Amended adoption legislation in the province is now in effect.
Changes to the Adoption Act received Royal Assent on November 4 of last year.
The changes recognize the needs of Indigenous children in the adoption process, and expand the considerations for determining the best interests of a child to include preserving their cultural identity and the importance of sibling relationships.
Changes also clarify when and under what conditions court-ordered contact continues after an adoption is finalized, address a legislative gap for the adoption of people between their 18th and 19th birthdays, and clarify confidentiality provisions.