Adoption Records in Alberta

What does the law say about the release of information from adoption records?

The law about adoption records is called the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.

On January 1, 2021, the government changed some of the rules about disclosing adoption records. The rules promote more information being available.

The following people can request adoption records (both identifying and non-identifying information):

• adult adoptees (18 years of age or older)
• descendants (child, grandchild, etc.) of a deceased adopted person
• biological parents*
• adoptive parents under a previous adoption order
• biological siblings (who are 18 years or older) of an adopted person

*If a biological parent is deceased, the Minister may decide to release information to a biological grandparent, aunt or uncle who is related to the deceased biological parent. The request must be in writing and can include identifying information.

Identifying (personal) information cannot be released if an adopted person (18 years or older), biological parent or adoptive parent under a previous adoption order files a veto. But vetoes are only allowed in some situations – see the next question for more information. Even if someone files a veto, the Minister can release personal information if they believe the release is appropriate in the circumstances. Non-identifying information can be released even if a veto is filed.

Adoptive parents can request medical information and non-identifying information about the birth family, or a photocopy or certified copy of the adoption order.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

Can I file a veto so adoption records are not disclosed?

Vetoes are not allowed on adoptions completed in 2005 and onwards.

Rules for adoptions completed before 2005

There are rules for filing vetoes for adoptions that took place before 2005. The only people that may be able to file a veto are:

• adopted person (18 years or older)
• biological parent
• adoptive parent under a previous adoption order

If the adopted person turned 18 before January 1, 2021, the people listed above must have filed a veto before July 1, 2021. If the adopted person was not 18 as of January 1, 2021, they can still file a veto within 6 months of their 18th birthday. If no veto is filed, personal information can be released.

A veto only means the Minister cannot release identifying or personal information. The Minister can still release non-identifying information. The veto must be filed before a request for disclosure is made by someone else.

A veto is cancelled if the person revokes it in writing to the Minister. It also ends when they die.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

Who can request a copy of the adoption order?

The following people can request a copy of the adoption order:

• the adopted person, if they are 18 years or older OR if they are 16 years or older and living independently from their guardian (in the opinion of the Minister)
• a descendant of a deceased adopted person
• a former guardian of the child (who consented to the adoption order)
• any person who receives a copy of the adoption order right after it is granted (see section 74(1) of the Act).

Last Reviewed: June 2021

What is “identifying information”? Who can access identifying information?

Identifying information about adoptees and birth parents includes:

• names
• birth dates
• place of birth

Identifying information may only be released to:

• adult adoptees (18 years of age or older)
• descendants (child, grandchild, etc.) of a deceased adopted person
• biological parents*
• adoptive parents under a previous adoption order
• biological siblings (who are 18 years or older) of an adopted person

*If a biological parent is deceased, the Minister may decide to release information to a biological grandparent, aunt or uncle who is related to the deceased biological parent. The request must be in writing.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

What is “non-identifying information”? Who can access non-identifying information?

Non-identifying information about adoptees, birth parents or adoptive families includes:

• year of birth or age
• province of birth
• education level
• physical description
• interests
• medical history

The following people can request non-identifying information about the others listed:

• adopted person
• biological mother
• biological father
• adult siblings
• adopting parent
• descendant, if adopted person is deceased

Last Reviewed: June 2021

How do I request information about adoption records?

If you are eligible to request identifying or non-identifying information, you can submit a Request for Release of Adoption Information form to the Post Adoption Registry. The form and filing instructions, including all other required documents, are available on the Government of Alberta’s webpage for “Adoption Records.” Follow the link below.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

I was adopted as a child. How old do I have to be to access adoption records?

If you were adopted as a child, you have to wait until you are 18 years of age to contact the Post Adoption Registry and request adoption records.

If you are 16 years old or older and living independently from your guardian (in the Minister’s opinion), the Minister or court can give you a copy of the adoption order. You would then have to wait until you turn 18 to access more information.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

I am a birth parent. When can I access adoption records for the child?

If you are a birth parent, you have to wait until the child is 18 years and 6 months of age before you can request adoption records from the Post Adoption Registry.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

What is the Post Adoption Registry? How do I contact it?

The Post Adoption Registry is a registry that maintains records for all adoptions finalized in Alberta. The Registry also provides identifying information to help persons obtain Métis or Inuit status and accepts applications for reunions between an adult adoptee or family member of a deceased adoptee and a birth family member. For more information on the registry’s services, follow the link below called “Alberta Post Adoption Registry.”

The Registry can be contacted by email, telephone or mail. For current contact information, follow the link below called “Contact Alberta Post Adoption Registry.”

Last Reviewed: June 2021

We adopted a child. Will our identifying information be released?

Certain people can request identifying information from the sealed adoption records. This would include your information at the time of the adoption. See the question above about identifying information and who can access it.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

I have a sibling who was adopted by another family. Can I request adoption records?

Adult birth siblings of an adopted person can request identifying information from the sealed adoption records. You have to wait until the adopted person is 18 years and 6 months of age before you can request adoption records from the Post Adoption Registry.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

I am an adoptee, birth parent or someone whose personal information may be in the adoption records. Can I prevent identifying information from the adoption records from being released?

If the adoption was granted before January 1, 2005, then certain people may be able to file a veto which prevents their identifying information from being shared with others. See the question above about vetoes for more information.

In any case, you can file a Contact Preference form which states your preference about being contacted. The form and filing instructions can be found on the Government of Alberta’s webpage for “Preventing release of identifying information from adoption records.” Follow the link below.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

What is a Contact Preference?

A birth parent, adult adoptee or anyone whose personal information may be in the adoption records can file a Contact Preference form with the Post Adoption Registry. In this form, you can state whether or not you want to be contacted and how you may be contacted. The form and filing instructions can be found on the Government of Alberta’s webpage for “Preventing release of identifying information from adoption records.” Follow the link below.

These contact preferences are not legally binding though. A person applying to the Registry for information will be notified of the other person’s preference. It is up to the person requesting the information to decide whether or not to honour the other person’s contact preference. For example, a birth parent may state they do not want to be contacted. The adoptee will be notified that this is the birth parent’s preference but the adoptee may still contact the birth parent.

A Contract Preference form may be cancelled or changed at any time by the individual who filed it.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

If I file a veto or a Contact Preference, can I change my mind later?

Yes. A veto or Contact Preference may be cancelled or changed at any time by the individual who filed it.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

The adoption took place outside of Alberta. How can I access adoption records?

Each province maintains its own adoption records. You will have to review the adoption policy for the province where your adoption was completed to see what information you can request.

Follow the link below called “Post Adoption Registries outside Alberta” for a complete list of links to each provincial website.

Last Reviewed: June 2021

Are there any other organizations or resources that can help with adoption records?

Yes. Follow the link below called “Adoption Resources” for a list of resources compiled by the Government of Alberta with respect to resources within Alberta, British Columbia and Canada.

Last Reviewed: June 2021