Post-Adoption Services
As of January 1 , 2017, changes have been made to the release of an adult adoptee’s birth registration that affects:
- adult adoptees;
- birth parents of adoptees;
- adult children of a deceased adult adoptee; and
- adult children of a deceased birth parent whose child was placed for adoption.
For adoptions granted before January 1, 2017, adult adoptees and birth parents can:
- place a veto under the new process that will prevent the release of their identifying information; or
- file a contact preference that will place limits on contact from the other person but will not prevent release of their identifying information.
1. Guidance
The Saskatchewan Post-Adoption Registry maintains provincial records for those adoptions that occurred in Saskatchewan. For information on eligibility and services, see Guide to Post-Adoption Services.
2. Veto and Contact Preferences
Filing a Veto
Birth parents and adult adoptees are able to place a veto, which will prevent the release of their identifying information on the adult adoptee's birth registration. A veto can only be placed on adoptions that occurred prior to January 1, 2017.
A veto may be removed at any time by the person who placed it, or it expires upon their death.
- If a veto exists, the ministry will not release identifying birth registration information to the person who requests it.
- If no veto exists or it expires, the ministry may release identifying birth registration information to the person who requests it.
Filing a Contact Preference
Birth parents and adult adoptees may file a contact preference. This allows them to place limits on contact from the other person; however, it will not prevent the release of their identifying information on the adult adoptee's birth registration. Options for contact may include email or phone, or no contact at all.
Contact preferences apply regardless of when an adoption occurs, but if an adoption occurred prior to January 1, 2017, birth parents and adult adoptees have the option to place a veto instead – you cannot place both.
A contact preference can be amended or removed at any time by the person who placed it or it expires upon their death:
- if a contact preference exists, the ministry releases identifying information subject to the terms of the contact preference. The person receiving the information must agree to the terms of the contact preference before they receive the information.
- if no contact preference exists, the ministry may release identifying birth registration information.
3. Eligibility
- an adult adoptee (18+ years of age);
- an adoptive parent of an adoptee who is under 18 years of age;
- a birth parent of an adoptee;
- the adult child of a deceased adult adoptee;
- the adult child of a deceased birth parent whose child was placed for adoption; or
- an extended family member of an adult adoptee or birth parent.
For further information on eligibility and what services you are able to apply for, see the attached Post-Adoption Services in Saskatchewan.
4. How to apply
Gather the documents required for your service application.
You will need a photocopy of one of the following documents to request post-adoption services:
- Birth certificate;
- Driver's licence;
- Health card; or
- Passport.
If you are the adult child of a deceased adult adoptee or the adult child of a deceased birth parent whose child was placed for adoption, you require identification as well as proof of death. Proof of death may include a copy of:
- death certificate;
- death notice or funeral card; or
- obituary.
Complete and print the appropriate service application form online and submit your completed application form to:
- Mail - Post-Adoption Registry, 10th Floor, 1920 Broad Street, Regina, SK S4P 3V6
- Fax - 306-798-0038
- Email - postadoptionregistryinsask@gov.sk.ca
5. Apply
If you are an:
- adult adoptee;
- birth parent of an adoptee;
- adoptive parent;
- adult child of a deceased adult adoptee or deceased birth parent; or
- extended family member.
Request post-adoption services using the correct form for your situation.
6. Further Information
Contact the Post-Adoption Registry in Saskatchewan, for more information:
- 1-800-667-7539 (toll free, within Canada), or 306-787-3654
- Fax: 306-798-0038
- postadoptionregistryinsask@gov.sk.ca