May 27, 1998
(Health)

Public consultations for Green Paper on Adoptions

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be holding public consultation meetings related to the provincial Green Paper on Adoptions in upcoming weeks. Community members are invited to attend one of six meetings being held across the province in May and June.

The Green Paper on Adoptions was developed in order to review current adoption practices and seek input for new adoption legislation. A series of meetings was held with an Adoption Advisory Committee composed of birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents and professionals with adoption experience resulting in this green paper. Research also included relevant literature and adoption reform in other jurisdictions. "This paper will allow interested parties to help shape policies and practices to meet today's needs. We want to take this opportunity to get input from those who are directly affected by this legislation," said Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services. "We are committed to improving adoption practices for everyone involved and welcome the views of interested people throughout the province."

Some specific policy issues that have been identified for discussion include:

• Adoption of an older child,

• Step-Parent and Relative Adoption,

• Direct placement of a child in a home chosen by the birth mother,

• Private adoption agencies and other delivery options,

• Open elements in adoptions,

• Disclosure of adoption records.

The meetings will take place as follows:

• May 27, 1998, Clarenville, Clarenville Inn, "Random B"

• May 28, 1998, Gander, Sinbad's Hotel, "Room 112"

• June 8, 1998, Corner Brook, Glenmill Inn, "Grenfell A/B"

• June 9, 1998 Goose Bay, Labrador Friendship Center,   "Multipurpose Room"

• June 10, 1998 St. Anthony, Vinland Hotel, "Banquet Room"

• June 17,1998 St. John's, Hotel St. John's, "Cabot Room"

Contact: Glenn Bruce, Communications, (709) 729-1377

Attached as background information is a ministerial statement which was read today in the House of Assembly by Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services.

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Public consultations for Green Paper on Adoptions

I am pleased to inform Honourable Members that government plans to hold a series of public consultation meetings on the province's Green Paper on Adoption Policy and Law. I invite all interested individuals and community representatives to make their views known by participating in one of the six consultation meetings which will be taking place across the province in May and June.

Government and the people of this province are concerned about the current adoption system. Our present legislation governing adoption is nearly 50 years old and, clearly, it needs to be revisited in order to meet today's needs.

The Green Paper on Adoption Policy and Law was released in the House last February by the Honourable Minister of Human Resources and Employment. It was developed by an Adoption Advisory Committee which was appointed to identify and discuss issues related to the adoption process in this province. In preparing this document, the Committee invited birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents and professionals with adoption experience to comment on issues related to adoption. Members of the Committee also explored relevant literature and looked at adoption reform taking place in other jurisdictions.

Interested individuals have had a chance to review the Green Paper and today, I am asking the public for their input on this document to help shape the province's adoption policies and practices of tomorrow.

Honourable Members may wish to note some of the issues which will be on the table for public comment and discussion:

• Adoption of an older child;

• Adoption by a step-parent or relative;

• Direct placement of a child in a home chosen by the birth mother;

• Private adoption agencies and other delivery options;

• Open elements in adoption;

• Disclosure of adoption records.

The importance of these consultation meetings cannot be overstated. Government places great value on the opinions of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and we need to hear their input in order to proceed with change. This is a real opportunity for those who are directly affected by this legislation to voice their concerns and to offer suggestions as to how government can improve the system for the future.

I ask Honourable Members to join me in encouraging those who have an interest in this subject to make their views known during the consultation process. Government is committed to improving adoption practices for everyone involved and we welcome the views of people throughout the province.

1998 05 27 3:05 p.m.