Child, Youth and Family Services
June 30, 2014
Ensuring the Safety and Well-being of Children Through New Legislation
New Adoption Act, 2013 Proclaimed
As the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to focus on transforming all programs and services delivered throughout the province to children, youth and their families, the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, announced that the new Adoption Act, 2013 is now in effect.
“Our government is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to meeting the adoption needs in Newfoundland and Labrador by proclaiming the new Adoption Act, 2013. With the proclamation of this new adoption legislation, the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services is taking another step forward in making the necessary reforms to safeguard our province’s children and youth.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services
The new Adoption Act, 2013, which was introduced in the House of Assembly in December 2013, focuses on improving the adoption process while ensuring the safety and well-being of the province’s children. This new adoption legislation contains significant updates that will help streamline government processes with adoptions, which will in turn increase the number of families able to proceed directly to court to finalize an adoption as well as reduce wait times in applying to adopt.
In addition, the new legislation will provide a provision for adult adoption which refers to the ability to adopt a person 19 years of age or older; and will enhance post adoption services such as search and reunion services for families.
Through Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook, the Provincial Government remains committed to enhancing service delivery to children, youth and their families with a total investment of $190.6 million for the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services.
QUICK FACTS
- A progressive new piece of legislation, Adoption Act, 2013, which focuses on ensuring the safety and well-being of children involved in the adoption process, was proclaimed on June 30, 2014.
- Key highlights of the new adoption legislation include helping to streamline government processes with adoptions, expanding the definition of relative, providing for adult adoptions, enhancing post adoption services, and aligning principles with the Children and Youth Care and Protection Act, where appropriate.
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Media contact:
Michelle Hunt
Director of Communications
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
709-729-5148, 725-1593
michellehunt@gov.nl.ca
2014 06 30 10:25 a.m.