Newfoundland Adoption Resources

Public Adoption
Health and Community Services
1-800-709-2719
Authority for adoptions is delegated to regional Directors of Adoption with the regional health and community services and integrated health boards. However, authority for interprovincial and intercountry adoptions remains with the provincial Director of Adoption.

Private Adoption
Infants can be directly placed with prospective adoptive parents chosen by the birth parents and approved by the Director of Adoption. One or two adults jointly may apply to adopt a child. This allows adoption by single parents, common-law and same-sex couples.

International Adoption
Newfoundland and Labrador have ratified and will adhere to the principles of the Hague Convention on intercountry adoptions. Approval is given by a Provincial Director of Adoption who is the central authority. All documentation related to inter-country adoptions will be forwarded to the country of
origin by the provincial director.

Open Adoptions
Open adoption is allowed and does not have to be done by a licensed agency. The new Adoption Act of 1999 & 2003 supports new directions including openness agreements, and provide for persons involved in adoption to choose service providers.

Search/Reunion
Adoption records are available to adult adoptees through registry:
Vital Statistics
Department of Government Services and Lands
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
PO Box 8700, Confederation Building
St. John’s, NL, Canada A1B 4J6

or call Post Adoption Services at (709) 570-8406 or 1-800-709-2719 (toll free).

For more general search help, see Canadian Search & Reunion Resources.
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Miscellaneous Information
General Adoption Information (pdf)
Adoption Act of April 30, 2003 (amendments)