EQUAL RIGHTS FOR BIRTH PARENTS IN ADOPTION PLANNING

Today the province proclaimed legislative changes that support birth fathers being included, the same as birth mothers, in planning for their child. The changes also increase flexibility for accessing birth father information in adoptions that have been finalized in Saskatchewan and that date back to 1922. These adoptions are final and cannot be reversed.

"The changes proclaimed today reflect a more open and inclusive approach to birth parents' involvement in adoption planning in Saskatchewan," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "They ensure the best interests of children by addressing the rights of birth parents in a more equitable way and by giving children the ability to know both their maternal and paternal ancestry and information. Ensuring birth parents are treated equitably in adoption law is absolutely the right thing to do."

Under the new legislation, birth fathers will now have greater opportunities to be involved in adoption planning. In the past, birth fathers were not always included in planning for their child.

Crofford noted the courts will assess circumstances where birth father involvement may not be appropriate.

Community Resources and Employment administers adoption services in the province. Consultations regarding the legislative changes were held with numerous stakeholders in 2003 and 2004.

For more information about an adoption finalized in Saskatchewan, call the Post Adoption Registry at 1-800-667-7539. For information about pending adoption matters, contact your nearest Community Resources and Employment regional office.

Janice Krumenacker, Director of Post Care Services at Community Resources and Employment, is available today for media interviews. To arrange an interview, contact Janet Miller.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0531