Newfoundland and Labrador Adoption Search (National Institute)

In Newfoundland and Labrador the adoption records start around 1944 and persons over 19 are the only ones that can do a search. At the government website, go to the Government Services Directory, and then Family, Seniors and Youth.

The Adoption Act of 2003 has allowed more flexibility in access to information. Adopted persons who were born and/or adopted in Newfoundland and Labrador will receive a copy of their original birth registration in their birth name (including the name of any birth parent on record) and a copy of their adoption order. Both or either birth parent of someone born and/or adopted in Newfoundland and Labrador are eligible to receive a copy of the adopted person’s original birth registration, the adopted person’s birth registration following adoption (including any changes of name consequent to the adoption), and the adoption order.

Before an adoption record is released to a birth parent, all identifying information pertaining to adoptive parents is deleted to protect their right to privacy. The adoptee and the natural parents have the option of the usual non-disclosure or no- contact privilege.

The appropriate application forms, which eventually go to the Vital Statistics Division, are available on the website along with more details.

Service Newfoundland - Vital Statistics Division P.O. Box 8700 St. John’s, Newfoundland A1B 4J6 Telephone: (709) 729-3308 Email: [mailto:vstats@gov.nl.ca vstats@gov.nl.ca ]

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