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Adoption Disclosure is a
process, people who have been involved in adoption whether they were
adopted or a birth parent to request information regarding the adoption.
Adoption
Disclosure Register:
The Adoption Disclosure Register (ADR) is
maintained by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services.
The ADR provides two essential services:
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A register for those adult adoptees, birth parents and
birth relatives (siblings and grandparents) who wish to contact each
other and /or exchange updated information.
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Conducts searches for birth parents and specific birth
relatives at the request of an adoptee who is 18 years of age or older.
How the Disclosure Register Works:
If you are an adoptee who is 18 years of age or
older, a birth parent, an adult birth sibling or birth grandparent:
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You may place your name on the Adoption Disclosure
Register if the adoption was finalized in Ontario.
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You will be informed and presented with options for
contact if the person you are seeking is also registered.
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Your name will remain on the register and you will be
contacted should any one register for you in the future.
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Search:
If you are an adult
adoptee and the person you are seeking is not registered, the Adoption
Disclosure Register will search for your birth parent or a specific
birth relative if you wish.
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The ADR will place your name on a waiting list and you
will be contacted when the search for your birth relative is to begin.
You will have an opportunity to ask your questions and discuss your
concerns.
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If successful in locating your birth relative, the ADR
will contact that person to determine whether he/she is willing to have
contact with you.
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Searches are assigned according to the date of
registration.
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Adoption Reunions:
If and when contact between you and your birth
relative becomes possible, you will be provided with information and
assistance.
Counselors will be
available to talk to you about your concerns should you wish.
No identifying
information will be released without your consent.
Non-identifying Information
Children’s Aid Society:
The Children’s Aid Society, which arranged the
adoption, has information about your family or the child’s adoptive
family
The Children’s Aid Society can share
non-identifying information with you or assist you with a reunion.
Non-identifying
information may include:
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Physical description
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Medical history
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Religion
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Ethnic origin
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Ages of the parties
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Education
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Reasons for the adoption
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Type of employment
Non-identifying information does not contain names,
addresses or any information that may lead to identifying the birth
family or the adoptive family.
The amount of information available varies
according to what was recorded at the time of the adoption.
Private Adoptions:
Information about private adoptions completed after
1985 can be obtained by contacting the licensed agency or individual
that arranged the adoption.
For information about private adoptions completed
before 1985 contact the ADR.
Should you not know who
arranged the adoption, contact the Adoption Unit of the Ministry.
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Support Groups:
Other services, which provide support and search
assistance may be available through, volunteer organizations.
You may be able to
obtain more information about services available in your community by
contacting your local Children’s Aid Society, Chamber of Commerce or
Public Library.
Special Situations:
When information is necessary to protect any
person’s health, safety or welfare, the Registrar can assist by granting
an immediate search. Adoptive parents, birth relatives and an adoptee
can make these special requests.
Detailed written
information from a professional, such as an attending physician, is
needed to support the request.
Contact the ADR for an
application form to request this service.
More information may be
obtained by contacting your local Children’s Aid Society.
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