Adoption Information


What happens to a child's birth record in Vital Statistics once a child is adopted? 

  • When a child is born in Alberta, the birth mother completes a Registration of Birth indicating herself as the mother of the child. The father or co-parent can also be listed and provide their signature on the original Registration of Birth form.

  • Once the child is adopted, a new Registration of Birth is completed, listing the adoptive parents as the parents of the child.

  • The original Registration of Birth that was completed by the birth parents is imaged and retained by Alberta Vital Statistics however it becomes a sealed/confidential record.

  • The new Registration of Birth completed by the adoptive parents is placed in the Vital Statistics database and is used to create official birth documents for the child.

As an adopted child, can I obtain my original Alberta Registration of Birth form?

No. The only way an adopted child can obtain a copy of their original birth registration form is through a court order from the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench which directs Vital Statistics to release the original birth record.

Can I order the birth records of persons who were family members before the adoption was processed?

Adoption information is highly confidential. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) does not affect the continued confidentiality of records under the Vital Statistics Act.

Adoption orders and birth records in the Vital Statistics office containing original birth registration information are sealed records:

  • Adopted persons are not permitted to apply for any Vital Statistics records of their biological parents.

  • Adopted persons are not permitted to apply for any Vital Statistics records of anyone who was or is a relative before the adoption.

  • Biological parents are not permitted to apply for their natural child's birth record once the child has been placed for adoption.

  • Persons who have been adopted, and those who have placed their child for adoption, do not meet Vital Statistics' eligibility requirements.

How can I find out information about my original birth records? 

If you were adopted in Alberta, the best place to begin your search is with the Alberta Post Adoption Registry within the department of Alberta Children and Youth Services. The Alberta Post Adoption Registry maintains the sealed adoption records for all granted adoptions completed in the province of Alberta. This program provides reunion services and information to adult adoptees, adoptive parents and birth families. There are no fees for this registry service. 

Website: http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/602.cfm 

E-mail: postadoption.registry@gov.ab.ca

If you were adopted outside of Alberta, please contact the jurisdiction where the adoption took place for more information as each province/territory has different legislative requirements in terms of releasing adoption information. 

Canadian Post Adoption Registries site: http://www.child.alberta.ca/home/649.cfm