Public Consultation to Begin on the Province’s Adoption Legislation

The Provincial Government, through the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services has commenced the review of the Adoption Act, which governs the overall adoption process in the province.

“A legislative review of the Adoption Act is an important part of the department’s ongoing transformation,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services. “With the creation of a new provincial Adoptions Division in 2011 to establish a coordinated, streamlined service, our government is continuing to build an adoptions program that better addresses the needs of children and families.”

Acquiring public input for the Adoption Act review reflects the Provincial Government’s commitment to working openly and collaboratively with those who are or may become involved in adoption. Public feedback on key topics including adult adoption and custom adoption, also known as traditional adoption, will allow the department to make legislative change that sufficiently addresses needs of future adoptive families in the province.

“Engaging citizens and encouraging input and feedback from stakeholders is essential in the development of sound and effective policies, programs and services,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. “It is also the hallmark of good governance. I encourage all interested individuals to become informed, become involved and contribute their views and opinions to this very important piece of legislation.”

Interested persons and stakeholders wishing to provide input on the current Adoption Act can do so by forwarding a written submission to the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services by May 3, 2013. A Discussion Guide will be posted on the department’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/cyfs and printed copies will be available at all Child, Youth and Family Services offices or by mail upon request. In addition to written submissions, departmental officials will be available upon request to those interested in a meeting to discuss adoptions in the province. Further details regarding the written submission process are included in the backgrounder below.

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future enhances program and service delivery to children and youth with focused investments totaling $185.3 million for the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services.

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BACKGROUNDER
Written Submission Process for Review of the Adoption Act

The Department of Child, Youth and Family Services’ review of the current Adoption Act (2003) will focus on improving the adoption process while remaining responsible to the safety and well-being of children. The department is committed to ensuring children who are available for adoption are placed in permanent homes in a timely manner. The department is also seeking to increase the number of available adoptive homes for children who have complex needs.

In order to gain insight from the public, the department is accepting written submissions on the current Act. A Discussion Guide is available to assist respondents with their review by providing an overview of the adoption process, the types of adoptions available in the province, and a series of questions that may help inform written submissions. Meetings with department officials to discuss the adoption process will also be available upon request.

Written submissions can be provided to the Adoptions Branch of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services through

Email: ChristineOsmond@gov.nl.ca
Telephone: 709-729-4394
Facsimile: 709-729-1853

Mail:
CYFS Legislative Review
C/O Adoptions Branch
Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
A1B 4J6

Submissions will be accepted until May 3, 2013.

2013 04 15                           3:05 p.m.