• How can I find out about reunion services?
• Is there information, counseling or supports available for birth parents and adopted persons who are considering reunions?
• What if I don't want my identifying information released?
• How do I access information from B.C. adoption records?
• Is there counseling or support available for birth parents and adopted children who are considering reunion?
• When and how do I file a disclosure veto?
• When and how do I file a no-contact declaration?

Frequently Asked Questions for Adults Adopted in British Columbia How can I find out about reunion services?

The ministry provides reunion services to adopted adults and their relatives through the Adoption Reunion Registry.

Is there information, counseling or supports available for birth parents and adopted persons who are considering reunions?

There are different options for information, counseling or support on reunion issues. The Adoption Reunion Registry staff of the Ministry of Children and Family Development can assist and connect you with community-based agencies and support groups.

For information, contact your local ministry office, or the Adoption Reunion Registry at 250 387-3660. In British Columbia, the main sources of information about birth and adoption records are:

• Ministry of Children and Family Development - Information, Privacy and Records Services Branch
• Ministry of Health, Vital Statistics Agency

Decisions about releasing personal information are made case-by-case. Sometimes more information may be available, such as when a reunion has already occurred.

What if I don't want my identifying information released?

The Adoption Act recognizes government's commitment to honour past promises of confidentiality and a person's right to protect their privacy. There are two options for adopted persons and birth parents that want to keep their confidentiality:

• The person can file a disclosure veto with Vital Statistics Agency (VSA), if the adoption occurred before November 1996. This prohibits the VSA from releasing any birth registration or adoption order information identifying the person who filed the disclosure veto.
• If the person was adopted after 1996, they can file a no-contact declaration with the VSA to allow birth registration and adoption order information to be released, but personal contact with the person who filed the declaration will be legally prohibited. The maximum penalty for violating a no-contact declaration is a $10,000 fine and/or six months in jail.

How do I access information from B.C. adoption records?

Adults adopted in British Columbia, and their birth parents may have access to information identifying each other through the Vital Statistics Agency (VSA) at the Ministry of Health. This information is available only after the adopted person's 19^th birthday. Adults adopted in British Columbia may apply for a copy of their original birth registration in their birth name (including names of any birth parents on record) and a copy of their adoption order. Birth parents can apply to the Vital Statistics Agency (VSA) for a copy of the adopted person's birth registration with any amendments including:

• the person's name following adoption
• a copy of the adoption order

The names of the adoptive parents are always removed to respect their privacy rights, and no identifying information is released if the other person has filed a disclosure veto.

Is there counseling or support available for birth parents and adopted children who are considering reunion?

There are various options available if you want information, counseling or support on reunion issues. Contact the Adoption Reunion Registry for assistance in connecting to community-based agencies and support groups.

When and how do I file a disclosure veto?

A disclosure veto prohibits the Vital Statistics Agency from releasing any birth registration or adoption order information identifying the person who filed the disclosure veto. These vetoes are only available for adoptions completed prior to November 1996. Birth parents who wish to maintain their privacy may file disclosure vetoes any time after the child they placed for adoption turns 18 years of age. Likewise, people who were adopted in British Columbia may file disclosure vetoes any time after their 18^th birthday. This ensures that safeguards are in place for those who want them, by the time access to information provisions take effect on the adopted person's 19^th birthday.

When and how do I file a no-contact declaration?

A no-contact declaration allows the Vital Statistics Agency to release birth registration and adoption order information in an identifying format, but personal contact with the person who filed the declaration is legally prohibited. Birth parents choosing to file no-contact declarations can do so at any time, regardless of the age of the child they placed for adoption. Adopted persons may file no-contact declarations any time after their 18^th birthday. For information on how to file disclosure vetoes and no-contact declarations, call the Vital Statistics Agency at 1-800-663-8328 or 250 952-2681, or write to the VSA at PO Box 9657 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9P3

Access to Information - This page explains how to access information about your adoption and birth parents along with the guidelines for doing so. The Adoption Act has made it easier for birth parents and adults to obtain identifying information about each other.

The Information, Privacy and Records Services Branch can provide original adoption records to people who were adopted as children.

If you are nineteen and:

1. Have your original birth registration, the Branch can give you your original birth records, including information about named birth parents.
   
   
2. Do not have your original birth registration, the Branch can provide your original birth records but must remove all information that identifies birth parents, unless they have given their written consent.

To apply for your original adoption records, fill out the Request to Access for Information form, then print it out and either fax it to 250 387-0817 or mail it to
PO Box 9702, St. Prov. Govt., Victoria, BC, V8W 9S1

Adoption Reunion Registry - Provides reunion services to adopted adults and their relatives.

Vital Statistics - Maintains birth records, and registers no-contact or disclosure vetoes with respect to adoption.