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Adoption Disclosure

In Ontario, adopted adults and birth parents are able to receive information from birth and adoption records for adoptions that were registered in Ontario.

Children’s Aid Societies provide non-identifying information, that is, information about the adoption with identifying details removed. It may include the:

  • date of the adoption
  • name of the agency that handled the adoption
  • care received prior to the adoption placement
  • birth family’s social or medical history

Accessing information disclosure services

ServiceOntario is the main access point for individuals seeking information, including applying for information about a past adoption, registering a disclosure or no contact order, requesting forms and general inquiries. More information can be obtained at www.serviceontario.ca or 800-461-2156.

Applying for copies of records

Individuals can apply for identifying information, including copies of original birth registration and adoption orders.

For all adoptions made after September 1, 2008, all records will be open (information will be available, but “no contact” orders may be filed, see below).

If there are concerns for personal safety, birth parents and adoptees can apply to the Child and Family Services Review Board to prevent disclosure of identifying information.

Disclosure vetoes

Adopted adults and birth parents can file a disclosure veto if their adoption order was made prior to September 1, 2008. The disclosure veto prevents the release of any information found in birth registrations and adoption orders that would identify who registered the veto. If there is no disclosure veto, or if the adoption order was made after September 1, 2008, adopted adults and birth parents will be able to receive previously unavailable information from birth registrations and adoption orders, including identifying information.

If there is a disclosure veto filed, an individual is still allowed access to non-identifying information. The person placing the veto also has the option of providing family medical information and a statement about why they filed the veto.

No contact orders

Individuals may file a “no contact” order, but the information from birth registrations and adoption orders, including identifying information will be available. If a “no contact” order is filed there are significant penalties for anyone who breaches the order.

Contact preference

People may file a “notice of contact preference”, that is, a person may specify how they would like to be contacted after the release of their information (e.g. in writing, by phone, etc.). For adoptions made after September 1, 2008, no contact orders or contact preference orders may be filed.