Adoption Records in Alberta

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

The law regarding adoption records is called the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act. It came into force in Alberta on November 1, 2004.

Adult adoptees (18 years of age or older), birth parents, and a descendent of a deceased adopted person have access to identifying information from adoption records (about the child and birth parent). However, identifying information cannot be released if either an adult adoptee or birth parent have filed a Disclosure Veto. Non-identifying information will still be available if a Disclosure Veto has been filed.

Adult birth siblings can request non-identifying information about the adopted child and adoptive parents.

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 2019

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 is only released to the adopted person or the birth parent.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

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.

Only birth parents and adult birth siblings can request a non-identifying profile of the adopted person or the adoptive family.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

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 2019

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.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

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 2019

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 2019

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

Only you and your adopted child (once they are 18 years of age) can request a copy of the Adoption Order which contains your name. No one else has access to your identifying information.

Birth parents and adult birth siblings can request a non-identifying profile regarding the adopted child and the adoptive family that was gathered at the time of adoption. This information may include age, ethnic origin, education level, religion, personality traits, occupation, and interests of the adoptive parents. However, it will not identify you.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

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

Adult birth siblings of an adopted person can request a non-identifying profile of the adoptive family, including the adopted child, which was gathered at the time of the adoption.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

I am an adult adoptee or birth parent. Can I prevent identifying information from adoption records from being released?

Maybe. If the adoption was granted before January 1, 2005, then an adult adoptee or birth parent can file a Disclosure Veto which prevents their identifying information from being shared with the other person.

If the adoption was granted on or after January 1, 2005, then the adult adoptee or birth parent can file a Contact Preference form which states the person’s preference with respect to being

For adoptions that took place before January 1, 2005, either an adult adoptee, the adoptive parents, or birth parent can file a Disclosure Veto with the Post Adoption Registry to prevent their identifying information from being shared with the other person. Non-identifying information about the adult adoptee or birth parent can still be released even if a Disclosure Veto has been filed.

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.
A written or medical statement can be filed with a Disclosure Veto which can be released to the other person.

A Disclosure Veto can be filed at any time after the adoption. A Disclosure Veto can also be cancelled at any time if the individual changes their mind. If a person who has filed a Disclosure Veto dies, then the veto becomes void and their identifying information can be released upon proof of death.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

What happens if I do not file a Disclosure Veto?

If the adoption took place before January 1, 2005 and you have not yet filed a Disclosure Veto, then identifying information can be released about you and you may be contacted. However, just because information is released to the requesting person does not necessarily mean that they will contact you. That decision is up to them once they have your information.

If you do not want to be contacted, then you should file a Disclosure Veto.

Last Reviewed: June 2019

What is a Contact Preference?

For adoptions granted on or after January 1, 2005, a birth parent or adult adoptee 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. If a birth parent or adoptee applies to the Registry for information, they 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, and the adoptee will be notified that this is the birth parent’s preference but the adoptee may still contact the birth parent.

A person whose personal information may be in sealed orders, certificates or documents may also file a Contact Preference form.

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

Last Reviewed: June 2019

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

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

Last Reviewed: June 2019

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 2019

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 2019