The provincial government’s proposed amendments to the Adoption Act has begun its second reading in the Legislature.
The amendments are the result of a five-year review of the Adoption Act that sought input from birth, adoptive and foster families, stakeholders, the Child and Youth Advocate and Indigenous organizations.
The amendment would recognize the needs of Indigenous children in the adoptive process by expanding the factors used when determining the best interests of the child to include cultural identity and sibling relationships.
It will also address a legislative gap for adoption of youth leaving care between their 18th and 19th birthdays.