FREDERICTON, N.B. – The provincial government is now providing birth records related to adoptions.
Applications for access to such information opened April 1 for adult adoptees, birth parents, adult children of a deceased adult adoptee, and adult children of a deceased birth parent whose child was placed for adoption.
This information can be released once the adoptee reaches the age of majority.
“I think making this information available really shows how much attitudes around adoption have changed,” said Families and Children Minister Stephen Horsman. “There are many people who have a strong interest in learning about their biological relatives.”
For adoptions that took place prior to April 1, 2018, identifying information may be made available once the adoptee has reached the age of majority unless a disclosure veto has been filed by the adoptee or the birth parent.
For adoptions on and after April 1, 2018, information may be made available to the birth parent and adoptee once the adoptee turns 19.
To apply for this information, people must complete a form and submit it to Post Adoption Disclosure Services. These forms can be found on the Department of Social Development’s website. Information contained in the application must be verified and signed by a witness.
The New Brunswick Post Adoption Registry maintains provincial records for adoptions that have occurred in the province, and has access to more than 100 years of records.
