re a birth parent or adopted person involved in an adoption that occurred before 1996.


==What’s a no-contact declaration?==
:'''What’s a no-contact declaration?'''
A no-contact declaration allows information to be released, but prohibits any contact with the person who has placed the no-contact declaration. If a no-contact declaration has been placed on the birth and/or adoption records you’re searching, you’ll have to sign a statutory declaration promising that you won’t contact the other person as long as the no-contact declaration is in effect. If you break your promise, you’ll face up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.
:A [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/how-to-access-adoption-records no-contact declaration] allows information to be released, but prohibits any contact with the person who has placed the no-contact declaration. If a no-contact declaration has been 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 written statement may be included==
==A written statement may be included==
The person placing a disclosure veto or no-contact declaration can also place or 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 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.
 
==Where can you get help or find more information?==
*Call 1.877.ADOPT.07 or 250.387.3660.
*See the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s website on adoption and adoption registries at [http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/adoption].


==More information==
*Check the Ministry of Children & Family Development’s [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry adoption reunions and registries] and its [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions adoption website]
*Contact the [https://www.bcadoption.com/ Adoptive Families Association of BC] at 1.877.ADOPT.07 (1.877.236.7807)


[updated March 2013]
[updated February 2018]


'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy by JP Boyd and Jack Montpellier.'''
'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy and edited by John Blois.'''
----
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Revision as of 20:28, 31 January 2018

This script explains adoption registries in BC. It also explains how to search for an adopted child or birth parent. Detailed information is available on the BC provincial government’s adoption website and its adoption reunions and registries website. Both sites are updated regularly.

Society’s attitudes toward adoption have changed over the years

Many adopted people want to know about their biological parents. Many birth mothers want to know how the child they placed for adoption is doing. Many adopted people and birth parents want to meet each another. In BC, the following adoption registries help connect birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children with each other:

  • Parents Registry
  • Post-Adoption Openness Registry
  • Adoption Reunion Registry

Parents Registry

Birth parents of a child placed for adoption can register to receive notice of adoption details and be involved in the adoption planning for the child. Parents can register any time before, and up to 150 days after, the birth of their child. There’s no fee to register.

Post-Adoption Openness Registry

Many people believe that the adoption of a child shouldn’t end a parent’s relationship with the child. Instead, it should create a new relationship with the child’s adoptive family. They believe that a continuing relationship between the child and their birth parents and other birth family members can help the child develop a healthy sense of identity and belonging. The Post-Adoption Openness Registry is meant for birth parents, adoptive parents, and relatives of an adopted child under the age of 19 who want to communicate with each other after the child has been adopted, if no openness agreement was made before the adoption order. There are no fees to register.

How does the Post-Adoption Openness Registry work?

When you apply to the registry, it 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. Registry staff will contact you to discuss the type of openness you want. You’ll be asked to arrange for a facilitator to help you reach an openness agreement acceptable to both of you. It may involve saving letters and photographs to give to the adopted child at a certain age, or a continuing exchange of letters and calls, or even visits.

In deciding how much openness is best, the best interests of the child are the most important factor. Participation is voluntary—both the adoptive parents and the birth mother or relatives must register.

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, discussed later in this script.

Adoption Reunion Registry

The Adoption Reunion Registry connects adopted adults with their birth families, if the adoption took place in BC and everyone involved is 19 or over when the connection is made. The Adoption Reunion Registry operates the Passive registry and in some cases, it will perform an active search.

Passive registry
If you register and the person you’re looking for also registers for contact with you on the Passive Registry, a match is made. Staff will then contact both of you and help you contact each other. Staff will not try to find the person you want to locate.
Active search
Staff will first check if a relative you want to find is registered. If not, they will search for the person. If they succeed, staff will contact you to discuss next steps. If the person you’re looking for also wants a reunion, staff will discuss with both of you the options for communicating, such as letters, phone calls, a meeting, or visits in person.

Who can apply to register on the Adoption Reunion Registry?

Adult adoptees, birth parents, birth siblings of an adopted adult, and other birth relatives can all apply. The requirements differ, depending on who you are.

Registering by mail

If you’re an adult adoptee or a birth mother, you must mail the following three documents:

  • A signed application form
  • A copy of your birth certificate (as proof of your identity)
  • The $25 registration fee, unless it has been waived

If you are requesting an active search, you also need to submit a copy of the original birth registration document and adoption order. You can get these from the Vital Statistics Agency (information on how to get documents from the Vital Statistics Agency is at the end of this script). The original birth certificate and adoption order aren’t needed for a search of the Passive registry.

If you’re the birth sibling of an adult adoptee or the biological father or other relative, you must submit other or different documents. For example, if you’re the birth sibling of an adult adoptee (you’re looking for your birth sibling who was adopted), proof of death of the birth parent is required (for example, a copy of the dead birth parent’s death certificate from Vital Statistics).

What does it cost to register?

It’s $25 to register with the Adoption Reunion Registry. If you want an active search, it’s another $250. If it’s hard to pay these fees, you can ask them to be reduced or waived.

Counselling available

The staff at 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.

How do you get the documents from the Vital Statistics Agency?

Submit an application form to the Vital Statistics Agency. Its website has details (call 604.660.2937 in the lower mainland, 250.952.2681 in Greater Victoria, & 1.800.663.8328 elsewhere in BC).

There’s a $50 fee for copies of the adopted adult’s original birth registration and adoption order. The names of the adoptive parents, and information about them, are deleted to protect their privacy.

What if a birth parent or adopted child 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.

What’s a disclosure veto?
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 if you’re a birth parent or adopted person involved in an adoption that occurred before 1996.
What’s a no-contact declaration?
A no-contact declaration allows information to be released, but prohibits any contact with the person who has placed the no-contact declaration. If a no-contact declaration has been 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 written statement may be included

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.

More information

[updated February 2018]

The above was last reviewed for accuracy and edited by John Blois.


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