Amendments to legislation will improve access to adoption information for adult adoptees, birth parents and siblings.
Read more about time sensitive changes that could affect adult adoptees and birth parents.
Read more about changes to Records, Registry and Connections.
Overview
Either an adult adoptee or birth parent can submit a Disclosure Veto to prevent identifying information from being shared with each other.
A Disclosure Veto can only be filed if the adoption took place prior to January 1, 2005.
The ability to file a Disclosure Veto ends on July 1, 2021.
For adoptions granted after January 1, 2005, you cannot prevent identifying information in the adoption records from being released. Adult adoptees and birth parents can however indicate their preference for contact (email, regular mail or phone) through the submission of a Contact Preference Form.
If a Disclosure Veto has not been filed and the adult adoptee or birth parent makes a request for information, identifying information will be released to the other person.
Identifying information released includes:
- birth parent(s) full name
- birth parent(s) full date of birth (mm/dd/yy)
- birth parent(s) place of birth (province/city)
- adoptee’s name at birth
The adoptee's full name after adoption will be released.
Disclosure Veto information
Information you receive if the other person has filed a Disclosure Veto
If a Disclosure Veto is filed, you will still receive non-identifying information, which may include:
- birth parent(s) province of birth
- birth parent(s) year of birth
- marital status
- occupation
- education level
- physical description
- personality
- interests of the parent
- medical history of the family
- summary of circumstances
The adoptee’s full name after adoption will not be released.
Once processed, the Disclosure Veto will prevent the release of your identifying information.
Note: Filing a Disclosure Veto with Records, Registry and Connections does not prohibit someone from finding your identifying information in another way.
How to apply
Step 1. Complete the form
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
- Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
- Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.
If you are still having problems opening the form, contact PDF form technical support.
You can also get this form by calling our office.
Step 2. Photocopy 2 pieces of identification
Submit a photocopy of 2 pieces of your identification, one of which is photo identification. If you are not sure whether your ID meets requirements, contact our office.
Step 3. Submit the form and photocopies of identification
You can mail, email or fax the form and photocopies of your identification.
Address:
Records, Registry and Connections
10th Floor, Sterling Place
9940 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2N2
Fax: 780‑427‑2048
Email: [email protected]
How to cancel a Disclosure Veto
The Disclosure Veto may be withdrawn at any time if the individual decides they would now wish their identifying information to be released.
A Disclosure Veto becomes void after a person's death, and with proof of death their identifying information can then be released.
Once processed, the Disclosure Veto will be removed and if a request for adoption records is made, your identifying information would be released.
Step 1. Complete the form
You can download the Cancel a Disclosure Veto form or request it by calling our office at 780-427-6387.
Step 2. Photocopy 2 pieces of identification
Submit a photocopy of 2 pieces of your identification, one of which is photo identification. If you are not sure whether your ID meets requirements, contact our office.
Step 3. Submit the form and photocopies of identification
You can mail, email or fax the form and photocopies of your identification.
Address:
Records, Registry and Connections
10th Floor, Sterling Place
9940 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2N2
Fax: 780‑427‑2048
Email: [email protected]
Contact
Connect with Records, Registry and Connections:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-6387
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]