Public Consultation Report on Opening Adoption Records Available

The Department of Community Services recently consulted Nova Scotians about opening adoption records. The report detailing the results of this consultation is now available.

“We are grateful to all those who participated. The information collected will allow for a thorough consideration of people’s feedback,” said Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services.

Currently in Nova Scotia, the Adoption Disclosure Program can conduct a search for an adopted person or a birth parent at the request of the other party. When that person is located, they must consent to their identifying information being released before it can be shared. If they do not consent, the identifying information cannot be shared.

In November 2019, the consultation was launched to ask Nova Scotians their opinions about opening adoption records. Over 2,700 responses to the online survey were received and over 100 participants attended in-person sessions held across the province.

The What We Heard report can be found here: https://novascotia.ca/adoption-records-consultation/