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By Troy Gillard/rdnewsNOW

making it easier

Province updates adoption process to simplify, remove barriers

Nov 26, 2020 | 11:52 AM

EDMONTON, AB. — As Alberta marks Adoption Awareness Month, the provincial government says it is taking action to make the process easier to navigate.

Right now, the province has a complex process for adoption, which does more to create barriers for adoptees, birth parents and couples looking to adopt a child.

Children’s Services Minister Rebecca Schulz expects the changes put forth will make it easier for families to navigate adoptions, increase accountability of adoption agencies, and improve processes for prospective adoptive parents.

As well, Bill 48, the Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act 2020, (No. 2), which was tabled on November 16, will provide adult adoptees and former children in care with improved access to their biological and family information.

Alberta’s current adoption legislation has been in force since 2005. If Bill 48 is passed, changes will come into effect Jan. 1, 2021.

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Key Changes include:

— Proclaiming the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act (Adoption Advertising), introduced by MLA Aheer in 2017, will allow prospective adoptive parents to advertise their profiles publicly through licensed adoption agencies

— Improving transparency and accountability of licensed agencies

— Making it easier for adult adoptees and birth families to connect in the Post Adoption Registry

— Providing online resources for prospective parents

— Simplifying and standardizing adoption processes.

There are also changes that will benefit adopted children who are now adults.

More information on adoption in Alberta can be found on the government website.