Today the amended Adoption Act, 2013, which governs the adoption process in Newfoundland and Labrador, is now in effect. The approved amendments will further strengthen the province’s adoption legislation and recognize the unique needs of Indigenous children and their families in the adoption process.

The adoption legislation will now:

• Recognize the rights and needs of Indigenous children in the adoption process;
• Expand the factors considered when determining the best interests of the child for the purposes of adoption to include the importance of preserving an Indigenous child’s cultural identity and the importance of sibling relationships;
• Clarify when and under what conditions court ordered contact continues after an adoption is finalized through new openness order provisions;
• Address a legislative gap for adoption of youth leaving care between their 18th and 19th birthdays; and
• Clarify confidentiality provisions to ensure appropriate transparency while protecting the confidential information of those involved in adoption processes.

These amendments followed engagement with key partners to inform policy development, clinical practice procedures and regulations, as well as the implementation of training for staff and stakeholders. The Act, which received Royal Assent on November 4, 2021, can be found on the House of Assembly website.

For more information on the adoption process, please visit the department’s website.

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“It is paramount that children who are eligible for adoption are matched with loving and supportive families in a timely manner, and that the unique needs of Indigenous children are recognized. I am pleased that the amended Adoption Act, 2013, is now law. The amendments are certainly reflective of best practices and input gathered from birth families, adoptive families, foster parents, the Newfoundland and Labrador Foster Families Association, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the public.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more

Provincial Government Proposes Amendments to the Adoption Act, 2013

Adoption Act, 2013

Information on the Adoption Process

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Media contact
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca