Alberta Post Adoption Registry

Alberta Adoption Records Open

If you were adopted or surrendered a child for adoption in Alberta, access to your records is now open. As of January 1, 2005 the adoptee and the birth parents have the right to receive both identifying and non identifying information from the adoption file.

Alberta Post Adoption Registry (PAR)
Application for Release of Information.

Alberta Post Adoption Registry
11th Floor, Sterling Place
9940 - 106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2N2
(780) 427-6387
Toll-free in Alberta 310-0000 then dial (780) 427-6387

Passive Registry

The Post Adoption Registry is passive. In other words, if you register and the person you are seeking registers, you will both be contacted to discuss reunion options. The Government of Alberta will not carry out a search for you, however. Both parties must register for it to work.

Registry with PAR is voluntary. If you don't wish to register, you can still request your adoption information.

The Veto

The new law attempts to strike a balance between privacy and the right to disclosure. Alberta birth parents or adoptees may file a veto that prevents their identifying information from being released. Once the veto has been received, any subsequent request for disclosure will result in only non-identifying information being released.

If you choose to file a veto, please consider writing a letter for your birth relative, to be placed on file and given should that person apply for reunion. Fill in a few of the blanks (family tree, why you made your decision, what your adoptive family is like, what you are like today, etc.) The non-identifying information some people receive is scanty, and sometimes inaccurate. If you really can't allow for contact you can help answer some questions and bring your birth relative some peace.

If you choose to place a veto you may revoke it at any time in the future. Until then, please obtain a copy of the Family Health Profile and complete it so the adoptee can update his or her medical history. (Adoptees with health information that may be of importance to their birth family can write their history down and file it with the letter.) Regular updates can be made whenever there is a need. Keep in mind that many medical conditions have a hereditary link, and providing your information could save a life.

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