May 14th 2008

ONTARIO WILL HAVE 'OPEN' ADOPTION RECORDS

Ontario's new adoption policy to unseal previously sealed adoption records will commence in the fall of 2008; the first to be 'served' are those who support the disclosure veto. On September 19th 2007, Judge Belobaba found that it was unconstitutional for the government to release information to adoptees and 'birth' parents without providing them with a means of vetoing the release of information. Therefore, those who do NOT want to be 'found' can begin the process of completing a disclosure veto sometime in the early fall of 2008.

For those who seek a reunion and / or information about themselves or child(ren) surrendered to adoption it is expected that this process will commence in June of 2009. This will create an unprecedented opportunity for adoptees and natural parents to pursue contact and information regarding each other. This change in legislation is a positive first step in recognizing the emotional and societal challenges surrounding adoption. However, there is a need for specialized counselling support that is empathetic to the issues prevalent in any adoption experience.

At ROK, our personal adoption experiences and a decade of working with individuals in the adoption community has given us the opportunity to explore in depth the long term ramifications of adoption especially when a closed adoption system is imposed upon those directly impacted.

ROK believes openness and truth can begin the process of healing and understanding one's individual adoption experience. Society in general, has made the assumption that adoption is quite simply about finding loving homes for the world's abandoned children and love will conquer all.

ROK understands that adoption issues are complex and compounded by the fact that openness (meaning: the right to discover one's true heredity or knowledge regarding kin who were adopted) within adoption practices is a very recent notion as those of us impacted continue to advocate for our right to discover our kin. Sometimes, people harshly judge those of us who desire a connection or knowledge of our lost kin. This can have the affect of making our search and reunion process all the more difficult. 

Misunderstanding or having presumptions regarding why an adoptee or blood relative would want to find or know about their kin can be detrimental to individual process when other's place their own fears onto those in search.

ROK's intent is to provide space and support which validates everyone's adoption experience and the freedom to address the losses which are inherent within adoption. Adoption exists through the LOSS of one's natural family. To believe this is non - problematic negates individual experience to the contrary and limits one's ability to process their reality.

All people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their birth or family status. Closed adoptions (no access to identifying information) continue to perpetuate stigma and shame. 

ROK can assist all adults in addressing their challenges no matter where they are at in their lives. Our intent is to validate, tackle and resolve the stigma and shame by providing a safe and supportive venue to address these real issues.

Email: reconnecting@zoomshare.com