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= March 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = children}}
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.


{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = family}}
==Understand the legal framework==
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.


==Society’s attitudes toward adoption have changed over the years==
===There are registries to help connect people who have been adopted and their relatives===
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:
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.  


*Parents Registry
In BC, there are '''registries''' that help connect people who have been adopted and their relatives.
*Post-Adoption Openness Registry
*Adoption Reunion Registry


==[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/birth-parents-registry Parents 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.  
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.


==[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/post-adoption-openness-registry Post-Adoption Openness Registry]==
====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.  
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.


==How does the Post-Adoption Openness Registry work?==
====Adoption Reunion Registry====
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.  
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.  


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.
===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.


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.
====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.


==[https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/births-adoptions/adoptions/adoption-reunions-registries/adoption-reunion-registry Adoption Reunion Registry]==
====Reaching an openness agreement====
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.
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'''.


:'''Passive registry'''
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.
: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'''
====How long registration lasts====
: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.
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.


==Who can apply to register on the Adoption Reunion Registry?==
===How the Adoption Reunion Registry works===
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.
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.


==Registering by mail==
The registry operates a passive registry and in some cases can help with an active search.
If you’re an adult adoptee or a birth mother, you must mail the following three documents:


*A signed application form
====Passive registry====
*A copy of your birth certificate (as proof of your identity)
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.
*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.
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.


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).
====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.


==What does it cost to register?==
{| class="wikitable"
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.  
|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.
|}


==Counselling available==
===Registering with the Adoption Reunion Registry===
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.
You can apply to be registered 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)


==How do you get the documents from the Vital Statistics Agency?==
As well, you must submit additional documents that vary depending on who you are.
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 $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.
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).


==What if a birth parent or adopted child doesn’t want to be known or found?==
Siblings searching for an adult sibling who was adopted need to provide the birth parent's birth and death certificates.
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?'''
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.  
: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?'''
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.
: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.
 
===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.
 
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 '''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 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.
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==
==Get help==
*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 February 2018]
===With more information===
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]


'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy and edited by John Blois.'''
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
:Web: [https://www.bcadoption.com/ bcadoption.com]


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Revision as of 22:35, 29 March 2019

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Adoption Branch, Ministry of Children & Family Development in March 2018.

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

There are registries to help connect people who have been adopted and their relatives

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

Birth parents of a child placed for adoption can register with the 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.

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 Post-Adoption Openness Registry, they can exchange information and communicate with each other after the adoption. There are no fees to register.

Adoption Reunion Registry

The 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.

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.

A successful match

When you 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.

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.

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.

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.

How the Adoption Reunion Registry works

The 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Registering with the Adoption Reunion Registry

You can apply to be registered with the Adoption Reunion Registry by:

  • completing and mailing the application form 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.

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.

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 gov.bc.ca/vitalstatistics, 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

People who want to remain unknown can have 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 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 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.

Get help

With more information

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

Web: gov.bc.ca/mcfd

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
Web: bcadoption.com
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