News release

Online Survey on Adoption Records Still Open

Community Services

Nova Scotians who would like to voice their opinion about adoption records have until Jan. 3 to complete the online survey.

Government launched the online survey in November to ask Nova Scotians what they think about open adoption records. In-person, public engagement sessions were also held around the province this fall. Over 1,800 online surveys have been completed to date and over 100 participants attended an in-person session.

Quick Facts:

  • a search for someone involved in an adoption can be initiated by either a birth parent or an adult adoptee
  • open adoption records mean that identifying information about one of the parties to an adoption, either an adult adopted person or a birth parent, can be released to the other without consent, unless the birth parent or adult adopted person has filed a disclosure veto
  • a disclosure veto allows a birth parent or adoptee to register in advance so that identifying information about them cannot be released. A disclosure veto expires upon the person’s death
  • current disclosure rules flow from the Adoption Information Act of 1996

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotians can take the online survey and read more information at: https://novascotia.ca/adoption-records-consultation/

Nova Scotians can also choose to submit their feedback to: adoption.records@novascotia.ca

All questions about specific adoption records should be directed to the Adoption Disclosure Services Program by calling 902-424-2755 or by writing to:

Adoption Disclosure Services Program Halifax District Office – Child Welfare 103 Garland Avenue, Dartmouth, NS, B3B 0K5

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